If you carry passengers for hire on a power-driven vessel on federal waters, you need a USCG License. A limited scope OUPV license, permits you to operate in a geographic specific area with less time on the water and only one exam.

This short class is ideal for people working selected inland waters who need a license. It provides the same privileges and responsibilities of the OUPV but you are limited to a specific geographic area.

Sector Milwaukee has designated the Lake Winnebago System, Rock River Systems, and Fox River in IL as limited scope waters. This means you can get a USCG license with a minimum of 90 days of experience on these waters and take a three day course. A certificate of completion is provided upon the successful completion of the 50-question exam. You need to make application to the Regional Exam Center for the issuance of the license.

One advantage of the limited scope oupv is time. You only need 90 days on the water experience in a specific area. The class is only 24 hours instead of 56 hours. There is only one 50-questions exam.

Course Fee is $250 which includes all course materials, instruction, exam, and Certificate of Completion. No traveling to the Regional Exam Center for U.S.C.G. exams. No add-on costs.

With limited request for this course, we have not scheduled classes. However, the online course provides a quick alternative. It is a 24 hr course which can be compelted in a long weekend or over a week at night.

Upper Mississippi River Basin Restricted License.

At this time the course is only available in a classsroom setting. We are working with the USCG to get this course approved as an online course.

A restricted licebnse is permited. The requirements for this license are 360 days of experience on the river, attend the 24-hr course and succesfuly complete two exams. 30-question rules of the road with a passing grade of 90% and a 50-questions exam on navigation and deck general and deck safety with a passing grade of 70%. A certificate of completion is provided upon the successful completion of the exams. You need to make application to the Regional Exam Center within one year of the date of the certificate for the issuance of the license.

Course Fee is $250 which includes all course materials, instruction, two exams, and Certificate of Completion. No traveling t the Regional Exam Center for U.S.C.G. exams. No add-on costs.

With an Explorer's Guide USCG approved OUPV Course, all testing fees are included. In addition, you receive detailed instruction on the required topics to make you a responsible and safe U.S.C.G. Licensed Captain. That knowledge makes taking the exams much easier.

Why is this important? As the Master of the vessel you are responsible for everything because you know better. You were trained on the laws and safety issues. Just passing the exam does not mean you are a responsible and safe U.S.C.G. Licensed Captain. We take the time to teach you what is needed, not just to pass the exam.

If our course schedule is not convenient, arrange your own group and call us at 1-800-487-6029 or use the registration form to outline your needs.

Course Outline

These are the topics required by the USCG and 46 CFR to be taught as part of an approved course.

• 1 Piloting:
  • Fix and Dead Reckoning
  • Chart Navigation
  • Electronic Navigation and Instruments
  • Aids To Navigation
  • Charts, Navigation Publications, and Notices to Mariners
• 2 Marlinspike Seamanship
• 3 Inland Rules of the Road
• 4 Magnetic Compass
  • Error/Correction
• 5 Characteristics of Weather Systems
• 6 Currents
• 7 Vessel Maneuvering and Handling:
  • Basic Characteristics of a Vessel
  • Maneuvering in Shallow Water
  • Interaction with Bank/Passing Ship
  • Berthing and Unberthing
  • Anchoring and Mooring
  • Heavy Weather Operations
  • Advance, Transfer, Wake Reduction
• 8 Small Engine Operations and Maintenance
• 9 Fire Prevention and Firefighting Appliances:
  • Classes and Chemistry of Fire
  • Basic Fire Fighting and Prevention
• 10 Emergency Procedures:
  • Collision
  • Temporary Repairs
  • Passenger/Crew Safety in Emergency
  • Abandon Ship Procedures
  • Man Overboard Procedures
• 11 Maritime Law:
  • Cert. and Documentation of Vessels
  • Rules and Regulations for Uninspected Vessels
  • Pollution Prevention Regulations
  • Licensing & Certification of Seamen
• 12 Shipboard Management and Training:
  • Ship Sanitation
  • Safety
• 13 Ship's Business: Certificates and Documents Required
• 14 Communications:
  • Radiotelephone Communications
• 15 Lifesaving Appliance Operation
• TOTAL 24 Hours