What is a Six-Pack Charter? Understanding the easiest way to start a passenger vessel business

If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own boat tours or fishing trips, you may have heard the term six-pack charter. In the maritime world, this simply means you can carry up to six paying passengers on your vessel.

For many new charter operators and small tour companies, it’s an attractive entry point into the industry. Why? Fewer regulations, lower startup costs, and a quicker path to market make it one of the most accessible ways to get started.

But six-pack charters aren’t just for newcomers. Larger passenger vessel businesses often use them to diversify their offerings, appeal to travelers seeking private or small-group experiences, and experiment with new routes or services without the expense and complexity of adding another inspected vessel.

Here’s what you need to know about six-pack charters — and why this model might be the perfect first step in your passenger vessel business.

What Is a Six-Pack License (OUPV)?

The official name for a US Coast Guard six-pack license is Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV). This license allows you to captain vessels of 100 gross tons or less while carrying up to six paying passengers, regardless if the vessel is powered or a sailboat.

Typical boats that qualify include:

• Small fishing charter boats
• Sailing vessels for day trips
• Private sightseeing or sunset cruise boats

This license opens the door for intimate, private trips without the complexity and expense of operating a large, inspected passenger vessel. Most people complete their OUPV license training in a few weeks, depending on prior sea time

Six-pack vs. inspected vessels

The main difference comes down to passenger count and Coast Guard requirements:

Six-pack

• Up to six paying passengers
• Vessel does not require a full Coast Guard inspection
• Lower compliance costs and faster startup time

Inspected vessels

• Seven or more passengers
• Must pass a detailed Coast Guard inspection, including construction standards, safety equipment, and fire suppression systems
• Higher costs for retrofits, safety certifications, and ongoing compliance

If you’re just getting started, the cost and time savings of a six-pack charter can be significant.

Why start with a six-pack operation?

For many new operators, a six-pack charter is the most practical way to enter the passenger vessel market. Without the costs and delays of a full Coast Guard inspection, you can get your business up and running much faster. 

From avoiding costly retrofits to streamlining insurance requirements, lower operating expenses make it easier to turn a profit early on. With fewer startup hurdles, your charter boat business startup costs stay manageable, especially compared to the high charter boat license cost and compliance expenses for inspected vessels.

This model also lets you focus on creating intimate, high-value experiences. Whether it’s a private fishing trip, a sunset sail, or a custom sightseeing tour, customers often prefer smaller groups where they can connect with the captain and enjoy a more personal touch. 

In fact, these types of charters can often command higher per-person rates, adding to your revenue potential.

Pro tip: Six-pack charters are a great way to test your market and refine your offerings before committing to a larger, inspected vessel.

Requirements you still need to meet

While the six-pack model has fewer regulations than inspected vessels, there are still important requirements:

• Valid OUPV License — issued by the U.S. Coast Guard after meeting experience, training, and testing requirements
• Safety equipment — following the Coast Guard safety equipment list, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and distress signals appropriate for your vessel
• Business liability insurance — essential for protecting your operation
• Local licenses or permits — requirements vary by city, state, or port authority

These steps ensure your charter is safe, compliant, and ready for passengers.

Is a six-pack charter right for you?

A six-pack charter is an excellent fit if your goal is to offer personalized, small-group trips — think fishing excursions, sunset sails, or private sightseeing tours. 

It’s ideal for operators who want to keep things simple and nimble, focusing on high-quality experiences rather than high passenger counts. This approach lets you spend more time on the water with customers and less time navigating regulatory hurdles.

If your vision involves hosting large events, corporate outings, weddings, or any trip with more than six paying passengers, you’ll need to consider operating an inspected vessel. That route opens the door for bigger groups but comes with higher costs, more regulations, and a longer startup timeline.

It can also be a smart move for larger charter companies looking to diversify their offerings. Adding a six-pack vessel to your fleet allows you to capture a different segment of the market — customers who prefer private, exclusive trips — without the costs and complexity of running another inspected vessel. 

It’s a flexible way to fill in schedule gaps, test new routes or experiences, and appeal to travelers seeking something more intimate than a big group outing.

Why a six-pack charter is the perfect first step

Starting a six-pack charter can be one of the most cost-effective, low-barrier ways to launch your maritime tourism business. You’ll gain valuable experience, build a loyal customer base, and position yourself to expand when the time is right.

For established charter companies, adding a six-pack vessel can be a strategic move to diversify your offerings. It’s a way to capture a new audience segment, fill in slower time slots with private trips, and experiment with new routes or experiences without the significant investment required for an additional inspected vessel.

Thinking about launching your own charter? Starting small with a six-pack model can help you get on the water faster and grow at your own pace, while meeting all uninspected passenger vessel rules from day one. Let FareHarbor handle bookings so you can focus on the water.