Practical Navigator Captain’s Course

When: January 12 to January 16, 2026, from 8:00 to 5:00 each day, with a break for lunch
Location: Clearwater’s office in Beacon, NY
Cost: $650 

We’re excited to be collaborating with Practical Navigator to offer a 5-day captain’s course in the Hudson Valley this winter for the second year in a row! Kate Enright of Practical Navigator will be teaching the course and will be creating a custom version that caters to sailors and the class audience. Take your sailing to the next level and explore maritime careers as a captain carrying passengers!  We are offering an unbeatable price for an in-person course.

The course will prepare you to test for and submit an application to the USCG for an “Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels” (OUPV) license, commonly known as the “6-pack”, which allows you to operate vessels with up to six paying passengers, or a 100 Ton masters license, dependent your goals. If you want to carry passengers onboard your boat for paid activities—fishing trips, scenic tours, diving adventures, or transportation—you’ll need a captain’s license.

The prerequisites include interest, commitment, and ability to study online ahead of the class time. Furthermore, interested students should have the necessary sea time to submit their application within one year from the completion of the course. For an OUPV, that is 360 Days of sea-time, with 90 (of the 360) days of sea-time within the last three years. All necessary books and study materials will be provided on loan. 

A perk of taking a Practical Navigator course is that you get 2 years of free MMSEAS PRO access – they are experts at license applications and can give you 1:1 counseling on the application. This can support students with the licensing process and ensure follow-through and a license in hand!

This course can provide a boost to people who have long hoped to pursue a Captain’s license but have been stumped by self-studying. Once completed you can also test through Practical Navigator’s online proctoring, rather than traveling to a Regional Exam Center.  There are options to continue later in a hybrid format at your own pace for people who would appreciate the attention given to learning material, then more time for self-study before taking an exam. 

We are looking for a minimum sign-up of 6 participants, maximum 10.  If we don’t make the minimum sign-up in time, the course will be canceled with a 100% refund for anyone who had signed up.

For questions: kate@practicalnavigator.org.

Requirements for a Captain’s License (OUPV) 

• 18 Years of age
• 360 Days of sea-time
• 90 (of the 360) days of sea-time within the last three years
• •Ability to pass a physical and drug test
• • Ability to acquire a valid CPR/First-Aid certification

About Practical Navigator: Practical Navigator Training is designed to present useful navigation topics for professional and recreational mariners in a no-nonsense and accessible way. We are a veteran-owned business started by Captain Chris Nolan, a former USCG cutterman. 

About Kate: Captain Kate Enright is a maritime educator and tall ship sailor. She has worked all over the world on research boats, day sailing charters, and educational programs, but has spent much of her career working for the Sea Education Association (SEA), on the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, and currently sails as a Captain in Casco Bay, Maine. Kate holds a USCG 200 Ton NC Master/Auxiliary Sail, 200 Ton Ocean Mate/Auxiliary Sail license. She received her first license in 2017 through a combination of Practical Navigator classes and testing in Boston.