Master 25/50/100 Ton Captain's License Course
The professional-grade USCG credential that removes the passenger limit, opens inspected
vessels, and doubles your offshore range.
Built for experienced captains, it unlocks new levels of freedom and responsibility, enabling you to operate in broader conditions while significantly increasing your professional scope.
USCG-Approved
80 Hours of Training
No USCG Testing Center Required
What is the Master License?
The USCG Master of Vessels License is the highest civilian captain's credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard for near-coastal and inland operations. It comes in three tonnage tiers — 25, 50, and 100 gross tons — based on the size of vessels you've operated and your accumulated sea service.
Unlike the OUPV (6-Pack), the Master license has no passenger limit. It authorizes you to operate inspected passenger vessels — ferries, water taxis, dinner boats, headboats — that carry more than six paying passengers. It also extends your operating range to 200 miles offshore under the near coastal endorsement, versus 100 miles for OUPV.
The USCG does not require you to hold an OUPV before obtaining your Master license. If you qualify — and most experienced boaters in South Florida do — you can take the full course and go straight to a Master credential.
Who should take this Course?
Water taxi and ferry operators in Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the Keys
Dinner boat and excursion vessel captains serving Miami's tourism market
Headboat fishing captains who take more than 6 passengers per trip
Charter operators who want to scale beyond the 6-passenger limit
OUPV holders ready to upgrade their credential and expand their business
What you'll learn (~80 hours for full Course)
Rules of the Road — COLREGS International & Inland, advanced application
Chart navigation and voyage planning — coastal and offshore route planning, current corrections, set and drift
Stability and trim — vessel stability concepts, loading calculations, free surface effect
Watchkeeping and crew responsibilities — bridge resource management, emergency command
Emergency and damage control — flooding, fire, collision, abandon ship procedures
Meteorology — offshore weather patterns, hurricane awareness, tropical systems
Commercial vessel regulations — USCG inspection standards, Certificate of Inspection (CG-841), Subchapter T and K
2026 Tuition Comparison
Upgrading from OUPV? Upgrade-only programs run $345–$550, significantly reducing time and cost to
advance your credential.
USCG Eligibility Requirements — Master
Age: At least 19 years old (18-year-olds may enroll if 19th birthday falls within one year of course completion)
Sea service — Inland: 360 days total
Sea service — Near Coastal: 720 days total, with at least 360 in near coastal or offshore waters
DOT physical, drug test, CPR/First Aid, TWIC card: Same as OUPV requirements above
Citizenship: U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents only
FAQ
Do I need a 6-Pack license before getting my Master?
No. The USCG does not require an OUPV license as a prerequisite for the Master license. If you meet the sea service and eligibility requirements, you can take the full Master course and apply directly for the Master credential.
What's the difference between 25, 50, and 100 ton?
The tonnage refers to the maximum size vessel you're licensed to operate. 100 GT covers the vast majority of commercial passenger vessels operating in Florida waters — most water taxis, ferries, dinner boats, and headboats. Your eligible tonnage is determined by the size of vessels in your documented sea service.
How does upgrading from OUPV to Master work?
If you already hold a valid OUPV license, you take a shortened Master upgrade course (typically 3 days inperson or a condensed online format) rather than the full 80-hour program. You still need to meet the additional sea service requirements for Master, but won't repeat foundational OUPV material. Upgrade tuition: $345–$550.
CAPTAINSLICENSESCHOOL.COM
USCG-approved captain's license training. Two focused courses — OUPV (6-Pack) and Master 25/50/100 Ton — built for captains who are serious about getting licensed.
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OUPV (6-Pack) License
Master 25/50/100 Ton
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