Recreational Boat Charters Information
Please review some of the US Coast Guard Rules and Regulations around bare boat chartering prior to completing your contract and making your reservation.
- The owner does not provide the crew; the charterer (person renting the boat from owner) selects and pays the crew.
- A licensed Master is not required to operate the vessel.
- The owner can recommend a list of Masters for the charterer to hire, but cannot stipulate that the owner make a selection solely from the list provided.
- The owner can require the charterer to hire a crew with a preset level of qualifications.
- All food, fuel, and stores are provided by the charterer.
- All port charges and pilotage fees, if any, are paid by the charterer.
- Insurance is obtained by the charterer, at least to the extent of covering liability not included in the owner’s insurance.
- The charterer may discharge for cause, the Master or any crew member.
- The vessel must be surveyed upon its delivery and return.
- The charterer stands in the shoes of the owner of the vessel. The charterer has complete command, control, and possession of the vessel as it were his or her own.
- The charterer assumes responsibility for the vessel operations within the maritime laws and regulations for the duration of the charter.
- Any provision that tends to show retention of control of the vessel such as the owner being aboard during the charter of the vessel contradicts the claim that a valid bareboat charter exists.