North Carolina Captain's License Requirements (2026)

What a “North Carolina captain's license” actually means#

It isn't a state license — it's the same federal USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with an OUPV or Master endorsement, used nationwide.

Credential issuer

USCG National Maritime Center.

Nearest exam route

REC Charleston, SC.

Local route clue

Offshore or coastal charters around Outer Banks (Hatteras, Oregon Inlet, Wanchese) usually start with OUPV Near-Coastal, then compare Master 50/100 for inspected boats.

Which Rules of the Road apply on North Carolina water#

North Carolina's four sections run the length of the Outer Banks — Cape Henry to Cape Hatteras (33 CFR 80.515), Hatteras to Lookout (80.520), Lookout to Cape Fear (80.525), and Cape Fear to Little River Inlet (80.530) — and they close the inlets, which makes Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds inland water. The consequence for a Hatteras, Oregon Inlet or Wanchese boat is that the change of rulebook happens at the inlet, and the inlet is the hardest part of the day: a Gulf Stream trip is on the Inland Rules in the sound and the International Rules from the moment it is through. Morehead City and Wrightsville Beach work the same way. Note that Oregon Inlet is North Carolina despite the name — 80.515 is the section that draws it, not anything in the Pacific Northwest subpart.

COLREGS Demarcation Lines covering North Carolina — 33 CFR Part 80

• 33 CFR 80.515Cape Henry, VA to Cape Hatteras, NCline drawn — Inland water inside
• 33 CFR 80.520Cape Hatteras, NC to Cape Lookout, NCline drawn — Inland water inside
• 33 CFR 80.525Cape Lookout, NC to Cape Fear, NCline drawn — Inland water inside
• 33 CFR 80.530Cape Fear, NC to Little River Inlet, NCline drawn — Inland water inside

This decides which rulebook you steer by, not where your credential may operate: the route limit is the 46 CFR Part 7 Boundary Line, and the two lines are not drawn in the same place. How the two lines differ · International Rules · Inland Rules

33 CFR Part 80 and the Part 83 definitions above read from eCFR on 12 Aug 2026. Any specific water is a determination for the cognizant Coast Guard Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

Which credential do North Carolina charter captains need?#

Not sure the trip needs a credential at all? The captain's-license trigger guide.

Credentials charter captains pursue in North Carolina

• OUPV Inland (Six-Pack) — operates uninspected <=6-passenger charter boats on inland waters other than the Great Lakes — bays, sounds, inland lakes, and 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.
• Master 100 GT — full inspected-vessel master up to 100 GT — required for larger charter and tour vessels.