USCG Captain's License Requirements for Charter Fishing

How to Get Your Captain's License for Charter Fishing: Complete Requirements and Process Guide

If you've been running fishing charters from your own boat and relying on word-of-mouth clients, or if you're dreaming of turning your passion for saltwater or freshwater fishing into a legitimate business, there's one unavoidable reality: you need a USCG captain's license to legally carry paying passengers. This isn't just a formality. Operating a charter fishing business without proper credentials exposes you to serious legal consequences, including hefty fines and potential criminal charges.

The good news? Getting your captain's license is entirely achievable for anyone with genuine boating experience. You don't need a maritime degree or years working on commercial vessels. If you've been fishing regularly, documenting your time on the water, and know how to safely operate a boat, you're probably closer to qualifying than you think.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about obtaining a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential for charter fishing operations. We'll cover the two main license types, the actual sea time requirements, costs you should budget for, and the realistic timeline from application to approval. This information reflects current practice as of late 2024 and early 2025, but remember that USCG requirements can change. Always verify the latest details with the National Maritime Center before submitting your application.

sport fishing charter yacht underway with licensed captain

What Type of Captain's License Do Charter Fishing Operations Require?

The most straightforward answer: you need either an OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) credential or a Master license, both issued as Merchant Mariner Credentials by the U.S. Coast Guard. These aren't recreational boating certificates or state-issued permits. They're federal credentials that authorize you to operate vessels carrying passengers for hire on navigable U.S. waters.

Understanding the OUPV Six-Pack License for Small Charter Operations

For most charter fishing businesses starting out, the OUPV license is the right choice. This credential is universally known in the industry as a "Six-Pack" because it legally allows you to carry up to six paying passengers, plus any crew you might have aboard. Your vessel can be up to 100 gross registered tons, which typically accommodates boats ranging from around 65 to 100 feet, depending on hull design and configuration.

The "uninspected" part of OUPV is significant. It means your vessel doesn't need to undergo the extensive Coast Guard commercial vessel inspection process that larger passenger boats require. You still must comply with federal safety regulations, maintain proper safety equipment, and operate responsibly, but you avoid the more intensive regulatory oversight that applies to inspected vessels.

An OUPV credential with the right endorsements covers most charter fishing scenarios:

Inshore and nearshore fishing charters
Offshore big game fishing trips
Fly fishing guide services on rivers and lakes
Combined fishing and sightseeing excursions
Private boat captain services for vessel owners

When You Need a Master License Instead of OUPV

If your business model involves carrying more than six paying passengers, you'll need a Master license rather than OUPV. This applies to larger "party boats" or "headboats" where multiple anglers share the cost of a trip. Master credentials come in different tonnage ratings: 25 ton, 50 ton, or 100 ton. The tonnage rating determines the maximum size of inspected vessels you can operate.

Here's something many people don't realize: a Master license holder can operate any uninspected vessel up to 100 GRT, just like an OUPV holder. The Master credential simply provides additional authority to run larger inspected vessels. You can apply directly for a Master license without getting OUPV first, but you'll need to meet more demanding sea time requirements.

The Geographic Endorsement Question: Where Can You Legally Operate?

Your captain's license doesn't just specify passenger capacity. It also includes a route endorsement that defines where you can legally take paying passengers. This is where many aspiring charter captains get confused because they think in terms of "freshwater" versus "saltwater" fishing. The Coast Guard doesn't license that way.

Instead, the USCG uses geographic boundaries:

Inland endorsement covers U.S. inland waterways, including bays, sounds, rivers, and most lakes (but not the Great Lakes). You're restricted to operating shoreward of the USCG boundary lines that separate inland waters from the ocean. For guides focusing on bass fishing, inshore redfish and speckled trout, or river fishing operations, an Inland endorsement handles your needs.

Great Lakes and Inland endorsement adds the Great Lakes system to your operating authority and typically extends to areas up to 100 miles offshore from Great Lakes shores. This matters for charter operations on Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.

Near Coastal endorsement is what most offshore charter fishing captains need. This gives you authority to operate on inland waters plus ocean waters. For OUPV, Near Coastal typically extends up to 100 nautical miles offshore; for Master licenses, it can reach 200 miles offshore depending on your specific credential.

If you're planning to run offshore fishing charters for wahoo, tuna, marlin, or bottom fish in deeper water, you need that Near Coastal endorsement from day one. Upgrading later requires additional sea time documentation and another round of applications, so it's worth getting it right initially.

