Welcome to your Helm Station, Captain
Fleet Manager
Track your vessels, manage their details, documents, photos and crew.
Interactive fleet map
🚢
Photo Gallery
No additional photos
Vessel Details
Marina Details
🛳️ Amenities
Attachments
▼
Vetted CrewVessels
Boats you work on and pending invitations.
Interactive vessel map
Crew Network
Connect with USCG-licensed captains and experienced crew in your area.
🎛️ Sort & Filter
▼
📍 Location
▼
🗺️ Map View Sort
⚓ Roles
▼
All Roles
⚓ Captain
💪 Mate
🧹 Deckhand
🪝 Bosun
🪢 Deck/Stew
🥂 Stew
🥂 Chief Stew
🍳 Chef
⚙️ Engineer
🎣 Fishing Guide
📋 View Style
▼
🎴 Card Grid
📝 List View
🗺️ Crew Map
▼
Click a profile to view details
⚓ My Connections
▼
Loading connections...
📡 Crew Calls
▼
Loading crew calls...
🗺️ Owner Network
Discover charter operators in your area. Connect, collaborate, and grow your fleet.
Loading operators...
Fed Charter Regs
USCG charter regulations on all federal waterways. 33 CFR Part 329
Jump to Section
🏛️
Jones Act & Coastwise Trade
The gate that determines if your vessel can legally charter in U.S. waters
Click for more details
The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) and the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) reserve U.S. coastwise trade - including charter operations - for vessels that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-documented with a coastwise endorsement. This is the fundamental eligibility gate for every charter type. A vessel without coastwise qualification cannot legally carry passengers for hire between U.S. points, even if it meets all other USCG requirements.
🇺🇸 U.S.-Built
All major components of hull & superstructure fabricated in the U.S., vessel assembled entirely in the U.S. (46 CFR §67.97). Rebuilding outside the U.S. can void coastwise status.
👤 U.S.-Owned
Wholly owned by U.S. citizens for coastwise trade purposes (46 USC §55102(b)(1)). Corporations must meet citizenship requirements of 46 USC §12103.
📄 Coastwise Endorsement
COD with coastwise endorsement issued by USCG NVDC (46 USC §12112). Vessels ≥5 NRT must be documented; <5 NRT must still qualify but use state registration.
⛔ Penalties for Violation
PVSA (passengers): $300 per passenger transported and landed (46 USC §55103(b))
Jones Act (merchandise): Forfeiture of merchandise or monetary penalty equal to value of merchandise or cost of transport, whichever is greater (46 USC §55102(c))
Documentation violations: Up to $15,000 civil penalty per violation per day; vessel seizure and forfeiture for operating without proper endorsement (46 USC §12151)
Why this matters for charter vessels: The Jones Act governs merchandise (46 USC §55102). The PVSA governs passengers (46 USC §55103). For charter operations, the PVSA is the controlling statute. A bareboat charter is a special case - the charterer becomes the disponent owner and the vessel may operate as if the charterer owns it, but the vessel still must be coastwise-qualified if it transports passengers (other than bona fide guests) between U.S. points. CBP has ruled that even round-trip excursions that start and end at the same point within U.S. territorial waters constitute coastwise transportation under the PVSA.
⚠️ Foreign-Built Vessels
If your vessel was built outside the United States, it cannot obtain a coastwise endorsement through normal channels (46 USC §12112(a)(2)). This means it cannot legally carry passengers for hire in U.S. coastwise trade - unless it qualifies for a MARAD Small Vessel Waiver (see below). This is one of the most critical compliance checks for any charter operation.
📋
MARAD Small Vessel Waiver
The path for foreign-built vessels to operate in coastwise trade
Click for more details
Under 46 USC §12121 and 46 CFR Part 388, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) may waive the U.S.-build requirement for small passenger vessels. This is the only administrative path for a foreign-built vessel to legally carry passengers for hire in U.S. coastwise trade.
