1. Getting a Coast Guard Credential: OUPV ENDORSEMENT
United States
Coast Guard

2. What is an OUPV?
An uninspected vessel of less than 100 gross tons, equipped with propulsion machinERY of any type, carrying six or less passengers.
United States
Coast Guard

3. OUPV “UNRESTRICTED”
Covered under (a) to (e), the endorsement at the minimum covers any inland waters, but an endorsement for Great Lakes or Near Coastal can be added provided the applicant meets the applicable service requirements (further detail in the service requirements covered later in this presentation)
EXAMPLE: Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels Upon Inland Waters and Great Lakes
Note 1 – All applications must have prior OCMI (Sector) approval. If there is not an approved local limited policy or work instruction on file or the OCMI cannot provided documentation of local OCMI approval an awaiting information letter must be sent . NMC will not issue without documented approval from the OCMI in the form of a letter or Memo to the company requesting the approval. (See approved, awaiting information text for wording.)
Note 2 – If the application is for restricted OUPV other than employment by organizations such as formal camps, educational institutions, yacht clubs & marinas per , the OCMI must first gain approval from Office of Vessel Activities per Policy Letter
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Coast Guard

4. LIMITED OUPV
Under 46 CFR (g) Limited OUPV endorsements may be issued to applicants to be employed by organizations such as formal camps, yacht clubs, educational institutions, and marinas. An endorsement issued under this paragraph will be limited to the specific activity and the locality of the camp, yacht club, or marina
EXAMPLE: Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel Limited to Launch Tender Operations at Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Miami, Florida.
Note 1 – All applications must have prior OCMI (Sector) approval. If there is not an approved local limited policy or work instruction on file or the OCMI cannot provided documentation of local OCMI approval an awaiting information letter must be sent . NMC will not issue without documented approval from the OCMI in the form of a letter or Memo to the company requesting the approval. (See approved, awaiting information text for wording.)
Note 2 – If the application is for restricted OUPV other than employment by organizations such as formal camps, educational institutions, yacht clubs & marinas per , the OCMI must first gain approval from Office of Vessel Activities per Policy Letter
United States
Coast Guard

5. RESTRICTED OUPV
Under 46 CFR (i) the Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections (OCMI) MAY modify the service and examination requirements in this part to satisfy the unique qualification requirements of an applicant. The authority granted by an endorsement will be restricted on its face to reflect any modifications.
EXAMPLE: Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels Upon Inland Waters Restricted to Lake Vermillion, Minnesota
Note 1 – All applications must have prior OCMI (Sector) approval. If there is not an approved local limited policy or work instruction on file or the OCMI cannot provided documentation of local OCMI approval an awaiting information letter must be sent . NMC will not issue without documented approval from the OCMI in the form of a letter or Memo to the company requesting the approval. (See approved, awaiting information text for wording.)
Note 2 – If the application is for restricted OUPV other than employment by organizations such as formal camps, educational institutions, yacht clubs & marinas per , the OCMI must first gain approval from Office of Vessel Activities per Policy Letter
United States
Coast Guard

6. RESTRICTED OUPV United States Coast Guard
Note 1 – All applications must have prior OCMI (Sector) approval. If there is not an approved local limited policy or work instruction on file or the OCMI cannot provided documentation of local OCMI approval an awaiting information letter must be sent . NMC will not issue without documented approval from the OCMI in the form of a letter or Memo to the company requesting the approval. (See approved, awaiting information text for wording.)
Note 2 – If the application is for restricted OUPV other than employment by organizations such as formal camps, educational institutions, yacht clubs & marinas per , the OCMI must first gain approval from Office of Vessel Activities per Policy Letter
United States
Coast Guard

7. LIMITED & RESTRICTED
All applications for a limited or restricted OUPV endorsement must have prior OCMI approval.
In order to get approval, the mariner/company requesting such an endorsement will need to work with the Local Regional Exam Center, who will then work with the Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections (OCMI) to get an approval drawn up and signed that details the requirements to get that specific endorsement on their MMC.
Note 1 – All applications must have prior OCMI (Sector) approval. If there is not an approved local limited policy or work instruction on file or the OCMI cannot provided documentation of local OCMI approval an awaiting information letter must be sent . NMC will not issue without documented approval from the OCMI in the form of a letter or Memo to the company requesting the approval. (See approved, awaiting information text for wording.)
Note 2 – If the application is for restricted OUPV other than employment by organizations such as formal camps, educational institutions, yacht clubs & marinas per , the OCMI must first gain approval from Office of Vessel Activities per Policy Letter
United States
Coast Guard

