Montana Captain's License

OUPV (Six-Pack) and Master credentials for charter operators in Montana.

TL;DR

Montana 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 Portland, OR / Seattle, WA. Montana fishing guides on Flathead and Fort Peck typically hold OUPV Inland for charter compliance.

The credentials charter captains pursue in Montana

OUPV Inland (Six-Pack) — operates uninspected ≤6-passenger charter boats inside COLREGs demarcation lines (bays, sounds, lakes, rivers).

Charter hubs in Montana

Flathead Lake
Fort Peck Lake

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 Portland, OR / Seattle, WA, 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.