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6-pack rating

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Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/24/2003 : 16:36:03

In my murky memory, I recall some old discussions about obtaining an "operator of uninspected passenger vessel" ( or 6-pack license). Would this be the only legal requirement for operating a "for hire", chartered boat? Do any board members have their 6-pack rating, and if so, how did you begin the testing/qualifying process?

Thank you, Todd Frye

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2003 : 17:00:20

I am working on getting my OUPV. You have to be able to document 360 days of sea time - at least 4 hours underway makes a day. Boat has to be over 14 feet and you can't count sea time when you were under 16 years old. I have the documented sea time. That's the hard part (for a weekend sailor)! Then basically all you have to do is take a couple of Coast Guard tests - one for seamanship, (and if you want the sailing and towing endorsement) one for sailing, one for towing, and a drug test.

HOWEVER

The tests are very hard and require serious study. Most people take a 2 week course that culminates in your taking the tests.

There's lots of licenses after the OUPV. 50 ton, 1000 ton, 500 ton, etc. Coastal and unlimited offshore,.....

If you are going to operate your boat for charter, to be legal, you must have the OUPV.

Edited by - JimB517 on 11/24/2003 17:03:00

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2003 : 17:54:26

I forgot, you also must have a CPR and First aid certificate, and 90 days of your 360 days of sea time mnst be within the last 3 years.

The USCG will run an FBI background check on you as well, prior to granting the license.

Edited by - on

ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2003 : 22:25:10

I got my OUPV license which allows me to carry up to 6 paying passengers.
I started by chartering a few sailboats and having the captains tell me of their licenses.
I went to Sea School and they helped me with the Coast Guard forms and helped me understand the process.
As stated before, one must also have the "sea service" time (inland lakes and waterways are fine also), passed 4 USCG exams (ex. Rules of the Road, Plotting and charts, and a couple of others) certified for First Aid and CPR, provide a fairly recent doctor's physical (answering specific questions for the coast guard) and a (passing) drug test. There are a few fees. I also took a two week seminar from Sea School to study and pass the exams. (If you don't pass, you can re-take the class for free.)
Doing all of this just makes you legal to carry paying passengers (no more than 6). It does not necesarily make you a better boater.

If you want to carry paying passengers, I would strongly recommend getting commercial insurance. Murphy's law is enforced.
If something went wrong and a passenger had a claim, you can damn well bet that your personal insurance would bail on you if they found out your passengers had paid for the ride.

Because I want to continue with my Captain's career, I went on to get my Master's license which is necesary to captain a vessel that carry's more than 6 passengers. Then the vessel (carrying more than 6 paying passengers) must be a USCG Inspected Vessel and that opens another can of worms.

If you chartered your boat twice a month, that might cover all of your expenses and pay your slip fee (nice to have your maintenance paid for).

Now imagine in a few years when I am employed as Captain on someone's 60' or 100' sailboat and my wife is the onboard chef. I can get used to that, (provided the owner isn't an ).

This is why I upgraded my license and will continue my education and get as much experience as I can.
Go for it !!

Edited by - on

KTwomey
1st Mate

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USA
43 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2003 : 22:34:03

In California inland waters (those not under Federal jurisdiction)there is another license that allows commercial for-hire operations. The following link explains it. http://dbw.ca.gov/ForHireBasicFacts.htm

Could be that Utah and other states have something similar.

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2003 : 23:39:24

Just a thought: does the ship's log count for time toward the licensing requirements? I keep a detailed log because years ago a friend who had far more experience than me told me to. It is fun to look back on at season's end, too. I believe such a log can be used as evidence of time at sea. Anyone know for sure?

Edited by - on

Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2003 : 03:34:33

Dave: When I checked on licensing a couple of years ago, I was told that log books are THE way to document sea time. That is exactly what they are looking for.

Gary B.
Encore! #685 SK/SR

Edited by - on

Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2003 : 11:17:08

These are all great replies and they have really helped. But just for the sake of nit picking...360 days (4 hours being one day) is a formidable challenge. I would truly love to tell my 8-5 that I need to go sailing for 360 days, but practicality says no way. How would you / how did you, manage to get all that stick time while providing for family needs? I can see a two-week vacation to crew on a returning Transpac, or Baja Ha HA crew. My present set up probably gets me out 80 hours per season, depending on if we have enough water to float a boat. Again, thanks for taking the time to reply. Todd Frye

Edited by - on

Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2003 : 11:50:04

Todd: Maybe this summer you can take that cruise to the San Juans like you were talking about some time ago. You could time it and stop in Portland for that Nationals....THAT would give you a good start on using your boat and logging some time. We would love to see you do it, if you can get time off from the 8-5ers.

Gary B.
Encore! #685 SK/SR

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2003 : 13:06:08

I took a year off and sailed from Milwaukee to the Bahamas. That's about the only way to get 360 days of sea time. Or take a job on a charter boat. Deck time as crew counts. A weekend boater will need about 20 years plus STILL not have 90 days in the last 3 years.

I also sail just about every day during the spring, summer and fall.

I keep detailed log books for this purpose.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2003 : 13:31:20

[url="http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/index.htm"]USCG Licensing for Mariners[/url]

Edited by - on

Todd Frye
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2003 : 18:50:29

GaryB. That's not only a great idea, but could be the fulfillment of a life-long dream. Let me run it past the Admiral. I think the possibilities are good, as long as we make a stop in Victoria. Keepin' the dream alive. Todd Frye

Edited by - on

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