What exactly is OUPV? Is it right for me?

Question

My dad wants me to get a captain's license to operate a 40 foot yacht. I did some research and it looks like OUPV is the right certification, but I'm a bit confused as to what exactly it is and what you need it for. And is it really what I'm looking for? I'm looking for detailed answers from people who actually know. So don't just go google it and give me the results.

Answer 1

OUPV is an operator of uninspected passenger vessels. It limits you to 6 paying passengers in a specific body of water. If you are going to carry 6 or less people then thats fine for your needs. You can always go for your Masters Ticket if you need to move up. That would be based on the tonnage of the vessel. You can answer best what you need for a license. remember, paying passengers could just be your buddies buying fuel, giving you lunch, whatever. It does not need to be money.

Answer 2

Sailing Instructors, Dive Boat Operators, Assisted Towing Captains, Water Taxi Operators, Fishing Charter Captains, and anyone else who is on Federal navigable waters in a power driven vessel with passengers for hire must have at a minimum an OUPV License.

The OUPV license lets you take 6 passengers for-hire plus crew on your vessel thus the nick name 6-pack. If you want to carry more passengers, you need a Masters license to operate an inspected vessel.

The USCG website provides the detailed requirements for each license. Here are the minimum items for OUPV:

19 years old

U.S. Citizen

Speak English

Have required sea service - 360 days since age 15.

Your sea service determines the waters covered by the license. Normally it is issued for inland waters. You need 90 days of sea service in the last three years to work on the Great Lakes or Near Coastal areas.

License Rejection - There are a few items that will exclude you from getting a license. One is being a convicted felon or having a drug related conviction. If these are a concern, we suggest you contact the R.E.C. first to see if they will permit you to get a license.

A second item is color blindness. There are several different approved tests which you may be able to pass if you have a mild case of color blindness. The physical exam form list them.