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What is the deal with this 6 pack rule. Someone please clarify. We have 4 adults and 4 teens trying to rent a boat with a captain to take us to Jost and then on to the caves. The posts I am reading say it is illegal to rent a boat with a captain for more than six people. Don't really want to mix it up with other guests as we want our itenerary to be our own. Help. We are going in April.
Try Treazzure - she is USCG inspected and can do the trip I believe - [email protected]
Pamela
If you are on STJ send me a PM (I book boat trips) and can make a few (legal) suggestions and book it for you if you wish
Pia
The OUPV (Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel) license is the US Coast Guard's "starter" license. It allows you to operate a vessel of up to 100 gross tons with up to six paying passengers, plus crew, onboard (hence the term "6-Pack"). The term "uninspected" means that it is not subject to the Coast Guard's strict design and equipment standards for commercial vessels. In order to carry more passengers, you will need to hire a captain with a master's license on an inspected vessel.
If one of the adults is able to captain the boat themselves and is a paying passenger, then nobody was hired and it's perfectly legal. But make sure that the vessel does not exceed max weight or occupancy. You will be pressed to find a smaller boat charter company that will allow more than 6 passengers though.
Born to Rhumb
14 Passenger (only 12 to the BVIs), Coast Guard Certified, Maine built to the highest specifications and boasting a Caribbean flair that will take you island hopping at a speedy 20 knots.
Captain Kevin is one of the best. You will have a ball.
