Be The Captain · video

What this video covers

Commercial maritime operations in the United States require a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license, categorized as either an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) for up to six passengers or a Master license for inspected vessels.1:33 Both credentials mandate a medical exam, drug test, background check, and a written test on the Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook.2:47 The OUPV requires 360 days of sea time, while the Master license requires 720 days.3:35 Conversely, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) offers a tiered system—Day Skipper, Yacht Master Coastal, Offshore, and Ocean—which relies on logged nautical miles and a practical on-board examination.3:47 While the U.S. Coast Guard license expires every five years, RYA certifications are valid for life.6:49 Private boat owners face no legal requirement to hold a license for personal use or global cruising.8:42 Insurance providers prioritize documented offshore experience over formal licensing for delivery captains.7:24 Alternatives for chartering include the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or the American Sailing Association (ASA) International Proficiency Certificate (IPC).11:14

More from Be The Captain

31 Crew Sailed Into Hurricane Mitch. None Were Ever Found | The Tragic Story of SV FantomeAug 2026Declared Dead at Sea — Then They Came Back | The Rose-Noëlle StoryJul 2026My Final Video as Sailing ZingaroJul 2026The Brutal Truth About Cruising on a Budget & Surviving Storms at SeaJul 2026

From Be The Captain — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.