How Much Sea Time Do You Actually Need for a Charter Fishing License?

This is the part that stops many would-be charter captains before they even start. The 360-day sea time requirement sounds daunting until you understand how the Coast Guard counts days and what activities actually qualify.

24-hour timeline bar with a highlighted 4-hour Underway

Breaking Down the 360-Day Requirement for OUPV

You need a total of 360 days of documented boating experience. The Coast Guard uses 30-day months in its calculations, so 360 days equals one year of service. But here's the key: these don't have to be consecutive days, and you don't need to be on the water eight hours a day to qualify.

A single "sea day" in Coast Guard terms requires at least four hours underway within any 24-hour period. If you went fishing from 6 AM to 11 AM, that counts as one full day of sea time. If you went out twice in one calendar day but only spent two hours each trip, that still only counts as one day because you hit four hours total. The calculation rewards consistent time on the water rather than marathon sessions.

You also need to demonstrate recency of experience: at least 90 days of your total 360 must fall within the previous three years. This prevents someone from claiming sea time from a decade ago and immediately getting their license without recent practical experience.

Additional Requirements for Near Coastal and Master Credentials

If you want that Near Coastal endorsement to run offshore charters, 90 of your 360 days must be outside the boundary lines in ocean or near coastal waters. This is non-negotiable. You can't spend all your time fishing inland lakes and then expect to get authorized for 100-mile offshore trips.

For Master Near Coastal credentials, the bar rises significantly: 720 total days of sea time, with 360 of those days in offshore waters. This makes sense given that Master license holders can operate larger vessels with more passengers in more challenging conditions.

What Actually Counts as Valid Sea Time?

The Coast Guard accepts time served in various roles, not just as the vessel operator. Your qualifying experience can include time as:

Vessel operator or captain
Mate or deckhand
Active crew member participating in vessel operations
Navigator or watchstander
Line handler during docking and maneuvering

"Active participation" means you're genuinely involved in running the boat: handling lines, maintaining lookout, steering, navigating, monitoring equipment, or performing deck duties. Sitting in a fishing chair holding a rod while someone else operates the boat doesn't count. Pure passenger time is explicitly excluded from sea service calculations.

Here's a detail that surprises many people: you can start accumulating qualifying sea time at age 16. If you grew up fishing with family or worked as a mate on charter boats during high school summers, that time potentially counts toward your 360 days. The vessel must be at least 16 feet in length to qualify.

Documenting Your Sea Time with Form CG-719S

You'll document your experience using Form CG-719S (Small Vessel Sea Service Form). You submit one form per vessel, and each form can cover up to five years of service on that particular boat.

The Coast Guard generally accepts self-certification for your own sea time. You don't need detailed logbooks, fuel receipts, GPS tracks, or witness statements for most applications. You simply fill out the form accurately, sign it, and submit it. However, there's an important exception: if you're claiming time on a vessel you owned, you must provide proof of ownership. This can be:

Vessel registration or documentation
Insurance policies listing you as the owner
Bill of sale showing your purchase
Tax records related to the vessel

Be meticulous and honest in your documentation. The Coast Guard does audit applications, and fraudulent sea time claims can result in permanent disqualification from holding any merchant mariner credential.

What Are the Medical Requirements for a Captain's License?

You need to be physically capable of safely operating a vessel with passengers aboard. The Coast Guard verifies this through a mandatory medical examination.

Physical Exam and Form CG-719K

A licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner must complete Form CG-719K (Application for Medical Certificate) within 12 months before you submit your license application. You don't need to find a Coast Guard-approved doctor. Any licensed medical professional can perform the exam and sign the form.

The examination covers your general health, but several specific requirements stand out:

Vision standards typically require 20/40 correctable vision in at least one eye, with that same eye having no worse than 20/200 uncorrected vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them while operating vessels and carry a spare pair on board.

Color vision testing verifies that you can distinguish red, green, blue, and yellow. The examiner typically uses Ishihara color plates, the Farnsworth Lantern Test, or similar standardized methods. This requirement exists because you need to correctly identify navigation lights, buoys, and signal flags.

Hearing requirements ensure you can hear alarms, radio communications, and audible warnings. While specific decibel thresholds exist in the regulations, your examiner will assess your practical ability to function in a maritime environment.

