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Commercial boats that carry more than 6 paying passengers must be driven by a licensed captain. The boat must have a Certificate of Inspection (which requires the plans be approved by the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center in Washington, DC). Boats are inspected while under construction, as well as on a annual basis by the local Coast Guard Marine Safety Office.
According to the Jones Act, inspected vessels must be built in the United States and driven by American Citizens.
Smoky Mountain Jet Boats have a Certificate of Inspection (COI) and stability letter for 12 passengers and one Captain for "Partially Protected Waters - Lakes, Bays and Sounds." Our boats were stability-tested by MSO Philadelphia for the new regulations for a passenger weight of 185 lbs. in the spring of 2006.
Almost all waterways in the United States are under Coast Guard Jurisdiction and must follow federal rules. Contact your local Marine Safety Office (MSO) if you are interested in one of our boats. http://www.uscg.mil/units.shtm
The best way to get a captain's license is by taking a course with World Wide Marine Training Inc (www.wegivethetest.com) of Oriental, NC. Call Larry Walker at 1866.249.2135 for more information.
Most regulations governing the Coast Guard can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations under CFR 46 and CFR 33. They are posted online at www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/cfr. |
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