Boat Delivery: Licensing Requirements And Regulations

If you're looking to get into boat delivery, you may be wondering about the necessary qualifications and licenses. While the requirements may vary depending on your location, it is generally understood that a captain's license is required for certain boat operations. In the US, for instance, a USCG-issued captain's license is necessary if you plan to navigate an auxiliary-powered boat in USCG-patrolled waters or carry paying passengers. This license can be obtained through a combination of training and examination, covering topics such as ocean and water navigation, maritime rules, and boating safety regulations. Similar requirements exist in other countries, such as the UK, where a Yachtmaster qualification with a commercial endorsement is typically needed. Ultimately, the specific license requirements for boat delivery will depend on the local regulations and the type of vessel being operated.

Requirements for a captain's license

To operate a commercial vessel or carry paying passengers, you need a Captain's License. This is a legal requirement in the US, and it is a significant advantage for those who have it. Obtaining a license opens up various opportunities in the merchant mariner world.

There are different types of licenses, depending on the type of vessel, its tonnage, and the waters it will navigate. The three main types are:

• Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vehicles (OUPV) or "6-pack" license: This credential allows you to carry up to six passengers on an uninspected vessel of 100 tons or less within US domestic waters only. The license is restricted to specific ranges, such as Inland, Inland and Great Lakes, or Near Coastal. The requirement for this license is 360 days of sea time, with 90 days within the range for which you apply and within the last three years.
• Master Inland license: With this license, you can operate inspected and uninspected ships within designated Inland waters, including the Great Lakes and harbors. It also allows you to work as a mate on near-coastal vessels with documented sea time. The minimum sea time requirement is 360 days, with 90 days within the last three years. The tonnage of the license (25, 50, or 100 tons) depends on your experience.
• Master Near Coastal license: This license enables you to operate inspected and uninspected vessels on inland waters and up to 200 miles off the US coast. To obtain this license, you must document a minimum of 720 days of sea time, with 360 days on near-coastal or ocean waters and 90 days within the last three years. The tonnage (25, 50, or 100 tons) is determined by your experience.

General Requirements for a Captain's License:

Regardless of the specific license type, there are several standard requirements and steps to obtain a Captain's License:

• Experience: Gain experience as a crew member or ship owner. Accumulate the required sea time, ensuring that a certain number of days fall within the range and timeframe specified for your desired license.
• USCG-approved exam: Pass a United States Coast Guard (USCG) exam by studying topics such as deck general, rules of the road, and marlinspike seamanship. Enrolling in a USCG-approved captain's license course at a maritime school is the best way to prepare.
• Certificates, forms, and fees: After completing the course, submit an application package to the USCG, including a medical examination, proof of drug screening enrollment, sea service forms, and the necessary fees.
• Age requirement: For an OUPV license, you must be at least 18 years old, while a Master license requires you to be at least 19 years old.
• Transportation Worker Identification (TWIC) Card: Obtain a TWIC card from the TSA, which requires a fee and passing a government background check.
• First Aid and CPR certification: Ensure you have valid certifications in First Aid and CPR, which are typically affordable and accessible.
• Proof of residency: For an OUPV license, provide proof of permanent residency with a valid state ID or green card.
• Character references: Present three character references as part of the application process.
• Background check and fingerprinting: Undergo a background check and provide fingerprinting cards to the USCG.
• Renewal: Remember that all USCG-issued licenses must be renewed every five years, which includes submitting to a physical examination and an approved drug test.

It is important to review the prerequisites and requirements established by the USCG National Maritime Center before applying for any license to ensure you meet the necessary qualifications.

USCG captain's license types

In the US, a license is generally not required for boat delivery unless passengers are being carried for hire. However, most boat captains hold a license, and some boat owners' insurance companies mandate it.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) issues all Captain Licenses. The license required to carry passengers for hire is called the "Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels" (OUPV) license, often referred to as the "6-pack" or "Charterboat Captain's License". The "6-pack" refers to the limitation of six passengers placed on the license. The OUPV license may be upgraded to a Master license, which is required for operating "inspected" vessels that carry more than six passengers.

To obtain an OUPV license, the following requirements must be met:

• Physical examination taken within the last 12 months
• Approved drug test taken within the last 6 months
• Approved CPR and First Aid certification taken within the last 12 months
• 90 days of service in the last 3 years on vessels of appropriate tonnage
• 360 days of deck service in the operation of vessels, including 90 days of service on ocean or near-coastal waters, Great Lakes, or inland routes

To obtain a Master license for vessels of not more than 100 gross registered tons, the following additional requirements must be met:

• 720 days of service on steam, motor, or auxiliary sail vessels on ocean or near coastal waters (or 360 days inland)
• 90 days of service on Great Lakes waters
• Submission of evidence of 360 days of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels

All USCG-issued licenses must be renewed every 5 years, requiring a renewal application, physical examination, and approved drug test. No written exams are necessary for renewal.

