Destin, Florida, is an awesome place for people who love boats and being in the water. It's on a stunning coast called the Emerald Coast, known for its beautiful greenish-blue water. People who love boats really like coming here to enjoy the lovely views and the sea animals. You can do lots of different things on boats in Destin, like riding fast on jet skis, sailing, or having a relaxing time on a pontoon boat or a fishing trip.
Every boater needs to abide by the rules set by their local area, the federal government, and the specific facility they're using. If you're operating with GetMyBoat, you must follow the general rules and the specific laws of the area you're in. This involves making sure you have the right permits and licenses, using suitable boats and qualified captains, and ensuring you're picking up and dropping off passengers where you're supposed to.
Captains License:
Every captain must possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard license. They need to provide a copy of it to the Commission for verification. For boats carrying 6 or fewer passengers, a 6-pack license is necessary. If there are more than 6 passengers, a Master's Captain's license is required. The captain is responsible for the safety of the charter boat and everyone on board. You can learn more about obtaining this license from Mariners Learning System - USCG. Use the promo code GETMYBOAT10 for 10% off all products.
The 2022 Florida Boating Safety Act (SB 606):
Enacted on January 1, 2023, SB 606 is a recent legislation aimed at enhancing safety across Florida's water routes. The law brings about heightened penalties for violations, introduces a permitting system for boat rental providers, and sets forth additional criteria for boat rental operations.
Insurance:
/Vessel Titling and Registration:to purchase commercial boat insurance. This will protect you if your boat is damaged or someone is injured while using it. We partner with Boat Charter Insurance, but there are other companies that can help you find coverage as well.
Vessel Titling and Registration:
To register your boat, you need to go to the county tax collector or license plate agent. To show that you own the boat, you can provide a bill of sale, a contract from the builder, a document from the manufacturer, a federal marine document, or another accepted document. If your boat needs to have a title, you need to get that first before you can get the registration
More information can be found at Florida Highway Saftey and Motor Vehicles.
Passenger Pick Up/ Drop Off:
Numerous places allow boat drop-offs and pickups for rentals, and here are some with designated passenger zones. Before confirming your plans, make sure to check the pickup and drop-off policies with the marina or dock.
- Joe's Bayou Boat Ramp: Located at 800 Beach Dr, Destin, FL 32541
- Destin Marina: Located at 7 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL 32541
Florida Fish and Wildlife:
Before you can take people fishing in the sea and charge them money, you need a special license called a Charter Captain or Boat License. In Florida, if you want to guide people for saltwater fishing, you have to follow rules set by the U.S. Coast Guard. Anyone running a boat for hire needs to have a Captain's license or Merchant Mariner Credential.
A Charter Captain License lets a certified captain work on different boats. To get this license, you need a valid Coast Guard License for operating passenger-carrying vessels. Also, any boat a charter captain uses for work must be registered for commercial use or have a special certificate from the U.S. Coast Guard saying it's okay for commercial use.
Charter Boat Licenses are for a specific boat and can only be used on that boat. You can get these licenses for boats that are used for business. To get one, you need to show that the boat is registered for commercial use or has a special certificate from the U.S. Coast Guard saying it's allowed for business.
To buy an FWC Charter Captain license, you need a Coast Guard Captain's license. For info on the Coast Guard Captain's license, call 1-888-427-5662. You can also find USCG charter boat captain details on the USCG website.
Additional Resources
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