Captains License in North Carolina
Overview
The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) license—often called the “6-Pack License”—is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and allows you to carry up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons. It’s ideal for charter fishing captains, sightseeing tours, dive charters, and other small passenger operations in North Carolina’s coastal and inland waters. this guide will provide you the step by step instructions to get Captains license in north carolina
Federal Requirements
Age
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Those who are 17 may complete the course if they will turn 18 within a year.
Sea Service (Boating Experience)
- 360 total days of documented sea time since age 16.
- At least 90 days within the last 3 years (recency requirement).
- One “sea day” counts as 4 consecutive hours underway in a 24-hour period.
- Experience may include recreational, commercial, or military time—on your own or another person’s vessel.
Routes:
- Inland: All 360 days on inland waters such as lakes, rivers, and bays.
- Near Coastal: 360 days total, with at least 90 days spent seaward of the boundary line (permits operation up to 100 nautical miles offshore).
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Required for all new USCG credential applicants.
- Valid for 5 years.
- Apply online, then visit an enrollment center for fingerprints and a photo.
- Average processing time: 30–45 days.
Medical Examination
- Must pass a USCG-approved physical exam using Form CG-719K.
- Valid for 12 months from the exam date.
- Can be completed by any licensed physician, PA, or NP.
- Includes checks for vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health.
- Applicants with a BMI over 40 must demonstrate physical capability.
Drug Testing
- A DOT 5-panel drug test is required within 6 months of application.
- Must use Form CG-719P or equivalent proof.
- Ongoing participation in a USCG-approved random drug testing consortium is mandatory for commercial operation.
CPR and First Aid Certification
- Must have Adult CPR and Basic First Aid certification completed within 12 months of application.
- Acceptable providers include the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and other USCG-approved training organizations.
- Fully online courses are not accepted unless they are specifically approved by the Coast Guard.
Citizenship or Legal Status
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
Education and Examination
Training Options
USCG-Approved Course (Recommended)
- Completing a Coast Guard–approved course lets you take the exams at the training school instead of a regional exam center.
- Duration: typically 56–80 hours over 6–10 days.
- Available in classroom, blended, or online formats (with in-person final exam).
- Average cost: $595–$895.
- Completion certificate is valid for one year.
Direct USCG Examination
- You may self-study and test directly at a Regional Exam Center.
- Not recommended for first-time applicants due to the exam’s difficulty.
Exam Modules
- Rules of the Road – 50 questions, 90% to pass (closed book)
- Navigation General – 50 questions, 70% to pass (open book)
- Chart Plotting – 10 questions, 90% to pass (open book)
- Deck General / Deck Safety – 50–60 questions, 70% to pass (open book)
Documentation Requirements
Sea Service Documentation (Form CG-719S) – download
- One form per vessel used to record experience.
- Lists vessel details, type of waters, position held, and days served.
- Must be signed by the vessel owner or operator.
- For self-owned vessels, proof of ownership is required.
Application Process
1. Complete Form CG-719B
This is the main Merchant Mariner Credential application form.
2. Gather Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Sea service forms
- TWIC card copy
- Medical certificate
- Drug test results or consortium letter
- CPR/First Aid certificate
- Course completion certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of citizenship or Green Card
3. Pay Fees via Pay.gov
- Evaluation fee: $100
- Issuance fee: $45
- Total: $145
4. Submit Application
For North Carolina residents, applications are handled through the USCG Regional Exam Center in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Email submission is preferred (fastest).
- In-person visits require an appointment.
- Mail submissions are accepted but slower.
5. Processing Time
- Average: 4–8 weeks from submission to credential mailing.
- Medical certificates usually process within a week.
6. Receive Your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
- Valid for 5 years from the issue date.
North Carolina Requirements
For-Hire Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL)
Anyone running fishing charters in North Carolina waters must also hold a state for-hire license.
Requirements:
- Must already have a valid USCG captain’s license.
- Issued by the NC Division of Marine Fisheries.
Fees:
- Residents: $250 for six passengers or fewer, $350 for more than six.
- Non-residents: $312.50 for six passengers or fewer, $437.50 for more than six.
- Valid for one year.
Each vessel must also hold either a For-Hire Vessel License or a Commercial Fishing Vessel Registration with For-Hire Endorsement.
Contact:
NC Division of Marine Fisheries, Morehead City
Phone: 800-682-2632 or 252-726-7021
Estimated Total Cost
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| USCG-Approved Course | $595–$895 |
| TWIC Card | $124–$125 |
| Medical Exam | $100–$150 |
| Drug Test | $50–$100 |
| Drug Consortium Membership | $100–$300 |
| CPR/First Aid Certification | $50–$150 |
| USCG Fees | $145 |
| Federal Total | $1,164–$1,965 |
| NC For-Hire License (if applicable) | $250–$350 |
| Grand Total | $1,414–$2,315 |
Key Considerations
Before Starting
- Keep records of your boating days using the CG-719S form.
- Apply for the Near Coastal license if possible—it covers both inland and offshore operations.
- Begin the TWIC application first since it often takes the longest to process.
During Application
- Take a Coast Guard–approved course for easier testing.
- Check that all documents are current: medical (12 months), CPR (12 months), drug test (6 months).
- Email submissions are reviewed faster than mailed applications.
- Keep copies of all documentation.
After Licensing
- Join a drug-testing consortium before carrying passengers.
- Plan ahead for renewal every five years.
- Remember the 6-passenger and 100-gross-ton limitation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing or incorrectly signed sea service forms.
- Submitting online-only CPR certificates from unapproved providers.
- Expired medical or CPR documentation.
- Using a non-DOT drug test form.
- Applying without a TWIC card.
Contact Information
USCG National Maritime Center
Phone: 1-888-427-5662
Email: IASKNMC@uscg.mil
USCG Regional Exam Center – Charleston
196 Tradd Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Email: RECCHA@uscg.mil
Phone: 1-888-427-5662
NC Division of Marine Fisheries
Phone: 800-682-2632 or 252-726-7021
Summary
Earning an OUPV 6-Pack Captain’s License in North Carolina involves meeting federal Coast Guard requirements and, for fishing charters, state licensing through the Division of Marine Fisheries. The full process—training, documentation, testing, and approval—typically takes two to six months. Once complete, your license authorizes professional charter operations for up to six paying passengers on vessels up to 100 gross tons across inland and near-coastal waters.