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Last Updated 2/24/08

USCG Licensing

To help insure the safety of passengers and vessels, the U.S. Coast Guard has an extensive licensing program for individuals wishing to carry passengers for hire.  Full information on the USCG Licensing program is available by going to the U.S. Coast Guard website.

Vessels less than 100 tons and carrying 6 passengers or less are not required to be inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.  These vessels are classified as Uninspected Passenger Vessels.  Whoodat operates as an Uninspected Passenger Vessel and is therefore limited to 6 passengers at any one time.

In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard requires that the master of a motor vessel carrying passengers for hire must have a current USCG license. There are a number of types of operators licenses and each has different requirements and restrictions.  Whoodat, operating as an Uninspected Passenger Vessel, requires a Coast Guard License of "OUPV- Operator of Uninspected Pasenger Vessels" or above.

Requirements for a USCG license include:

• Documented sea time (experience)
• Drug testing to verify that the individual is drug-free
• Physical exam to verify fitness for duty
• First Aid/CPR training
• Character references
• Passing a four-part written examination on the Rules of the Road, Federal Regulations, Deck Safety, and Navigation