8. OBTAINING AN ORIGINAL MMC
Applying for a New Credential falls under Title 46 Sections of the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
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Coast Guard

9. United States Citizenship
You do not need to be a U.S. Citizen to get an OUPV endorsement
Exemptions:
An alien, as defined under Section 101(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C et seq. ) (the Act), who is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, as defined by Section 101(a)(20) of the Act
A foreign national who is enrolled in the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
individuals applying for endorsements as operators of uninspected passenger vessels authorizing service on undocumented vessels in accordance with §11.201(d) of this part.
United States
Coast Guard

10. 18 years old is the minimum age for an OUPV Endorsement.
AGE REQUIREMENT
18 years old is the minimum age for an OUPV Endorsement.
Entry level ratings- 16 and older (If under 18 must have parental consent)
Able seamen, Tankerman, & Apprentice Mate of Towing - 46 CFR (f)(2)- 18
Radio Officer, Mate of Towing Vessel- 19
Operators of Uninspected passenger vessels (original)- ???
Master, mates and Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels, Master of Towing Vsl, staff officer, engineer officer, QMED, Pilot, Uninspected Fishing Vessels- 21
United States
Coast Guard

11. TWIC
If you are seeking an initial Coast Guard credential and have never applied for a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC), you must apply for one at a TWIC Center in order to process your application
Mariners seeking their initial MMC will still be required to apply for a TWIC at a TWIC enrollment center before applying for an MMC. These Mariners need not return to the enrollment center to collect the physical TWIC card.
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Coast Guard

12. Medical Exam
In order to obtain an OUPV endorsment, an applicant must pass a physical exam. The Doctor must complete it on a CG-719K
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Coast Guard

13. Drug Test
Applicant must complete a DOT 5 Panel Drug Test (CG-719P) from a certified lab or be enroll in Approved Drug Testing Program.
United States
Coast Guard

14. SEA SERVICE REQUIREMENT LIMITED & RESTRICTED
Limited OUPV endorsements require three-months service in the operation of the type of vessel for which the endorsement is requested
Restricted OUPV endorsements- Service depends on the geographic
area and will be established by
the OCMI during the approval
review
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Coast Guard

15. LIMITED OUPV
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Coast Guard

16. SEA SERVICE REQUIREMENT OUPV “UNRESTRICTED”
OUPV Inland- minimum 12 months experience in the operation of vessels
OUPV Inland & Great Lakes- minimum of 12 months experience, including at least 3 months service operating on the Great Lakes
OUPV Near Coastal- minimum of 12 months experience, including at least three-months service operating on ocean or near-coastal waters
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Coast Guard

17. OUPV (a.k.a. Six Pack)
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Coast Guard

18. Character Reference
You are required to submit three letters of recommendation in accordance with 46 CFR (c).
Written recommendations must be from a master and two other individuals holding officer endorsements or licenses on vessels on which the applicant has served.
United States
Coast Guard

19. OATH
Every person who’s applying for an original MMC must first take an oath
Can be done at any Regional Exam Center or by any person legally permitted may administer the oath (extra notary form must be filled out if not done at an REC)
Every person who receives an original MMC must first take an oath, before an official authorized to give such an oath, that he or she will faithfully and honestly, according to his or her best skill and judgment, without concealment or reservation, perform all the duties required by law and obey all lawful orders of superior officers. An oath may be administered by any Coast Guard-designated individual or any person legally permitted to administer oaths in the jurisdiction where the person taking the oath resides. An oath administered at a location other than those listed in § must be verified in writing by the administering official and submitted to the same REC where the applicant applied for his or her MMC. This oath remains binding for any subsequently issued MMC and endorsements added to the MMC, unless specifically renounced in writing.
Extra notary form for others
United States
Coast Guard

20. Submitting An Application
Applicant s must submit the application to one of the 17 Regional Exam Centers (REC) across the nation
Members can submit the application in person or now they can submit their application by mail or . Details of how to submit applications by is on the NMC Website.
United States
Coast Guard

21. Fees
Fees may be paid online at under the form name USCG Merchant Mariner User Fee Payment
Or in person at any REC
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Coast Guard

