The OUPV/Six-Packis the most popular of the captain’s licenses and is required for those who wish to operate fishing and sailing charters, run a dive boat, or offer sightseeing tours, etc. This license is commonly referred to as a “Six-pack” because it allows the holder to take up to six paying passengers and crew out on the water.
The USCG 25/50 or 100 Ton Mastersis the highest-level license that you can acquire. This license allows you to operate inspected vessels (7 passengers or more – like a water taxi or dive boat) or uninspected vessels. The USCG does not require that you get a Six-Pack License before you get your Masters, so if you qualify, you can skip the Six-Pack and go straight to your Masters!
Attached is ourOriginal License Checklistfor an easy to follow guide that list all of the associated steps to becoming a captain.
USCG Forms:
- Status of CG-719 Series Forms
- CG-719B – Application
- CG-719K – Physical
- CG-719P – Drug Test
- CG-719S – Boating Experience
- CG-719C – Convictions Statement
Form CG-719B is used for all Coast Guard credentials, both for original first time Coast Guard applications and for license renewals.
This is a standard physical and can be done with your primary card physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner can fill out and record their findings on the CG-719K form. It may be helpful to fill out every section you are responsible for prior to going to your doctors appointment.
In order to obtain a Captain’s License, the USCG does require you to pass a drug test from a D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) approved site. Some recommendations would be to locate where CDL truck drivers get tested in your area. Companies such as Accredited Drug Testing, Any Drug Test, and Health Street also conduct these tests. Prior to traveling to the drug testing facility, make sure to call and see if they accept SELF-PAY, as you will be getting a drug test on yourself, and not through the directive of an employer.
You will need to complete a USCG approved in-person course. Online, provisional, hybrid or blended “BL” courses will not be accepted for the above as they have never submitted for USCG online approval. If an online or hybrid course is advertising they are USCG approved, you can confirm with the National Maritime Center; their information is at the bottom of this email.
This is recognized as a background check and can be done with your local TSA office.
Documenting Boating Experience
Applicants can sign off on their own boating experience on a boat that they own or have owned but will need to attach proof of ownership (copy of registration, bill of sale, insurance papers, etc.).
Testing
Upon completion of our online course, you will take our final exam ONLINEfrom the comfort of your own home, upon successful completion of your online course!
Submitting Your USCG Paperwork
Upon completion of all boxes in your Original License Checklist, you can submit your completed packet to the USCG. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend electronically submitting your packet . Once your application is reviewed the Coast Guard usually takes around 30-45 days to process and have your license mailed to you.Best Regards,
Captain Ranam Kazziha
Manager, Lake St. Clair Sailing School
American Sailing Certified Instructor
(586) 770-2518
