Coast Guard Warning!

[j.bridges]

You have to have a contractors licence to build a house,a C.D.L. to drive a big rig and a Captains licence to guide on the Tennessee river.
It's sad that the word Illegal don't seem to mean much to people anymore.

Guide or captain--or both? | al.com

[CatSlayer715]

Jason, i think you have somewhat of a monopoly on Wheeler. LoL..

[CaptLeo]

Yep!

Any person operating any vessel for hire on navigable waters must have proper licensing by the USCG.

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I have reported and will report in a heartbeat any unlicensed fishing guides I come across. And anyone who runs across "fishing guides" or anybody who takes or advertises to take others fishing for any compensation without that person being able and willing to show you proof of his/her license should be reported. The exception is where you find folks which offer guide service in waters not deemed by law as navigable waters, therefore not under federal jurisdiction, but some states require licensing for those offering services in non-navigable waters as defined by the USCG.

It is a requirement that the proper, current, up-to-date license be carried on-board any vessel being operated by any Captain for hire. This used to be a bit of a hassle since the license was an 8 x 10 certificate document, but that has now changed and licenses now are little red booklets, similar in appearance to a passport. Moreover, USCG licensed Captains must also have in their possession a TWIC at all times while on a vessel for hire if that vessel wishes to come into any port under federal jurisdiction.

[RIVERCATN]

The same thing goes on here on the James and Potomac Rivers guys who think its easy to make a living as a GUIDE pay the fees we CAPTAINS do and have at it. Like Janson sad your not a Coast Guard Captain your just sealing from us real Captains.

[Salmonid]

The same holds true for the Ohio River and even a few of the bigger tribs that run into it , anything with barge traffic is considered a "federal" waterway and requires a USCG approved charter license.

Salmonid

[billfish76]

I have had my license for going on 8 years now, I put in the time offshore, the time/money into the class and paperwork and I too cant stand it when I hear of people taking paid trips without the proper licensing. Not to mention 99% of the time they dont have the proper insurance or any at all. I have filled in as captain on charter and private boats from Flordia to Maryland, have been boarded many times in the inlets and at the dock for safety checks, ect. by the USCG, make sure all your ducks are in a row for that one day that you get stopped with a paid party onboard.

For those that do have a license but arent doing the guide thing make sure tht your insurance company knows that you hold a OUPV license cause in most cases it will get you a discount.