certification I can work with

[belizesailor]

Dunno. Its not physically installed so my interpretation would be its not Aux Power, but that could be open to debate.

Also, Uninspected Power Vessels can only carry 6 passengers or less...thus the "6-Pack" moniker for an OUPV license. More passengers and it becomes an Inspected Vessel with much more stringent requirements. Victory Chimes can carry up to 40 guests. I cant imagine the Coasties being OK with that many passengers on an Inspected Vessel with no liscenced Captain aboard. BTW the larger vessels like Victory Chimes operate with a full complement of licensed ship's officers (Captain, First Mate, ...).

I know on the ELISSA that this full complement of officers was required by the Coasties. Since the ELISSA had an engine they also required a licensed Engineer. Without that, and verified conformance to Inspected Vessel saftey regulations (including observed and timed fire fighting and MOB drills). Our certificate would not be issued and we could not leave the slip with passengers aboard.

To further muddle the rules...the passengers on the ELISSA were not passengers for hire. They were supporters of the foundation, their friends/family, friends/family of crew, VIPs etc. You cannot buy a ticket or make a "donation" to sail aboard the ELISSA and this was carefully enforced. The Coasties recognized this but still categorized her as an Inspected Vessel and required full licensed ships officers aboard (though not the volunteer crew). So...the District ultimately has a lot of leeway on how the rules are interpreted.

A funny side note: the Coasties require a licensed Engineer on some of the Casino boats that never leave the dock because they do have an engine and systems. A buddy of mine got this gig once...basically getting paid to hang out on the boat. [emoji41]