Guardians,
The Coast Guard will team up with state boating authorities to raise awareness and educate vessel operators and consumers on uninspected passenger vessel licensing requirements. Uninspected Passenger Vessels are those vessels that carry six or fewer passengers for hire on federally navigable waters. There are over 30,000 legal UPVs in the U.S.
With the onset of boating season, the Coast Guard is working with state boating authorities to improve safety on inland waterways, ensuring that sightseeing cruises, fishing charters and party boats operate safely within the standards established in federal regulations.
Uninspected Passenger Vessel Operators are required to hold an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels license, issued by the Coast Guard. Licensed operators have demonstrated they possess the knowledge and skills to keep passengers safe and respond to emergencies on the water that may occur.
The Coast Guard has a voluntary examination program where operators of uninspected passenger vessels can have their vessels examined, free of charge or penalty, by the Coast Guard. When these vessels and operators have demonstrated they are in full compliance with federal regulations, the Coast Guard issues a decal for the vessels to display on their boats. While this decal only demonstrates compliance on the day of the examination, it is a strong indicator that the vessel, its company and its operations meet safety requirements.
Current operators of uninspected passenger vessels who do not hold a valid operator license are encouraged to work with their local Coast Guard Sector, Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections to become licensed.
The Coast Guard is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure a sensible and reasonable approach toward UPV compliance. More information regarding licensing requirements can be found at here or www.uscg.mil/nmc.
For more information on the Coast Guard’s passenger vessel safety programs, go here.
For more information about UPV operations and the Coast Guard's efforts in outreach, education and compliance efforts, please contact the program office at CG543@uscg.mil.
