What determines a Capt. rank?

[SdDoc]

Just wondering what or who determines the rank of captain of vessel(i.e. Charter vessels on Erie, millacs,etc..)? Is there a special training or just an Ego... Thanks Doc....

[Juls_WI]

There is a class you must pass first. It's given by the USCG. I hear it is not easy.

Juls

[cisco]

The USCG captains license is not easy to get, but unless you fish for hire on "Coast Guard" waters, it's not "illegal" to call yourself captain of your own vessel. Inland water guides in many states need only to hang out a shingle, perhaps register with the state (buy a permit) and set up shop. Even Alaska, where you'd think common sense would require careful licensing, requires only a willingness to guide (inland waters, woods). For info on the USCG requirements, get in touch with the Cleveland (Ohio) office.

[Sheila]

Most popular is the 6-pack, and that ain't beer!

What kind of licenses are available to operate small boats?

"6-pack Charter Captain"
The 6-pack charter captain is the entry-level license that most people apply for. Officially call the "Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV)" license, the license is valid only if you are carrying 6 or fewer passengers for hire on an uninspected vessel of less than 100 gross toms, equipped with propulsion machinery of any type (including auxiliary sail vessels.) It is held by people who take paying passengers on charter fishing parties, dive trips, sailing lesson, sightseeing tours, etc.

Master
With a master license (sometimes called the "100 ton" or "tonnage" license), you are entitled to take more than 6 passengers on inspected vessels, so it is commonly held by people operating larger excursion vessels, such as tour boats, small ferries, large charters, etc. You are limited to power-driven vessels only unless your license is endorsed for sail or auxiliary sail. (Qualifying service for these endorsements is explained in each license category below.) Your tonnage limit will be based on the size of the vessel on which you have served.

Both licenses are issued with geographical restrictions, which could be any of those listed below, depending on where you gained your experience. Check the experience requirements to see what area you are qualified for.

Near Coastal authorizes service within 100 miles off any shore and all inland waters (except the Great Lakes) for the 6-pack license. For 100 ton Master, the offshore limit is 200 miles.

Inland waters allows service on waters inside the "Boundary Line" except for the Great Lakes. The Boundary Line generally runs along the shoreline.

Great Lakes covers only those specific waters.

As for the OUPV 6-pack license, the primary USCG requirements are:
Age 18 or over
360 days underway experience
90 of thse days in the last 3 years
Physical, drug test and eye exam
Valid CPR/First Aid card
Completion of the USCG exam or
Completion of a USCG approved OUPV course

[Capt. Denny Bergeman]

Sheila,

Very good presentation. I just have a few things to add. First of all you can have a Master tonage license under 100 tons. (Mine is 50)
We can upgrade up to 200 tons by just getting experence on a vessel. Ninety days, with 4 consectutive hour being a day. Over 200 tons you must take a fire fighters course.

All captains regardless of license must be in a drug testing program during the season you operate.(Federal Law)

Most individuals who go for a license must take a course to help prepare them. The test is in three parts, and will take most of a day to complete. (Not easy)

[Capt. Dave Horvath]

Don't quote me on this, but, I believe that what requires that you have a license or not, is whether you charge money or not. Regardless of whether it is a USCG waterway or not.
If you charge money, I believe you need a capt. license, Inland waterway or Great Lakes.
Again not positive but I'll ask soon, as I am scheduled to have my boat inspected.
If different from my assumption, I'll keep ya's posted.

Dave

[jeff reed]

EASY TEST??? If a 2nd shift General Motors production worker can take the test and get a captain's licence, get hired for 8.00 bucks per hour piloting a 60 person paddle wheel excursion boat fully loaded on Genesee County's Mott Lake in Michigan while sinking the boat with most people swimming to shore on the maiden voyage. This test can't be too hard !!!!!

[Capt. Denny Bergeman]

Jeff,

For him to run that boat it must pass a yearly Coast Guard inspection. This is a requirement for all tonage boats.

Don't under estimate the intellegence level of anyone. Just because he is a production worker for General Motors does not mean he is stupid. I have been in education all my life. Anyone who tries hard enough can do it if they want. More people fail this test than pass it. If you don't believe me try it.

[jbird]

I was wondering if somebody has the phone number, to get the six-pack lisc. I am a guide right now but would feel alot safe on having the captains training and I am sure the insurance company would like me alot more also..

[cisco]

Again -- in most states you do NOT need the USCG captains license to set yourself up as guide or your own "captain." The original question asked what it takes to be a captain. In reality, all it takes is calling yourself Captain. Bobby Knight was called General, and look how many southern Col. So-and-Sos exist.

If you're on the Great Lakes or other USCG jurisdiction water, you cannot legally hire out as a charter captain. If you want to guide on inland waters it may or may not require a STATE license -- depends on state. In most that do require a license, a test is not required.

[bob oh]

Call the Coast Guard at 419-259-6395. They will send you a packet that should answer all of your questions. You will find the test a lot easier if you take a class from a good, qualified captain.

Bob