Can I work on Sailboats with my OUPV (Six-Pack) USCG License?

Yes. Your six pack USCG License is only valid on uninspected vessels regardless of what type of vessel it is. It is valid on a sailboat, motor boat or even a drift boat with oars.

So if you have an OUPV (Six Pack) and are doing work for hire on an uninspected vessel, you do not need the Aux Sail endorsement.

OUPV (Six Pack) licenses are only valid on uninspected vessels and they can be any boat in the US that is not inspected by the USCG and doesn't have a COI (Certificate of Inspection).

When do I need to get a Sailing Endorsement on my USCG License?

If you are working on a vessel that is inspected by the USCG, then it has a COI (Certificate of Inspection) and a licensed master is required to operate the vessel when carrying passengers or cargo per the safe manning document on the vessel.

If that vessel is a sailboat, then a licensed master with Aux sail of appropriate tonnage would be required per the safe manning document.

What license can the Sailing Endorsement be attached to?  

The Sailing Endorsement can only be attached onto a Master or Mate level license. You CANNOT add it onto an OUPV license since the OUPV/Six-Pack license already covers uninspected sailing vessels.

Is there additional sea time required?  

To add the Sailing Endorsement onto a Masters Inland License you must provide documentation for at least 180 days on a sail or auxiliary sailing vessel.  To add the Sailing Endorsement onto a Mate Near Coastal License you must provide documentation for at least 180 days on a sail or auxiliary sailing vessel with 90 days on Near Coastal waters.  

To add the Sailing Endorsement onto a Masters Near Coastal License you must provide documentation for at least 360 days on a sail or auxiliary sailing vessel with 180 days on Near Coastal waters.

We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!

MM-SEAS is free to use on your own and if you need some more personalized help you can upgrade to MM-SEAS Pro inside of the site.

No matter what, when you are ready to submit your application, you can choose to have the MM-SEAS staff create a perfect application, handle the USCG application fees and work with the USCG on your behalf to resolve any issues for a flat fee of $349 or you can choose to submit on your own.

Pro MM-SEAS members get access to unlimited live 1 on 1 calls with one of our USCG Licensing Specialists. We've found that answering questions live with screen sharing in a video call makes both of our lives easier. Pro MM-SEAS members can access these features inside of MM-SEAS under License Guidance.