USCG-Approved Limited Master Launch Tender License

Limited Master (Launch Tender) License

The Limited Master license may be issued to applicants to be employed by a marina, yacht club, formal camp or educational institution and allows the licensed person to operate an inspected launch in a limited geographic area.

Inspected launches will have a Certificate of Inspection (COI) stating the number of passengers (usually more than 6) and area of operation.

Uninspected launches carry 6 or fewer passengers and only require the Limited OUPV credential. There are differing eligibility requirements for each, as noted below.

Eligibility Requirements for Limited Master (launch tender):

USCG Application
Age: 18 years old

Sea Experience:

Limited Master Inland
- 120 days* experience in the operation of vessels
- 90 days of the 120 must be within the last 3 years
* A "day" is equal to 4 to 8 hours away from the dock.
Letter of Intent to Hire

Eligibility Requirements for Limited OUPV (launch tender):

USCG Application
Age: 17 years old

Sea Experience:

Limited OUPV Inland (limits operation to uninspected launches carrying 6 or fewer passengers)
- 90 days* experience in the operation of vessels
- 90 days of the 90 must be within the last 3 years
* A "day" is at least 4 hours on a vessel underway in any one calendar day, with few exceptions.
Letter of Intent to Hire

Course Attendance: 100% required

Testing: All testing is done with New England Maritime. You DO NOT test with the Coast Guard.

Certification: Upon successful completion (meeting all attendance and passing required exams), you will receive a New England Maritime Limited Master or Limited OUPV certificate and a Boating Safety certificate. Both certificates, which expire one year from the date issued, must be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard REC in Boston with your Coast Guard application to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential. The state of Massachusetts will also send you a Boating Safety certification card.

The course includes classroom instruction on the following topics:
Rules of the Road
Aids to navigation
Safe boating subjects
State regulations
Federal regulations

Course includes books, instruction, exams, and assistance with USCG Application.

** Course Dates:

October 12-13, 2024

January 11-12, 2025

February 8-9, 2025

March 8-9, 2025

April 12-23, 2025

June 21-22, 2025

** Classes run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. There is often some additional time required on the second day to review any questions and discuss the application process.

Proctored exam must be scheduled, by appointment, at 232 Main Street in Hyannis and completed within 45 days of the final class date. If you do not complete exams within the 45-day period, you must retake the class and pay an additional $289.

Location: Live via Zoom