How to log sea time for a captain's license
By the Steady Ground team ·
Dreaming of running fishing trips or boat tours? You'll need a captain's license from the U.S. Coast Guard. And before you can get one, you need sea time. That means days on the water, written down the right way. There's no shortcut around it. So the best day to start your log is today.
How much sea time do you need?
Most new charter captains start with the OUPV license. People call it a "six-pack" license, because it lets you carry up to six paying passengers.
For the OUPV, you need 360 days on the water. If you want to work near the coast, at least 90 of those days must be on ocean or near-coastal waters.
The next step up is a Master license. It takes more time, about 2 years of work on deck.
What counts as a day of sea time?
Here's some good news. On boats under 100 gross tons, a day can count with as little as 4 hours underway. Underway means the boat is moving, not tied to the dock.
Gross tons is a measure of a boat's size, not its weight. Most small fishing and pleasure boats are well under 100. So you may not need a full calendar year to reach 360 days.
One more rule: time on the water before you turned 16 generally doesn't count.
What to write in your log
Write down each day you're on the water. For every day, note:
- The boat's name
- Its size in gross tons
- The date
- Where you went, like a lake, bay or open ocean
Who signs for your time?
That depends on whose boat it is.
- Your own boat: If you own a boat under 200 gross tons, you can sign for your own time.
- Someone else's boat: The owner signs for your time.
If you ride on a friend's boat a lot, ask now if they'll sign for you later. It's much easier than tracking them down a year from now.
Mistakes that cost people days
Missing details
If your records don't show the boat, its size, the dates and where you went, your days may be questioned. Check every line before you send your forms in.
Forgetting about recent time
Some of your time must be recent. The Coast Guard's checklist says 90 days in the past 7 years. But the federal rule we read says 3 months in the past 3 years. Ask your Regional Exam Center which one applies to you.
Taking the course too soon
A Coast Guard-approved course lets you skip the Coast Guard's exam. But it does not cut your sea time. And the course certificate only lasts 1 year. So if your log is far from 360 days, wait before you pay for a course.
What else you'll need
Sea time is the biggest piece, but not the only one. You'll also need a medical exam, a drug test, first aid and CPR, and a TWIC card. A TWIC card is a security ID for people who work around ports. All in, a license costs about $1,300 to $2,000, not counting a boat.
While you build your days
Spend time with working captains. Ask if you can help out on their trips. You'll learn the job, add days to your log and meet people who may hire you later. Many new captains start by working on someone else's boat or filling in for other captains.
Don't take money for trips until you're licensed. The Coast Guard shuts down illegal charters and can seek penalties of up to about $23,647 for running one with no licensed captain.
When your log is close, our boat captain guide walks you through the rest, from the medical to the application. Love being outside? Look at drone work too. Or try the career quiz.
Quick answers
How many days of sea time do you need for a six-pack license?
360 days. For a near-coastal route, at least 90 of them must be on ocean, near-coastal or Great Lakes waters.
Does a half day count as sea time?
On boats under 100 gross tons, a day can count with as little as 4 hours underway.
Can I count time on my own boat?
Yes. Owners can sign for their own time on boats under 200 gross tons. Keep a clear log with the boat, its size, the dates and where you went.
Where these facts come from
We checked these sources when we wrote this post. Rules and fees change, so check them before you pay for anything.