Captain?

[Billy Harris]

I see all these guides and people on the outdoor shows and they have Capt. in front of their names.

[jarrod white]

they have taken the course and certified as a “captain” by the US Coast Guard standards.

[Michael Exl]

In some areas you must have a captain license to guide. There are even certain sections of river up in Michigan where once are a certain distance from Lake Michigan it is required.

[Bob Riggins]

In Florida, if you guide in a power boat, you are required to have a captains liscense.

[Zach Matthews]

That’s a very good explanation, Bob.

[paul rose]

Bob is indeed correct on correspondance issues. There is also an inland license as some lakes require a captains license. If your taking out clients be sure for above the demarcation lines. Check your lake rules. From a liability issue alone it is prudent. There was an incident near Charlotte with a guide having no license. An accident on the water did not go well for him so you never know. There is some gray area on inland waters.

[keith b]

My friend I fish with in Tampa is a guide, but does not run a guide business (yet), and he was telling me some of the things they have to know and do, as well as the time on the water you must document.

[J.T. Griffin]

Do most of the Florida guides have the “six pack” license, I’m assuming?

[Bob Riggins]

Typically yes, most have the OUPV (Operator of Un-inspected Passenger Vehicle), or “six pack” liscense, unless they carry more than 6 passengers.

One interesting note, the captains liscense is not required for kayak guides.

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