Overview
In Illinois, a captain’s license allows you to operate vessels for commercial or charter use on Lake Michigan and other navigable waterways. The license is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), not the state of Illinois. This credential is federal, valid nationwide, and internationally recognized in many cases.
Anyone carrying passengers for hire or working on commercial vessels must hold a valid captain’s license. Whether you plan to run fishing charters, water taxis, or sightseeing cruises, this guide explains each license level, requirements, and costs in clear detail.
Types of Captain Licenses
- OUPV 6-Pack (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels)
- Master 25/50/100 Ton
- Master 200 Ton
Each level expands your authority to operate larger vessels and carry more passengers.
OUPV 6-Pack License
Scope
Authorizes operation of uninspected passenger vessels carrying up to six paying passengers and up to 100 gross tons. Common for small charters, sailing lessons, water taxis, or dive operations within 100 miles offshore or inland waters.
Eligibility
- Age: Minimum 18 years
- Sea Service: 360 days on the water, with at least 90 days in the last 3 years
- A “day” equals 4+ hours underway
- Documented through USCG Form CG-719S
- Medical Exam: Conducted by a USCG-approved physician ($75–$200)
- Drug Test: USCG-approved, within 6 months of application ($50–$100)
- CPR/First Aid Certification: Adult/child CPR + AED + First Aid ($75–$150)
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
Training & Exam
Preparation Options
- Maritime school (5–7 days): $700–$1,200
- Self-study: $200–$400 materials
- Online hybrid: $500–$900
Exam Modules
- Navigation General (50 questions, 90 min)
- Navigation Problems (40 questions, 90 min)
- Rules of the Road (70 questions, 120 min)
- Deck Safety (50 questions, 90 min)
Passing Scores:
90% for navigation and rules; 70% for deck safety.
Exam Centers:
Closest RECs – Chicago and St. Louis, MO. Appointment required.
Fee: $325 (application + exam)
Documentation Checklist
- CG-719K (application form)
- CG-719S (sea service form)
- Physical exam form (CG-719K/E)
- Drug test result (within 6 months)
- CPR/First Aid card
- Proof of citizenship
- Driver’s license/state ID
- Two 2×2 passport photos
Process Summary
- Document sea service continuously.
- Complete training or self-study.
- Undergo medical exam and drug test.
- Obtain CPR/First Aid certificate.
- Create account at National Maritime Center (NMC).
- Submit application and pay $325.
- Wait 4–8 weeks for approval.
- Schedule exam at REC.
- Pass required modules.
- Receive credential (plastic ID card).
Estimated Total Cost
$1,400–$2,400 depending on training path.
Master 25/50/100 Ton License
Scope
Authorizes operation of inspected vessels carrying more than six passengers, up to licensed tonnage. Suitable for ferries, dinner cruises, and larger commercial vessels.
Eligibility
| Level | Total Sea Service | Vessel Size Requirement | Min Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Ton | 720 days (360 on >5 tons) | — | 19 |
| 50 Ton | 720 days (180 on >10 tons) | — | 19 |
| 100 Ton | 720 days (180 on >10 tons or >200 miles offshore) | — | 21 |
Other requirements match the OUPV license (medical, drug test, CPR/First Aid, citizenship). TWIC card may be required for port access.
Training & Exam
Master Prep Course: 7–10 days, $1,200–$1,800
Covers advanced modules:
- Stability and vessel loading
- Emergency and firefighting procedures
- Pollution prevention (MARPOL)
- Auxiliary systems and engineering (for 100 Ton)
Exam: Conducted at REC, same fee structure ($325).
Total Cost
$2,100–$3,200 including training, testing, and documentation.
Master 50/100 Ton Upgrades
Upgrading from a 6-Pack or 25-Ton Master expands vessel size eligibility.
- Sea Service: 720 total days with 360+ on larger vessels
- Training: 3–5-day upgrade course ($500–$800)
- Exam: Only additional modules if applicable
- Cost: $625–$1,100 total
Master 200 Ton License
Scope
Intended for captains operating large commercial vessels—ferries, offshore supply boats, or small cruise ships.
Eligibility
- 1,080 total days of sea service
- 720 days on vessels >50 tons or offshore operations
- 180 days recent (within 3 years)
- TWIC card and advanced firefighting training typically required
Training & Exam
7–10-day advanced course ($1,500–$2,500) including:
- Advanced navigation
- Vessel stability and engineering systems
- Maritime law and operations
May require Radar Observer endorsement.
Total Cost: $2,800–$5,000
Renewal Process
Validity: 5 years
To Renew:
- Minimum 1 day sea service in past 5 years or approved refresher
- Updated medical, CPR/First Aid, and drug test
- Renewal fee: $128
- Typical cost including medicals: $250–$450
- Processing: 4–8 weeks
Renew early—start 9 months before expiration.
Illinois-Specific Information
Navigable Waters
- Lake Michigan – federal jurisdiction
- Chicago River, Illinois River, Mississippi River – commercial traffic regulated under USCG
Local Requirements
- Illinois Boating Safety Certificate: Required for operators born after Jan 1, 1998.
- Business Licensing: Commercial operators must obtain Illinois business registration and local permits (Chicago Park District for harbor operations).
- Insurance: Common minimum $300,000–$1,000,000 liability; passenger operations $2,000–$10,000 annually.
Closest Regional Exam Centers
- USCG Sector Lake Michigan – Chicago, IL
- USCG Sector Upper Mississippi River – St. Louis, MO
- 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
- Phone: (314) 269-2332
- By appointment only
Always confirm testing details on the National Maritime Center site before scheduling.
Comparison Summary
| License Type | Passenger Limit | Vessel Size | Required Sea Service | Estimated Cost | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OUPV 6-Pack | 6 | ≤100 GT | 360 days | $1.4k–$2.4k | 6–12 months |
| Master 25 | Unlimited | ≤25 GT | 720 days | $2.1k–$3.2k | 12–18 months |
| Master 50 | Unlimited | ≤50 GT | 720 days | $2.1k–$3.2k | 12–24 months |
| Master 100 | Unlimited | ≤100 GT | 720 days | $2.1k–$3.2k | 18–36 months |
| Master 200 | Unlimited | ≤200 GT | 1,080 days | $2.8k–$5.0k | 24–48 months |
Critical Advice
- Define your goal early. Match the license level to your intended operation type.
- Maintain accurate sea service records. Use USCG forms; undocumented experience is invalid.
- Budget realistically. Training, exams, and medicals require $2,000–$5,000 total.
- Select approved schools only. Confirm USCG authorization and pass rates.
- Plan renewal timeline. Start documentation 9 months before expiration.
Recommended Midwest Training Providers:
- Maritime Institute
- Sea School
- Great Lakes Maritime Academy
- Chicago-area maritime programs
Frequent Application Errors
| Error | Result | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Missing proof of sea service | Application rejection | Maintain verified logbook |
| Outdated drug test or CPR card | Application delay | Align test dates with submission |
| Incorrect license area (Inland vs. Near Coastal) | Work restriction | Select correct endorsement |
| Self-study without preparation | Exam failure | Enroll in accredited prep course |
| Late renewal | License lapse | Schedule reminders 9 months prior |
Summary
A USCG captain’s license obtained in Illinois grants full authority to operate commercially on Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and beyond. Start with the OUPV 6-Pack, progress through Master levels as your career and vessel size expand, and maintain documentation meticulously. With proper preparation, medical compliance, and training investment, the process is direct and achievable.