Captain

[Parapapam]

What do you need to be formally considered a “Captain.”

I mean the word is thrown around so often it means anything
ranging from any dumb a$$ who happens to be behind the wheel
of the boat, all the way up to a Military rank.


In civilian terms is it a 6-pack license, 100 ton master license or
some other license needed to be formally considered a Captain?

[LI Sound Grunt]

My guess is both are correct.

We're all captains when we are behind the wheel.

A licensed Captain is someone who has the proper creditionals and I would suspect usually a professional boater.


I am sure a knowledgable licensed Capt. will chime in.

In the Army its someone who doesn't work for a living
Sorry, an old NCO joke...

[txhotmod]

I am a licensed Captain. Recognized by the USCG anyways. I drove a boat for 8 years all around the tropics. I don't go around introducing myself as Capt. Thomas though.

[Dockmaster]

Everyone is their own captain on their own boat, but to be able to take passengers out for hire you will need at least the license below.

There is the 6 Pack and the Masters. Below are the requirements for the 6 Pack:


What is the OUPV License?

The USCG "Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels" License allows the holder to Captain uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons (about 75-90 feet long). Most pleasure vessels are in the uninspected vessel category due to the materials and method of construction. As such, these vessels are limited to 6 paying passengers plus crew - hence the term "6-pak". The OUPV License is issued in two forms:

OUPV Inland License - Requires at least 360 days experience in the operation of vessels. 90 of the 360 days must be in the last 3 years. Experience gained prior to the age of 13 will not be counted. Half of the required service must be acquired since the age of 16.

This license is good on vessels to 100 gross tons.

This license is restricted to operation within the Boundary Lines ( as described in the USCG application package) excluding the Great Lakes. This license is good on uninspected vessels to 100 gross tons.
This license can be upgraded to a OUPV Near Coastal once you have achieved 90 days experience outside the Boundary Lines.

OUPV Near Coastal - This license also requires at least 360 days experience in the operation of vessels, 90 of which must be gained outside the Boundary Lines.

90 of the 360 days must be in the last 3 years. Experience gained prior to the age of 13 will not be counted. Half of the required service must be acquired since the age of 16. This license is good on vessels to 100 gross tons and out to 100 nautical miles. NOTE: Experience can be counted on your own vessel. A letter and proof of ownership are required. Experience on other persons' vessels can also be counted however, a letter from the owner must accompany the application verifying experience claimed and vessel details.


What are the USCG 6-Pak requirements?
The primary requirements are:
Age 18 or over
360 days underway experience
90 of those days in the last 3 years
Physical, drug test and eye exam
Valid CPR/First Aid card
Completion of the USCG exam OR

Completion of a USCG approved course.