Skippers Qualifications

[FrankieJ]

We are considering wintering in the Grenadines as from next year and also buying a yacht out there. I would like to know what qualifications I would need to allow us to take on board paying guests. I have spoken to the RYA and have been told it depends on which flag the boat is registered and how far I want to sail. We would only be island hopping, not ocean crossing. As we have not yet bought a boat out there I cant say what flag it will have .Obviously I want to make life as uncomplicated as is possible . Can anyone help.

 

[snowleopard]

Please don't post the same question on several forums.

 

[Swagman]

Hi Frankie,
Don't wish to sound disparaging - but help how?

As RYA advise, until you've found your vessel and it's flag, you'll not know what base qualifications you'll need to start with. If its a Brit vessel - you'll need nix. If its French, you'll need ICC minimum. If it's US - you'll need whatever they require in the USA.
Plus I'd suggest you also check with Grendines on what qualifications they may require on top of those base needs, if you wish to act locally as a charter skipper.
Good luck
JOHN

 

[Bajansailor]

To the best of my knowledge the authorities in St Vincent and the Grenadines really couldn't care less what qualifications you have to sail your boat.
Unless of course it is registered locally.
In which case then you would probably have to pay hefty import taxes and duties.
So you dont want to do this - unless you find a suitable boat out here which is already registered locally.

What they WILL worry about however would be if you are stealing trade from local charter yacht operators.

If you go touting for business locally, I reckon that you will be made unwelcome very quickly.
But if you maintain a low profile, and only have charter guests flying in from overseas by prior arrangement, and then to all intents and purposes put them on your crew list as 'crew', not as passengers, then you should be OK.
You will have to put the charter guests on the crew list if you want to visit eg Carriacou and Grenada to the south, or go north to St Lucia, as you will be clearing Customs & Immigration in each new island.

I think that the more important aspect would be what qualifications have you got to keep your charter guests happy.
Most charter guests (and charter brokers) would expect their skipper to have an RYA Yachtmaster certificate or the equivalent USCG qualification as an absolute minimum.

And has been stated in a reply to the same question on Scuttlebutt, if you are flagged in Britain, then you will need to conform with the British standards for commercial vessels. You could probably get away with not being a coded vessel - until something happens, and there is an enquiry, and all hell subsequently breaks loose....

 

[alant]

"If its a Brit vessel - you'll need nix."

Sorry to disagree, but if you are taking onboard 'paying guests', on a Brit flagged vessel (which needs to be appropriately coded) the MCGA 'Manning Requirements will need to be satisfied.

You can get away with it under the same regulations, by allowing your fellow sailors to pay expenses, which are specifically for the running of the vessel. Doesn't need to be coded then. Also, if you are in/on way to/ returning from a race, normal rules do not apply.

However, whichever 'devious' method you use to 'flout' the rules, dont forget that as soon as someone suffers a loss/injury, you could suffer even greater loss if the insurance company believes you are not competant. In the Carib, with US charterers, insurance surely is a must.

 

[Swagman]

Happy to be corrected if I gave wrong advice.
I'd always assumed the MCA coded the vessels only and that crew / skippers need not be licensed.
I'd also agree 'avoiding' little rules gives little risks - but trying to avoid charter regulations with possibly US passengers is indeed simply asking for trouble..........
Cheers
JOHN

 

[FrankieJ]

Many thanks for all your contributions.
Knowledge is power.
Frankie.

 

[trouville]

would some please post a copy of a licence needed for the French canals and perhaps a licence to sail at sea issued from the UK details removed of course

Ive never seen either!Really like to see what they look like.

 

[Sea Devil]

there's one on my web site I think on the routes to and from the med section