charter question

[Jon123]

I am on the planning board for a local fundraiser and a local resident wants to donate a 6 hour fishing/cruise for the silent auction. He is not a charter boat yet does leave from a dock in his back yard. Is this legal? I feel it could be a good auction item but dont want trouble for the event we are putting together. Any thoughts. Thanks

[tuna-or-later]

if he does not have his captains license, and he does not have the insurance to run such business on his personal boat and something bad does happen, everyone is screwed. correct me if I am wrong

[biebs]

We have these same problems with Ducks Unlimited donations. What it all boils down to is money is exchanging hands which makes it a charter. The person who donates the trip has to have all necessary paperwork to run the trip. The scary part is the charity can be held liable as they are the ones sponsoring it.

[seaworm1]

I may not be right here, and please correct me if someone knows for a fact, but if he is not charging any $$, it is not a charter, and he does not need a captains lic. No different than taking your friends out for 6 hours. Or so I believe.

[storm petrel]

Interesting question......here on Block Island a free launch was shut down because they considered it professional. Even though no money changed hands. If there were to be any kind of mishap, the legal repercussions could last for years. Not worth it.

[biebs]

If somone is bidding on the trip and they pay money for the trip, its a charter. The money is just filtered through the charity. Very simple. Ask the Coast Guard. Ive gone through this with Ducks Unlimited time and time again and its the same thing over and over again. Its illegal.