Education Requirements

• Key requirements include 360+ days of documented boating experience, passing a USCG-approved exam/course, a physical exam, drug testing, and CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience (Sea Service): Minimum of 360 days of documented experience (underway/crew) for an OUPV license, with 90 days occurring within the last 3 years. For a Master license, 720 days are required.
• Education/Training: While a formal college degree isn't mandatory, completing a USCG-approved training course (54+ hours) is strongly recommended to learn navigation, safety, and rules of the road.

Schools

• Mariners Learning System (Online): Offers flexible online, USCG-certified licensing courses.
• Maritime Professional Training (MPT) (Ft. Lauderdale, FL): A major training facility for professional mariners.
• Boat Tutors (AL, MS, FL): Offers customized training for captain's licenses.

Mariners Learning System Maritime Professional Training Boat Tutors

School Options

• Sea School: Offers 30+ USCG-approved courses, including OUPV and Master upgrades, with locations nationwide and online options.
• The Captain School: Known for in-person training in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Alaska, offering OUPV, Master, and Towing endorsements.
• Maritime Professional Training (MPT): Based in Fort Lauderdale, offering comprehensive yacht training.