Legal Charters
Smooth Sailing Starts with Legal Booking: The Truth About USCG-Approved Charters
Legal Charters vs. Illegal Charters: What’s the Difference?
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) enforces strict regulations on how many passengers can be on board a vessel and under what conditions.
Only vessels with a Certificate of Inspection (COI) are legally allowed to carry more than six passengers. This certificate is issued by the USCG and ensures that the vessel has passed rigorous inspections for safety, equipment, crew qualifications, and structural integrity. At Freedom Luxury Boat Rentals, we meet all the necessary requirements to ensure our vessels are properly inspected.
If a vessel does not have a COI, it is illegal for it to carry more than six passengers for hire—unless it’s a bareboat (demised) charter, which comes with its own specific legal requirements.
🛥️ What Is a Bareboat Charter?
A bareboat charter—also known as a demised charter—allows the renter to take full control of the vessel. However, this can only be done legally under strict federal guidelines:
The vessel owner cannot be on board during the trip.
The vessel cannot provide any provisions—no ice, snacks, drinks, or even cups.
The renter must choose and pay the captain separately. (The owner can ensure the captain is qualified but must provide options for the renter to choose from.)
The renter must provide their own insurance.
The renter must have authority over the crew, including the ability to fire them.
The captain must hold a valid Master’s license with adequate tonnage to carry more than six passengers.
If any of these rules are violated, it’s not a legal charter—and that means you, the guest, are at risk.
🚫 What Happens If You Book an Illegal Charter?
Booking an illegal charter can lead to:
Safety hazards due to uninspected and unregulated vessels.
Lack of proper insurance coverage in case of an accident or injury.
Fines, vessel seizure, and legal trouble for the operators—and potentially ruined plans for you.
Accidents like those you’ve seen in recent news, where improper operations led to emergencies on the water.
Booking a cheaper or more "convenient" option may end up costing you your safety, your wallet, and your legal protection.
✅ How to Protect Yourself
Always ask if the vessel has a COI if you're in a group of more than six passengers.
If it’s a bareboat charter, ask for proof of compliance with all six federal requirements.
Verify the captain's credentials and confirm that they are paid independently.
If something doesn’t feel right—walk away.
At the end of the day, the goal is simple: have fun, stay safe, and get back to shore with great memories. That all starts by booking with Freedom Luxury Boat Rentals. With us, you’ll never have to worry about your safety—it's our top priority.
Don’t leave your safety floating in murky legal waters. Ask the right questions—and only sail with operators who are above board.
Here are some relevant Links to the above blog:
https://apnews.com/article/new-york-tour-boat-capsized-deaths-sentencing-716cacd760f1d147cd0b1124547be0c7https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4049150/owner-of-illegal-passenger-vessel-sentenced-to-prison/https://kfoxtv.com/news/nation-world/7-year-old-boy-woman-killed-when-boat-capsizes-in-new-york-2-men-charged-death-hudson-river-passengers-safety-regulations-coast-guard-vessel-stimulus-money-maximum-capacity-speeding-high-winds