Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River is implementing a new Uninspected Passenger Vessel Examination Program. This program is designed to assist and educate charter boats, guide boats, or any or other type of vessels that carries passengers for hire operating on Federal Waterways of the Coast Guard regulations and requirements.
Members of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary will be reaching out to known operators and informing them of the program. This program is strictly voluntary on the vessel’s owner/operators part. The program consists of an examination of the vessel by a qualified CG Auxiliary member that will do a courtesy exam of all required safety equipment, verification of licensing and documentation requirements, as well as ensuring compliance with chemical testing protocols. After the examination and if the operator was found to be in compliance a Uninspected passenger Vessel Examination Decal will be issued to the vessel. This decal will be valid for two years.
Items to be aware of:
To operate has an uninspected passenger vessel on the federal waterways:
1.)You can not carry more then six passengers for hire. If you carry more then six, the vessel would be required to be Coast Guard inspected.
2.)You must hold at a minimum an OUPV License (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel) issued by the Coast Guard.
3.)You must obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card issued by the Transportation Security Administration.
4.)Enrolled in a Chemical Testing Program
5.)Ensure your vessel has the required safety equipment onboard, i.e. Type 1 Life Jackets, Fire Extinguishers, Nav Lights, Distress and Sound Signals.
For further information: Please contact the Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment St. Paul and speak with CWO John Nay at 612-725-1871.
