Mariners School - Liability and Insurance

Can you explain to me what, if anything, changes when and if I get my six-pack certification?

I plan to NOT use my boat (23' 225hp) for anything other than the current pleasure use. I would like to learn however and am motivated by the challenge.

I've heard the insurance rates skyrocket when you become certified and you're more open to being sued if a loss occurs.

In most cases such as yours our clients are receiving a 10-30% discount in their insurance rates. When I first got my license I was using my boat for personal use and received a $3,000.00 per year discount.

The only time your insurance would increase is when you choose to use your personal vessel to run charters. If this is the case the increase in rates is due to the additional liability insurance you would now be carrying.

Earning your Captains License is an accomplishment to be proud of. However, I tell all of our clients that safety should be the number one reason you choose to get your Captains License. Our online Captains License courses are a great learning experience.

Good Luck!

I have no idea.

American Modern has a part-time guide insurance program that works for me. It allows coverage of boat and equipment list at agreed value plus liability up to $1m with named other insured (such as my outfitter and booking agent). My insurance costs went up $64/yr from similar coverage by Progressive that did not allow "for hire" charter use.

Under the terms of the policy, I can carry five total, including me. I cannot provide alcoholic beverages to the clients. I cannot have a paid mate on board. Other that, pretty much biz as usual.

Only need for commercial insurance is if you are taking passengers for hire. Mine went from 850/yr to 3800/yr when I got my ticket and started taking clients out

The price increase has nothing to do with the license - it's the commercial insurance policy on the boat. If you get a Captain's license and use your personal boat for recreational purposes your insurance will stay the same or go down - it will not go up.

My insurance on my boat was $454/year. I got my Captain's License, and called the policy holder to discuss. They said that they do not insure commercial use. I then found another company that specializes in commercial insurance for boaters, such as those wanting to charter. My insurance increased to only $580/year.


If you fish tournaments of any kind, you might want to check with your insurance provider if you are covered during a tournament. My previous company listed tournaments 'commercial use'. Had I had an accident while fishing a tournament, I would not have been covered.

Now, most would ask, how would they know you were fishing a tournament? As you know, these agents/adjusters know every trick in the book. It's probably one of the first questions they ask you if you try to file a claim.