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OUPV Frequently
Asked Questions:
1. What is an OUPV license?
The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) license is commonly called a six-pack or charter captain's license. This Coast Guard license is required by those operating uninspected vessels (not required to undergo inspections by the Coast Guard) that carry no more than six passengers for hire. It will NOT allow you to operate inspected vessels or carry more than six passengers for hire.
2. How long is the OUPV course that Tidewater Community College offers?
We offer day and evening classes. Day classes are Monday through Friday and half a day Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. Evening classes are held Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
3. How much does the course cost?
$ 800.00
4. Where is the course being held?
Tidewater Community College, Norfolk Campus, Stanley Walker Building, 350 Granby Street, Room 3142.
5. What other costs are involved?
The Coast Guard began charging user fees for licenses in 1993. The licensing process is broken into three phases; the evaluation phase, examination phase and issuance phase, each with separate associated user fees. For the OUPV license, the fees are Evaluation: $ 100.00; Examination: $ 110.00 (not charged if you take this course); and Issuance: $ 45.00. These fees are paid directly to the U.S. Coast Guard. License applicants will also have to pay for a First Aid/CPR course. TCC offers CPR courses at its Virginia Beach campus. For more information, contact the Continuing Education Office at (757) 822-7354. Red Cross offers the courses and can be reached at (757) 446-7779.
6. Will I have to take an examination at the Coast Guard?
No. If you satisfactorily complete this course you will not have to take a written examination at the Coast Guard. You will be tested as you go along in the TCC course.
7. How do I get my license?
The U.S. Coast Guard will issue your license. Under the authority of Title 46 U.S. Code, the U.S. Coast Guard promulgates the requirements for the licensing of mariners. These requirements are found in Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 10. The Coast Guard office responsible for this area is the Regional Examination Center (REC) Baltimore, (410) 962-5132.
8. Are any course materials provided during the course?
Yes, Examco's "Navigation and Coastal Piloting" and "Master/Mate and Operator" which will be turned in at the end of the class.
9. What equipment will I need to provide?
You'll need a notebook to take notes, navigation equipment (parallel ruler and dividers) and a calculator.
10. Is there anything I have to do besides taking the course to get my license?
Yes. There are several Coast Guard requirements that you must meet to receive your license. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
Application - You must submit a Credential Application Form (CG 719B) to the Coast Guard.
Age - An applicant must be 19 years old to apply for the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels license. They may be 18 with a limited license and USCG approval.
Qualifying sea service -
i) Applicants for an OUPV license need 360 days experience in the operation of vessels including 90 days service on ocean or coastwise service.
ii) Of the above service, at least 90 days must have been obtained in the past three years prior to submittal of your application.
iii) Owners of vessels may attest to their own service as long as proof of ownership is provided.
Physical condition - Each application for an original license must include an original physical examination report (form CG 719K) completed by a U.S. licensed physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner within one year of the application.
Drug testing - All applicants for a U.S. Merchant Marine license must pass a drug test approved by USCG.
Written professional examination - This course will satisfy the Coast Guard requirement for a written examination for issuance of a license as Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels. You will not have to take an examination at the Coast Guard.
Character - For original applicants, three written, notarized recommendations attesting to the applicant's suitability for a Coast Guard License must be submitted. The school will provide one letter.
First aid/CPR - All applicants for an original license must present an original certificate indicating completion of a first aid/CPR course within the past 12 months.
TWIC – Ensure that you have either applied for a TWIC at an enrollment center or that you already hold a TWIC issued by TSA.
Citizenship - An individual must be a U.S. citizen or fall into an eligible immigration category and cannot have been convicted of certain crimes. In addition, individuals cannot be connected to terrorist activity or lack mental capacity.
Identity Documents – When applying for a TWIC, applicants are required to bring identity documents. Acceptable forms of documentation can be found on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/index.shtm
Fingerprints – Mariners are no longer required to appear in person at a Regional Examination Center to be fingerprinted, as long as they have either applied for a TWIC at an enrollment center or have already been issued a TWIC. As part of the TWIC enrollment process, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will have already verified a mariner’s identity and taken fingerprints, which will be sent to the Coast Guard electronically for use in processing an application.
11. Is there a Retest Policy?
Yes. You can retest after a review of the material on which you were deficient.
12. Is there a guarantee that a student will pass the course?
No, however, TCC's instructors will work diligently with each student.
Thank you for your interest in our school. The following is a brief
list of other courses and services we have to offer. Please call
us or drop by the Norfolk Campus in the Stanley Walker Building
at 350 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia for further information.
Coast Guard Approved Training Courses
REGISTRATION
Call 822-1315 for more information or e-mail TCC's
Hampton Roads Maritime Training Center at tcmeltg@tcc.edu
Hampton Roads Maritime Training Center
Tidewater Community College
350 Granby St., Room 3138
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 822-1315
Fax: (757) 822-1384
E-mail: tcmeltg@tcc.edu
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