All - As an ex-Navy guy, an avid waterman, and somewhat of an overachiever, I have thought about going through the rigamaroll (sp?) of getting an OUPV 6 pack license.
My question for the group, and specifically any of the Captains, is this: is the OUPV a specific exam w/ a subset of questions for nearshore vessels? Or does it include the entire deck and engineering questions that would be applicable to ocean going vessels? Am I going to be asked to calculate RPM to go 12.5 kts for a vessel with a prop pitch of 13’ and slip ratio of 7%?? That doesn’t seem very applicable to me…
Any thoughts on the best way to accomplish my goal? Online courses, classes, or just self study?
Alright there NAVY, as prior Navy I can say suck it up and just do the course and take the test, you can do it. Well then again, if you’re a nuke, you may just need to stay on the beach…
Take the class. It is straight forward and you should be confident going into the test. Some of the questions are a little tricky but if you read them carefully you will be fine.
Thanks y’all for the info! The class sounds like the easiest path! One last question - I’m guessing obtaining a TWIC is a hard requirement? I read somewhere that there are exemptions?
backlash - thanks for the firm ■■■■■■■■ I was a nuke - but was also qualified OOD on the pointy end…that side of the boat made much more sense to me!
TWIC card isn’t a big deal… Take finger prints and fill out an application. As long as you haven’t been in any really bad trouble you’ll be fine. Guys that I work with have their cards and some have multiple felonys, drug charges, dui, so I’m not sure what would keep you from getting the card…
I feel for ya, last time I was in one a walked on the ocean floor at 650’.
But you got it, no worries, you don’t need to show anyone your boat handling skills
My question for the group, and specifically any of the Captains, is this: is the OUPV a specific exam w/ a subset of questions for nearshore vessels? Or does it include the entire deck and engineering questions that would be applicable to ocean going vessels? Am I going to be asked to calculate RPM to go 12.5 kts for a vessel with a prop pitch of 13’ and slip ratio of 7%?? That doesn’t seem very applicable to me…
You don't get slip question, & fuel burn, terrestrial questions till the 500/1600ton questions.
Im not sure if you need a TWIC card or not anymore for getting your license. I just renewed my masters and i did not have to renew my TWIC. The test for obtaining your OUPV license is very straight forward, the hardest part is dedicating the week of classes. Not taking credit away from anyone, but thought the testing was a lot easier than what I expected. The trickiest part, if you have previous schooling in seamanship, is all navigation on paper is done in magnetic so no TVMDC, but if you go for your masters than all chart work is done in TRUE (as it is really suppose to be).
I recommend SEA SCHOOL because they will line up everything for applying as well and check all the ppwk.
The first step is go to classes, and they will make sure you have all your requirements.
For those getting an original license, they will still have to through the TWIC process.
If you already hold a TWIC, AND your employer or situation does not require you to carry one, then you do not have to renew your TWIC anymore. Just a reminder, there are still a lot of mariners still require to hold a valid TWIC, so check.
And on plotting
OUPV- plot in compass
100t Masters - convert from compass to true, plot in true
The way I read it, a TWIC Card is no longer required for obtaining, or renewing an OUPV 6 pack (less than 100 gross tons)license?
The Coast Guard has released a Policy Letter which modified the requirement that all mariners obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) in order to be issued a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
The Coast Guard is allowing mariners without a valid TWIC who operate on board vessels that do not have a security plan to acquire and renew a MMC. Specifically this policy will apply to mariners who are inactive or not operating under the authority of their credential, as well as those who serve on vessels that are not required to have a vessel security plan. These vessels include:
Uninspected passenger vessels of less than 100 gross register tons
Vessels inspected under subchapter T of Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations, except those on international voyages
Towing vessels not involved in towing barges inspected under 46 CFR subchapters D, I or O
Towing vessels involved in fleeting, docking, or ship assist
Mariners on the vessels described above will be permitted to renew an existing credential without submitting proof of hold a valid TWIC. The coast guard will implement policies, which will enable these mariners to acquire a MMC without having to make two trips to a TWIC enrollment center.
…Politicians aren’t the “Oldest Profession”, but the results are still the same!!!
Even if you are not required to hold a TWIC, you will need to enroll at a TWIC enrollment center and pay all applicable fees associated with getting a TWIC. However, you will not be required to pick up your TWIC as a precondition for receiving your MMC. Reference Policy Letter 11-15(5)(a)
Got it, Thanks!! Looks like there’s still a loophole when renewing your MMC that could allow you to skip the TWIC process, but would significantly delay your MMC paperwork approval. It’s probably better to spend the few bucks to expedite matters.
…Politicians aren’t the “Oldest Profession”, but the results are still the same!!!
I was a nuke - but was also qualified OOD on the pointy end…that side of the boat made much more sense to me!