From your CFR that any Captain should have aboard his vessel

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§ 161.16 Applicability.
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Unless otherwise stated, the provisions of this subpart apply to the
following vessels and VMRS Users:

(a) Every power-driven vessel of 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) or
more in length, while navigating;

(b) Every towing vessel of 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) or more in
length, while navigating; or

(c) Every vessel certificated to carry 50 or more passengers for hire,
when engaged in trade.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by
USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39366, July 1, 2003]
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When I sail in commerical shipping lanes I find the service provided by
the USCG VTS one of the best services the USCG provides us mariners.
It's great, you can jump in a channel anywhere and know about everyone
you will meet way beforehand, miles in advance and avoid getting in the
way of a ship or tug working. You will know of any concerns of any
vessel you will meet, and they will know your intentions.

Don't be shy just because you are on a private vessel, the service is
for all mariners big and small.

For Capt Jon:
http://www.uscg.mil/D11/vtssf/Traini...es33cfr161.htm

Remember .....a Capt'n licences is just a licences to learn.

Capt. Joe