22. Tracking of the Application
The REC will ensure the appropriate documents are in the application before accepting the application and mailing it to the National Maritime Center (NMC)
Once the REC accepts and send the application to NMC, the CLOCK STARTS on the application
The REC will ensure the appropriate documents are in the application before accepting the application and mailing it to the National Maritime Center (NMC)
-If an application is not complete, normally the REC will not send off the application package to the NMC until it has all the documentation. If the application is missing only 1 or 2 documents, the REC will hold onto the application and request only the missing documentation. If it is missing more than 2 of the requirements, the RECs will normally send the application back to the applicant. The RECs do not hold onto an application for more than 60 days.
-Average time Sept days
Once the REC accepts and send the application to NMC, the CLOCK STARTS on the application
-Applications are good for one year.
-Average time Sept days
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Coast Guard

23. Tracking of the Application
Safety & Suitability Screening- National Driver Register Check/Criminal Record Review
Average time Sept days
United States
Coast Guard

24. Tracking of the Application
Preliminary Medical Screen
Medical Evaluation (if needed)
Top 5 Medical Conditions
A) Cardiac disease,
B) Diabetes,
C) Psychiatric disorders,
D) Sleep apnea,
E) Chronic use of narcotic or benzodiazepine medication.
Top 5 Medical Conditions that can cause a major delay or denial of your Merchant Mariner Credential.
United States
Coast Guard

25. Tracking of the Application
Professional Qualifications Evaluation
Awaiting Info
Testing
Printing and Issuance
Average time Sept 2010:
PQE- 3.5 days
Awaiting Info Return days
Test Results back from Mariners- 84 days
Approved to Print and Mailed- 1/3 of a day
Total Average time to process days
United States
Coast Guard

26. Top 5 Reasons in Delays of Applications
Medical Condition
Sea Service-Missing or conflicting info on sea service ltrs
Applications- Missing Signatures
Copies of Required Certifcates/Documents- i.e. 1st Aid/CPR, TOAR, Radar
Drug Screen- No MRO signature or company compliance ltr is incorrect per regulations
Medical Condition - Additional medical information is required whenever a medical condition is identified on the Merchant Marine Personnel Physical Examination Report.
Sea Service - Missing or conflicting information on the sea service letter (e.g., not including tonnage or horsepower, the position listed does not agree with other documents in the application package, or conflicting waters). Service should be documented with discharges, letters from marine employers, or small boat sea service forms. If a small boat service form is used, it must be certified and signed by the owner or proof of individual ownership is required.
Applications - If the application is not completed, it will be returned for correction. Three signatures are mandatory: Section III ("Have you ever...?" questions), Section V (consent of National Driver Registry check), and Section VI (application certification). When the "Applying for:" block is left blank or is incomplete, the REC is left to guess what you want.
Copies of Required Certificates/Documents - Photocopies of essential documents must be provided. These may include Radar Observer Certificates, other course completion certificates, 1st Aid/CPR certificates, Towing Officer Assessment Records (TOARs), STCW assessments, citizenship documents when required, etc.
Drug Screen - A drug screen is often rejected because it does not contain the Medical Review Officer's (MRO) signature or a company compliance letter is not written to meet the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46, Part 16, Section 220.
Current or Past License, Document, and/or STCW - A mariner who is holding, or has held, a license, MMC, and/or STCW certificate who does not indicate it in the history (Section II of the application) or does not include a copy of their credentials (front and back) with the application package. This especially applies for renewals and mariners with past transactions at other RECs.
Physical Exam - If the Merchant Marine Personnel Physical Examination/Certification Report is not complete, it will be returned for correction. Particular attention is paid to the "competent", "not competent", and "needs further review" boxes, which are frequently blank. Often the type of color vision exam given in Section IV in not indicated or mariners who wear glasses and/or contacts submit exams without their uncorrected vision listed in Section III.
Awaiting Information - NMC must verfiy your credentials. Often the Mariner forgets information or we need more information in order to evaluate your experience, medical history, drug testing, or approved courses. Please include all required information.
Training Certificate(s) - please make sure that you include copies of all training certificates, approved courses, or any qualifying certificate to help support your claim for a rating or credential.
User Fees - No or incorrect payments are included with the application. Licensing user fees changed as of October 4, Current fees are published in the most recent Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46, Part 10, Section 109 and on the web
United States
Coast Guard

27. NMC’s Website
80-90% of applicant questions can be found at -The checklist you have seen in this presentation and for all CG issued credentials can be found in Applications
** The only checklist not viewable on the NMC website is the 200 Gross Ton Master and Mate Near Coastal Credential
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Coast Guard

28. Questions
If you have specific questions regarding mariner credentialing policy, please contact: LT Dylan McCall Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Office of Vessel Activities (CG-5434) Phone: (202) / Fax: (202) nd St, SW Stop 7581 Washington, DC
United States
Coast Guard