Above the six-passenger OUPV threshold, commercial maritime operations on inspected passenger vessels require a Master credential. The USCG National Maritime Center issues Master licenses in gross-tonnage tiers: 25 GT, 50 GT, and 100 GT. Here is what separates them.
Gross tonnage: what it measures
Gross tonnage (GT) is a volumetric measure of enclosed space on a vessel, not weight. It is calculated from the vessel's documentation or USCG inspection certificate. A 65-foot sailing yacht typically measures between 40 and 75 GT depending on hull form and cabin volume; the exact figure is on the vessel's USCG Certificate of Documentation or State registration. The captain's license must cover the vessel's documented gross tonnage.
Master 25 GT
Authorizes operation of inspected passenger vessels up to 25 gross tons on near-coastal routes. Minimum sea service: 360 days total, with 90 days on near-coastal or ocean waters. Qualifying sea service must include watchstanding or command time on a vessel of at least 26 feet in length.
Master 50 GT
Extends to vessels up to 50 gross tons. Sea service requirements increase and must include time on vessels of at least that tonnage tier. The near-coastal route limitation still applies unless the mariner holds an ocean route endorsement separately.
Master 100 GT
The tier required for most larger commercial charter yachts and inspected dinner-cruise vessels in U.S. ports. 360 days sea service required, with 90 days serving as master or mate on vessels of at least 50 gross tons. An ocean endorsement (versus near-coastal) requires additional offshore sea time.
Sailing endorsement still required
Just as with the OUPV, a sailing endorsement is required at all Master levels if the vessel's primary propulsion is sail (more than 50 percent). This is a separate NMC examination and requires documented sailing sea service. A Master 100 GT without the sailing endorsement is not authorized to captain a commercial sailing yacht.
Verify before applying
Sea service requirements, examination topics, and application fees are published by the NMC at dco.uscg.mil/nmc. Requirements have been revised; always check the current version before submitting a package.
JADA is a 1938 65-foot yawl chartering from Harbor Island, San Diego Bay. We are looking for mates, deckhands, and licensed captains for weekend charter sails.
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