If you wish to add a commercial endorsement to your US Coast Guard Documented vessel, you must submit the Request for Change of Vessel Endorsement/Trade Indicator and pay the appropriate fees. You may visit the link below to complete this process:
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/change-endorsement-trade-indicator/
In this specific situation, you will require a coastwise endorsement to operate a 6-pack charter vessel.
If this vessel is subject to an outstanding lien or mortgage on the vessel, the completion of the CG-4593 Lender Consent form will also be required.
46 U.S.C. 2101 provides the following helpful definitions: “uninspected passenger vessel” means an uninspected vessel – of less that 100 gross tons — (I) carrying not more than 6 passengers, including at least one passenger for hire; or (I) that is chartered with the crew provided or specified by the owner or the owner’s representative and carrying not more than 6 passengers.
“passengers” — (A) means an individual carried on the vessel except — (I) the owner or an individual representative of the owner or, in the case of a vessel under charter, an individual charterer or individual representative of the charterer; (ii) the master; or (iii) a member of the crew engaged in the business of the vessel who has not contributed consideration for carriage and who is paid for on board services.
“passenger for hire” means a passenger for whom consideration is contributed as a condition of carriage on the vessel, whether directly or indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, operator, agent, or any other person have an interest in the vessel.
“consideration” means an economic benefit, inducement, right, or profit including pecuniary payment accruing to an individual, person, or entity, but not including a voluntary sharing of the actual expenses of the voyage, by monetary contribution or donation of fuel, food, beverage, or other supplies.
Explanation: This means that if an uninspected passenger vessel (six-pack, less than 100 gross tons) is carrying at least one passenger for hire then, with the exception of the owner, master and paid deckhand(s), all other individuals on board are considered “passengers”. For instance, if a vessel is carrying 9 individuals: 5 paying passengers, 1 licensed master 1 paid deckhand, and 2 “friends”, the vessel is carrying 7 “passengers”. The master and owner are breaking the law. Both are subject to civil penalties. The licensed master is subject to suspension or revocation of his/her license.
Reference: US Coast Guard Auxiliary 6-Pack Checklist
