How to get a Captain's License in Maryland (and other US locations. A step-by-step guide)

Getting your USCG Captain’s License is one of the best ways to turn your boating experience into new opportunities—whether you want to run charters on the Chesapeake Bay, operate a water taxi, or simply improve your seamanship. If you’re in Maryland and preparing for the OUPV ("Six-Pack") or Master License, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Why Get a Captain’s License in Maryland?

Maryland offers one of the most active boating regions in the U.S. With thousands of miles of shoreline, thriving charter businesses, and strong seasonal tourism, a captain’s license can open the door to:

• Charter fishing operations

• Sailing charters

• Tour boats and sightseeing operations

• Water taxis

• Assistance towing

• Commercial vessel jobs

• Master-level endorsements (50/100 GT)

  
  

Types of Captain’s Licenses in Maryland

1. OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) – "Six-Pack License"

Allows you to carry up to six paying passengers on an uninspected vessel.This is the most common license for Maryland charter captains.

2. Master 25/50/100 GT

Allows you to operate inspected vessels carrying more than six passengers.Tour boats, sailing schooners, and commercial workboats on the Chesapeake typically require this license.

3. Optional Endorsements

• Auxiliary Sail

• Assistance Towing

• STCW (optional based on employer)
  

Requirements to Get Your Captain’s License

To qualify for a USCG Captain’s License, you must meet the following:

Sea Service Requirements

• OUPV: 360 days of documented sea service

• Master: 360–720 days depending on tonnage

• Updated recency rule: At least 90 days must be within the last 7 years (not 3 years)

Sea time may be obtained on: ✔ Your own boat ✔ A friend’s or family member’s boat ✔ Commercial vessels ✔ Sailboats and powerboats ✔ Military or government vessels

Age & Citizenship

• Minimum 18 years old

• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  

Medical & Drug Testing

• USCG physical exam (CG-719K)

• Enrollment in a DOT/USCG drug testing program
  

Other Requirements

• CPR/First Aid certification

• TWIC card

• Background check

• Application form CG-719B
  

Step-By-Step: How to Get Your USCG Captain’s License in Maryland

Step 1: Enroll in our Coast Guard–Approved Course

Our USCG-approved course allows you to complete your final exam with the school instead of traveling to the Coast Guard exam center.

Courses include:

• Rules of the Road

• Navigation and chart plotting

• Deck general and safety

• Final proctored exams

• USCG course completion certificate
  

Step 2: Gather & Complete Your Sea Service Forms

Document your boating experience using CG-719S.

Tips:

• Each “day” is 4+ hours underway

• You can backdate up to 7 years

• Maryland, freshwater, and out-of-state sea time all count
  

Step 3: Complete the Medical Exam & Drug Test

The physical must be done by a Coast Guard-approved medical provider. Your drug test must follow DOT/USCG standards.

Step 4: Apply for Your TWIC Card

Maryland has multiple TWIC enrollment centers (Baltimore, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, etc.).

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Your application includes:

• Course certificate

• Sea service forms

• Medical exam

• Drug test

• TWIC

• Application fee

• Birth Certificate
  

Step 6: Receive Your License

Approval typically takes 4–8 weeks, depending on Coast Guard processing times.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Most Maryland applicants finish the full process in 6–10 weeks, depending on:

• Class length

• Medical appointment timing

• TWIC availability

• NMC processing speed
  

Where to Take a Captain’s Course in Maryland

Explorers Guide provides Coast Guard–approved Captain’s Classes for Maryland boaters, including:

• OUPV (Six-Pack)

• Master 25/50/100 GT Upgrade

• Assistance Towing

• Auxiliary Sail Endorsement

• Online and in-person options

• Proctored exams included

Serving students from: Baltimore • Annapolis • Ocean City • Chesapeake Beach • Solomons • Eastern Shore • Western Shore • and surrounding areas.

Tips for Passing Your Captain’s Exam

• Review navigation lights daily

• Practice chart plotting exercises repeatedly

• Memorize rules-of-the-road sections 1–38

• Understand aids to navigation (ATONs)

• Use practice tests until you score 95%+ consistently
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own a boat?

No. You only need documented experience on any vessel.

Can freshwater sea time count?

Yes. Time on any navigable waters counts toward your license.

Can I get a Captain’s License if I only have small boat experience?

Absolutely. Your tonnage endorsement is based on vessel size, but you can still qualify for OUPV or Master 25/50/100 GT.

Final Thoughts

Maryland’s boating industry offers incredible opportunities for charter captains, tour operators, and commercial mariners. Whether you’re aiming for the OUPV Six-Pack license or the 100 Ton Master, following the steps in this guide will help you prepare your application and pass your exams with confidence.

If you want to work on the water, a USCG Captain’s License is the key to unlocking your next adventure.