ATTENTION PLEASE: WE ARE A PRIVATE BOAT TOUR COMPANY, WE DO NOT OFFER HELP GETTING YOUR CAPTAIN’S LICENSE. If you want to learn more about USCG captain's license requirements, you can learn more about it from the U.S. Coast Guard here. 

How to Get Your Captain's License

Thinking of becoming a captain of a ship?

Captain David Critchell - who sails the Tireless, our signature charter boat - holds a 100-Ton Master’s License from the United States Coast Guard. To acquire it, he had quite a bit to do. 

And all that work pays off in a completely safe sail for all our riders. With the capabilities to captain a 100-ton vessel, our small charter boat is perfectly manageable for Critchell. The USCG Captain’s License makes sailing those vessels legal. 

What is the USCG License?

The “USCG” in USCG License stands for the United States Coast Guard License, and it's one of the more common ones out there. 

This license requires taking an exam that tests your knowledge of seamanship, navigation rules, vessel safety and more.

types of boat captain license’

The USCG Captain’s License certification allows the owner to operate certain types of boats and vessels for pay. To get one, you must undergo training and testing in several areas of knowledge including: 

• Navigation Rules & Regulations 

• Navigation General 

• Deck Safety 

• Environmental Law & Pollution Prevention 

When Do I Need a Captain's License?

The USCG license isn’t always required. If you are wondering, “What length of boat requires a captain's license?” The answer is this: If your vessel is less than 26 feet in length and doesn’t require a mate, then you may be exempt from having a captain’s license. 

However, if you are sailing without passengers - which our charters do not allow - or on an inland waterway such as a river, then you may be exempt.

Do I Need a Captain’s License for My Personal Boat or Yacht?

If your vessel is equipped with sleeping quarters and cooking facilities, as well as one or more toilets, then it’s classified as an inspected passenger vessel by the USCG and requires a Captain’s License to operate for pay.

What Size Boat Do You Need a Captain's License For?

The USCG Captain’s License covers vessels up to 100 gross tons (GT), which is about the size of a small yacht. 

What Type of Licenses is Available?

There are three types of licenses for captains that the US Coast Guard offers - a 25-ton, 50-ton, and 100-ton Captain’s License. 

These different licenses allow captains to sail licensed boats of up to the above sizes, each with its own challenges and experience required. 

If you’re interested in becoming a sea captain, you’ll need one of these licenses to avoid legal and safety issues while out to sea.

All these licenses certify you are an able-bodied and able-minded individual who can responsibly lead and control a ship of up to a specific size. 

Just like obtaining a license for a car, the education and training required to give crucial insight into the responsibility of being a sea captain. 

How to Get Your Boat Captain's License - Coast Guard Requirements

If you want to be a sea captain, one of the first things you'll need is your boat captain's license. To get this license, there are a few requirements that you must meet:

• U.S. citizenship (naturalized or natural) 

• At least 19 years old 

• Two current medical aid certifications (adult CPR, first aid) 

• Complete the educational training for your license 

• Sea time requirement of at least 90 hours within the last three years 

You’ll need sea experience and several necessary skills, licenses, certifications and a few other requirements to become a USCG-licensed captain. 

What follows is a little bit more about the requirements.

Citizenship Requirement for USCG Captains License

Whether a naturalized or natural citizen, each applicant for the USCG Captains License must be a U.S. Citizen.

Age Requirement for USCG Captains License

The youngest you can be to obtain your USCG Captains License is 19. There are no current age restrictions for older people. 

Medical Training Experience for USCG Captains License

Each applicant for the USCG Captains License must hold two current medical aid certifications - one for adult CPR, and one for administering first aid. 

Educational Requirements for USCG Captains License

For each of the three weight class licenses, there is a corresponding course. The coursework you'll need to complete varies depending on what kind of captain's license you want. These courses are offered both by the United States Coast Guard and by private entities. 

If you're interested in operating a commercial fishing boat or vessel, you'll need to complete a training program offered by the United States Coast Guard. 

If you're looking to captain a cruise liner or charter boat carrying more than 12 passengers, your training will be provided by a private entity.

Here is a resource to obtain your USCG Captains License.

Other Requirements for USCG Captains License

One major requirement for any USCG Captains License is sea time. 

Whether it’s working on a boat, or sailing during your military or professional experience, most instances of sea time count toward your total required amount of experience hours. 

The minimum amount of boat experience for all USCG licenses is 360 hours. The U.S. Coast Guard indicates that 90 of your experience hours must have been completed within the last three years. 

What is a TWIC Card?

All licensed captains must hold a TWIC Card.

This is the Transportation Worker Identification Card, a specific identification for those who transport people and goods commercially. Learn more from the Department of Homeland Security here.

You must also pass a drug test. This drug test searches for all federally recognized “drugs of abuse.” You can learn more about what would make you fail in a drug test for a captain’s license from the Drug Enforcement Agency here. 

There is also a physical test required for every applicant for the USCG Captains License. The purpose of this test is to ensure you have the physical capabilities to safely captain a ship. 

Why Are There So Many Requirements?

The better question might be: Why aren't there more requirements? Manning the steering wheel requires having a complete command of the sea, its waves and its risks. As captain, you are the most important person on the ship - and at times of turbulent waters, you can be a hero. 

The requirements for a USCG Captains License ensure it is safe to sail on a cruise line, a big fishing boat, and small-group tour charters. 

These requirements are what prepare Captain David Critchell to sail the Hudson River each day with passengers who want to take in the sights of New York City from the water. Day in, and day out, Critchell brings his crew back safely with their memories. 

In addition to meeting these requirements, all applicants for a USCG captain's license must pass a drug test and physical examination.

ATTENTION PLEASE: WE ARE A PRIVATE BOAT TOUR COMPANY, WE DO NOT OFFER HELP GETTING YOUR CAPTAIN’S LICENSE. If you want to learn more about USCG captain's license requirements, you can learn more about it from the U.S. Coast Guard here.