Is a Captain's License Needed to Carry Freight ?

[Catamount]

As above, you may want to check your vessel's documentation. More information here: USCG National Vessel Documentation Center, Home Page

[skipmac]

As far as I know carrying cargo will not require a USCG captain's license. However for cargo between US ports you will have to comply with the Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) which requires vessels are built and documented in the US and crewed by US citizens.

What you may have to deal with is business licenses and local regulations, especially at the destination. Probably no vendors license if you are selling wholesale or charging only for shipping but if you are buying/selling goods you will probably have to get a federal tax ID number and deal with local sales tax regulations.

Bottom line, just like running any business in the US, you will have rules and regulations to deal with. Doing it on a boat doesn't make you exempt from the rules. If you don't like the rules you can do it under the table but be prepared for the consequences if caught.

[Unicorn Dreams]

One other point you might need to look into is an ICC Permit for interstate commerce. www.icc.gov to find out.

[Monty Spears]

No there is no need to captain's license to carry freight. Don't having detailed information.

[prof_mariner]

Ben, rather than risk making, what could be, a very expensive mistake, call the USCG inspector's office. They're right up the road from you in Long Beach. They'll set you straight and can give you references from the CFR's to look up and verify. I'm a certified upper level instructor and even I look things up in the CFR's anytime something like this comes up. In this particular instance there are a number of regulations that come into play and the answer will depend on a number of factors I don't see listed in the OP's post.

[womensetsail]

The USCG now requires a TWIC license for Homeland Security. (Transportation Workers Identification Card). We had to get them when we got our 6-pack. It was a bit of a hassle. I would think if you're transporting goods, you would at least need this ID card.

[Ben M-P]

Thanks for all the help.
As far as I can tell from the CFR, USCG, etc. I believe that you do need one if it is "for hire", and as posted above there are a (ridiculous) number of factors influencing which license(s) you and the vessel need.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by womensetsail

The USCG now requires a TWIC license for Homeland Security. (Transportation Workers Identification Card). We had to get them when we got our 6-pack. It was a bit of a hassle. I would think if you're transporting goods, you would at least need this ID card.

You can not get into a shipyard (unless escorted) without a TWIC.

But just try transporting goods, and when the CG stops you, you will surely find out what you're suppose to have!.

[captainKJ]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

You can not get into a shipyard (unless escorted) without a TWIC.

But just try transporting goods, and when the CG stops you, you will surely find out what you're suppose to have!.

the TWIX depends on the shipyard,,,, most of the PORTS you will need a TWIX,,,,unless you work for a tank cleaning company then ONLY 1 in 5 people need a TWIX,,, also if you are not a US citizen you can still apply for one,,, all you need is a letter from the chief of police of your home country,,, HOW DOES THIS MAKE US SAFER,,,,

[boasun]

1. you do need a license for carrage of passengers and cargo. Your vessel will need a certificate of Inspection from the USCG because it is now in commercial usage.
The USA is an VERY over Regulated country... and all of the hoops you have to jump through can be very annoying.
Just finished jumping some of those hoops, myself.