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, goto USCG National Maritime Center.

• TWIC - Recent Congressional laws require that license holders obtain a TSA issued Transportation Workers Identifications Credential (TWIC) in addition to a USCG license.

Requirements - UPV Examination Booklet & Job Aid

This booklet is a comprehensive guide to UPV requirements. It is used to record voluntary "No Fault/No Penalty" dockside safety examination of uninspected passenger vessels but can also be used to review your operation's requirements. This booklet is intended to summarize the regulations applying to most uninspected vessels that carry passengers for hire, commonly called charter boats or “six packs.” It is not intended to be all-inclusive but was developed to assist the owners and operators and Coast Guard personnel during dockside or at-sea examinations.