OUPV or Master

[idigitu88]

Whats the advantage (master) or disadvantage(OUPV)to either license. I'm considering which is better to suit me over time. I'd like to remain self employed. Not looking for a job on a tug or any commuter vessel for that means. Just looking to offset the high cost of boating through all means possible. Thanx for the input.

[Art Vrola]

I just sat for the OUPV test in December. To prep for the test I spent some 57 hours (three consecutive weekends) in a Mariners School class. I enjoyed the course and learned alot. In our discussions we were told that the Masters is only a one day course and focuses more on what the requirements are for an inspected vessel rather than rules of the road, navigation, and general seamanship. Other than successfully passing the test for your OUPV license you need to document 360 days underway on the water. The requirement for your masters is 720 days underway on the water. I might be wrong but I believe you need an OUPV before you can obtain your masters. Good luck.

[Raider Ron]

If you have the sea time, and the class comes easy for you, get your masters. I did.
It's only 10 more questions and if you ever decide you want the masters later in life, you have to start over again to upgrade.

[Buttanic]

Raider Ron - 2/3/2007 10:40 AM

If you have the sea time, and the class comes easy for you, get your masters. I did.
It's only 10 more questions and if you ever decide you want the masters later in life, you have to start over again to upgrade.

I agree, I screwed up not getting my masters from the get go. The sea time is more but the test is no big deal.

[Sleeper]

1. You don't have to get an OUPV first. You can start right out at the Master license you qualify for.
2. The tests are nearly identical, neither is "harder" than the other.

A couple of tips I tell everyone that is going to get an OUPV:
a. don't do it
b. get a Masters License, it's no harder.
c. Ensure that you get the "Near Coastal" endorsement (no matter which way you go) it only requires you to document offshore time, no extra testing. That endorsement is perhaps the most abused in the charter boat industry, many don't get it and the law says that you must operate in "INLAND Waters" on your ticket, That means you couldn't for example take a charter to the Bahamas or even the "ledge" in many areas of the Eastern US. You can't cross the COLREGS line which is a lot closer to shore in some areas than people think (all charts clearly show the line).
d. take the "Towing Endorsement" test as well. It's only a 20 question (70% required to pass), easy test, That endorsement now allows you to tow for hire. You never know.........

The best source of information is the Merchant Marine Licensing section of the USCG. You can find out any thing you need right here: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/ldcr-deckreq.htm


This is also a good source of information regarding the rules and applicabilty between Inland/International rules at the COLREG demarcation line: http://www.uscg.mil/vtm/navrules/navrules.pdf

Good Luck

[TunaBomber]

another vote for spending the extra day and getting the Masters. Everything above is accurate info. It's really no big deal test wise, a couple more questions. Better to have it and not need it than not have it and need it.

[reel thing 25]

I think you can get an OUPV Near Coastal and then upgrade to an Inland Master (need much less offshore time). Then once you get your 720 for your Master Near Coastal you just have to submit the extra sea time and the upgrade paperwork. I hope thats right, because thats what I was planning If you have the 720 with 360 offshore, get the near coastal masters with tow endorsement right away.