Certain medical conditions require additional documentation or may need waivers from the National Maritime Center. These include:

Diabetes (especially insulin-dependent)
Sleep apnea
Cardiac conditions or history of heart disease
Seizure disorders
Psychiatric conditions requiring medication
Loss of consciousness or balance disorders

Having one of these conditions doesn't automatically disqualify you. The NMC evaluates each case individually and may issue a waiver if you can demonstrate that your condition is controlled and doesn't impair your ability to safely operate a vessel. Work with your physician to provide thorough documentation if you have any of these issues.

flowchart UI titled USCG Captain’s License Application

Drug Testing Requirements for All Maritime Credentials

Every captain's license applicant must complete a DOT 5-panel drug screening. This isn't optional, and there are no exceptions. The test screens for:

Marijuana (THC)
Cocaine
Opiates (including prescription painkillers like oxycodone)
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Amphetamines

Your sample must go to a SAMHSA-certified laboratory, and the results must be reviewed by a Certified Medical Review Officer (MRO). The test must occur within 185 days of your application submission.

Here's a critical point that causes problems for some applicants: marijuana remains federally prohibited regardless of state laws. Even if you live in a state where recreational or medical marijuana is legal, a positive test for THC will result in denial of your captain's license application. The Coast Guard operates under federal jurisdiction, and federal law still classifies marijuana as a controlled substance.

Only negative results are acceptable. If your test comes back as "Negative Dilute," meaning your urine sample was too diluted to provide definitive results, you may face additional scrutiny or need to retest. Specific handling of dilute samples can vary depending on your MRO and applicable policies, but it's best to avoid any ambiguity by following normal pre-test instructions.

How Do Background Checks and TWIC Cards Factor Into Captain's License Applications?

Maritime security became significantly more stringent after 2001, and that reality affects everyone applying for a captain's license today.

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential Requirement

You must have applied for (or already hold) a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, commonly called a TWIC card. The Transportation Security Administration issues these credentials after conducting extensive background checks.

The TWIC application process includes:

In-person enrollment at a TWIC center
Fingerprinting
Photograph
FBI criminal background check
Terrorist watch list screening
Immigration status verification

A TWIC card currently costs approximately $124 and typically takes 30 to 60 days to process. Many experienced maritime professionals recommend applying for your TWIC two to three months before you plan to submit your captain's license application. This prevents TWIC processing delays from holding up your entire credential.

Criminal History and Disclosure Requirements

You must disclose all criminal convictions on your captain's license application. This includes:

Felony convictions
Misdemeanor convictions
Deferred adjudication
Guilty pleas (even with reduced charges)
Expunged or sealed records

The requirement to disclose expunged records surprises many applicants, but the Coast Guard's position is clear: they need to know about any criminal history, regardless of whether state courts have sealed or expunged the records.

Dangerous drug convictions trigger mandatory assessment periods before you become eligible for a credential. Other serious offenses may also affect your application. However, having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you. The NMC evaluates factors like how long ago the offense occurred, the nature of the crime, and evidence of rehabilitation.

What absolutely will result in denial: failing to disclose convictions that the Coast Guard discovers through its own background checks. This constitutes a fraudulent application and can permanently bar you from holding any merchant mariner credential.

What Training and Examinations Do You Need to Pass?

Beyond sea time and medical fitness, you need to demonstrate knowledge of vessel operation, navigation rules, safety procedures, and emergency response.

Mandatory Pre-Application Certifications

Before you can apply for your captain's license, you must have current CPR and First Aid certification with AED training. These certifications must be:

Completed within the previous 12 months
Taught in person (online-only courses are typically rejected)
From a recognized provider like American Red Cross or American Heart Association

The in-person requirement exists because the Coast Guard wants evidence that you've practiced physical skills like chest compressions and rescue breathing, not just watched videos. Budget $50 to $100 and about 4 to 8 hours for a combined CPR/First Aid/AED course.

One common question: Do you need STCW certification (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)? For purely domestic charter fishing operations that never leave U.S. waters, STCW is not required. STCW applies only to international voyages. Most charter fishing captains never need it.

Two Pathways to Taking Your Captain's License Exam

You have two options for completing the required examinations:

USCG-approved captain's license course: These comprehensive courses, offered by maritime schools and training centers, include structured curriculum, practice exams, and proctored testing. Most reputable providers report very high pass rates (many claim 98% or higher, though these are marketing figures rather than official USCG statistics). Course completion certificates typically remain valid for one year and substitute for testing at a Regional Exam Center. Expect to pay $485 to $1,200 depending on the provider and format (in-person versus online).

Self-study and Regional Exam Center testing: You can purchase study materials, prepare independently, and schedule exams directly at one of the 17 USCG Regional Exam Centers located across the country. This option costs less upfront but generally has lower pass rates because you're learning the material without professional instruction or feedback.