Captain's license endorsements

In addition to your license, you may need endorsements for some vessels. Here are some of the most common endorsements:

Assistance Towing Endorsement

To work for a marine company that tows other vessels, you will need an assistance towing endorsement. This endorsement does not require any towing-specific experience, but you must pass a short written exam that is included in most captain's license courses.

STCW Endorsement

If you plan to work aboard vessels over 72 feet long or on international voyages, you may need to take an STCW course in addition to your captain's license course. STCW stands for The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping and covers Basic Training, Fire Fighting and Damage Control, as well as the use of an Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS) and both Terrestrial and Celestial navigation.

It is recommended to apply for as many endorsements as possible on your original merchant mariner credential, as this will save time in the future.

Other Requirements for a Captain's License

In addition to any necessary endorsements, there are several other requirements you must meet to obtain a captain's license:

• Experience: Gain experience either on your own ship or as a crew member on someone else's. This experience can be unpaid as long as you are aboard a registered vessel and the owner is willing to confirm your time.
• Passing a USCG Exam: Pass a United States Coast Guard (USCG)-approved exam by studying topics like deck general, rules of the road, and marlinspike seamanship.
• Certificates, Forms, and Fees: Submit an application package to the Coast Guard, including a medical examination, proof of drug screening enrollment, and sea service forms.

Types of Captain's Licenses

There are several different types of captain's licenses, depending on the size and type of vessel you will be operating:

Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vehicles (OUPV)

Commonly called a 6-pack license, this credential allows you to sail with up to six passengers on board an uninspected vessel of 100 tons or less. The license is valid for either Inland, Inland and Great Lakes, or Near Coastal waters, allowing you to go up to 100 miles offshore.

Inland License

An Inland license allows you to operate inspected and uninspected ships within designated Inland waters, including Great Lakes and harbors. With this license, you can also work as a mate on near-coastal vessels if you document 180 days of sea time in the ocean.

Master Near Coastal

With this license, you can operate commercial vessels of 25, 50, or 100 tonnages and take more than six paying people on board. A Near Coastal license allows you to operate inspected and uninspected vessels on inland waters and up to 200 miles off the US coast.

To obtain this license, you must provide documentation of a minimum of 720 days of sea time, with 360 of those days on near-coastal waters.

Captain's license for fishing charters

If you want to be a fishing charter captain, you will need a captain's license. The document that proves you are a licensed captain is called the Merchant Mariner's Credential, more commonly known as the Captain's License. The first step is to decide which type of captain's license you need. The most relevant licenses for the fishing charter business are:

• The OUPV license (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel license, more commonly called the 6-pack license)
• The Master's license

The 6-pack license is what most charter operators will need. This license allows you to carry up to six paying customers on your fishing charters. There are two different categories (called 'routes') of six-pack licenses: Inland and Near-coastal. The Inland route covers bays, rivers, and lakes, while the Near-coastal route covers everything the Inland route covers, plus ocean waters up to 100 miles offshore. Since the Near-coastal category covers more areas, it is recommended for fishing charters.

The Master’s license allows you to carry more than six paying customers on a boat up to 100 tons heavy. Most headboat captains will need this type of license.

To obtain a captain's license, you must meet certain requirements. For an OUPV license, you must have spent 360 days piloting or crewing a boat, with at least 90 days in the last 3 years and 90 days in the ocean for a near-coastal license. In addition, you will need to pass the coast guard exam or an exam provided by a captain's school. You will also need to submit various documents, including proof of US citizenship, a completed application form, medical and CPR certifications, and character references. The whole process should cost a little over $1,000.

Obtaining a captain's license is a crucial step in becoming a fishing charter captain. It ensures that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate and operate a vessel safely and within the regulations.

Sailing endorsements

If you want to operate an inspected sailing vessel with seven or more passengers, you will need to obtain a sailing endorsement, also known as an auxiliary sail endorsement. This endorsement is added to your Master License and allows you to captain an inspected sail or auxiliary sail vessel.

To obtain a sailing endorsement, you must meet the minimum sea service days on a sail or auxiliary sail vessel and complete a USCG-approved course. The specific number of sea service days required depends on the type of Master License you hold. For a Master Inland/Great Lakes Captain's License, you need at least 180 days of experience on a sail or auxiliary sail vessel. For a Master Near Coastal License, you need at least 360 days of experience.

The USCG-approved courses for the sailing endorsement are typically 4-hour in-person courses that cover sailing nomenclature and heavy weather sailing. At the end of the course, you will take a written test of around 20 questions and need to pass with a score of 70% or higher.

It is important to note that the sailing endorsement is only applicable if you plan to carry seven or more passengers on an inspected vessel. If you have an OUPV/Six-Pack license, you can carry up to six paying passengers on any type of uninspected vessel, including sailboats, without the need for a sailing endorsement.

Additionally, the sailing endorsement is valid as long as your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is valid. When renewing your MMC, remember to request the renewal of all your current endorsements, including the sailing endorsement, to ensure they remain in effect.

Frequently asked questions