Free Woodworking Plans
What requirements are there for commercial use of a boat in Michigan?
I plan on buying a large boat (65ft) for personal use, if I choose to start a commercial use of it, (i.e. charging for fishing or touring on Lake Huron), what requirements are there for me or the boat. I do not have a captains license, do I need one? If so, how do I obtain one?
Public Comments
- In the event you decide to go commercial with your boat, check with the local Michigan State Transportation Department.
- Passengers & for hire equals need for captains license. Contact local Power Squadron or Coast Guard. May be smart to make friends with a Charter Captain or Charter a boat with agreement to check out operation of vessel with the Capt/Mate. 65 foot is a BIG boat....May I presume you presently or have recently owned what size of boat. If none you are biting off way more than you can chew 65 foot means radar , at least big diesel twins, big time Nav gear...blah blah
- If you operate a boat with passengers for hire you will need a Captains License. 6 passengers or less you can get a "6 pack " license and would be an operator of uninspected vessel. 7 or more and your vessel would need to be inspected and you would again need a license. To get a license you will need verifiable time underway and would have to sit for a test. Contact the USCG about the license requirements. There are prep schools that give courses for the test.
