Charter Glossary

A designated area of protected water where vessels may anchor overnight or for extended stops.

A charter where the customer leases a yacht without crew or captain and assumes full operational responsibility for the voyage.

The widest measurement across a vessel's hull, perpendicular to its length.

The regulatory distinction between inspected passenger vessels (7+ paying passengers) and uninspected vessels (up to 6).

A charter where a USCG-licensed captain operates the vessel. The customer is a passenger, not the operator.

A multi-hull vessel with two parallel hulls connected by a bridgedeck, valued for stability and interior space.

A powerboat design with a single open cockpit and the helm in a console at the center of the boat.

A USCG certificate required for passenger vessels carrying seven or more paying passengers.

An agent who matches charter customers with vessels and owners, typically earning a commission from each booking.

Commercial marine insurance covering a charter vessel, its passengers, crew, and third-party liabilities during paid trips.

A single-day charter trip, typically 4-8 hours, where guests return to the dock the same day.

The weight of water a vessel displaces when floating, equal to the total weight of the vessel and its contents.

The vertical distance between the waterline and the deepest point of a vessel's hull or keel.

A unitless measure of a vessel's enclosed internal volume, used for regulatory classification and licensing.

Marine insurance covering physical damage to or total loss of the vessel itself.

U.S. federal law restricting domestic maritime transport of goods and passengers to U.S.-built, -owned, and -crewed vessels.

The total length of a vessel measured from the foremost to the aftmost point of its structure.

Marine insurance covering legal liability to third parties for bodily injury, property damage, or environmental harm.

The official USCG document containing all of a mariner's licenses, endorsements, and ratings.

A commercial facility providing docking, fueling, maintenance, and support services for recreational boats.

A professional inspection of a vessel's hull, systems, and equipment performed by a qualified marine surveyor.

A tiered USCG license authorizing a captain to operate an inspected passenger vessel, sized by vessel tonnage.

An informal term for a large private yacht, typically 80-200 feet, with a professional crew.

A vessel built on a single hull — the traditional design for most yachts, sailboats, and powerboats.

A permanent floating buoy attached to a heavy anchor or screw, used to secure a vessel without its own anchor.

A yacht propelled by engine, typically purpose-built for comfort, speed, and amenities rather than sailing performance.

USCG license authorizing a captain to operate an Uninspected Passenger Vessel carrying up to six paying passengers.

A charter spanning one or more nights aboard the vessel, with overnight accommodation for guests.

Protection & Indemnity insurance covering third-party liabilities arising from vessel operations.

An international convention setting minimum training, certification, and watchkeeping standards for commercial seafarers.

A yacht propelled primarily by sail, typically with auxiliary engine power for maneuvering and calm-wind passages.

A real-world operational test of a vessel under way, used to verify performance, handling, and system operation.

Informal name for the USCG OUPV license, which caps carriage at six paying passengers on an uninspected vessel.

An assigned docking space at a marina, rented by the month, season, or year.

Recreational offshore fishing, typically for billfish, tuna, or other game species, often conducted as a charter.

A purpose-built yacht designed for offshore sport fishing, combining a cabin interior with a dedicated fighting cockpit.

A private yacht typically 200 feet (60 meters) and larger, with a full professional crew and high-end interior.

Short-term docking for visiting vessels, usually priced per foot per night.

A Merchant Mariner Credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that authorizes the holder to operate a vessel for hire.

A vessel that carries six or fewer paying passengers and is not required to hold a USCG Certificate of Inspection.