We're getting off topic here, but let me try to clear up a few points. I'll
try to keep it simple, but if you want more detail, I'd recommend you look
them up in the pertinent CFR (Code of Federal Regulations). If you are a
licensed Master, you should already be familiar with the CFR's. I'm
assuming we're talking about the US, BTW:

If the poster has a "Captain's License" he can accept money as long as
there are 6 or less "paying" passengers. If I pick out the words,
"licensed master" and accept them literally, your boat had better be
duly *Inspected*.

The boat does not have to be an inspected vessel for a charter.

I'm assuming we're talking about smaller vessels here, so basically there
are both "inspected" and "uninspected" vessels. Again, the regulations and
definitions are fairly lengthy and covered in the CFR's, but roughly
speaking: "uninspected" vessels may carry up to 6 passengers and inspected
vessels may carry as many passengers as their "Certificate of Inspection"
(COI) stipulates. I've driven uninspected vessels that were over 100' in
length (so could carry no more than 6 passengers), inspected vessels under
30' that were able to carry 20 passengers and a 99 ton inspected vessel that
could carry up to 1,200 passengers.

Incidently, don't confuse a vessel inspection with the USCG Aux. "voluntary
safety inspection". These are two completely different things. A vessel is
"inspected" before being put into service (a very involved process), is
issued a COI, and then is re-inspected every year.

As far as licenses go (again, I'm just speaking in rough terms) there is a
"Masters" license and then there is a "OUPV" (Operator, Uninspected
Passenger Vessel) license. The Master's license will stipulate the tonnage
and class of vessel as well as the waters to be operated in. For example, a
typical charter captain's license might be a "Master, limited to vessels 100
gross tons or less, near coastal waters with sailing and towing
endorsements". An "OUPV" license limits the operator to carrying no more
than 6 passengers on an uninspected vessel, this is what is commonly
referred to as a "six pack" license.

If the boarding officer has an attitude, you'd be
better off to have your documentation on board.... License, Drug Test,
etc.... (although if you argued that would be an admission of for-pay
intent, I'd have to concede.)

Licence only, not drug test card or CPR

Well, no. If you hold a current Master's or OUPV license, you must also be
enrolled in a urinalysis program, whether you are working or not. In my
experience, a USCG boarding is usually a very rare occurance, and usually
happens in response to an accident, complaint or tip (sometimes a
disgruntle -ex- employee). The first thing the boarding officer did was
inspect all your licenses, endorsements and certificates (and you better
have your original license with you, -not- a copy!). The second thing he
did was ordered a urinalysis for every licensed person on the vessel. If
anything was not in order, it ended up in his report. I hope to never find
out what happens next if something ends up in his report ;-)

Incidentally, if you are a licensed mariner and aren't enrolled in a
urinalysis program through your employer, you can join an organization like
the "American Professional Captain's Association" (which I'm a member of)
and for about $39 a year, you'll be enrolled in their program. While you're
at it, you can also sign up for our free email reminder service. That way
you'll never forget to renew your license, endorsements, urinalysis, CPR or
anything else. You'd be surprised how many students I've had come in to
re-take a captain's or radar course because they missed their expiration
date by a day or two...

--
Paul

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