Adams Marine Seminars
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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. 1. What captain's license do I need?

    Most new mariners start with either:

    • OUPV (Six-Pack) - allows you to carry up to 6 paying passengers.
    • Master License (25/50/100 Ton) - allows you to operate inspected passenger vessels with more than 6 passengers.

    The right license depends on your vessel size, operations, and career goals.

  2. 2. What are the requirements to qualify for a captain's license?

    Requirements vary slightly by license type, but generally include:

    • Age: 18+ for OUPV, 19+ for Master
    • Sea Service: Documented boating days (360+ for OUPV; 720+ for Master)
    • TWIC: Transportation Worker Identification Credential
    • Medical Exam & Drug Test: CG-719K and DOT 5-panel drug test
    • CPR/First Aid
    • Background Check (TWIC)

  3. 3. How much sea time do I need?

    Sea time is measured in days, not hours.
    Minimum requirements:

    • OUPV: 360 days (90 in the last 3 years)
    • Master 25/50/100 Ton: 720 days total (90 in the last 3 years)
    • Near Coastal or Great Lakes authority may require specific waterways experience.

  4. 4. Does my sea time need to be on a certain type of boat?

    Not necessarily. Sea service may be on:

    • Your own boat
    • Someone else's boat (with owner's signature)
    • Recreational or commercial vessels
    • Power or sail (with additional endorsements)

    Vessel size and type determine which license you qualify for.

  5. 5. Do I need to take the Coast Guard exam?

    If you attend a USCG-approved course like Adams Marine Seminars, you take our exam instead of the Coast Guard exam. Passing our course satisfies the USCG testing requirement in lieu of testing at a REC.

  6. 6. What is a TWIC and why do I need it?

    TWIC = Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

    Required for security background checks for mariners. You must apply through the TSA, not the Coast Guard.

  7. 7. Can I use my boat log, GPS records, or maintenance records for sea time?

    Yes. For self-owned vessels, acceptable proof may include:

    • Registration
    • Title
    • Insurance
    • Bill of sale
    • Maintenance records

    Formal logs help but are not strictly required.

  8. 8. I've served in the military—can I use that experience?

    Yes. Certain Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine service may qualify as sea time.

  9. 9. Can I get my captain's license if I have a criminal record?

    Possibly. The Coast Guard evaluates convictions case-by-case. Honesty and disclosure on CG-719C are essential.

  10. 10. Is the physical exam difficult?

    It's not designed to fail mariners.
    Your provider checks:

    • Vision/hearing
    • General health
    • Ability to perform mariner duties safely

  11. 11. Can I work anywhere in the U.S. with a captain's license?

    Yes. An MMC is a federal credential—valid nationwide.