USCG License Upgrade

Upgrade from OUPV to Master

Once you qualify for a Master License, in terms of sea service time, you can apply to upgrade your OUPV Captain’s License to a Master Captain’s License. The sea service time already on your file will also be counted.

To upgrade to a master license you can do a USCG approved upgrade course. Click here for a list of maritime training academies offering upgrade courses. Alternatively, you can take the Deck General Upgrade test at one of the USCG Regional Exam Centers. You need to score at least 70% to pass the test.

Upgrade tonnage rating on a Master License

The tonnage rating (i.e. 25-, 50 or 100 gross tons) on a Master Captain’s License depends on the size of the vessels you conducted your sea service on. Therefore, if you want to increase your tonnage rating, you need to accumulate sea service on larger vessels.

Only sea service time acquired after the original license was issued counts. The sea service requirements for a master captain upgrade are as follows:

  • Upgrade from 25 ton to 50 ton: 180 days on vessels of at least 5 gross tons
  • Upgrade from 25 ton to 100 ton: 90 days on vessels of at least 50 gross tons
  • Upgrade from 50 ton to 100 ton: 180 days on vessels of at least 25 gross tons OR 90 days on vessels of at least 50 gross tons

USCG License Upgrade Checklist

  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Application Form (CG-719B)
  • Copy of your CPR & First aid card (front and back)
  • Copy of TWIC card
  • Conviction Disclosure Statement (if convicted of anything) (CG-719C)
  • Small Vessel Sea Service Form (CG-719S)
  • Medical Form (CG-719K) (Only if the medical form on your file is more than three years old at the time of applying for an upgrade)
  • DOT/USCG Drug Testing Form (CG-719P) (Only if the drug testing form on your file is more than six months old at the time of applying for an upgrade)
  • Oath Form
  • Receipt of payment (you can pay applicable fees at Pay.gov)

Click here for more on USCG Captain’s Licenses.

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