The short version: many charter yachts in Miami are licensed for six paying guests, even large ones. Groups bigger than that need a Coast Guard-inspected yacht. Tell us your exact head count, children included, and we match a yacht that can legally take everyone.
The six-passenger rule
Under U.S. Coast Guard rules, an uninspected vessel that carries passengers for hire is limited to six paying passengers. These boats are often called "six-packs," and their captains hold a license known as OUPV. The captain and crew do not count toward the six.
More than six guests
To carry more than six paying passengers, a typical charter yacht must be inspected by the Coast Guard and hold a Certificate of Inspection, which states the maximum number of passengers. A chartered vessel may not carry more than 12 passengers without one. The captain also needs a license that matches the vessel.
Things that surprise people
- Children count. Every person on board who is not crew is a guest, including babies.
- Bigger is not always more guests. A 70-foot yacht may still be limited to a small number of guests if it is not inspected.
- The limit is checked at the dock. A captain can, and should, refuse to depart with too many people.
Choosing the right yacht for your group
- Count every guest, including children and anyone joining late.
- Ask for the yacht's legal guest limit before you pay, not only its length.
- For large groups, ask whether the yacht holds a Certificate of Inspection.
- Leave room to move: a yacht at its limit feels full.
Not sure which yacht fits? Send your date and head count and we will match you with yachts that can legally take your whole group. Plan my charter.