All Commercial boats that carry more passengers on a navigable water ways in the United States must be driven by a licensed captain. If the boat is to carry more than 6 passengers the boat must have a Certificate of Inspection (which requires the plans be approved by the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center in Washington, DC). The local Coast Guard Marine Safety Office inspects while boats under construction, as well as on an annual basis.

According to the Jones Act, inspected vessels must be built in the United States, driven by American Citizens and the materials for the hull must originate in the USA.

Smoky Mountain Jet Boats have a Certificate of Inspection (COI) and stability letter for 11 passengers and one Captain for “Partially Protected Waters – Lakes, Bays and Sounds” at the new weight of 185 lbs per passenger.  We will have a second boat in early 2010 ready for production that will have a near coastal designation and will carry either 22+2 or 23+1 depending on the local OCMI (officer in charge of marine inspection)

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 Local OCMI  (Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections) approves your “route” and does a “New to Zone” COI inspection.

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. The rules that pertain to small inspected vessels (less than 149 passengers can be found in CFR 46 subchapter T (http://law.justia.com/us/cfr/title46/46cfrv7_02.html)

We will work closely with you and your local Marine inspector to make your inspections, route selection and training satisfy their needs.

We are also members of AYBC (American Yacht and Boat Council) http://www.abycinc.org/ and the PVA (Passenger Vessel Association) http://www.passengervessel.com