Earning your Captain’s License is a major step toward expanding your opportunities on the water—whether you want to carry passengers for hire, operate a charter business, work professionally in the maritime field, or simply build advanced seamanship skills. Our USCG-approved Captains Class in Maryland provides everything you need to qualify for your OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) or Master license, and to confidently prepare for Coast Guard exams.

We offer a flexible mix of live virtual instruction and in-person Maryland sessions near Annapolis, making it easy for local mariners to train without travel. With a proven pass rate and thousands of graduates nationwide, Explorers Guide Maritime Academy is one of the most trusted captain-training programs in the Midwest and along the East Coast.

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About Our Captains Class in Maryland

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Our Maryland Captains Class is designed for new and experienced mariners looking to meet USCG requirements while receiving practical, real-world instruction. Whether you are working toward your first OUPV license or upgrading to your Master 25/50/100 Ton credential, our course provides the knowledge, documentation guidance, and study support needed for success.

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What You’ll Learn

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Our USCG-approved curriculum includes:

• Navigation and chart plotting

• Rules of the Road (COLREGS)

• Deck safety, vessel handling, and seamanship

• Regulations, documentation, and licensing requirements

• Tides, currents, weather, and environmental regulations

• Practical exam preparation for OUPV and Master endorsements

Students also receive guidance on sea service documentation, TWIC enrollment, medical requirements, and next steps after completing the course.

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Who Should Take This Course?

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This class is ideal for:

• Charter captains and fishing guides

• Sailors and powerboaters seeking a professional credential

• Marina and yacht club personnel

• Military or law-enforcement personnel transitioning to maritime careers

• Chesapeake Bay enthusiasts looking to operate vessels professionally

• Anyone working toward a maritime career in Maryland

Whether you operate in the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Baltimore Harbor, or surrounding areas, a USCG license opens new opportunities.

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Course Format — Virtual & In-Person Options

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Live Virtual Course

Our virtual Captains Class allows you to attend from home while still receiving real-time instruction from licensed captains. This format provides:

• Interactive online sessions

• Instructor support during and after class

• Recorded materials and study guides

• USCG-approved testing upon completion (no Coast Guard exam required)
   

In-Person Maryland Training

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We periodically offer in-person training in the Annapolis area, ideal for students who prefer classroom learning or hands-on guidance.

Upcoming course dates are listed below, and new sessions are added regularly.

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Upcoming Maryland Course Dates

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OUPV Inland Great Lakes Near Coastal — Maryland

Start Date: January 9, 2026
Format: Live Virtual + Maryland-Based Support
Location: Annapolis, Maryland (exact venue announced to enrolled students)

All scheduling updates and enrollment options are available directly through this page.

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What Happens After the Course?

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Upon successful completion, students receive a course certificate accepted by the US Coast Guard—meaning you do not need to take the USCG exam at a Regional Exam Center.

Next steps include:

• Submitting your application packet

• Completing medical forms

• Documenting sea service

• Obtaining your TWIC card

• Following USCG timelines for approval

Our instructors provide guidance throughout the process to ensure your submission is correct and complete.

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Why Choose Explorers Guide Maritime Academy?

• USCG-approved courses with strong pass rates

• Experienced captains with real-world boating and charter expertise

• Flexible learning options (virtual + in-person)

• Maryland-specific support and local maritime knowledge

• Trusted nationwide with thousands of licensed graduates

• Competitive pricing and clear enrollment process

We are committed to helping aspiring mariners navigate the licensing process with confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need a Captain’s License in Maryland?

If you plan to carry passengers for hire anywhere on Maryland waters or the Chesapeake Bay, you need at least an OUPV 6-Pack License. Our course fulfills the exam portion of that requirement.

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Where are Maryland classes held?

We offer online classes open to all Maryland students, plus periodic in-person sessions in the Annapolis area.

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How long is the Captains Class?

Most students complete the program within several weeks, depending on the schedule chosen.

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Can I upgrade to Master after taking OUPV?

Yes. Many mariners begin with OUPV and upgrade later; we offer upgrade courses as well.

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What sea time do I need?

A minimum of 360 days of documented sea service, with at least 90 days in the last 7 years. We’ll help you complete your forms.

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Is the Coast Guard test required?

No. Once you pass our course exams, you are exempt from testing at the USCG exam center.