Generally, operations that carry 6 or fewer passengers for hire are referred to as Uninspected Passenger Vessels (UPV), 6 Passenger (pax), or 6 Pack operations. These are your typical charter boat fishing guide or tour boat operations that may use a state numbered boat. UPV operations traveling on navigable waters of the United States under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction are not required to be inspected by the Coast Guard. They must comply with minimal federal standards for safety, navigation, pollution prevention and the vessel operator must hold an Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) license issued by the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary provide courtesy UPV examinations to assist you. These exams are free of charge, comprehensive and confidential. Contact your local Coast Guard Sector Office. Many times they can put you in touch with a Coast Guard Auxiliarist in your own town.

Helpful Links:

• Navigable Waters of the United States. Contact your closest Coast Guard Sector office or Marine Safety Unit, through the USCG Homeport Port Directory (pull down menu), for details.

• Licensing - Charter boat or guide license information: USCG National Maritime Center.

• Is my vessel operation considered passengers for hire? Refer to USCG guidance NVIC 7-94.

Requirements  - UPV Examination Booklet & Job Aid

The Job Aid is a useful guide to your requirements and is used to conduct a "No Fault/No Penalty" dockside safety examinations for most uninspected vessels that carry passengers for hire, commonly called charter boats or “six packs”. The examination booklet is also used for a safety examination and intended to summarize the regulations and requirements.  These are not necessarily all-inclusive but were developed to assist vessel owners, operators and Coast Guard personnel during dockside or at-sea examinations.