The course pathway is far more popular, especially for people who haven't been around formal maritime education before. The structured learning environment, access to experienced instructors, and guided exam preparation significantly improve your chances of passing on your first attempt.

What's Actually on the OUPV Captain's License Exam?

The OUPV written examination commonly consists of four modules, though exact formats can change. Each module uses multiple-choice questions:

Rules of the Road (typically 50 questions, 90% passing score required): This module covers navigation rules, vessel lights and shapes, sound signals, right-of-way rules, and actions to avoid collision. The high passing threshold reflects how critical these rules are to safe navigation. You need to know them thoroughly.

Navigation General (typically 50 questions, 70% passing score): Chart reading, navigation instruments, position determination, tides and currents, compass operation and deviation, electronic navigation, and basic piloting techniques. This is practical knowledge that you'll use constantly as a charter captain.

Deck General and Safety (typically 50 questions, 70% passing score): Emergency procedures, firefighting equipment and techniques, lifesaving devices, vessel stability, weather interpretation, and general seamanship. Much of this material comes from your practical boating experience, but you need to know the formal procedures and regulations.

Chart Plotting (typically 10 questions, 90% passing score required): Practical plotting exercises where you determine courses, calculate positions, and solve distance-time-speed problems on actual charts. The high passing threshold reflects that navigation mistakes can lead directly to groundings or collisions.

Failing three or more modules typically requires you to retake the entire examination. Most training courses provide extensive practice with these question formats so you know what to expect on test day.

How Do You Actually Submit Your Captain's License Application?

Once you've accumulated your sea time, passed your physical exam and drug test, earned your CPR/First Aid certification, and completed your training and exams, you're ready to assemble and submit your application package.

The Step-by-Step Application Process

The current process for obtaining your original OUPV credential follows this sequence:

Apply for your TWIC card (recommended 60+ days before your planned application submission)
Document all qualifying sea time using CG-719S forms
Complete your USCG-approved captain's course or prepare for Regional Exam Center testing
Take and pass your written examinations
Schedule and complete your physical examination (Form CG-719K)
Complete your drug screening at a certified facility
Verify your CPR and First Aid certifications are current
Pay your USCG fees through Pay.gov (currently $145 for an original OUPV application)
Submit your complete application package to MMCApplications@uscg.mil

Your medical certificate (Form CG-719K) goes separately to MEDAIP@uscg.mil. All documents must be in PDF format with a maximum file size of 8MB per email.

Processing Timeline and What to Expect

Current typical processing time runs 48 to 70 business days (approximately 9 to 10 weeks) after the National Maritime Center receives your complete application. The NMC's goal is 90 days, though processing times can vary based on application volume and whether your package is complete and accurate.

"Complete application" is the critical phrase. Incomplete applications get kicked back for corrections, which resets your processing timeline. Common reasons for delays or rejections include:

Missing or expired certifications
Inadequate sea time documentation
Errors on forms
Drug test results that don't meet requirements
Missing proof of ownership for self-certified sea time
TWIC application still pending

Working with an experienced maritime school or credential service can help you avoid these pitfalls. They review your package before submission and catch errors that would otherwise cause delays.

Where to Submit Applications and Take Exams

Applications now go directly to the National Maritime Center via email rather than through Regional Exam Centers. However, the 17 RECs still provide examination services if you're not testing through a course provider:

Anchorage, Alaska
Boston, Massachusetts
Charleston, South Carolina
Honolulu, Hawaii
Houston, Texas
Jacksonville, Florida
Juneau, Alaska
Long Beach, California
Memphis, Tennessee
Miami, Florida
New Orleans, Louisiana
New York, New York
Oakland, California
Portland, Oregon
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Seattle, Washington
Toledo, Ohio

Most applicants complete their exams through their approved training course rather than scheduling separately at an REC. For questions about your application status or specific requirements, contact the National Maritime Center at 1-888-I-ASK-NMC (1-888-427-5662).

What Does a Captain's License Actually Cost?

Let's break down realistic numbers based on current 2024-2025 data. Your total investment to obtain an OUPV captain's license typically ranges from approximately $1,000 to $1,800, depending on your location and which services you use.

Here's how those costs typically break down:

Training course: $485 to $1,200. Lower-cost options often mean online courses with less direct instruction. Higher-end courses include in-person classroom time, one-on-one coaching, and more comprehensive exam preparation. Many successful applicants consider this money well spent because it dramatically improves pass rates.

