OPUV (6 pack)

I'm gathering from your post that you have now completed the physical exam, color blind test and drug test? Get your Sea Service forms filled out certifying you sea time. Also, try to get some tonnage instead of just the OUPV license. Pick up a copy of the Navigation Rules and start studying. Back in the day, I found making up (and practicing with) flash cards for the light/sound signals was a big help in studying. Good luck.

OUPV req's

Here's a link the USCG checklist: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/checklists/MCP-FM-NMC5-57 OUPV.pdf

When I got my Masters 7 years ago I used a consultant that was a retired Coastie who had processed applications when he was active. For a fee he accepted my application, advised me on things to adjust (some of my sea time wasn't worth including), and then hand walked the application package over to the USCG office. He then checked on its progress. I thought the overall service was worth the money... I'd check in your area (your school may be able to point you in the right direction). Knowing your app won't be rejected before submitting it is a nice thing!

Be aware that most people do fail one section of the test their first time through, but it's NBD. I believe you can usually retest right away. I almost did. Drew a blank on how many degrees in a masthead light. Fortunately it was a rainy day. A tug cruised by the Battery in NYC and gave me the answer when I looked out the window. My wife failed, immediately retested and passed. I believe if you fail a 2nd time you must wait 45 days or something. This info goes back many years. So procedures may have changed. School will be a big help, as it's as much knowing about how the CG phrases their questions as it is about knowing the answers. Good luck.

Congratulations. Did you make it through all sections on your first pass?

Waived the "course" or the test. No course is required that I've ever heard of unless it's something new, yet you said you were required to take an 8 hour course. It's been quite while since I got my masters, but has there been some major changes or is this something to do with the 6 pack only?

I too am curious what was "waived". I receive my 6 pack on 25 Aug 2010, not long ago. There was no course required, but you definately had to take the test.

The only thing I thought that has recently changed was laxing the TWIC requirements.

Ken

Waiver...

I think there's no requirement for a course.. anyone can walk in "off the street" and take the test. Going through a course (even for those who are generally qualified from practical experience) is a good way to reduce risk. Passing the test requires substantial knowledge, but anyone can learn it. IMO the tough part is building and documenting the sea time... which requires being on the water on other people's boats... joining a service... or having resources that enable one to gain the time on one's own nickel. To the USCG's credit (for those in the US), you can't get the ticket without substantial experience.

Of course, in the aviation world there's "Parker Pen Time"... anyone can game the system... same can be done for a six-pack or masters. But that's another topic for discussion.....

It is (or was until the youngies never learned what a fountain pen is) "P-51" time or "Parker P-51 time."

The Parker P-51 was a popular WW2 era fountain pen