Do I have to be certified to sail off coast in my own boat?

Question

I want to plot a trip to sail the world a bit, do I need to be certified to do so legally?

Answer 1

If your sailing in New Jersey. You will need a boat license. To get the license you must pass a Coast guard aux course. Or power squadron course.

Answer 2

There are lot's of folks in this world that think you have to be certified as a nut case, but that is their problem.

The real problem is that no, there are no qualifications.  All it takes to sail the coastal waters is the money to buy the boat.  As a result, the Coast Guard stays busy.  Qualify yourself by reading, talking to others, getting out and doing it and all the while realize that you are getting an education that could well save your life and/or provide you with a lot of great experiences.

Answer 3

No, but you WILL have difficulty getting insurance without USCG Auxiliary, Power Squatron, or other training.

Investigate American Sailing Association courses.

Answer 4

Not so far if you are a citizen of the USA. In Great Britain however, new boatowners are required to pass an examination for coastal cruising I believe. Those who have been sailing for some time are grandfathered in. I don't know all of the details.

There has been a move to start licensing boat owners here in the states; the efforts so far have been rebuffed. Let us hope that any moves toward licensing use of the seas will be confined to those who operate power boats.