Captain License Question

[Nimrod]

Although my screen name is Capten, I am not a USCG Licensed Captain at this time. Many moons ago I appiled and prepared to take the test but got side tracked and never did.

Since our boating is all private and we don't charter our boat and I have never run a boat for hire I don't believe I HAVE to have a license. But I have always wanted to earn the title of Captain and have the option to be for hire if I wanted.

But part of the reason I backed of years ago was because of the perceived notion that an individual will be held to a different standard as a Licensed boat operator even if not chartering or for hire. Sort of like having a CDL license and driving a car. In otherwords, if my dad, brother and I out out fishing and something happens, I as a licensed capt can get into trouble even if I was not running the boat. Also, insurance claims and other factors could be looked at differnetly if I was something other than just a 'recreational' boater. Am I totally off base here? Are there resources to research or call within the Coast Guard to clarify?

I was at a boat show recently inquiring about taking a captains course. When talking to some other boaters about different courses the pros and cons of being a recreational boater with a license came up again.

So.....
Dear Capt Abbey,

What should I do??

Signed,
'Capten' Confused

[Proheat]

Good Question!
I had wondered the same thing.
Hopefully someone will answer soon.

[Tunaman5]

Good Question!
I had wondered the same thing.
Hopefully someone will answer soon.

If you are not piloting the vessel, you are under no other obligations than any others on the boat. If you are piloting the vessel, then responsibility lies with you for the safety of the vessel and all on board.

[fishskipper]

Check with your ins agent and the coast guard.

[Deep C]

If you're not chartering then don't get it... Its a pain in the ass to upkeep it. If they call you out for a drug test and you can't make it in the designated 12-24hour window then there is hell to pay. My renewals used to be free now between the phsical and other fees it runs to around a grand...

[Proheat]

I was talking to Cowboy this summer about his license- If I understand correctly, he has to keep a log/report of everytime he is out fishing, whether it is a charter or just out pleasure fishing with his family and anything in between. Sounds like alot of paperwork!

[Logan9581]

You do not have to keep a log. Just like Deep said, it is a pain every five years to get the approved drug tests and physicals and all the paperwork filled out the way they want it.

If you are not driving the boat, you are just like anyone else on the water...no extra liability.

[rhyano19]

I was going to try and get mine this winter over my break. I am 20 years old, do you guys think it wouldn't make sense to get it now? My father is encouraging that I do, he obviously has his...

[WyeBlueStriper]

The only reason to keep a log is to make it easier to certify your time at the next renewal.
And renewals, as the others have said, are costly and time consuming.

The biggest reason to get a license is to take passengers for hire. If you are not doing that, then it is a lot of work for a piece of paper.
That said, if you decide to charter or rent a boat somewhere, that piece of paper becomes instant credentials.
And if you lose your desk job, it is a bit of insurance (ie drive a water taxi part time to pay the bills)

As for liability, we live in an increasingly litigious society.
If you have a license and something happens on-board the vessel, whether you were operating the vessel or not, you can bet the lawyers will be asking you more than your fair share of questions. Right or wrong, let some ambulance chaser find out that you have your ticket, and you will find yourself as a person of significant interest in the case.

FYI, a DUI can go against your ticket, as well as felonies and drug related offenses.

Insurance rates are a bit cheaper, but i don't believe any more so than the discount that comes with passing a power squadron class

[TheBigI]

You will def. be more liable being a certified captain. After passing the test there is a lot of paper work to be filled out and sent in. The best way to handle this party (the way my dad did it) is to hire a guy to submit and help you with paper work. The forms are a real pain. I forget who the guy was that helped my dad, but the school recommended him.