Captains Course open for Displaced Workers

The USCG’s OUPV license allows operators of fishing charters, water taxis, dive boats, and sailing school to carry up to six paying passengers on their vessels. Successfully completing the program qualifies these operators to apply for a license without having to take the USCG’s difficult exam.

The previously available limited/restricted license that many fishing guides had applied for in the past, will now only be available to those working for a specific camp, club, or marina on a very specific section of a body of water. This now means, that first step for those looking to work on the water, is the OUPV course.

Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training focuses on teaching the way people learn, so they enjoy the classes more, retain more, and come out the other end as true Captains, not just as boaters who passed a "test”.  Explorer’s Guide has worked closely with the USCG to develop the curriculum for the OUPV course, which has been approved by the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center. The course is also accredited and available for retraining funding through local workforce development centers.

For additional information about the St. Paul OUPV course contact Explorer’s Guide at 800-487-6029 or David Baker with the Customized Training and Consulting division of Saint Paul Community College at 651-846-1583.