Captain's Scuttlebutt
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The following bits of information from "the Captain": ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Renewal of your Captain's License requires the following: Coast Guard website to obtain the required forms for license renewal: http://www.uscg.mil/STCW. Then click on Forms and Applications . Your Captain's License is good for 5 years from the date of issue. You have a 6th year "grace period." You are not permitted to use your license during the 6th. year. Don't procrastinate, renew a few months before your license expires! See Part 1 and Part 2. PART 1 - Prepare your paperwork for submission to the Regional Exam Center (REC). Keep copies of everything you send to the Coast Guard for your files. a. Complete page 1, 2 and 3 of the Coast Guard Application for Merchant Mariner Document form CG-719B. b. Complete a Small Vessel Sea Service form for each vessel you are claiming time on. Document 360 days boating experience within the last 5 years. Include proof of ownership for the vessel if self owned. If it is not self owned, the registered owner must also sign form. c. SAMSHA Drug Test - Form CG719P (Cannot be over 6 months old) d. Physical - Form CG719K (Cannot be over 12 months old) e. Copy of your old license (front & back) f. $95.00 check or money order made payable to U.S. Coast Guard. (** You do not need to send CPR/FA card or Character references for renewal) IMPORTANT! Put all of the above in an envelope. Take this with you when you appear before the REC (or in Florida - a "certified" CG Auxiliarist) to do Part 2 below. NOTE: The CG Auxiliarist is NOT authorized to verify the contents of the mariners paperwork for completeness or correctness! PART 2 - FINGERPRINTS AND COAST GUARD OATH As of January 13, 2006, you must go to a Regional Exam Center (REC) OR a Trained Certified Coast Guard Auxiliarist to have your Fingerprints and your "Oath" done for original issue and renewal of license. Fingerprints can only be done at a Coast Guard Regional Exam Center (or in Florida, from a "certified" Coast Guard Auxiliarist.) Sheriff Dept., Police Dept., etc. are NOT Coast Guard approved to do fingerprinting with this new ruling. At the time of fingerprinting, you must present 2 forms of ID. One ID MUST contain a picture of applicant One ID MUST provide proof of citizenship (ex: "certified" Birth Certificate, Valid Passport.) Also, present your Social Security card. The REC or Auxiliarist or will make a certified copy everything you present. IMPORTANT - If the applicant is going to a Florida - CG Auxiliarist (not the REC) You are required to bring a 9X12 US Priority Mail Envelope affixed with postage - $4.60 for any weight or $5.25 if applicant desires a delivery confirmation "form attached." This envelope should NOT be sealed. It should be addressed to the REC and have the applicant's return address affixed. Call for an appointment and verify the required procedure. Procedure at each CG Auxiliary location may vary. __________________________________________________________________________________________ " The carriage of any passenger for hire on the navigable waters of the United States require that an individual licensed by the Coast Guard operate the vessel. Properly licensed Captains may carry up to six passengers aboard an un-inspected passenger vessel, provided they meet federal safety regulations. To further ensure the safety of potential customers, vessels carrying more than six passengers for hire are inspected annually by the Coast Guard and must display an approval decal and Coast Guard Certificate of inspection." taken from U.S.C.G. Marine Safety Newsletter, September 2000. Frequently asked questions: 1. What is the latest news on up-grading a 6 PAK boat to a 12 PAK boat? (A.) Nothing, no plans in the making - it’s on the back burner.2. In Florida, does a charter boat need a state fishing license? (A.) YES. *Four (4) or less customers / *Five (5) to ten (10) customers *Contact your local county tax collectors office for the current fishing license fee.. 3. Does my original Coast Guard License need to be aboard while I’m chartering? (A.) YES, the C.F.R. states that the original must be in your possession (Keep a copy home on your wall!) 4. What about Life Jackets? (A.) You need a type I, with reflective tape. Inshore, offshore the same plus a personal floatation device light that is C.G. approved under sub. part 161.012, C.F.R. sub chapter C /un-inspected vessels Part 25.25-13 A & B states very clearly that if you are operating beyond the shoreline (meaning coastwise and oceans) you are required to have this light on each personal floatation device (P.F.D.). 5. What about Fire Extinguishers? (A.) Well, all of you that know me, know that I am a firm believer that you can’t have too many aboard! 6. Renewal of Licenses: Your CG Captain's License expires in 5 years. You may renew after 4 years. You renew by mail. Remember, the Coast Guard DOES NOT notify you, it's up to you to do it! 7. Do I need to belong to a drug consortium? (A.) Yes, CFR 46, Part 16,16.23 points that out. (Call for info) 8. What about boat and liability insurance? (A.) Some captain's don't have any! But, the SMART THING to do is to contact a "Marine Insurance" company for coverage at a fair price that will suit your needs. Well that's it for now, I'm on the road doing more training! Stay Safe and Have Fun Boating! Captain Mike Adams |