USCG Exam Prep · South Dakota (SD)

USCG Captain's License Exam Prep — South Dakota

South Dakota's Missouri River reservoirs support inland OUPV licenses for excursion and tour-boat operations.The USCG written exam is the same nationwide — here's how to prepare for it, with 2,418 free practice questions covering every subject.

Key South Dakota waters

Missouri River, Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, Big Stone Lake

The USCG exam content is national — there's no South Dakota-specific version — but your operating area determines whether you need a near-coastal or inland endorsement.

Most common license for South Dakota operators

OUPV / Six-Pack (most common first license)

Lets you carry up to 6 paying passengers on an uninspected vessel. The most common first commercial credential for charter, tour, and guide operations.

Priority exam subjects for South Dakota operators

Rules of the Road
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Navigation General
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Deck General
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Safety
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Common questions

What license do most South Dakota captains get first?
Most South Dakota operators start with the OUPV / Six-Pack (most common first license). South Dakota's Missouri River reservoirs support inland OUPV licenses for excursion and tour-boat operations.
Is there a South Dakota-specific version of the USCG exam?
No — the USCG written exam is the same nationwide, administered by the National Maritime Center. The only variations are the license grade (OUPV, 100 GT, 200 GT) and the route endorsement (inland vs near coastal), which depends on where you intend to operate.
How many questions are on the USCG exam?
It varies by license grade. The OUPV exam has approximately 125 questions across multiple modules; the 100-ton Master exam is larger. Each module is graded separately — Rules of the Road requires 70% (or 90% in some modules), and you must pass each section independently.

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