OUPV vs Master 100 — When to Upgrade
OUPV is the entry credential; Master 100 is the full-service upper tier. The decision usually comes down to how big a boat you'll operate and whether you'll carry more than six paying passengers.
TL;DR
OUPV: 6 passengers, uninspected, 360 days sea time, 4-module exam. Master 100: any passenger count on inspected vessels up to 100 GT, 720 days sea time (with 360 on >50 GT), 6-module exam (adds Plotting + General).
| Feature | OUPV (Six-Pack) | Master 100 GT |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger limit | 6 paying | No fixed cap (set by vessel COI) |
| Vessel inspection | Uninspected (Subchapter C) | Inspected (Subchapter T, K, etc.) |
| Sea time | 360 days | 720 days, 360 on >50 GT |
| Exam modules | RoR, Deck Gen, Deck Safety, Nav Gen | All OUPV + Plotting + General |
| Endorsements | Inland or Near-Coastal | Inland or Near-Coastal + optional Towing/Sailing |
| Typical operation | Sport-fish charter, sunset cruise | Whale-watch, dinner cruise, ferry, large sport-fish |
Bottom line
If you'll never carry more than 6 paying passengers, OUPV is enough. If you have a larger boat or plan to operate inspected vessels, go Master 100 directly — the additional sea time is the only real friction, and the exam modules transfer.