Available courses

(Online) The Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel"OUPV" (6-Pak Captain)

License Description   The OUPV license allows the transport of up to six passengers on an uninspected vessel.

Two licenses:  OUPV Inland: Allows operation of an uninspected vessel carrying up to six passengers on inland waters only.   Near Coastal: Allows operation of an uninspected vessel carrying up to six passengers up to 100 miles offshore.   Great Lakes Endorsement: If you have 90 days of your total sea time on the Great Lakes, you will be eligible for this endorsement

Upon successful completion (attendance and passing required exams), you will receive a diploma from The Captain School Key West. Students send diplomas and applications to the U.S. Coast Guard REC, along with their USCG Application, to receive their USCG License. (You have up to 1 year to submit your application to the Coast Guard from the date on your diploma.)  We can help you with your paperwork or do it for you for a $150 fee.

Eligibility Requirements:  USCG Application Age: 18 years old
Sea Experience: OUPV Inland 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. OUPV Near Coastal 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be near coastal waters beyond the Boundary Line. 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. * A “day” is defined as more than 4 hours away from the dock.

Sea Experience:  OUPV Inland 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. OUPV Near Coastal 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be near coastal waters beyond the Boundary Line. 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. * A “day” is defined as more than 4 hours away from the dock.

(Blended) The Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel"OUPV" (6-Pak Captain)

This course combines the availability of online and Face - Face  (traditional) learning environments.  Students start their experience in the virtual classroom and then reinforce what they have learned by applying what they have learned in a hands-on experience.  When the course is complete, the new mariner takes a series of four exams that are approved by the USCG to demonstrate what they have learned.  Upon successful completion of the exams, learners are awarded a certificate of completion which satisfies the exam requirements for licensure.   

License Description   The OUPV license allows the transport of up to six passengers on an uninspected vessel.

Two licenses:  OUPV Inland: Allows operation of an uninspected vessel carrying up to six passengers on inland waters only.   Near Coastal: Allows operation of an uninspected vessel carrying up to six passengers up to 100 miles offshore. Great Lakes Endorsement: If you have 90 days of your total sea time on the Great Lakes, you will be eligible for this endorsement

Upon successful completion (attendance and passing required exams), you will receive a diploma from The Captain School Key West. Students send diplomas and applications to the U.S. Coast Guard REC, along with their USCG Application, to receive their USCG License. (You have up to 1 year to submit your application to the Coast Guard from the date on your diploma.)  We can help you with your paperwork or do it for you for a $150 fee.

Eligibility Requirements:  USCG Application Age: 18 years old
Sea Experience: OUPV Inland 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. OUPV Near Coastal 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be upon near coastal waters beyond the Boundary Line. 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. * A “day” is defined as more than 4 hours away from the dock.

Sea Experience:  OUPV Inland 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. OUPV Near Coastal 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be upon near coastal waters beyond the Boundary Line. 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. * A “day” is defined as more than 4 hours away from the dock.


This course is designed for an Operator of an Un-inspected Passenger Vessel to up grade to a Master 100 GT Near Coastal.

This course is intended to meet of exceed the standards established for the knowledge requirements of an Auxiliary Sail Endorsement as set forth in 46 e-CFR Subpart B part 11 and delineated in table 11.910-2.

This course is intended to meet or exceed the standards established for the knowledge requirements of an Assistance Towing Endorsement as outlined in 46 e-CFR Subpart B part 11 and delineated in table 11.910-2.

Chart Plotting Review Course.

Marine Radio Operator Course and Global Maritime Distress Safety Systems

This course is designed to help learners develop the basic skills need to conduct surveys.

Drug and Alcohol Training for the Supervisor


Supplemental Coastal Nav for OUPV

Deck General for OUPV

Rules of the Road 

Renewal and Inland to Near Coastal Upgrade

This course is designed as a supplement to OUPV Blended course, and for those looking to review navigation techniques

Ideas are easy.  Detailed planning and implementation are much more difficult!

With my 40 years of hands-on experience in business, education, and tourism, and holder of a Master Maine Guide License, US Coast Guard Master License, and an MBA, I know I would like to share. The details are the result of research and planning into opportunities for an encore career in my retirement. 


STCW Basic Training (Blended) PMT-12

This course is designed as a supplement for those shifting from Blended to Online OUPV, as well as an additional study tool.  

