Ohio Captain's License

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

TL;DR

Ohio 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 Toledo, OH. REC Toledo is on Lake Erie. Lake Erie walleye and perch charter is one of the largest charter segments in the Great Lakes — OUPV Inland is the typical credential.

The credentials charter captains pursue in Ohio

OUPV Inland (Six-Pack) — operates uninspected ≤6-passenger charter boats inside COLREGs demarcation lines (bays, sounds, lakes, rivers).
Master 50 GT — mid-tier inspected-vessel master — typical for charter sport-fish operations under 50 gross tons.

Charter hubs in Ohio

Lake Erie (Port Clinton, Sandusky, Marblehead)
Cleveland

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 Toledo, OH, 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.