OUPV / Master Practice Questions

1. What does the OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) credential authorize?

• A.Operating an uninspected vessel carrying no more than six passengers, at least one of whom is carried for hire✓
• B.Operating any inspected small passenger vessel up to 100 gross tons
• C.Operating a vessel carrying up to twelve passengers on near-coastal routes
• D.Operating a towing vessel of unlimited horsepower

Why: The OUPV — commonly called the 'six-pack' — lets the holder carry up to six passengers (with at least one for hire) on an uninspected vessel. Carrying seven or more passengers, or operating an inspected vessel, requires a Master's license and a vessel with a Certificate of Inspection.

2. A float plan left ashore before a voyage should include:

• A.Only the operator's name
• B.Vessel description, persons aboard, route, and expected return time✓
• C.The current fuel price
• D.A list of the passengers' employers

Why: A useful float plan describes the vessel, lists those aboard, states the intended route and destination, and gives an expected return time plus whom to call if overdue. It gives search-and-rescue a starting point if the vessel fails to return.

3. Under 46 CFR 4.06-5, what blood alcohol content (BAC) level establishes a presumption of intoxication for a person operating a vessel?

• A.0.04 percent (40 mg per 100 mL)✓
• B.0.08 percent (80 mg per 100 mL)
• C.0.10 percent (100 mg per 100 mL)
• D.0.02 percent (20 mg per 100 mL)

Why: Under 33 CFR 95.020(b), an individual operating a vessel other than a recreational vessel is "under the influence" of alcohol when their blood alcohol concentration is 0.04 percent (40 mg/100 mL) or greater — half the 0.08 percent threshold typical for motor-vehicle operators, reflecting the stricter standard for commercial mariners (statutory basis: 46 U.S.C. 2302(c)). (Note: 46 CFR 4.06-5 governs post-serious-marine-incident chemical-testing responsibilities, not the BAC standard.)

4. A mariner holds an OUPV near coastal license and an STCW Basic Safety Training certificate. Their BST was completed 6 years ago. What must they do before operating on an international near coastal voyage?

• A.Nothing; STCW BST certificates do not expire once issued
• B.Revalidate the STCW BST certificate, as it must be current within 5 years✓
• C.Obtain an STCW Officer of the Watch endorsement to replace the expired BST
• D.Apply for a national endorsement waiver through the NMC

Why: Under the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments and 46 CFR 11.302, STCW BST proficiency certificates must be revalidated every 5 years. A certificate issued 6 years ago is expired and must be renewed before the mariner may operate on a voyage requiring STCW compliance.

5. Which federal agency is primarily responsible for conducting Port State Control (PSC) examinations on foreign-flagged vessels in U.S. ports?

• A.U.S. Coast Guard✓
• B.U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• C.Maritime Administration (MARAD)
• D.National Transportation Safety Board

Why: The U.S. Coast Guard is the designated PSC authority in the United States under 46 CFR Part 2, conducting examinations of foreign vessels to verify compliance with international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW.