USCG Captain’s License Endorsements

Assistance Towing Endorsement

Both the U.S. Coast Guard OUPV and Master License can be endorsed for commercial assistance towing of disabled vessels – within the scope and limitations of the license. In other words, if you want to charge to assist vessels with towing when they ran out of fuel, are aground or are otherwise disabled you need a towing endorsement.

“Commercial assistance towing” refers to the towing of recreational vessels; such as Sea Tow and Tow Boat U.S. The endorsement does not allow the operation of a large commercial tugboat.

To obtain a towing endorsement from the USCG you can either study on your own before taking the towing endorsement exam at one of the USCG Regional Exam Centers, or you can do a course at a USCG approved training provider. You must score at least 70% to pass the exam. No practical experience is required.

Auxiliary Sail Endorsement

To operate an inspected (more than six paying passengers) sailing vessel you need a U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary sail license endorsement attached to your Master License. Only a master captain’s license can be endorsed for auxiliary sail.

An auxiliary sailboat is designed as a sailboat but can also be powered by an internal-combustion engine. If half of your sea service time was conducted on either a sailboat or an auxiliary sailboat you qualify for a USCG auxiliary sail endorsement. Hence, the sailing captain’s license requirements are:

  • at least 180 days experience on a sail or auxiliary sail vessel for an endorsement onto a Master Inland/Great Lakes Captain’s License; or
  • at least 360 days experience on a sail or auxiliary sail vessel for an endorsement onto a Master Near Coastal License.

You also need to either pass an exam at one of the USCG Regional Exam Centers; or do a USCG approved auxiliary sail course. You must score at least 70% to pass the exam.

OUPV Near Coastal Endorsement

A Master Inland License can carry an OUPV Near Coastal Endorsement. This enables the licensee to operate uninspected vessels for up to 100 miles offshore – as well as operate inspected vessels inland according to the provisions of the Master Inland License.

The requirements for the OUPV Near Coastal Endorsement are the same as the requirements for the OUPV Near Coastal Captain’s License, which are:

  • The minimum of 360 days sea service time in total
  • 90 days within the last three years
  • 90 days outside of the boundary lines

Mate Near Coastal Endorsement

A Master Inland License can carry a Mate Near Coastal Endorsement. This enables the licensee to either operate uninspected vessels or act as a mate on inspected vessels for up to 200 miles offshore – as well as operate inspected vessels inland according to the provisions of the Master Inland License.

The requirements for the Mate Near Coastal Endorsement are:

  • The minimum of 360 days sea service time in total
  • 90 days within the last three years
  • 180 days outside of the boundary lines

Make sure to also read the Captain License Guide for more on USCG Captain’s Licenses.

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