Mississippi Captain's License
OUPV (Six-Pack) and Master credentials for charter operators in Mississippi.
TL;DR
Mississippi does not issue its own captain's license — the credential is the federal USCG OUPV or Master license. The nearest USCG Regional Examination Center is New Orleans, LA. Mississippi Sound and Gulf charter operators pursue OUPV Near-Coastal. Inland Mississippi River guides hold OUPV Inland.
The credentials charter captains pursue in Mississippi
- OUPV Inland (Six-Pack) — operates uninspected ≤6-passenger charter boats inside COLREGs demarcation lines (bays, sounds, lakes, rivers).
- OUPV Near-Coastal (Six-Pack) — extends OUPV to 100 nautical miles offshore — the credential for offshore canyon and bluewater six-pack operators.
- Master 50 GT — mid-tier inspected-vessel master — typical for charter sport-fish operations under 50 gross tons.
Charter hubs in Mississippi
- Biloxi
- Gulfport
- Pascagoula
Path to the license
- Document at least 360 days of sea service — see our sea-time requirements guide. 90 of those must be within the last 3 years.
- Pass a USCG-approved physical (CG-719K) and drug test (CG-719P).
- Submit your application package to the National Maritime Center.
- Schedule and pass the written exam at REC New Orleans, LA, or at any USCG-approved third-party course that grants exam authority.
- Complete the TWIC card application and CPR/First Aid certification before the credential is issued.
Nearby state guides
Start studying — free during early access
The federal exam is the same nationwide. CaptainsGround drills you against citation-backed questions from 33/46 CFR, COLREGs, and Bowditch.
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