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TCC's Six Pack Course or OUPV FAQ

 
 

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?
    This is a 62-hour, ten-week course. The course meets twice a week in the evening. Call for dates and times for the next available course.
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 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 an application (CG-866) to the Coast Guard.
      Age - An applicant must be 19 years old to apply for the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels license.
      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 either 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.
      Citizenship - Applicants for an original license must present acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship such as birth certificate or passport.
      Character - For original applicants, three written, notarized recommendations attesting to the applicant's suitability for a Coast Guard License must be submitted.
      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.
      Social security card - Evidence of having a Social Security Number must be submitted.
      Fingerprints - All applicants seeking an original license are required to submit two sets of fingerprints using USCG fingerprint cards. Fingerprints may be taken by your local law enforcement authorities and submitted with the 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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