Trojan Boat Forum

Do i need a captains license to operate at 36' 79 trojan with a 13' beam. I live in florida.

thanks.

I don't believe so unless you are taking people for hire.

Definitely not unless you are doing it for hire.

The only time that you need a captains license is if you are carrying passengers for hire. You can operate a boat for hire with no license (ie: fishing vessels) but to carry passangers you must have a license. Unless you plan on taking pasengers, I wouldn't recommend obntaining a full license because if an accident or incedent ocurs now you are joe blow, once licensed your knowledge is proven and you become culpable in the eye of the law. I live in Fl also, 1600 Ocean Master...

The only time that you need a captains license is if you are carrying passengers for hire. You can operate a boat for hire with no license (ie: fishing vessels) but to carry passangers you must have a license. Unless you plan on taking pasengers, I wouldn't recommend obntaining a full license because if an accident or incedent ocurs now you are joe blow, once licensed your knowledge is proven and you become culpable in the eye of the law. I live in Fl also, 1600 Ocean Master...

No, you don't NEED a license to take people out recreationally.

You DO need at least an OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) license (commonly referred to as a "Six Pack license" since you're licensed to take out 6 people) if you plan to charter or rent your boat ...

I have my captains license, and the training, study and tests will teach you valuable lessons. I guarantee that no one can pass the Captains test without study. EVERYONE will learn new things.

As far as liability - I think you will be less liable if you have your license. You will be a better captain, and if there is a situation wherein your judgement is questioned legally, the Captains license will weigh in your favor.

If you are out for a day cruise with friends/family, and having fun, etc. - you are "not operating under your captains license", and are free to have an adult beverage or two if you like ...

Sea School is a fine organization, which I recommend heartily to anyone interested in advancing their skills. Plus, you'll meet a lot of interesting people.

Awe damn...does this mean I can no longer be called Captain on my boat... by my friends?!

striperman-of course you can still be called "captain"-that is if your wife-the "admrial" permits it.

chumwithabottleofrum wrote:striperman-of course you can still be called "captain"-that is if your wife-the "admrial" permits it.

Yeah, the Admiral never says no!

Wow - sounds like a great Navy ...

This is the real captain!! I hate when he tries to dock while drinkin!!

"Not operating under the authority of his license" ... !

rossjo-"Wow - sounds like a great Navy"- I don't know it sounds more like the Village People "In the Navy"

If I had it to do over, I wouldn't apply for the "6 pack" license. The Coast Guard can be such a pain with the applications. First of all, their drug testing is out of this world with requirements. My doctor who has his captain's license over saw the drug testing and it was sent to the largest lab in CT. The Coast Guard rejected it. Now they also want every captain to get a TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Card) whether or not you ever expect to enter a "secure" area in the country for another $135.00. I enjoyed the additional knowledge I got from taking the courses but the application process is definitely not worth it in my opinion.

just my opinion, but I think everybody that operates a boat should have some type of license and take some type of test,
there are alot of knuckleheads out there with large boats that really do some damage. Just dosent make sense , with all the rules and regulations in this country, that should be one of them
Im not talking about anybody here , just an observation at my marina, you should see some of them trying to dock there boats,,, scary,,,,,,,,,,,,,