What is the OUPV (Six Pack-6 Pack, Captain's License) License?
Click Here for the OUPV application

Click Here for the Medical Evaluation form
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 16 will not be counted.
  • This license is good on vessels to 100 gross tons.
  • The OUPV license is valid for Inland waters, Great Lakes and Offshore up to 100 miles depending on the operators documented experience.  A "Great Lakes Endorsement" can be issued if the operator can document 90 days of sea service on 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 16 will not be counted. 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 is required. Experience on other persons' vessels can also be counted however,  a letter from the owner or a sea service form signed by the applicant and the owner of the vessel that sea service is claimed.​ ​        

  • *Depending on applicants documented experience and the Coast Guard's acceptance of experience that is submitted.

What are the USCG 6-Pak requirements?

The primary requirements are:

  • Age 18 or over
  • 360 days underway experience self reported Click here. 
  • 90 of those days in the last 3 years
  • Physical, drug test and eye exam Click here for Medical Evaluation Form.
  • Valid CPR/First Aid card to Valid CPR/First Aid card (American Red Cross, Heart Assoc. or USCG Approved course)
  • Completion of the USCG exam OR
  • Completion of a USCG approved course like The Capt. School class
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card ).  

The OUPV License (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) is commonly referred to as a 6-Pack License. That's because with this license you are limited to carrying no more than six passengers for hire on uninspected vessels of not more than 100 gross tons and 65 feet in length.
Upon successful completion of our 60-Hour USCG approved course and testing, you will be issued a certificate that the Coast Guard will accept in lieu of taking the exam at the USCG Regional Exam Center (REC). The certificate is valid for application for your credential with 364 days after completion of the course to apply and submit your completed application electronically or in person. However, in order to obtain a license you must submit your completed application and sea service to your local REC.
3rd Coast Captains/Texas Boats Exchange provides assistance in obtaining and completing the appropriate application forms for students seeking their license. The subjects covered in this course include:
Topic Modules:
• Rules of the Road

​• Navigation General
• Chart Plotting
• Deck Safety

• Deck General


Course Fee is $895.00 * which includes all course materials, instruction, charts, in depth student manual, five exams, after full attendance and passing all test with Coast Guard Mandated Test Scores you will be provided Certificate of Completion. No traveling to the Regional Exam Center for U.S.C.G. exams.



Students must achieve test scores that meet the Coast Guard mandated test scores on each section to receive a passing grade and a certificate of completion.  


Minimum Scores to receive a passing grade as mandated by The United States Coast Guard.

​Rules of the Road 90%

Basic Navigation 70%
Chart Plotting  90%

General Deck Seamanship 70%
General Deck Safety 70%