✓ Eligibility Requirements
U.S. Ownership - Vessel owned by U.S. citizen or organization
3+ Years Old - Built or rebuilt at least 3 years before application
Passengers Only - Intended use is carrying passengers for hire (no cargo, fishing, towing)
≤12 Passengers - Cannot carry more than 12 passengers for hire at a time
USCG Requirements - Must meet all Coast Guard documentation, inspection & manning requirements
No Undue Impact - Waiver must not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or existing coastwise operators
Application Process1. Verify eligibility (age, ownership, passenger count, build location)
2. Complete Form MA-1023 online or by mail
3. Pay $500 non-refundable application fee (via pay.gov)
4. MARAD publishes Public Notice in the Federal Register for 30-day comment period
5. MARAD evaluates impact on U.S. builders & operators
6. If approved: waiver issued → file for Coastwise Trade Endorsement with USCG NVDC
7. Timeline: typically 60-90 days from application to waiver issuance
⚠ Important Details
Waiver stays with vessel - Transfers to new owner on sale; becomes part of vessel documentation history
Max 2 coasts - Each waiver limited to 2 coasts (e.g., Atlantic + Gulf, Pacific + Lakes). "All coasts" not accepted
Bareboat exception - For bareboat charters, additional passengers beyond the 12-passenger limit may be permitted (guests of charterer, not "for hire")
Revocable for fraud - MARAD can revoke if application contained fraudulent information (46 USC §12121(c))
Not a USCG waiver - Does NOT waive documentation, manning, or inspection requirements. All USCG rules still apply
Sport fishing OK - Sport fishing is permitted as long as fish are not sold commercially
What MARAD Needs From You
• Impact on existing operators: Describe how waiver will (or won't) affect commercial passenger vessel operators in your area - list existing operators if known
• Impact on U.S. shipyards: Explain why no U.S. builder is disadvantaged - MARAD checks if a U.S. shipyard has built similar vessels or has capacity/orders for one
• Geographic specificity: List all states of intended operation (e.g., "California, Washington") - not "all coasts"
• Vessel details: O/N or HIN, build date & place, type, size, tonnage, passenger capacity
📞 Contact MARAD
Office of Cargo & Commercial Sealift
Phone: (202) 366-4610 ext. 5
Email: smallvessels@dot.gov
Mail: 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20590
Sources: 46 USC §12121 · 46 CFR Part 388 · 46 USC §55102 · 46 USC §55103 · 46 USC §12112 · 46 USC §12151
6-Pack / OUPV Charter
Captain provided, maximum 6 passengers for hire
Click for more details
A Six-Pack (OUPV) charter provides a licensed captain for up to 6 passengers. The vessel owner provides the captain and crew. The captain must hold a current USCG OUPV/Six-Pack Merchant Mariner Credential.
✓ Required
• USCG Documentation + coastwise endorsement (if ≥5 NRT)
• OUPV/Six-Pack captain license (MMC)
• Drug testing program (46 CFR Part 16)
• Max 6 passengers for hire (7 total w/ captain)
• State registration (if <5 NRT, no COD)
✗ NOT Required
• COI (Certificate of Inspection)
• Master's license (OUPV sufficient)
• Insurance (USCG does not require)
12-Pack / OUPV (≥100 GRT)
7-12 passengers, uninspected vessel
Click for more details
For vessels 100 gross tons (GRT) or more, a Master-licensed captain may carry up to 12 passengers for hire. This is still an uninspected vessel operation - no COI required. Per 46 USC §2101(42)(A), vessels ≥100 GRT carrying ≤12 passengers require a Master endorsement, not just OUPV.
