Offering the best of both worlds, our blended OUPV (6-pack) course combines a self-paced online/home learning component with at least 16 hours of in person classroom instruction. Students are given full access to our online catalog of presentations, videos and quizzes to learn the course material on their own time and in the comfort of their home. Instructors are available via phone call, text or email to answer any questions and offer help throughout the online portion of the course. At the end of the online portion, students join an instructor in a Coast Guard approved classroom facility for an extensive review of the course material and hands on plotting instruction.
The OUPV or more commonly known as the “6-pack” course is our “base” course for the Masters and/or Assistance Towing courses. An OUPV license is required for experienced mariners looking to operate uninspected fishing charters, dive boats, sightseeing boats, ferries and sailing charters. A “6-pack” license is required for anyone operating a vessel with 6 or less passengers for hire.
Our blended course combines an online classroom program with 16 hours of classroom time normally conducted in one weekend (Fri., 6pm-10pm, Sat and Sun., 8am-5pm). There are four final exams (Deck, Navigation, Plotting and Rules of the Road) which are administered on the last day of class. The Deck and Navigation exams consists of 50 multiple choice questions and require a minimum score of 70% to pass. The Rules of the Road exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and requires a minimum score of 90% to pass. Finally, the plotting exam consists of 10 multiple choice questions and requires a minimum of passing grade of 90%.
Students that successfully complete this course (100% Attendance and passing scores on final exams), are issued a Certificate of Completion that must be presented to the US Coast Guard along with a completed application package for an OUPV license
This online class portion begins on 12/20/2025:
Class is scheduled for –
December 20: Last Day to enroll (online/self-paced portion begins)
January 17: Classroom 6:00pm – 10:00pm
January 18-19: Classroom and Exams 8:00am – 5:00pm
INSTRUCTOR: Capt. Russ Fleming
Our OUPV blended course consists of instruction on the following subjects:
• Rules of the Road (International and Inland)
• Navigation
– Time, Speed and Distance
– Magnetic Compass
– Compass Error
– Military Time
• Plotting
– Speed Made Good
– Course Made Good
– Estimated Time of Arrival
– Three Bearing Fix
– Set and Drift
– Leeway
• Aids to Navigation
• Weather
• Marlinspike
• Boat Handling
• Basic First Aid