International Boat License Question

Paulkarlsven

Paulkarlsven

New Member
Dec 29, 2010
436
Port Stephens, Australia
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Hi All,

I have a quick question regarding my boat license and its use in the USA.

We are looking to do a bareboat charter on the ICW and I would like to know if this can be done using my Australian Boat License?

I know it is legal to drive in the USA using my car license from Australia and I can hire a car there no problem. Howeve I am not sure if the same is true for hiring a boat with an Australian boat license?
 
I dont see why not.However there are some states that require you have past a safe boaters course of some type.Most states will accept the online versions though.
 
Not familiar with your country's license, however an "approved" online safe boating course in addition could not hurt. They run about $30 USD.

Don't feel slighted. My first CO needs to get one. He's an Annapolis grad, sailed the Newport to Bermuda race more than once, had 40 years in the Navy driving ships....Retired as a 2 star and I witnessed him in circumstances that would have brought most of us to stained undies and tears.

Don't try to figure the nanny state out.
 
Okay, when you say an approved online safe boating course I am guessing that you mean approved by the USCG?

Certainly would not bother me to do one, I have done a lot of boating courses. I just completed my MROCP HF Radio Licence here in Australia.
 
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Paulkarlsven said:
Okay, when you say an approved online safe boating course I am guessing that you mean approved by the USCG?
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Unfortunately not all states accept the same standards of licenses. The most recognized is the "National Association of State Boating Law Administrators", NASBLA. Check with the states you plan to transit and see what their rules are. Maybe others from those areas will be able to chime in too.

Depending on your age you may not have to have any license or certificate...but again, depending on the state.

Tom
 
Chances are you'll be fine as only few states require boating certificate. But, if I was in your situation I would contact CG of the state you're planning to charter a boat and make sure to get correct info on the situation (best if it's in writing). Verbal statement will not help you if you get boarded.

This license thing is really messed up since it's at the state level. Last I heard that having a license from NJ will not work for another state. At least this is how it was few years ago.
 
Boat License? We are supposed to have a license?:huh: Not in SC! I guess I have to risk it when I go to other states. Those online boating certificates are a joke and are designed for kids.
 
Here in Australia you have to have a boat license when a mechanically propelled vessel, except in the case of a PWC, is driven at 10 knots or more.

Anyone who drives a PWC at ANY speed (even below 10 knots) must have a PWC license, a PWC is typically a Jet Ski.
 
Alex F said:
Chances are you'll be fine as only few states require boating certificate. But, if I was in your situation I would contact CG of the state you're planning to charter a boat and make sure to get correct info on the situation (best if it's in writing). Verbal statement will not help you if you get boarded.

This license thing is really messed up since it's at the state level. Last I heard that having a license from NJ will not work for another state. At least this is how it was few years ago.
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Paul as Alex stated, I would email the USCG with those questions! Here in NJ we have a boat license for every day boaters and it's an ammendment on your drivers license! It states that you took a minimum BS course and passed a BS test! That being said if I go to Maryland and get pulled over by the marine police and or the Coast Guard I'm not going to get a ticket because I don't have a license for that State.I think you should be alright with a Aus. Document stating that you have passed a required course for your country! :grin:
 
come on Paul...You know the Yanks drive on the wrong side of the road they probably boat on the wrong side as well (LOL) I didn't have any problems with my NSW boating license when I was in the USA.

Ozzie
 
A few years ago, I rented a small runabout in Miami.

They just asked me: can you drive a boat???

My answer: sure, I own a 39' Sea Ray! :grin::grin::grin:

It worked! :wink:
 
Thanks for the replies everyone, I think we will be fine with what you all have been saying. We are looking forward to doing the ICW after reading all the threads on here that speak about it.

Of course my kids will only remember Disney World but that is to be expected. :grin:
 
Paulkarlsven said:
Thanks for the replies everyone, I think we will be fine with what you all have been saying. We are looking forward to doing the ICW after reading all the threads on here that speak about it.

Of course my kids will only remember Disney World but that is to be expected. :grin:
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If you are running ICW in Fl. I don't know of a license requirement at all on smaller boats...other than for young boaters.
 
Paulkarlsven said:
What do you class as a smaller boat? I am looking at hiring a 40+ foot cruiser.
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When you say "hire", do you mean rent a boat that only you and your family will be driving? Or are you chartering a boat that has a captain?
 
You do not need a license to operate the boat in the US. If you did your charter company would not rent you your boat. Have a great time on the ICW.
 
After seein the rental rate for that Sea Ray, I'm happy I own one!!
 
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