Tides,
This is a cut n paste of "all relative"s reply to just such a question in the captains forum, hope it helps you out (and that I don't get spanked for copying something from the captains forum) [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] !
"The Equivalent to your license in the US is our 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."
And further
"The USCG Masters License allows the holder to operate inspected vessels as well as uninspected vessels. Any vessel that is certified (authorized) by the USCG to carry more than 6 paying passengers plus crew must have a Captain who holds a Masters license. Ferry boats, harbor tours boats, whale watch boats are examples of inspected vessels.
There are 4 different Masters Licenses a mariner may qualify for such as the Master Inland or Master Near Coastal. Both the amount of sea service time and the size vessels you have been on will influence the license you are eligible for. Masters licenses are tonnage rated at 25 GT (gross tons), 50 GT, or 100 GT. The tonnage you are awarded is determined by the size vessels you've gained experience on in the last 3 years – it's called "recency experience." You are not required to advance through the different licenses one at a time. If you meet the USCG requirements for the master 100GT Near Coastal, you'll get that license as your first license. The 4 types of up to 100GT Masters licenses are listed below along with the requirements:
· 1. Master Inland: 360 days underway experience since age 13; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years. Completion of approved Course and Test.
· 2. Master Inland/OUPV: 360 days underway experience since age 13; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 90 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of approved Course and Test.
· 3. Master Inland/Mate N.C.: 360 days underway experience since age 13; 90 days of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 180 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of approved Course and Test.
· 4. Master Near Coastal: 720 days underway experience since age 13; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 360 of those 720 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of approved Course and Test."
Thanks to ALL Relative for the research he took to collate all those details - most helpfull and I hope he doesn't mind me sharing it with you on his behalf!.
Cheers!
Captains license 
