How to Become a Charter Boat Captain (and Why)

A charter boat captain’s (master’s) license issued by the USCG’s National Maritime Center (NMC) is required in the recreational marine industry in order to carry paying customers. There are several types of licenses applicable to charter boat captains; the type of credential you select depends upon the size of your vessel and the area where you will be voyaging. Read on for benefits of obtaining your credentials and how to become a charter boat captain.

Benefits of Becoming a Charter Boat Captain

If you work in the maritime industry, a charter boat captain role might be financially rewarding. According to officials from Camper & Nicholsons USA, the average salary for the captain of a "mega" yacht is approximately $150,000 a year, not including bonuses, with some top captains earning $200,000 a year or more.

If you want to work in the marine industry – be it on a fishing charter, sightseeing, or dolphin- or whale-watching boat – you’ll need your master’s license. In addition to potential career advancement, there are other perks of getting your credentials, even for recreational boaters, such as:

• discounted insurance premiums;
• improved seamanship skills; and
• prestige.

5 Types of Master’s Licenses

The NMC issues five types of Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC) for which charter boat captain hopefuls may apply:

• OUPV – National Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) of Less Than 100 GRT credentials, often referred to as a 6-pack license, are for uninspected passenger vessels that carry six or fewer passengers for hire. This credential is most applicable for small charter fishing, whale- or dolphin-watching, SCUBA diving, and tour cruise venues.
• Limited OUPV – the National Limited Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) of Not More Than 100 GRT endorsement is for workers employed by organizations such as yacht clubs, marinas, formal camps and educational institutions, limited to the specific activity and location of the place of employment.
• Master Near Coastal – the National Master Of Self-propelled Vessels of Less Than 200 GRT Upon Near Coastal Waters and the National Master Of Self-propelled Vessels of Less Than 100 GRT Upon Near Coastal Waters endorsements are for those who operate small inspected vessels equipped to carry more than six passengers. This includes larger charter boats, small ferries, dinner cruises, and whale- or dolphin-watch vessels.
• Master Inland – the National Master Of Self-propelled Vessels Less Than 200 GRT Upon Great Lakes and/or Inland Waters and the National Master Of Self-propelled Vessels Less Than 100 GRT Upon Great Lakes and/or Inland Waters endorsements differ from the Master Near Coastal only in the area in which they operate, i.e., inland rather than coastal.
• Limited Master – this endorsement, the National Limited Master (Ltd Master) of Not More Than 100 GRT, is for applicants seeking employment with yacht clubs, marinas, formal camps and educational institutions.

Obtaining a Charter Boat Captain’s License

To obtain your credentials, you’ll have to meet the NMC’s guidelines and follow its six-step application process. You can read about how to become a charter boat captain, determine which endorsement is suitable for you, and download pertinent forms and checklists by visiting the NMC website or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC.

For more helpful articles for captains and the maritime industry in general, read the latest entries on the My Vessel Logs blog.