Licensing Question

[aviatorhi]

I'm looking at purchasing a Herreshoff Schooner the dimensions are 75 foot LOA 63 foot LOD 60 LWL, I'm not planning on chartering it or conducting any commercial operations with the yacht, it would be a liveaboard/cruiser. However a friend recently told me that anything above 65 LOA required a Captains License, regardless of whether or not it is used in commercial operations... is this true?

Thanks for any help in advance.

[Liberty28]

Never heard that one. The USCG License is strictly commercial. If you aren't commercial, you don't need a license. Call up the Coast Guard and ask them. I think your friend is wrong.

[Pblais]

However a friend recently told me that anything above 65 LOA required a Captains License, regardless of whether or not it is used in commercial operations... is this true?

Nope not true. A USCG license is for commercial activities at sea in US waters. They really don't care to regulate receational operators unless you become "for hire". There are only a few safety eqipment differences for a boat that large compared to those smaller.

[aviatorhi]

Roger that and thank you, that was my understanding at all times, I'm aware of the equipment differences, but this licensing issue would have become a little bit of a pain.

[cptnandy]

I think there might be a requirement for a licensed captain on vessels over 300 tons, I know that in SF Bay over 300ton you must have a pilot onboard (required for the Maltese falcon)

[aviatorhi]

LOL, yeah I wish I was talking about the Maltese Falcon, but I'm not, we're talking about a 75 foot Herreshoff.

[Pblais]

LOL, yeah I wish I was talking about the Maltese Falcon

No license required either but you would a bit foolish to think you could handle it without experienced crew.