Which USCG captain’s license do you need? OUPV or Master.

OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels, the 'six-pack') lets you carry up to six passengers on an uninspected vessel under 100 GRT, at least one of them paying — the six counts everyone aboard, not only the ones who paid. A Master license is required once a seventh passenger comes aboard (an inspected vessel) or operate a larger vessel; the tonnage limit — 25, 50, or 100 GRT and up — is assigned from your qualifying sea service under 46 CFR 11.422.

OUPV route endorsements stop at Near Coastal, which reaches 100 nautical miles offshore. For a true oceans route you need a Master endorsement (for vessels under 200 GRT, see 46 CFR 11.424), even if you carry six or fewer passengers.

No. It is an educational estimate built from the credentialing rules in 46 CFR Part 11 and the passenger-vessel definitions in 46 U.S.C. 2101. The National Maritime Center makes the final decision on your endorsement, tonnage, and route after reviewing your application and documented sea time. Always confirm with the NMC or a Regional Examination Center before you enroll or apply.

It depends on the operation. Many very small uninspected vessels carrying no passengers for hire need no credential, but towing vessels require a Master or Mate of Towing Vessels endorsement (46 CFR 11.464) and larger uninspected vessels may require a Master of the appropriate tonnage. Confirm your specific case with the NMC.