Look under the Port State Pilot requirements. Typically a vessel with
greater than XX draft or XXX tonnage will require a state licensed pilot
when entering and leaving port regardless of flag or use. These requirements
are sometimes wavered for US flag vessels (in the US of course) if certain
requirements are met. Generally licensing is required along with a certain
number of trips along the route, typically 25, sometimes a Federal Pilotage
Exam is required.

"Paul Schilter" paulschilter@comcast,dot,net wrote in message
...
Tom,
I couldn't find any requirements for Michigan, thanks for the info.
Paul

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in
message
...
On Wed, 21 Jul 2004 18:01:10 -0400, "Paul Schilter"
paulschilter@comcast,dot,net wrote:

A friend and I were having a discussion, I stated that if I had the
money
to
buy an ocean liner and just used it for personal pleasure (no paying
passengers) I didn't need a captain's (master's) license. I said that
it
might be a bit of a problem finding someone willing to insure you
though.
My
friend disagreed, he said that after 60 feet the boat required a
captain's
license. (just to keep this post on topic to this newsgroup I'll state
that
my friend is a Republican and I'm basically a Democrat, but we don't
discuss
this at all.) :-) So I ask the group. was I correct? Also is there a
point
(size wise) where insurance companies want you to have credentials such
as a
master's license or previous experience?
Paul

There is no absolute "requirement" by statute, regulation or other in
federal waters/international waters, but....

I believe there may be a requirement for a license in any particular
state, I'm not sure about that. I'm positive that other governments
require licenses to enter their ports or territorial waters.

With regard to insurance, it's up to the individual carrier, but most
would want to have an experienced Master on board in order for them to
insure it. I occasionally get a call to deliver a boat, or take a
party beyond the Boundry Line and it's always because the insurance
company requires a licensed Master to do so.

Hope that helps.

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
-----------
"Angling may be said to be so
like the mathematics that it
can never be fully learnt..."

Izaak Walton "The Compleat Angler", 1653