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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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DavidCrosby
Navigator

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USA
240 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/19/2015 : 06:40:02

I am looking for comments from anyone on this forum who has a Captain's License (Merchant Marine Credential, OUPV, Master's Rating - whatever you prefer to call it).

I have had a 50 GRT Master's Rating with Sail Endorsement for the past five years. I spent a lot of money getting this and then never really used it or received any advantage from having it (It does not even reduce the premium on my boat insurance because it is already at the minimum premium.)

Anyhow, it is about to expire and I am in the process of renewing. I debated on whether or not I should spend more money for something I was not using. I elected to do so. But now, because of one check box on the medical evaluation form, I am having to jump through some serious hoops just to renew my license. This is going to result in even more dollars spent.

Speaking of dollars, I do not find it to be very easy to use the license to simply sell sailboat rides. It seems that everybody wants a cut of the dollars, from the marina, to the city, to the parks departments, etc. And then there are all sorts of rules for our sailing club (and other marinas that I have talked to) that prohibit operating a business out of the club / facility.

While I suppose there is a work around for everything, I really wonder if it is worth the hassle.

Just looking for thoughts. Is there anyone successfully operating a sailing business on the side with their Catalina 25/250?

David Crosby "Small World"
'02 C250 WK #614

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2015 : 06:48:58

What are your plans for the future? Dave Bristle retired and got a nice gig operating an excursion boat. In Annapolis, there are opportunities for people with a captain's license, teaching, or running a taxi boat or doing excursions.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

DavidCrosby
Navigator

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USA
240 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2015 : 08:07:04

I regularly see opportunities in Boston and it pays like $10.00/hour.

I guess my dreams or thoughts were that I could live on a boat and migrate up and down the coast line and do seasonal work. Driving a tour boat or something of that sort.

I guess I initially thought of doing something where I live, with the boat I have. Maybe people will pay more than I think for a boat ride. The more I learn, about the fees I am going to have to pay, just to offer the service, the higher the price for a ride goes.

David Crosby "Small World"
'02 C250 WK #614

kc5dlo
1st Mate

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USA
71 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2015 : 09:33:12

I cant answer you question, but it does bring up a question I often have. I have wondered how many of the local fishing guides hold Coast Guard licenses? Same goes for the college students operating the boats on the San Antonio river walk and similar places.
I am aware of the cost, time and work to acquire a Coast Guard license and wonder how many people are skirting the law.

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3323 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2015 : 14:34:04

Interesting question KC5. I have 2 friends (father and daughter) who operate the boats on the San Antonio river walk - and I know that they don't have CG licenses.

Derek Crawford
Chief Measurer C25-250 2008
Previous owner of "This Side UP"
1981 C-25 TR/FK #2262 Used to have an '89 C22 #9483, "Downsized"
San Antonio, Texas

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2015 : 15:44:58

quote:
Originally posted by Derek Crawford

?...I have 2 friends (father and daughter) who operate the boats on the San Antonio river walk - and I know that they don't have CG licenses.

I can't find whether the USCG has jurisdiction over the San Antonio River--Texas law might be all that applies. But the bigger issue might be their insurance--if the aren't properly credentialed and anything goes wrong, they could be toast.

Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage before going over to the Dark Side (2007-2025); now boatless for the first time since 1970 (on a Sunfish).

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2015 : 16:21:58

Generally, federal licensing laws apply to anyone who operate their small boat for hire on federally navigable waters. The tests for what constitutes "navigable waters" was established in Kaiser Aetna v. United States, 444 U.S. 164, 100 S. Ct. 383, 62 L. Ed. 2d 332. The tests ask whether the body of water (1) is subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, (2) connects with a continuous interstate waterway, (3) has navigable capacity, and (4) is actually navigable. The courts have applied these tests very loosely, and have held that bodies of water much smaller than lakes and rivers also constitute navigable waters. Even shallow streams that are traversible only by canoe have met the test.

An exception to the licensing requirement is recognized for kayak fishing guides, because the clients will always ride in separate craft.

I would be very surprised if the San Antonio River is not defined as a navigable river.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2015 : 21:00:43

Probably right. And it's very likely that would be used by an insurer to leave the unlicensed operator hanging if s/he accepts one dollar for a ride, and then something happens (like falling while boarding). That's why The Mystic Seaport requires the OUPV license (at a minimum) to take visitors on tours of the Seaport and village as a volunteer there. And personally, I'm glad I have it--even if there is no chance I'll need to know (on the Mystic River) how to plot a "closest point of approach" between two vessels given their positions, headings, and speeds.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 05/19/2015 21:31:58

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2015 : 19:03:45

Look into BoatBound.com

it's an option.

Paul

Joint Decision. (Sold)
PO C250WB 2005 Sail # 841.

Moved up to C34 Eximius

Updated August 2015

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.