Advice on Commercial KY Guide license

[HURRICANEBOB]

Think I might try my hand at this. Got the KAR that lays out the requirements, and got the safe boaters course done.

I read in the KAR this line" a valid United States Coast Guard Captain’s License ("six pack") and will guide on a United States Coast Guard regulated waterway". As I read on, I understand you don't need the USCG license if you will be on NON- USGC regulated waterways. So, here's where I get lost. How do you find out what waterways you can guide on with the new license?
I guess C-land and the Ohio River are USCG. But where do I go to get the list of "can do" and "no can do" lakes/waterways.

Second one, how recent does the criminal background check have to be? Just got one to go with my real estate license a while back, Feb 08, so Do I need a new one?

Thanks in advance, just want to do it right.

[Dave Stewart]

Good for you for wanting to do it right...because doing it wrong can cause you a lot of problems and cost you a lot of money. You can contact the Coast Guard to find out if the body of water you are planning on guiding on requires a Captain's License. As far as the criminal records check...that is a new requirement for the state license...you will have to contact KDFWR to find out the time limit on the records check.

P.S. To the best of my knowledge..here are the waterways in Ky that require the Captain's License. Ohio River, Cumberland River, Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley. I am not sure on the Kentucky River but I would suspect the requirement is there also.

[rickhise]

Good for you for wanting to do it right...because doing it wrong can cause you a lot of problems and cost you a lot of money. You can contact the Coast Guard to find out if the body of water you are planning on guiding on requires a Captain's License. As far as the criminal records check...that is a new requirement for the state license...you will have to contact KDFWR to find out the time limit on the records check.

P.S. To the best of my knowledge..here are the waterways in Ky that require the Captain's License. Ohio River, Cumberland River, Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley. I am not sure on the Kentucky River but I would suspect the requirement is there also.

Dale Hollow, doesn't need a capatains license

[Dave Stewart]

Dale Hollow, doesn't need a capatains license

HMMMM...They must have changed the regs for Dale Hollow...when this Capt license thing came up years ago the USCG was saying that the guides on Dale did need a license...in fact I know a number of them that do carry Cpt's License. Must have changed the requirement.

[PRO V LE]

Bob, call the Coast Guard and request the info. about a "six pack" license. and be prepared to read the small book of their requirements.
I was told this became so strict after 9/11 and Homeland security.
Cumberland lake is still considered a navigable waterway even with no lock at the dam. They never changed it's status after Wolf creek dam was built in the early 50's.
Also do not forget about Insurance.

[HURRICANEBOB]

Pro V.

By insurance, you mean increased liability to cover customers?

Wilco on some calls to USCG and KDFWR.

[Dave Stewart]

Pro V.

By insurance, you mean increased liability to cover customers?

Wilco on some calls to USCG and KDFWR.

Bob:
You will want to carry liability insurance to cover your commercial venture...your regular liability on your boat won't cover you when you are guiding for profit. You will need liability insurance just like any business. Of course as far as I know there is no law requiring it...but it would be foolish to be out there guiding with no liability insurance coverage to protect you and your family.

[Ky Trophy Fish]

Dale Hollow does require a "Captain's license".

[Ky Trophy Fish]

Requirements for "Captain's license"--
1-Up to date physical-MUST be able to meet USCG guidelines
2-Eye exam-MUST pass
3-Hearing test-MUST pass
4-Drug test with enrollment in random drug test program approved by USCG.-Must pass.
5-CPR certification
6-First Aid certification
7-Verifyable hrs of boating experience
8-Current background check
9-Be fingerprinted
10-3-5 letters of reference from people vouching for your moral character
11-Birth certificate,social security # card-possible other personal ID items
12-TWIC card-(Transportation Workers Identification Card
New requirement starting this year is a TWIC ID card.Must have this before renewing or getting a new USCG license.May be other items needed that I can't remember or they have changed.Depending on who does your paper work at USCG, process can go through easy or be a pain in arse.IF your paper work isn't filled out correctly,it will be rejected!

[rickhise]

MY mistake, my relative down here got his a few years back, I didnt understand he had to get his Captains Lic. I remebered he said he had the game warden sign something for him & took a test. Sorry for the bad info from here.

[PRO V LE]

I was also told that you must attend a several week class at a USCG approved school.
This includes passing a test in navigation that you would need to cross the ocean without any electronics etc.
At the time my choices were Toledo Oh. or Nashville Tn.

[JoeB]

The license you need on Cumb. isn't actually a six pack license. It's a "uninspected vessel for hire" license that the USCG basically made up a few years back. It doesn't require that you go to school, just that you pass a test. State F&W was able to give the test a few years ago. I don't know if they still can or not. If not, you'll have to go to the testing center in Memphis to take the test. As has been stated, they will also require that you go through CPR, First Aid, send in a physical, drug testing, eye exam, and paperwork documenting that you have x number of hours "operating a vessel at sea", which of course nobody on Cumb. has, but you still have to attest to that. You will have to travel to Louisville USCG to be fingerprinted and take an oath swearing that you will obey the martime laws of the US and obey your "commander" at all times. (I asked if he meant my wife and he snarled at me like all federal employees are trained to do) I think the cost is $150.00 per five years.
You will also need a state license. It is $150.00 per year and if you already have your coast guard document, the only other thing they require is a background check. $10.00 at the judicial building in Frankfort.
Then you need the TWIC card that was mentioned earlier. With a USCG document it cost's $105.00 per five years. Biggest pain about that is that you have to drive to New Albany, IN to apply for it. You then have to drive back to New Albany to pick it up as they won't mail them to you. As fishing guides are concerned, this card serves no purpose what so ever, but you have to have it or they will pull your USCG papers.
All this to guide on a lake that is no more "navagatable" than a big farm pond. Your government spending your tax dollars wisely.