Dive Boat Question

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austindiver

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Location
Round Rock, TX
Can anyone tell me what certifications and from what agency they would be issued to captain a "6-pack" boat? Does it matter if the boat carries more than 6? Is the 6 only paying customers? Do your DMs count?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

C
 
It is a US Coast Guard license to operate a non-inspected vessel carrying passengers for hire. Non-inspected vessels are allowed a maximum of six passengers, that does not include the captain or the deck hand/DM.
 
Thanks guys.

Went to the USCG site before asking and it was a jumble of non-information. Figured here I could get a straight answer.

Really kind of wondering what the actual requirements are for the licensing. If you have to "do time" as a hand before you can show competency. I have been around the water for over 30 years and driven boats of all sizes for more than 27. A class or two I can handle but I had heard I would need to put in 90 days minimum as a hand in order to qualify for the first license. Not sure how that is pertinent to my capabilities to take care of my passengers and crew?

C
 
The Coast Guard requirements for a 6-pack license are 365 8 hour days of sea service. This can be as a deck hand or the same amount of time operating a boat you own. You would need a letter from the captain of the boat you worked on to verify your time or if it is your own boat there is a USCG form to document your time. You must take the written test which is quite long and detailed. It took me about 6 hours to finish the test. You will also need a physical exam and drug test.
If you are serious I sugest you contact one of the marine schools that prepare you for the test. Believe me this is the best way to go. The coast Guard speaks a different language and if you don't understand it you will fail the test. Houston Marine training school is the one I used.
Good luck,
Captain
 
Awesome amount of information is such a small space. I will contact Houston Marine training school.

Thanks,

C
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/peregrine/

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