USCG application fee: $145 for an original OUPV credential. This fee is standardized and paid through the federal Pay.gov system.

TWIC card: Approximately $124 for the initial credential. This is also a fixed federal fee, though costs for traveling to an enrollment center vary.

Medical examination: $75 to $150 depending on your healthcare provider and location. Some family physicians include this as part of routine care if you're an established patient; others charge separately for completing the CG-719K form.

Drug screening: $50 to $100. DOT drug tests cost more than standard pre-employment screenings because they require specific collection procedures, SAMHSA-certified labs, and MRO review.

CPR and First Aid with AED: $50 to $100 for a combined course. Prices vary by provider and whether you take a standard community class or a more intensive professional rescuer course.

These figures represent typical ranges based on current data and will vary by geographic location and service provider. Plan for the higher end of these ranges if you want to ensure you have adequate budget, especially if you'll need to travel for certain services or retake any examinations.

5 year cycle to Renew Your Captain's License

How Often Do You Need to Renew Your Captain's License?

Your Merchant Mariner Credential isn't a one-time achievement. It requires periodic renewal to remain valid.

The Five-Year Renewal Cycle

Your MMC typically remains valid for five years from the date of issue. The Coast Guard generally allows a one-year grace period after expiration, but you cannot legally operate for hire during that grace period. Most maritime professionals recommend starting your renewal process three to six months before your expiration date to avoid any lapse in your credential.

If you've maintained 360 or more sea days during your five-year credential period, renewal may not require additional courses or examinations. You'll need:

Updated medical examination (Form CG-719K)
Current drug screening
Documentation of your recent sea service
Payment of renewal fee (currently approximately $95)

If you haven't maintained sufficient recent sea time, you'll typically need to complete a limited open-book renewal examination covering rule changes and updated regulations. This is less intensive than the original licensing exams but still requires study and preparation.

What Additional Endorsements Do Charter Captains Commonly Need?

Your basic captain's license might not be everything you need to operate your specific charter business. Several additional endorsements and permits are worth considering.

Assistance Towing Endorsement

If you plan to offer towing services for disabled vessels or want the flexibility to assist stranded boaters for compensation, you need an Assistance Towing endorsement. This typically requires:

Completion of a 4-hour specialized course
Passing a 20-question examination
Additional fee of approximately $150 to $250

Many charter captains add this endorsement because it creates additional revenue opportunities and provides valuable insurance in case one of your fishing clients' boats breaks down.

FCC Radio Operator Permit Requirements

The rules around FCC Marine Radio Operator Permits are more complex than many realize. Requirements are primarily equipment-based rather than simply counting passengers. If your vessel's radio equipment and type of operation fall under certain FCC categories, you may need either a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit or Marine Radio Operator Permit.

The basic Marine Radio Operator Permit involves a written examination with no fee for the test itself. The permit, once issued, is valid for life. Consult current FCC regulations to determine whether your specific charter operation requires this additional credential.

State Business Licenses and Fishing Permits

Federal captain's licenses authorize you to operate vessels for hire, but state and federal fishing regulations create additional requirements:

State business licenses: Most states require charter businesses to register and obtain proper business licenses. Requirements vary significantly by state.

For-hire fishing licenses: Many coastal states require specific saltwater fishing licenses for charter operations. These are separate from recreational fishing licenses and often cost more.

Federal fishing permits: Depending on which species you target and where you fish, you may need federal permits from NOAA Fisheries. Highly migratory species like bluefin tuna, for example, often require specific federal permits for commercial or for-hire harvest.

Commercial marine liability insurance: While not technically a government requirement, most marinas, charter booking services, and clients expect you to carry comprehensive liability insurance. This protects you financially if someone is injured on your vessel or if your boat damages another vessel or property.

Research your specific state and local requirements well before you start advertising charter services. Operating without proper state licenses or fishing permits can result in fines that exceed what you'd pay for proper credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your Captain's License

How long does it take to get a captain's license for charter fishing?

The complete timeline from deciding to pursue your license to receiving your credential typically spans 4 to 6 months for most applicants. If you already have 360 days of documented sea time, current medical fitness, and can complete your training and exams within 6 to 8 weeks, you might accelerate to 3 months total. However, if you're still accumulating sea time, the process can take a year or longer. The USCG processing period alone typically runs 9 to 10 weeks after submission of a complete application.

Can I use fishing time on my own boat as sea time for my captain's license?

