A message from Captain David Rieumont...I recently got my captain's license, what do I need to do to charter offshore?
Mr Clayton, first you need to get a State license at the Tax Collector's Office. You need your Federal license from the USCG in order to get your State of Florida Recreational License to be a Captain, which will cover all anglers on your boat. This covers all your paid clients so they do not need to purchase a fishing license whether they are local, out of state or foreigners. So, bring your Federal license with you to the Tax Collectors Office. You can purchase one for 4 anglers or less, which costs about $201.50, or you can purchase one for 6 or more for $401.50. After you obtain that, then you will have to get a Transportation Worker Identification Credential. Also called a TWIC card. It costs about $135 to $150.You have to get it from the Transportation Security Administration Office. Double check with them though, because they were talking about doing away with it in 2012.
Next step is to get a commercial marine insurance policy from a company like Charter Lakes Marine Insurance Agency. I believe they will insure you asap, but limit your policy based on your tenure as a Captain. Tell them that you heard about them from The Online Fisherman. They are the # 1 insurer of Captains in the United States.
Now, you have to purchase some Federal fishing permits like Federal Migratory Species Permit and another permit for bottom fishing. The Government is no longer selling new Federal licenses, they stopped many years ago. So now you have to find a Captain with an existing Federal license for sale. Believe it or not they used to be sold by the Government for around $50. Now, because they stopped issuing them, (supply and demand) they could cost anywhere from $5,000 on up! If and when you're ready, I know some Captain's that might have them for sale. Look around and you can bargain the permit price. Some Captains have sold them for $1,000 because they needed the money.
Last but not least, the most important thing after you obtain all your licenses and credentials, is the marketing aspect of the business. Most seem to think because they are excellent fisherman that they could translate that into charters which equals money, when in fact the fishing skills you have is a very small piece of the business model for a great guide service. But, that is a whole other topic. I could help you with that part of the business also. Hope this helps.
Thank you for using The Online Fisherman
Captain David
