Captain’s Courses and How To Get Your Boating License

Boating is a popular activity that attracts people of many ages and backgrounds.  Boating allows you to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors.  Lots of people use their boats just for recreational activities and personal use, for which no special licensing is required.  If you want to become the captain of your boat and use it as a charter vessel, however, you will need to obtain a captain’s license from the United States Coast Guard.

There are a variety of schools that offer captain’s courses which thoroughly prepare you to obtain your boating license from the Coast Guard.  The most common courses are designed around the requirements for the OUPV license.  This allows you to take up to six passengers on an uninspected vessel weighing no more than 100 gross tons up to 100 miles off the coast.  While there are upgrades to this standard license, it is the most commonly obtained.

Captain’s courses can vary greatly in length and cost.  In general, you can expect to pay a minimum of $500 to take the class.  Some schools charge more, with a few asking for more than $1,000 from students.  Courses are often designed with flexible schedules so that anyone can take them without causing a big problem in their regular routine.  For example, classes may be held on nights and weekends so that you can attend without missing any work.  If you are looking into taking the course, be sure to select one whose schedule will not conflict with your routine.

If you take a captain’s course recognized by the coast guard, you will not have to pass their exam.   There are other requirements however, including 360 logged boating hours, CPR training, a physical, and a random drug test.  Some schools may have additional requirements above and beyond those of the coast guard.