✓ Required
• Master's license (MMC) appropriate to tonnage
• Vessel ≥100 GRT (gross registered tons)
• USCG Documentation with coastwise endorsement
• Drug testing program (46 CFR Part 16)
• Max 12 passengers for hire
✗ NOT Required
• Certificate of Inspection (COI) - uninspected vessel
• Insurance (USCG does not require)
• OUPV-only license (Master endorsement required at this tonnage)
COI / Inspected Vessel
7+ passengers for hire (not bareboat), inspected vessel
Click for more details
Vessels carrying more than 6 passengers for hire must hold a Certificate of Inspection (COI) issued by the USCG. This involves a comprehensive inspection of the vessel, crew qualifications, safety equipment, and operational procedures. The requirements vary significantly by vessel size, route, and service. Important distinction: In a bareboat charter, the charterer + up to 12 guests are not "passengers for hire" - the charterer is the temporary owner. The 6-passenger COI threshold only applies to vessels where passengers are paying for carriage (6-pack, 12-pack, or inspected operations).
⚠ COI Requirements
• Certificate of Inspection (COI)
• Licensed Master (tonnage-appropriate)
• Crew per COI manning requirements
• Safety equipment per 46 CFR Subchapter T/K
• Stability letter & hull inspection
• Drug testing for all crew (46 CFR 16)
• USCG documentation with coastwise endorsement
• Annual reinspection
Bareboat Charter
Charterer = temporary owner (disponent owner)
Click for more details
In a bareboat charter, the charterer takes full possession, command, and control of the vessel as if they were the owner. The charterer becomes the disponent owner for the duration of the charter. They select and pay the crew, provide all provisions, and bear full legal responsibility.
✓ Required
• Vessel <5 NRT: State registration
• Vessel ≥5 NRT: USCG Documentation with coastwise endorsement
• Written bareboat charter agreement
• Charterer assumes all legal obligations
• Max 13 passengers (1 paying + 12 guests)
✗ NOT Required
• Captain's license
• Drug testing program
• COI (Certificate of Inspection)
• Insurance (USCG does not require)
⚠ Key Rule: The owner may recommend operators but cannot assign them. The primary charterer must be given the option to choose their own operator. If the owner dictates crew selection, the bareboat charter may be invalidated per USCG (46 USC §2101, MSIB 01-19).
🛡️
Insurance & Financial Responsibility
What the USCG actually requires - and what they don't
Click for more details
✅ Key Takeaway: Insurance is NOT a USCG compliance gate for bareboat or 6-Pack operations
The USCG has no minimum insurance requirement for uninspected vessels (bareboat charters and 6-Pack/OUPV). Insurance is an owner business decision, not a regulatory requirement. However, COI/inspected vessels carrying 7+ passengers must demonstrate financial responsibility under 46 USC §44103.
USCG Insurance Requirements by Charter Type
| Charter Type | USCG Req? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bareboat | NO | Charterer assumes all liability as disponent owner. Owner's policy typically excludes charterer operations. Charterer should obtain their own hull & liability coverage. |
| 6-Pack / OUPV | NO | No USCG insurance mandate. Most harbors, marinas, and charter platforms (GetMyBoat, Boatsetter) require proof of liability insurance as a condition of doing business - but that's private, not federal. |
| 12-Pack UPV ≥100 GRT uninspected |
NO | No USCG insurance mandate. 46 USC §44103 financial responsibility applies to inspected vessels (Subchapter T), not uninspected vessels. Same practical advice as 6-Pack: marinas and platforms will likely require it. |
| COI / Inspected 7+ passengers |
YES | 46 USC §44103 - Owner/charterer must establish financial responsibility for death/injury to passengers. Scaled by passenger accommodations: $20K for the first 500, $15K for 501-1,000, $10K for 1,001-1,500, $5K for 1,500+. Filed via CG-5304. |
🔴 46 USC §44103 - Financial Responsibility (COI Vessels Only)
Who it applies to: Owners and charterers of inspected passenger vessels - vessels carrying 7+ passengers for hire that require a Certificate of Inspection under Subchapter T or K.
