Unfortunately, some boaters are under the wrong impression when it comes to captain’s licenses. Without a doubt, it is illegal to operate a boat for hire if you’re not a licensed captain. Year after year, boat owners are handed punishment for operating charter businesses illegally. I am a former captain and can tell you first hand that obtaining a license is attainable with dedication. So, when do you need a captain’s license? Here is what you need to know about when you do and don’t need a license. 

In What Situations Do You Require A Captain’s License

No matter if you’re running a fishing charter, a tour, a cruise ship, a transport vessel, or any other for hire business driving a boat, you need a license. 

For a more detailed breakdown, for hire is when money is exchanged to move passengers or supplies on board a vessel. Additionally, no matter how short the distance traveled, a license is still required. 

Importantly, licenses come in different forms. The most basic captain’s license is a Six Pack. A six pack allows you to take up to six passengers, not including the crew. Additionally, depending on the body of water you earned your sea time, the license is broken down by inland, near coastal, and Great Lakes. 

I won’t get into the breakdown of all of the captain’s licenses available because the list is extensive. 

With that being said, at a minimum, you will be required to obtain a six pack license to take up to six passengers for hire. As a captain, I earned a 200 master’s near coastal license. Fortunately, the vessel I worked aboard was in the 200 ton range; therefore, my sea time reflected the tonnage rating. 

What Is The Punishment For Operating Without A Captain’s License

Unquestionably, the punishment for operating without a captain’s license is stiff. Per the regulations of the United States Coast Guard, the person for hire is responsible for the following.

Civil Penalty

In regards to the civil penalty, the person operating the vessel without a license faces a fine of $1,100. The civil penalty is imposed by the government as a result of wrongdoing. 

Importantly, the same rule applies to licensed captains who fail to have documentation on hand. Therefore, even licensed captains must carry credentials while operating in a for hire circumstance. 

Additional Daily Fines

Beyond the civil penalty are fines assessed on a daily basis. When a person is caught operating a vessel for hire without a license, they are subject to a fine of $10,500 per day. 

With that being said, the fines will rack up significantly if the operator is unknowingly under investigation.

I personally knew someone who was operating without a license. Unfortunately, this was in combination with breaking an additional maritime law. Needless to say, this individual is now facing jail time in addition to a substantial amount of fees. 

Why Should Obtain A Captain’s License

Rather than asking when do you need a captain’s license? Instead, earn sea time while operating a personal vessel or onboard a vessel as a mate. The days at sea add up quickly; trust me, I have had thousands of days on the water.

Racking up sea time is easy when operating a personally owned boat with friends and family. Each time you’re out on the water, keep track of the time. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to take a captain’s license course and exam. Shortly thereafter, you’ll be getting paid to do what you enjoy most. 

Most importantly, it boils down to safety. I personally would not want to hop on a plane with an unlicensed pilot. With experience comes knowledge. Additionally, the captain’s course educates you on critical points of operation, including navigation, weather, marine light identification, and more. 

Every year people aboard vessels are killed because of the failure to recognize danger. As a licensed captain, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to keep your passengers or cargo safe.

If your days on the water are racking up, I suggest checking out SeaSchool. Fortunately, many of the classes are now available online. Conversely, when I first obtained my six pack license, my classes were in person. 

If You’re For Hire You Need A Captain’s License

I believe at this point that it is pretty clear that to operate a for hire vessel with either passengers or cargo, a captain’s license is required. The laws are in place to keep the passengers, crew, or cargo safe. Take it from me; I have encountered many challenging scenarios as a captain. Thankfully, my training and experience resulted in a positive outcoming.