6-Pack Captain's License Requirements

By Chris Buseman

Why earn the 6-pack license?

The main reason to earn a 6-pack license is to begin making money from your maritime experience and expertise. You may own a small fishing vessel and have experience taking friends on fishing trips. Those times on the water may spark the idea to run charter trips for commercial clients as a part-time job or even a lucrative full-time career. Pursuing this opportunity requires a USCG 6-pack license.

Another reason to earn this credential would be sailors already working as a deckhand or crew on a commercial vessel and planning to become a captain or licensed officer. Moving into that new role requires a USCG credential.

What type of vessels can you captain with a 6-pack license?

According to the USCG, this license is for uninspected passenger vessels that carry six or fewer passengers for hire. It is limited mainly to small boats engaged in charter fishing, whale watching, SCUBA diving, tour cruises, and more.

Is there a prerequisite for earning a 6-pack license?

To earn a 6-pack license, you must fulfill five USCG prerequisites:

1. At least 18 years old
2. At least 360 days of documented experience on a vessel
3. At least 90 days of vessel experience within the last three years
4. 90 days experience on the ocean or near coastal waters (if not, the license will be limited to inland waters only)
5. Experience working on an uninspected vessel that has less than 100 gross tons

How do you get a 6-pack license?

Be sure to understand the requirements and follow them precisely.

1. Decide on which type of captain's license you need. The 6-pack license is for vessels with strict limits around the number of paying passengers. USCG regulations limit the license to transporting no more than six clients at one time.
2. Determine which category of 6-pack license you'd like to pursue. The OUPV Inland License permits operating on the Great Lakes, inland lakes, bays, rivers, and streams. The OUPV Near Coastal License covers everything in the Inland License, plus ocean waters extending to 100 miles from the coast.
3. Build experience hours (see prior section). You'll do this by captaining a vessel you own or by crewing or captaining someone else's boat. In the latter case, you'll need the owner to attest to the fact that you were skippering or crewing, not just on board as a passenger. Always ensure that any vessel you are operating, including your own, has adequate protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance covering the vessel/hull as well as pollution and other vessel liabilities outside of your exposures as a captain, vessel operator, or crew.
4. Pass the 6-pack license test. You can either sit for the USCG's examination on your own or take one provided by a commercial captain's school. A captain's school will provide extensive learning materials and traditional instruction to help you prepare. With self-study, you will find your materials and study independently. Formal schooling will likely cost more, but it could improve your chances of passing your test and expanding your maritime knowledge. This training could allow you to kick-start your career on the water and navigate naval risks.
5. Apply for your license. Once you pass the test, you can apply for your license. Filling out the USCG application form (CG Form 719B) is just the beginning. You also must submit  supporting documents, including:
• Your U.S. Social Security Card
• Proof that you're a U.S. citizen (or a legal foreign national)
• Proof that you paid the application fee
• Documentation that you passed your 6-pack captain's exam
• A copy of your Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or proof that you've applied for it
• Three written character references
• Proof of medical and vision examinations
• Valid certification of first-aid and CPR training
• Random drug test results (within the last six months)

Learn more about how to obtain your USCG Captain's License here.

Mariner Liability Insurance Coverage

Mariner liability insurance can cover the costs associated with USCG (or other governmental authority) investigations. At the onset of an incident, admiralty attorneys are contacted to speak directly with the USCG, Fish & Game Commission, or any other governmental authority on behalf of the insured. Coverage protects the insured from paying out of pocket the costs of admiralty attorney fees, defense costs, and penalties or fines imposed. In addition to protecting your license and livelihood from regulatory investigations stemming from incidents or perceived negligence, your insurance will also shield you against allegations arising from civil or criminal charges, including paying any legal judgments or liabilities determined against you in court.

If your license is suspended during an investigation, coverage may also provide a loss of income option with a daily subsistence allowance.

Traditionally, mariner liability insurance have not been so easy to shop around for or buy, particularly for charter captains or those acting as captain-for-hires or bareboat charter operators. Fortunately, there's a contemporary option for this critical protection: 360 Coverage Pros.

360 Coverage Pros is an online insurance platform that provides professional liability protection to many business professionals, including USCG-licensed officers and crew. The website features an application process that simplifies the entire buying experience. Coverage is underwritten by Berkley Offshore, an A.M Best "A+" (Superior) rated carrier. By combining best-in-class coverage and service with a simple application process, 360 Coverage Pros has reshaped how captains and crew can purchase insurance at a fast and affordable price.

Are you concerned about your professional risks as a charter captain? Then consider buying convenient, affordable license and liability protection from 360 Coverage Pros.