What it requires: Proof of financial responsibility (insurance or surety bond) for passenger death/injury. Minimum amounts scale with passenger capacity:
1-500 passengers: $20,000 per passenger
501-1,000: $15,000 per passenger
1,001-1,500: $10,000 per passenger
1,500+: $5,000 per passenger
How it's filed: Form CG-5304 (Certificate of Financial Responsibility) submitted to the USCG National Vessel Documentation Center.
What it covers: Death or injury to passengers. Does NOT cover hull damage, third-party property, or environmental liability (separate policies needed).
⚠️ Practical Insurance Guidance (Not USCG - Private Requirements)
Even though the USCG doesn't require insurance for bareboat, 6-Pack, or 12-Pack operations, you'll almost certainly need it anyway for these reasons:
• Marinas often require liability insurance as a condition of slip rental
• Charter platforms (GetMyBoat, Boatsetter, Airbnb) require proof of insurance to list your vessel
• Mortgage holders typically require hull & liability coverage as a loan condition
• Bareboat charterers should carry their own liability policy - the owner's policy usually excludes charter operations
• P&I clubs and marine insurers offer charter-specific policies (hull, P&I, passenger liability, pollution)
Typical coverage levels for charter vessels: $1M-$2M general liability, hull at agreed value, passenger medical payments, and pollution coverage (33 CFR liability).
⚓ Bareboat Charter Insurance (Special Rules)
In a bareboat charter, the charterer becomes the disponent owner - they assume full legal and operational responsibility (46 CFR §68.105). This creates specific insurance dynamics:
• Owner's policy typically excludes charterer operations - the charterer needs their own coverage
• Most bareboat charter agreements include a hold harmless agreement - charterer indemnifies the owner
• Owner may recommend captains but cannot dictate crew selection - doing so invalidates the bareboat charter per USCG (MSIB 01-19)
• Owner may require crew qualifications (e.g., valid MMC) - this is permitted and does not invalidate the charter
• Charterer insurance should cover: hull damage, third-party liability, passenger injury, medical payments, and pollution liability
🏛️ Local Rental Regs
State & local requirements for renting vessels - livery permits, insurance mandates, age restrictions, and education requirements.
Safety Compliance
USCG safety requirements by vessel type - what the Coast Guard checks.
Documents
Agreements, entity documents, licenses, insurance, and financial records.
Jump to Section
Agreements
Charter agreements, templates, and executed contracts
Click for more details
Upload templates, generate charter paperwork, and track executed contracts. All your agreement workflow in one place.
📄 Templates
Your custom PDF templates with fields mapped to vessel, guest, and charter data — used to generate paperwork.
No templates yet
Upload your own PDF template or use one of our built-in templates.
📋 Executed Agreements
Select all
🏭
Formation & Entity
LLC formation, EIN, operating agreements, bylaws, business licenses, DBA registrations
Click for more details
Your business entity's foundational documents - articles of organization, EIN confirmation, operating agreements, and state registrations that establish your company's legal standing.
📆
Licensing, Permits & Registrations
Captain's licenses, state business permits, harbormaster permits, federal authorizations
Click for more details
Business licenses, permits, and regulatory authorizations your company needs to operate — captain credentials, state business permits, and federal authorizations.
⚓ Vessel Licenses & Registrations
Loading...
🛡️
Insurance & Liability
General liability, umbrella, workers' comp, charter policies, business property
Click for more details
Business insurance policies that protect your company — general liability, workers' comp, umbrella coverage, and charter-specific policies.
🚢 Vessel Insurance
Loading...
⚓
My Credentials
Licenses, certifications, and professional credentials
Synced with your crew profile
Upload scans or photos of your licenses and certifications. These also appear on your Crew Network profile card.
⛵
Sea Service Hours
Track your time on the water for license upgrades and credentials
Coming soon
Log days underway, vessel tonnage, and waterway experience — the building blocks of your professional maritime résumé. Sea service records verify your hours for USCG license applications and renewals.
