OUPV Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield OUPV facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What happens to an OUPV operator who carries more than 6 passengers for hire on an uninspected vessel? → They are operating as an inspected vessel without proper certification
2. What fog signal must a power-driven vessel making way sound in restricted visibility? → One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes
3. When a DSC radio is interfaced with a GPS, what information is automatically included in a distress alert? → Vessel's MMSI number and current position coordinates
4. What is the minimum freeboard concern for a loaded vessel? → Sufficient freeboard to prevent waves from entering the vessel and maintain stability
5. What must an OUPV applicant pass as a substance screening requirement before the credential is issued? → A USCG-approved chemical drug test
6. Within how many days must a charter vessel operator file a written casualty report (CG-2692) with the USCG after a reportable marine incident? → 5 days
7. What is the immediate correct response when a passenger falls overboard from a charter vessel? → Execute a man-overboard maneuver and immediately throw a life ring to the victim
8. Which security credential requiring an FBI fingerprint-based background check is mandatory for OUPV applicants? → Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
9. What chart datum is used for depth soundings on most U.S. nautical charts? → Mean lower low water (MLLW)
10. What is the primary purpose of leaving a float plan with a responsible person ashore before departing with passengers? → To provide search and rescue authorities with vessel, route, and return time information
11. What is the purpose of the Navigation Rules (COLREGS) in the context of operating a UPV? → To establish the "rules of the road" for preventing collisions at sea
12. What weather condition is indicated by a rapidly falling barometer? → A storm or severe weather approaching
13. How does fog typically form over coastal waters? → When warm, moist air moves over colder water, cooling to the dew point
14. What should be done immediately if someone falls overboard? → Throw a buoyant object to the person
15. In the NATO phonetic alphabet used in marine radio communications, what word represents the letter 'M'? → Mike
16. What is the primary purpose of wearing a personal flotation device (PFD)? → To prevent drowning
17. What is the purpose of a dayboard on a navigation aid? → To identify the aid during daylight hours through its shape and color
18. What is lee helm and when is it dangerous? → A tendency for the vessel to turn away from the wind, requiring constant correction
19. When is a vessel operator required to activate the emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)? → When the vessel is in grave and imminent danger
20. What is the purpose of a spring line when departing a dock? → To use as a pivot point to swing the bow or stern away from the dock using engine power
21. What is a sea breeze and when does it typically occur? → An onshore wind during the day caused by differential heating of land and water
22. What is the maximum number of passengers an OUPV (six-pack) license allows you to carry? → 6 passengers
23. What are the sea service requirements for an original OUPV license? → 360 days of documented sea service, with 90 days in the last 3 years
24. When 'radio silence' is imposed on VHF Channel 16, it means: → All traffic except distress communications must immediately cease
25. What should be included in a vessels emergency plan for passengers? → Muster stations, PFD locations, abandon ship procedures, and distress signal protocols
26. What is the purpose of a running fix in piloting? → To determine position using two bearings of the same object taken at different times
27. What type of documentation is acceptable to verify sea service days on an OUPV application? → Signed sea service letters from vessel operators or owners on company letterhead
28. What visual distress signal (VDS) requirement applies to vessels operating in coastal waters with passengers aboard? → USCG-approved day and night VDS must be carried at all times
29. What does the term set and drift describe in navigation? → The direction and speed of the current affecting vessel movement
30. When must a commercial passenger vessel maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 16? → Continuously while underway