Choose your adventure, Chase your passion, become a captain

The OUPV (6 Pack) license is issued one of two routes -   Inland or Near Coastal, your previous experience will determine which route you qualify for.

• The Inland license is restricted to operation shoreward of the boundary line, and doesn't include the Great Lakes.  You need 360 days of experience on any waters (even little lakes) to qualify for this license.
• The Near Coastal license is valid for vessels up to 100 miles offshore, and includes the Great Lakes.  To get this license, you need 360 total sea days, 90 of which need to have been on either the Great Lakes or Near Coastal waters

When you turn in your application to the USCG, you will include documentation of your sea service on form 719-S, or the Small Vessel Sea Service form. You will create a new form for every different vessel that you are using to claim service.  A "sea day" is considered a minimum of 4 hours on the water in a 24 hour period.  If you own the boat, can self certify your days by turning in proof of ownership.  If you don't own the vessel, the person responsible for the boat can certify the days by signing the back of the form.

During class, I will walk you through this process, and make sure that all your sea service questions are answered, so you can turn in a perfect application.

• Rules of the Road - Inland and International Navigation Rules (33 CFR 83) - How to avoid collision on the water
• Deck General/Safety
  • Seamanship
  • Marlinspike (Knots, ropes)
  • Vessel Maneuvering & Handling
  • Berthing & Unberthing
  • Anchoring & Mooring
  • Heavy Weather Operations
  • Small Engine Operation & Maintenance
  • Fire Prevention & Firefighting
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Collision
  • Temporary Repairs
  • Man Overboard Procedures
  • Emergency Towing
  • National Maritime Law
  • Sanitation
  • Communications & Signaling
  • Distress
  • Lifesaving
• Navigation 
  • Piloting & Navigation - We learn to plot our courses on paper charts
  • Aids to Navigation
  • Weather
  • Publications and Notices to Mariners

Many schools teach all the material, and leave mariners with one giant stressful day of testing at the end.

At Lake Superior Captain's Academy, we break up the material and the tests.  You will learn each section one at a time, and take that test right away.  All four tests are spread throughout the week, so that students can really focus on learning the new material, instead of having to deal with looming test anxiety.

If students do not pass a section of the test on the first attempt, the material will be reviewed, and they will have two more attempts to pass each section.

There are no prerequisites for attending Lake Superior Captain's Academy. We welcome beginners and experienced individuals alike.  Some boaters choose to attend the courses just because they want to learn, and feel comfortable and safe on the water, which is encouraged as well!

Requirements for the USCG to become a captain include:

• Age 18 years old or over     
• Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) 
• Citizenship or Form I-551, Alien Registration Card 
• Physical, Hearing and eye exam – Usually available through our Captains License Class’s affiliated doctor.     
• USCG Drug Test
• CPR/First Aid training 

The cost of getting your captain's license varies somewhat, but here are some estimates.  

• $895 - OUPV Course 
• $125.25 - TWIC Card
• $70 - Drug Test
• $100 - Medical Exam
• $145 - Government Fees

Total estimate - $1335.25

Not too bad, when you consider you have a whole new world of career opportunities!