What Toye stated is spot on.I do not believe there is a “temporary grace period” to operate without it.You could call the USFW office,but they will probably tell you to cease operations until you have the proper license.

If you get caught without it,the first time you may get a warning,or a fine.From what I heard,they ARE enforceing this.I don’t think it is worth the chance.Heck,your “best”buddy could rat you out and you are busted.

I recently acquired the license to operate the fishing float in Trempealeau.It was operated in the past without the proper license.I started to operate it in early 2003(unemployed) and had the”coming to Jesus”meeting with the USFW folks.We then ceased operations until somebody was licensed.I guess I was the only one willing to step-up to the plate.

When you do apply for the license,MAKE SURE that all the paperwork is filled out to the tee,otherwise it will get rejected.This will cause delays in evaluations and you will have to send it back in with the missing info(been there,done that).If you do it on your own and are in doubt about anything,call the USCG REC.They will answer any questions you may have.

If you can go to any of the classes offered,great.If you do it on your own,you will need to obtain the USCG Navigation Rules book,plus a good study book(I used Get Your Captains License by International Marine).Includes a CDROM to do self-testing.The license I got was a restricted route,Miss.river Pool 7.They base the license on the area that you have the most recency.I had more than enough to qualify for the Great Lakes,but that is something I choose to leave behind!

Any questions,feel free to PM me.