Why are we only allowed 6 passengers…
on Embark DC private boat charters?
⇓
why is 6 the maximum of passengers on a boat?
This is a limitation imposed by the United States Coast Guard (USCG):
Yes, our open-bow sport boats can seat 10+ people. Yes, the definition of a “yacht certified” vessel effectively implies that our larger vessels can carry as many people as the conditions allow.
So, why only 6? It’s a complicated explanation that only the USCG can fully explain.
You may well discover options allowing more passengers, even on smaller boats. What is that about?
Well… again, it’s complicated. But you should be thoughtful about whether you want to be in charge of that complication.
Read more, below…
Commonly asked questions about 6 person charter limitations:
Q: Why can I only have 6 friends and/or family along for a private charter, including me?
A: This is a number the USCG selected to mitigate safety concerns with charter vessels. It’s a combination of vessel size, inspections, and licensing of captains. One way or another, most private charter boats are limited to 6 passengers.
Q: But the boats are designed to carry more people safely. Why is 6 people deemed the maximum?
A: We don’t know where the number came from. Ironically, it’s often referred to as a 6-pac, or six pack license. Many of our captains are actually licensed to run boats with more people, even unlimited people, but the reality of the the rule means that 6 is still the maximum.
Q: But we saw a plaque on your yacht that stated there is no passenger limit. Are we also limited to 6 people on your yacht options?
A: Yep. Which means that the real advantage of selecting the yacht is not about the number of friends or family you can bring. It’s about space, multiple levels, climate control, WiFi, TV, privacy, protection from the elements, etc. The USCG maximum is 6 passengers total, plus our crew, regardless of which boat you select. Of course, if you’d like to create an event with 12, 18, or more guests, contact us to reserve additional boats.
Q: What about these charters I’m finding on Google searches which allow 12 guests, or more?
A: Well, this is where it gets really complicated. There is a loophole on the USCG regulations that lots of boat owners are capitalizing on. It’s called a “bareboat charter”.
Q: So, what is a bareboat charter?
A: In a nutshell, this is how a bareboat works: The charter guest agrees to take full ownership of someone else’s boat. The owner of the boat has no say nor rights over the boat during the charter period. The owner is not allowed to set foot on the boat with the charter guests, before, during or after the charter. If and when the vessel is stopped and/or boarded by the United States Coast Guard or Washington DC Harbor Police, the charter guest is the owner of the vessel, and must answer all licensing, insurance, paperwork, and safety questions (including life jackets, inspections, sound making devices, flares and flags, overboard waste plaques, insurance, registration, etc.). The captain is not to communicate with the authorities in this situation, and if they do, the bareboat charter is potentially legally voided. This may result in termination of the charter, an escort by the authorities to the home port, detainment of guests, and even arrests.
Q: But isn’t the captain responsible for the boat on bareboat charters?
A: Nope. You are. Which is why we don’t recommend bareboat charters. In fact, a “captain” on a bareboat doesn’t even need a USCG license. They don’t even need to have ever captained a boat previously. On the other hand, all of our captains carry valid “Merchant Mariner Credentials” (MMC) issued directly the US Coast Guard. These require extensive coursework and training, but also include regular drug testing, CPR training, extensive medical evaluations, and deep security/background checks. Our captains are vetted the same way that Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) officers & agents or commercial pilots are. On the other hand, on a bareboat cruise, you can legally and legitimately select anyone to serve as captain, including people you meet on the street along the way. It’s your boat, and you can do what you want. However, it’s really your boat, and you’re responsible for it, including all the potential shortcomings left in your hands by the real owner. And if the captain comes up short and crashes into a multimillion dollar yacht, it’s not going to be the day you were envisioning.
Q: But does the Coast Guard or Water Police really ever pull boats over?
A: Every. Single. Day. And, in 2022, in Washington DC and around the US, the commitment by the USCG and other authorities to stop and board vessels, make arrests, and terminate illegal cruises has increased dramatically due to multiple safety violations and unsafe operations. We are proud to have done all the work to be fully legal and safe, and look forward to bringing you on board without any of the above concerns.
Have more questions? Visit our full FAQ page, or call 1-888-634-3335!
water tours dc:
Our tours are available on our open boats and, by special arrangement, aboard our larger yacht-certified bridge cruisers (See example). Due to additional preparation time, online booking is not available for larger vessels. Contact us for details.