🚧
Coming Soon
We're building an interactive sea service log that connects to your charters and crew assignments — automatically tracking days, tonnage, and waterways. Stay tuned.
💰
Financial & Tax
Tax returns, bank statements, financial statements, P&L records
Click for more details
Financial records for tax compliance, loan applications, and business planning. Keep your books organized and accessible.
📜
Contracts & Leases
Management agreements, captain/crew contracts, charter agreements, office leases
Click for more details
Active contracts and lease agreements — management agreements, captain/crew contracts, charter agreement templates, and office leases.
📂
Other Documents
Anything that doesn't fit the categories above
Click for more details
Miscellaneous business documents - correspondence, certifications, franchise agreements, or anything else you need to keep on file.
📅 My Calendar
All your events in one place — charters, boat shows, maintenance & more
Control Panel
▾
No calendar connected
Local events only
Event filters
Time: All ▾
Status: All ▾
Event type: All ▾
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
📦 Logistics Manager
Boat rules, pickup & drop-off locations, and onboarding content for your fleet.
Boat Rules
📬 Message Board
📬 Loading messages...
🏗️ Shipyard
Maintenance jobs, time tracking, and reports.
Upcoming 0
No jobs
In Progress 0
No jobs
On Hold 0
No jobs
Completed 0
No jobs
Cancelled 0
No jobs
👥 Clients
Loading...
💰
Financials
Track every dollar through your platform
Coming Soon
📄
Invoices
Generate professional invoices tied to charters, jobs, or standalone items. Share a public payment link with your clients.
- Invoice items with charter/job/other association
- Public invoice page with payment options
- Owner company, contact, and notes fields
- All invoices stored in your financials folder
📊
Profit & Loss
Revenue by vessel, quarter, and year — all from your existing charter data.
- Revenue from agreements & charter events
- Expenses tracked by vessel and category
- Year-over-year and quarter-by-quarter views
- Net profit breakdown per vessel
💳
Transaction Ledger
Every dollar tracked: agreement fees, crew payments, tank fills, and Stripe payouts.
- Agreement fees ($1/agreement, tank fills ≥$5)
- Crew payments — prepaid vs direct
- Credits, refunds, and promotions
- Filter by year, quarter, vessel, or category
Settings
Manage your profile and account.
01👤 Account Profile
?
Loading...
Changing your handle migrates all your personal files
02⚓ Crew Profile
Loading crew profile...
03🚢 Company
04💾 User Data
Scans all your company's file references in the database and verifies each file exists on disk. Missing files are flagged for repair.
Disk Usage
Loading...
Includes company files and personal uploads. Tier-based limits coming soon.
Orphaned Files
Files on disk with no database reference. Read-only here — cleanup is a CLI operation.
05💳 Payment Methods
Payment methods you add here appear in the "Collect Fees" workflow on events.
+ Add Payment Method
06🔔 Notifications
Choose how and when you'd like to be notified.
📬 Notification Methods
🚢 Charter Alerts
⚓ Crew Network
⚙️ System
07🎨 Appearance
Choose your preferred color scheme and text size for the interface.
Text Size
08🔒 Change Password
09⚓ Account >08⚓ Account & Billing Billing
—
—
Loading...
🧠 AI Smart Parse
—
🎨 Style Editor
Master style registries — icons, colors, typography, layout. Saving re-bakes the shared tokens.css and registry.js the whole app reads from.
Loading…
👤 Individual Owners
Manage individual vessel owners and their accounts.
Loading...
🚢 Fleet Managers
Manage fleet management companies and their accounts.
Loading...
🌐 Crew Network
Overview of all captain and crew member profiles.
Loading...
📊 Control Room
Welcome to your AboveDeck control room.
Total Visitors
—
Page Views
—
Avg. Session
—
Bounce Rate
—
📊 Traffic by Site
All Sites — Live
Top Pages
📋 Waitlist
Recent Signups
| Name | Role | Beta | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading... | ||||