Final Chart Plotting Exam A

Online Test for Rules of the Road Series B

Masters Exam Online 165-A

This course will satisfy the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code as amended 2010, and 46 CFR 11.302(a)(4) and 12.602(a)(4) and have performed all assessment tasks as guided by the applicable section within  the Basic Training NVIC 08-14.

Apprentice Mate (Steersman) Upgrade (Blended)

OUPV Blended Course for The Captain School with 3 days

This course allows learners to apply classroom learning to hands-on reinforcement. You will
learn about survival at sea after abandoning ship. What should I expect?
During this course you will become familiar with the theory of survival at sea. Then we will
evaluate the situations that can force a crew to abandon their vessel. Obviously next up is
what equipment is available for you when you have to give up the ship at sea and how is it
used. After this we spend time learning how to use emergency signal devices. We will wrap
up the course with a 20-question exam you will need to achieve 70% or greater to pass. Now
you are ready to go out for hands-on learning. I hope that this course better helps prepare
you for emergencies at sea, and you have a little fun.

The process of marine corrosion are studied, to help the student better understand the importance of corrosion control.  Passive and  impressed current  corrosion control systems are reviewed and evaluated for use in the marine environment.  Learners also become familiar with various commercial classes of protective coating are covered.Laboratory has an extensive collection of marine corrosion examples for demonstration.Students are given individual projects on several different metals and coating.

Engineering principals related to small boat operations and troubleshooting techniques.

(Online) Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel"OUPV" (6-Pak Captain)

License Description   The OUPV license allows the transport of up to six passengers on an uninspected vessel.

Two licenses:  OUPV Inland: Allows operation of an uninspected vessel carrying up to six passengers on inland waters only.   Near Coastal: Allows operation of an uninspected vessel carrying up to six passengers up to 100 miles offshore.   Great Lakes Endorsement: If you have 90 days of your total sea time on the Great Lakes, you will be eligible for this endorsement

Upon successful completion (attendance and passing required exams), you will receive a diploma from The Captain School Key West. Students send diploma and application to the U.S. Coast Guard REC, along with your USCG Application to receive your USCG License. (You have up to 1 year to submit your application to the Coast Guard from the date on your diploma.)  We can help you with your paperwork or do it for you for a $100 fee.

Eligibility Requirements:  USCG Application Age: 18 years old
Sea Experience: OUPV Inland 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. OUPV Near Coastal 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be upon near coastal waters beyond the Boundary Line. 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. * A “day” is defined as more than 4 hours away from the  dock.

Sea Experience:  OUPV Inland 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. OUPV Near Coastal 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be upon near coastal waters beyond the Boundary Line. 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. * A “day” is defined as more than 4 hours away from the dock.

This course is designed for an Operator of an Un-inspected Passenger Vessel to up grade to a Master 100 GT Near Coastal.

(Blended) The Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel"OUPV" (6-Pak Captain)

This course combines the availability of online and Face - Face  (traditional) learning environments.  Students start their experience in the virtual classroom and then reinforce what they have learned by applying what they have learned in a hands-on experience.  When the course is complete the new mariner takes a series of four exams that are approved by the USCG to demonstrate what they have learned.  Upon successful completion of the exams learners are awarded a certificate of completion which satisfies the exam requirements for licensure.   

License Description   The OUPV license allows the transport of up to six passengers on an uninspected vessel.

Two licenses:  OUPV Inland: Allows operation of an uninspected vessel carrying up to six passengers on inland waters only.   Near Coastal: Allows operation of an uninspected vessel carrying up to six passengers up to 100 miles offshore. Great Lakes Endorsement: If you have 90 days of your total sea time on the Great Lakes, you will be eligible for this endorsement

Upon successful completion (attendance and passing required exams), you will receive a diploma from The Captain School Key West. Students send diploma and application to the U.S. Coast Guard REC, along with your USCG Application to receive your USCG License. (You have up to 1 year to submit your application to the Coast Guard from the date on your diploma.)  We can help you with your paperwork or do it for you for a $100 fee.

Eligibility Requirements:  USCG Application Age: 18 years old
Sea Experience: OUPV Inland 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. OUPV Near Coastal 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be upon near coastal waters beyond the Boundary Line. 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. * A “day” is defined as more than 4 hours away from the dock.

Sea Experience:  OUPV Inland 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. OUPV Near Coastal 360 days* operating a small vessel 90 days of the 360 must be upon near coastal waters beyond the Boundary Line. 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years. * A “day” is defined as more than 4 hours away from the dock.