| Can I use a bigger motor on my boat than what it's rated for? |
| It is not a violation of Coast Guard regulations to install or use an engine larger than specified on the capacity label, but there may be state regulations prohibiting it, and restrictions from your own insurance company regarding this.
There are no Coast Guard regulations against exceeding the safe loading capacity, however, there may be State regulations or restrictions from your insurance company which prohibit this. There is a Coast Guard regulation that gives Coast Guard Boarding Officers the power to terminate the use of a boat (send it back to shore) if, in the judgment of the Boarding Officer, the boat is overloaded. There is no fine for this, unless the operator refuses the Boarding Officer's order. We certainly hope that you will abide by the rating, as overloading may lead to capsizing or swamping of the boat.
NOTE: The Coast Guard Capacity Information label is required only on monohull boats less than 20' in length. The label is not required on multi-hull boats, pontoon boats (catamarans), or on any sailboats, canoes, kayaks, or inflatable boats, regardless of length.
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| Do I need a license to charter my recreational boat? |
Yes, any operator of a boat for hire is required to be licensed. These licenses are issued by the Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers. To obtain the contact information for the Regional Exam Center nearest your location visit: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/index.htm.
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| Do I need a license to operate a recreational boat? |
| The Coast Guard does not issue or require operator licenses for recreational boats (any vessel used exclusively for pleasure or non-commercial purposes). Operator licensing for boats is a State function. For accurate, up-to-date requirements contact your State Boating Law Administrator.
We strongly recommend that all novice boaters, adult or youngster, take advantage of a boating safety course. Call 1-800-336-2628. In Virginia, call 1-800-245-2628.
Keep in mind that the boat must be numbered or registered with the State. Please refer to "Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats" which covers this requirement as well as other safety topics a boat operator should know. Go to Federal Requirements or call the Infoline at 1-800-368-5647 to have a copy mailed to you.
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| How can I renew or transfer documentation? |
| Call the National Vessel Documentation Center at 1-800-799-8362.
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| How do I obtain a Captain's License, Z-card, MMD, or other commercial license or certificate? |
| The Coast Guard issues nearly sixty different operator licenses and certificates. Each has its own qualifying requirements such as citizenship, age, experience, physical condition, and other considerations.
These operator licenses are issued by Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers (REC). There are links to every Regional Exam Center at http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/index.htm. This site also provides exam questions, licensing forms, and a list of Coast Guard approved schools.
For each type of license, there are experience requirements, and the applicant must pass a written test and physical exam. If you want to use your boat as a charter operation, to carry passengers for hire, you must be licensed. The exact type of license will depend on the number of passengers carried and the route or area of operation.
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| What are the advantages of documenting my boat with the Coast Guard? |
The difference between Documentation and State registration is that Documentation is a form of Federal Registration for larger boats (5 net tons or more). It has two basic advantages:
- Documentation makes it easier to get bank financing. A bank will often stipulate that boat must be documented.
- Documentation makes it easier to establish the identity of the vessel when cruising foreign waters (the Coast Guard Documentation serves as a "passport" for the vessel).
Recreational boats of 5 net tons or more (approximately 35 feet in length and over) are eligible (but not required) to be documented by the Coast Guard. Documenting a boat is generally more expensive than registering it with the State, but it may have advantages if the boat is used for international travel. Some States will require registration of a boat even if it is documented.
If a pleasure craft owner wishes to have a vessel documented as a yacht, it can be done if:
- The vessel is 5 net tons or more.
- The owner is a citizen of the United States.
- The vessel is used exclusively for pleasure.
- The owner can establish the necessary facts of construction and ownership.
This will document the yacht as a vessel of the United States, but it will not exempt it from any applicable State or Federal taxes. Furthermore, the fact that the yacht is documented will not excuse the owner from complying with safety and equipment regulations of the Federal or State governments in the State in which the vessel is used.
Vessels may be documented in three categories: pleasure, commercial, or commercial with a pleasure endorsement.
Please visit the National Vessel Documentation Center at: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/nvdc.htm.
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| What are the equipment requirements for my recreational boat? |
| We have a pamphlet called "Federal Requirements and Safety Tips For Recreational Boats." It covers all safety equipment requirements and other topics of interest to recreational boaters. The pamphlet explains requirements for personal flotation devices, visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, ventilation, backfire flame control, sound producing devices, marine sanitation devices, navigation lights, shapes and lights, as well as navigation rules, FCC regulations, and pollution regulations. Go to Federal Requirements
You should also contact your State Boating Law Administrator for your local safety requirements.
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| What if I want to build a boat to sell? |
| There are a number of regulations that apply. You can obtain a package of information for new manufacturers through the mail. The information packet covers regulations and other requirements, such as how to get a manufacturers identification code (MIC). To obtain the package you can write to:
Commandant (G-OPB-3)
U.S. Coast Guard
Room 3100
Washington, DC 20593-0001
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| What is the age limit to operate a Personal Watercraft? |
| Age requirements vary for different localities. Contact your State Boating Law Administrator for your local requirements.
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| What regulations are available if I want to build or modify my own boat? |
| We refer to people who build a boat for their own use as "Backyard Boat Builders". They are expected to comply with the same safety standards and administrative regulations as regular boat manufacturers. Failure to do so could affect their insurance coverage and make them vulnerable in a liability suit.
SAFETY STANDARDS: Backyard Boatbuilders can find the information they need to comply with federal regulations in the Boatbuilder's Handbook.
Additional helpful technical information is available from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) at www.abycinc.org.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS: Backyard Boat Builders are required to have a hull identification number (HIN) on their boat. A HIN will be issued by the State Boating Law Administrator of the State in which the builder lives.
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| Where can I take a class to prepare for my commercial licensing exams? |
| There is a list of Coast Guard approved schools at http://www.uscg.mil/STCW/m-pers.htm.
This site also provides sample exam questions, licensing forms, and links to every Regional Exam Center.
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| Whom do I contact to register my recreational boat? |
| All undocumented vessels equipped with propulsion machinery must be registered in the State of principal use. Contact your State Boating Law Administrator.
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