What Captain's License Do I Need on the Great Lakes?

The Great Lakes are considered Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. If you wish to operate professionally (take on paying passengers), you would need either the OUPV/Six-Pack or 25/50/100-Ton Masters captain's license for the US waters. This does not include boating recreationally, i.e., with your family, friends, or by yourself.

A holder of an OUPV/Six-Pack Near Coastal with Great Lakes Endorsement can operate: 

• On the Great Lakes 

• Inland bodies of water, i.e., rivers, lakes, bays 
• Up to 100 miles offshore

• 360 total days on the water since age 16 years old 

• 90 of those days on the Great Lakes 
• 90 of the total days in the past three years on any waters (recency) 

• On the Great Lakes 
• Inland bodies of water, i.e., rivers, lakes, bays 
• Up to 200 miles offshore 

In addition to the other Master's requirements, like being a US citizen, you must have the following boating experience: 

• 720 total days on the water since age 16 years old 

• 360 of those days on the Great Lakes 
• 90 of the total days in the past three years on any waters (recency)  

Those who have had the privilege of experiencing the Great Lakes can tell you firsthand that it is a different body of water. Not as vast as the ocean, but no small lake, and the weather can change on a dime.

We hope this article provides you with additional information that allows you to equip yourself with the proper knowledge of becoming a safe, more knowledgeable boater. So that you too can enjoy the luxuries of becoming a licensed captain.