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License Requirements

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Fastimz, Apr 26, 2013.

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  1. Fastimz, Apr 26, 2013
    #1
    Fastimz

    Fastimz New Member

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    A friend of mine and myself are currently researching and beginning to get closer to making a purchase of a yacht. We have both been on the water our entire life and owned several boats but nothing as large as what we would like to invest in. The question that we are having the most difficult time getting a straight answer to is the license requirements. The yacht will not be for hire at any time. We would like to share seat time on piloting with him. I see that you only need a captains license if you are taking in money or if the gross tonnage is over 200. Would we be able to pilot around a 100' without the license. If I would get the license The 6-pak is only good up to 100 gross tons. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
  2. NYCAP123, Apr 26, 2013
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Unfortunately you will not need any license beyond your state's operator's license. However, I must ask if you've thought this completely through. A 100' yacht is a lot like work and the reponsibilities are pretty huge. Do you really have the experience needed to handle what can come up with a yacht that size? If you want to drive, cool, but you might want to have a captain by your side. I see you're in Va. When you get down to Coinjock and Louis tells you you put that 100' boat into the 105' between two other boats it can get to be a bit tense. (just one of 1,000,000 examples). Mind if I ask how big you've run and cared for on a regular basis prior?
  3. Fastimz, Apr 26, 2013
    #3
    Fastimz

    Fastimz New Member

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    I know there will be a lot involved with this adventure. I've had the experience of handling a 67' on a regular basis. I will be working with a captain for a while before any of this occurs. Im familiar with Coinjock and you are right about the close spots. It will be a ongoing learning curve and by no means do I think this will be easy. I appreciate your help.
  4. Pascal, Apr 26, 2013
    #4
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    There is a lot more to owning/operating a boat than just driving and pulling into a tight spot. Maintenance, troubleshooting etc is the biggest hurdle.

    While no license is required by law, your insurer may require it along with other requirement like experience and minimum crew
  5. Fastimz, Apr 26, 2013
    #5
    Fastimz

    Fastimz New Member

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    We get it that its not, jump in the seat and go. Don't get the wrong impression here that we are over looking the major factors. Just want to clarify the license requirements. I have enough sea time to get the license once I can pass the test of coarse.. That is someting that I will be doing in my spare time just so I can have it. I have diesel mechanic experience and I am quite aware of the major operating systems. I can never know too much and I am currently expanding my knowledge of the ever changing technology. Like I said before, don't miss understand what we are doing here. Im not going from driving jetskies on the holiday weekends to running a yacht.
  6. triggerfish23, Apr 26, 2013
    #6
    triggerfish23

    triggerfish23 Member

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    As stated, it's going to be a requirement of your insurance more than anything. They've been burned pretty badly in the recent past with the amount of unqualified boaters that were able to upgrade during different economic times. We regularly have to do sign-offs for owners moving up in order to meet underwriter requirements.

    I would also caution that, unless you are going to operate commercially, having any license will automatically put you in a more compromising situation. You will be up for serious scrutiny just because you hold the certs. Those of us in the profession take it seriously because we are held to a higher standard than the recreational boater.

    I'm not assuming that you don't take it seriously, but I thought you should be aware. Most folks that approach me about getting a license aren't typically aware that this is the case.

    Also. The point the other guys are trying to make is that there is a reason that most vessels of that size range have a full time captain/crew for a reason. You obviously have some experience in this and it sounds like you will probably be working with someone for awhile before you fully take the reins.

    Kudos FYI you for asking the questions and doing your due diligence. There are a lot of unsuspecting owners that make a purchase well before they have any idea of what they're doing. Then the boat goes to waste, then back to the bank, etc. At any rate, good luck and thanks for asking the question.