Boat Captains: The Requirements and Your Physical Exam

Oh captain, my captain! Permission to come aboard?

Reliable MD is the perfect place if you’ve been thinking about getting your Captain’s License.

We will give you more information about the license requirement and what comes after that.It’s time to get to know about boat captain’s licenses.

So, future captain, let’s set sail.

Captain’s License

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA) states that a license lets you carry passengers for hire. A “passenger for hire” is any situation where charters will have passengers.

Types of licenses

OUPV License

Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels refers to “6-pack” or “Charterboat Captain’s License”.

“Uninspected” means the equipment that’s required and the design of the boat is less regulated.

“6-pack” refers to the six passenger limit placed on the license. Issuing the license includes a particular route. The Great Lakes, bays, sounds, rivers and other Inland routes of the U.S. or Near Coastal routes up to 100 miles offshore. This license is for 100 Gross Tons vessels, which is about 100 feet.

Master License

The OUPV license is upgradable to a Master license. It requires the operation of “inspected” vessels. Inspected vessels can carry more than six passengers. To become “Inspected”, the USCG standards provide the requirements of the vessel.

Are there any Floridian’s out there? Well, we have found the best source on getting a boat captain’s license in Florida. Here you can find the requirements and types of captain’s license offers.

Licensing Requirements

Original Licenses

• Application.

• Physical within 12 months.

• Drug test approval within 6 months.

• CPR approval and First Aid taken within 12 months.

OUPV Licenses

• 90 days service in the last 3 years on a vessel(s) of appropriate tonnage.

• Near Coastal: 360 days of deck service in the operation of vessels, including 90 days service on ocean or near coastal waters.

• Great Lakes/Inland: 360 days of deck service in the operation of vessels, including 90 days service on Great Lakes.

• Inland: 360 days of deck service in the operation of vessels.

• Towing endorsement: you must request and pass the towing endorsement exam.

Master License

Master of Vessels on not more than 100 gross registered tons.

• 90 days service in the last 3 years on a vessel(s) of appropriate tonnage.

• Near coastal: 720 days of service steam, motor or auxiliary sail vessels on ocean or near coastal waters (360 days inland is acceptable).

• Great Lakes/Inland: 360 days service steam, motor or auxiliary sail vessels including 90 days on Great Lakes waters.

• Inland and Rivers: 360 days service steam, motor or auxiliary sail vessels on any waters.
• Sailing endorsement: Submitting evidence of 360 days of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels.

• Towing endorsement: Request and pass towing endorsement exam or complete course.

Physical exam

Luckily for you, Reliable MD can provide you with a physical exam. Part of the exam involves a complete medical history. Checking your weight, height, blood pressure, pulse and other vitals are also part of the exam.

Your doctor checks the eyes, ears, throat, stomach, and limbs as well. A urine test, allergy screenings or X-rays are available for further testing.

What you should bring

When you’re preparing for your examination, bring the necessary completed forms. Please be sure to bring a photo id,  a list of all medications you are currently on and a form of payment.

Make sure to alert your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions.

You’re one step closer to getting your boat captain’s license! Here at Reliable MD we can provide you with the physical exam that you need for your license. Get started with your Captain’s Physical Exam by scheduling an appointment with us.