The USCG 25/50/100 Ton Masters License allows you to perform the duties of an OUPV/Charter Boat Captain and also operate Inspected Passenger Vessels that are approved to carry seven or more passengers. In order to carry seven or more passengers "under sail" a Sailing Endorsement is also required.

The OUPV/Six-pack Upgrade to 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam includes one year's access to our award-winning Internet-based narrated lecture and interactive learning system. The final licensing upgrade exam is taken online and on demand. You can view the Testing tab to learn more.

Even though Mariners Learning System™ course is web-based, our students are not alone. Built into each course is 24/7 access to our online instructors through the MLS Help Center. In the rare event that an online instructor cannot answer your question, telephone support with one of our Staff Instructors will be provided.

The USCG Master License allows the holder to operate inspected vessels as well as uninspected vessels. Any vessel that is certified (authorized) by the USCG to carry more than 6 paying passengers plus crew must have a Boat Captain who holds a 25/50/100 Ton Master license. Ferry boats, harbor tours boats, and whale watch boats are examples of inspected vessels.

There are 3 different Master Licenses a mariner may qualify for, such as the Master Inland or Master Near Coastal. Both the amount of sea service time and the size vessels you have been on will influence the license you are eligible for. Master licenses are tonnage rated at 25 GT (gross tons), 50 GT, or 100 GT.

The tonnage you are awarded is determined by the size vessels you've gained experience on in the last 3 years - it's called "recency experience." You are not required to advance through the different licenses one at a time. If you meet the USCG requirements for the Master 100GT Near Coastal, you'll get that license as your first license.

The 3 types of up to 100GT Master licenses are listed below, along with the requirements:

• Master Inland: 360 days underway experience since age 16; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years. 
• Master Inland/OUPV Near Coastal: 360 days underway experience since age 16; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 90 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. 
• Master Near Coastal: 720 days underway experience since age 16; 90 of those 720 days in the last 3 years; 360 of those 720 days outside the boundary lines. 

Additional Requirements Include:

• Obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card)
• Minimum age: 19 years old (U.S. Citizenship Required)
• Pass a Physical Examination
• Pass a DOT Drug Test unless enrolled in a USCG-approved random drug program for the last 185 days, and with no failure or refusal to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs.
• CPR/First Aid training
• Completion of Mariners Learning System™ USCG-approved OUPV/Six-Pack Upgrade to Master online course and exam
• Complete a USCG Original License Application Package

No testing at the USCG Regional Exam Centers is necessary. All testing is done ONLINE through the MLS account.

Upon successful completion of the Mariners Learning System^™ online OUPV/Six-Pack Upgrade to 25/50/100 Ton Master course, the student studies the materials and takes our proctored exam online. Once the student passes our multiple-choice exam, they will receive a Mariners Learning System^™ certificate recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Simply submit, within one year, the original certificate along with the application package and applicable fees to the USCG Regional Exam Center. Upon their approval of your package, they will mail the license.

Once the student completes the course quizzes and online module exam(s), they can test on-demand online for their final proctored exam with Mariners Learning System™. No testing at the Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers. The grading standards are:

Students must have a high-speed Internet connection and an up-to-date desktop or laptop with a webcam and microphone. Also, students must have the ability to download software through the MLS account. This is required to access the exam.

When testing online for the proctored exam, students will be required to display a legible photocopy of their Coast Guard-recognized photo identification to the computer screen. The student will be required to complete the course evaluation form prior to testing. These copies will be retained for our records per USCG requirements.

The list of acceptable forms of photo identification includes:

• U.S. driver’s license
• U.S. Passport
• Foreign Passport
• Law enforcement credential, with photograph of the applicant, issued by Federal, State, or local government
• U.S. Military identification card
• Official identification card issued by a State, or local government
• Official identification card issued by the Federal Government
• Merchant Marine Document issued after February 3, 2003

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to provide a clear and legible copy of identification. If an ID is not provided and/or MLS is unable to read the copy, it will result in a failure. No exceptions per Coast Guard policy. No other forms of identification will be accepted.

You MUST provide your valid government issued photo ID when requested.

You MUST remain directly in front of your webcam for the duration of the exam.

You MUST NOT have anyone else in the room with you for the duration of your exam.

You MUST NOT interact or communicate with anyone by any means while testing.

You MUST NOT use any other electronic devices (phone, ipod, headphones, MP3 player, another computer, etc.) while taking the exam.

Reference materials (papers, pens, books, study guides, e-mails, website, etc.) MUST NOT be used while testing.

You MUST NOT use any mobile device or have any mobile device within your eyesight during the exam.

You MUST NOT access other websites or applications on the computer while testing.

You MUST NOT intentionally disable internet connection while testing.

*Violation of any these rules will be flagged during your exam by the web proctor, and your exam WILL be marked as a FAIL, you will not be eligible for a refund and WILL be banned from re-taking the exam with Mariners Learning System.