Yes, time operating your own vessel counts toward your 360-day sea time requirement, provided the boat is at least 16 feet long and you were actively operating it (not just a passenger). You'll need to provide proof of ownership such as registration documents, insurance policies, or a bill of sale. The Coast Guard accepts self-certification of this time, but you must document it accurately on Form CG-719S.

Do I need different licenses for freshwater versus saltwater charter fishing?

No. The Coast Guard doesn't distinguish between freshwater and saltwater in its licensing structure. Instead, your credential includes a geographic route endorsement (Inland, Great Lakes and Inland, or Near Coastal) that defines where you can operate. A guide fishing bass tournaments on inland lakes needs an Inland endorsement. An offshore saltwater charter captain targeting tuna and marlin needs a Near Coastal endorsement.

What happens if I fail part of my captain's license exam?

If you fail one or two modules, you typically can retake just those specific modules. If you fail three or more modules, you generally must retake the entire examination. Most USCG-approved training courses include exam retakes in their tuition or offer them at reduced rates for students who don't pass on their first attempt. Failure rates drop significantly for students who complete structured courses compared to those who self-study.

Can I get a captain's license with a DUI or criminal record?

A DUI or other criminal conviction doesn't automatically disqualify you from obtaining a captain's license, but you must disclose all convictions on your application. The Coast Guard evaluates factors including the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you've demonstrated rehabilitation. Drug-related convictions trigger specific assessment periods before eligibility. Being dishonest about your criminal history on your application will result in permanent disqualification.

How much does it cost to maintain a captain's license?

After your initial investment of roughly $1,000 to $1,800, budget approximately $300 to $500 for each five-year renewal cycle. This includes your renewal fee (currently around $95), updated medical exam ($75 to $150), drug screening ($50 to $100), and CPR/First Aid recertification ($50 to $100). If you haven't maintained sufficient sea time, add costs for renewal courses and exams.

Can I upgrade from OUPV to a Master license later?

Yes, many charter captains start with OUPV and later upgrade to Master credentials as their business grows. You'll need to document the additional sea time required for a Master license (720 days total for Master Near Coastal, with 360 days offshore), take additional examinations, and pay upgrade fees. The advantage of starting with OUPV is getting into the charter business sooner rather than spending years accumulating the higher sea time requirements for Master.

What's the minimum age to apply for a captain's license?

The minimum age for an OUPV credential is typically 18 years old. Master licenses generally require applicants to be at least 19 years old. However, remember that you can start accumulating qualifying sea time at age 16, which means you can be documenting your boating experience well before you're eligible to actually hold the credential.

Making the Decision to Pursue Your Charter Fishing Captain's License

Obtaining your USCG captain's license represents a significant commitment of time, money, and effort. For anyone serious about running a legitimate charter fishing business, however, it's not optional. Operating without proper credentials exposes you to legal consequences that can shut down your business and damage your reputation permanently.

The 360-day sea time requirement often represents the longest part of the process. If you're currently fishing regularly, start documenting your time on the water immediately using Form CG-719S. Even if you're not ready to apply for your license today, having accurate sea time records positioned for the future saves enormous headaches when you do decide to pursue your credential.

For guides planning offshore fishing charters beyond nearshore waters, securing the Near Coastal endorsement from the start eliminates future upgrade requirements and application cycles. This means ensuring that 90 of your 360 documented days occur outside boundary lines in ocean waters. The credential structure rewards forward planning and deliberate experience building.

The approved training course pathway significantly improves examination pass rates compared to self-study approaches. While courses cost $500 to $1,200, most successful charter captains consider this money well invested because it reduces the risk of failed exams, application delays, and having to repeat expensive components of the process.

Budget total costs of $1,000 to $1,800 for your initial credential, understand that processing takes approximately 10 weeks after submission of a complete application, and plan to start your TWIC application two to three months before you intend to submit your captain's license paperwork.

Most importantly, before beginning the application process, download and carefully review the current official checklists from the USCG National Maritime Center. These checklists provide definitive, up-to-date requirements and help ensure your application is complete and accurate. Requirements, fees, and procedures are governed by specific Code of Federal Regulations parts and are subject to periodic updates.

The commercial fishing industry needs experienced, qualified captains who operate safely and legally. If you have genuine boating experience, a commitment to safety, and the desire to share your fishing knowledge with paying clients, your captain's license is the foundation that makes all of it legitimate and sustainable over the long term.

Sarah Mendez Especialista de Pesca,
In The Spread

How to Get Your Captain's License for Charter Fishing