What Is the Federal Requirement to Legally Pilot a Small Ship for Hire?
is there a special license to run a small ship for fishing and dive charters,or do the owners automatically have rgt to pilot the ships?
and to what effect does the tonage of the boat have on the license
the boat is around 167 long tons?
i think i best repent and forget the idea,having problems getting a parking place
If you are in the USA, the captain of a motorized vessel for hire must be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. The lowest level is the OUPV, the so-called 6-pack, allowing up to 6 persons on an uninspected vessel. Inspected vssels need a Master’s. In practice, most people go to classes at schools such as Sea School (which is where I studied for my 50GT Masters with sailing and towing endosements). Note that for an ‘Inland’ OUPV you need 360 days of sea time since age 15, half in the last five years. You need double that for ‘Near Coastal’. Other requirements (e.g. medical) also apply.
you need to get a pilots license from the coast gaurd
the lowest license is what is called the 6 pack. it allows you to carry up to 6 passengers for hire and limits the size of the boat. from there you can move up to higher ratings such as the 50 or 100 ton rating. there are also requirements that your boat has to meet. check with the coast guard for the requirements for wat you have in mind. do not operate for hire without proper licensing. the coasties get rather upset about it.