46 CFR 15.605: Credentialed operators for uninspected passenger vessels

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section sets who must direct and control an uninspected passenger vessel (UPV). Each UPV must be under the direction and control of an individual credentialed by the Coast Guard. The required credential depends on the vessel's size and type, and on whether it is on an international voyage.

Applies toEach uninspected passenger vessel (UPV), including UPVs of 100 GRT or more, self-propelled UPVs, and UPVs engaged on international voyages.

What it says

  1. Each UPV must be under the direction and control of an individual credentialed by the Coast Guard.

    “Each uninspected passenger vessel (UPV) must be under the direction and control of an individual credentialed by the Coast Guard, as follows:”

  2. Every UPV of 100 GRT or more, as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(53)(A), must be under the command of an individual holding an MMC endorsed as Master.

    46 CFR 15.605(a)“Every UPV of 100 GRT or more, as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(53)(A), must be under the command of an individual holding an MMC endorsed as Master.”

  3. When a UPV of 100 GRT or more is navigated, it must be under the direction and control of a credentialed Master, Pilot, or Mate.

    46 CFR 15.605(a)“When navigated, it must be under the direction and control of a credentialed Master, Pilot, or Mate.”

  4. Every self-propelled UPV as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(53)(B) must be under the direction and control of an individual holding an MMC endorsed as or equivalent to an Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV).

    46 CFR 15.605(b)“Every self-propelled UPV as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(53)(B) must be under the direction and control of an individual holding an MMC endorsed as or equivalent to an Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV).”

  5. Personnel serving on UPVs engaged on international voyages must meet the requirements of subpart K of this part.

    46 CFR 15.605(c)“Personnel serving on UPVs engaged on international voyages must meet the requirements of subpart K of this part.”

Common questions

What credential must the person in command of a UPV of 100 GRT or more hold?

The individual in command must hold an MMC endorsed as Master. When the vessel is navigated, a credentialed Master, Pilot, or Mate must have direction and control.

“Every UPV of 100 GRT or more, as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(53)(A), must be under the command of an individual holding an MMC endorsed as Master.”

What credential does a self-propelled UPV need?

A self-propelled UPV must be under the direction and control of an individual holding an MMC endorsed as or equivalent to an Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV).

“Every self-propelled UPV as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(53)(B) must be under the direction and control of an individual holding an MMC endorsed as or equivalent to an Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV).”

What rules apply to crew on UPVs on international voyages?

Personnel serving on UPVs engaged on international voyages must meet the requirements of subpart K of this part.

“Personnel serving on UPVs engaged on international voyages must meet the requirements of subpart K of this part.”

The text of 46 CFR 15.605

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR

Credentialed operators for uninspected passenger vessels

Each uninspected passenger vessel (UPV) must be under the direction and control of an individual credentialed by the Coast Guard, as follows:

(a) Every UPV of 100 GRT or more, as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(53)(A), must be under the command of an individual holding an MMC endorsed as Master. When navigated, it must be under the direction and control of a credentialed Master, Pilot, or Mate.

(b) Every self-propelled UPV as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(53)(B) must be under the direction and control of an individual holding an MMC endorsed as or equivalent to an Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV).

(c) Personnel serving on UPVs engaged on international voyages must meet the requirements of subpart K of this part.

The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.