Q: What is the difference between the OUPV (6 pack) and Master's License?
A: The OUPV (6 Pack) license allows you to operate an uninspected passenger vessel. This is a vessel that was built for recreation uses, because of this you are allowed to only carry 6 passenger's for hire. The Master's license is required to operate an inspected vessel. An Inspected vessel is built strictly for commercial purposes to carry passengers for hire. These vessels have a Certificate of Inspection that details the number of passengers that can be carried and the number of crew, licensed or unlicensed that MUST be on board when the vessel is underway. To operate this vessel you MUST have a Master's License of the appropriate tonnage. If the vessel is operated outside the boundary lines (in near coastal waters) you must have the Near-Coastal endorsement on your license.

Q: How long is the Master 100 GT/ OUPV (6 pack) License course?
A: 80 hours as required by the United States Coast Guard.

Q: Is the Master 100 GT/ OUPV (6 pack) License course available online or computer based?
A: No, a professional instructor teaches all 80 hours and you must be present for the required hours to be able to take the examination..

Q: Do I have to take the USCG exam after taking the OUPV/Master's License course?
A: No, the USCG honors the exam we administer on the last day of class in lieu of their exam.

Q: Will I learn everything asked on the exam in the Master 100 GT/ OUPV (6 pack) License course?
A: Along with your required outside boating experience, this intense, fast-paced course is jam packed with lots of important and useful information. We prepare you fully for the exam. We wrote our course and we wrote our exam, both with full USCG approval.

Q: What do I need in order to be ready for the beginning of the Master 100 GT/ OUPV (6 pack) License?
A: Pre-register to get the course book. You will need the book "Navigation Rules (International-Inland)" by the US Department of Transportation USCG, Navigational Gear (Triangle, Roll Plotter, and Dividers),a basic-function calculator and Maritime Institute's "Mariner's Guide to Rules of the Road card. These items are available for purchase through Maritime Institute. It is recommended that you receive your course book, Rules book and "Maritime Institute's Rules of the Road" training aid Rules at least one month in advance. This is to ensure that you have ample time to become familiar with the material in the course book and especially to learn the Rules of The Road. We recommend learning all the Rules of the Road questions listed in the course book .

Q: Must all of my forms (USCG application, sea service letters, reference letters, physical, drug screening) be filled out prior to attending the course?
A: No, but we recommend having your packet as near to completion as possible so you will be that much closer to receiving your license. We will also be happy to check your completed packet before you submit it to the USCG.

Q: Does successfully completing the Master 100 GT/ OUPV (6 pack) course guarantee me a U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License?
A: No, your license is based on the USCG's evaluation of your entire packet, plus the certificate issued upon successful completion of our course.

Q: What license will I receive from the USCG?
A: The USCG determines the type and tonnage of your license based on your sea time and vessel tonnage experience. Please see the basic requirement's page for the complete list.

Q: What classes other than Master 100 GT/ OUPV (6 pack) do you offer?
We have over 30 different courses the majority of which are USCG approved, please check our schedule. We are always adding new courses and dates so please call us toll free if you don't see a course that you would like to take listed.

Q: What can I do once I am a Captain?
A: Yacht Delivery, Sailing Instruction, Private Yacht Captain, Scuba and Skin Diving Charters, Backwater or Offshore Fishing Guides, Local Sightseeing Tours for Hotels or Resorts, Yacht Broker or Manufacturer's Representative, Captain for Caribbean Sailing Charter Operations, Showing Waterfront Property for Realtors and their Customers, Picnic Charter Cruises Along Beaches and Islands, Operation of Sightseeing or Ferry Vessels, Operating Yacht Club or Resort Launches, Para-Sail or Water Ski Operations, Demonstrating Boats for Dealers, Commercial Towing Assistance, Instructor at Maritime Institute, Tug Boat Captain, Park Ranger, River Guide.

Q: Am I liable or do I carry additional responsibility for what happens aboard a vessel on which I am a passenger?
A: You have no additional responsibility because you are a licensed captain aboard a vessel operated by someone else.

For Rags Interview segments Click on Quicktime Movie link below:
About Training and Testing at Maritime Insitute (High Speed 6 MB)
About Training and Testing at Maritime Institute (Dial-up connections 2.8MB)

Maritime Institute, Inc.
Ask a question of your own: Call 619-225-1783; Toll Free: 888-262-8020
Or by email: info@maritimeinstitute.com
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