Recently bought a 30' motor yacht in Picton.Do I need a skippers liscence as the waters here are calm.?

Question

Recently bought a 30' motor yacht in Picton.Do I need a skippers liscence as the waters here are calm.?

Answer 1

doesn't matter how calm they are

when your vessel hits another - you will be liable

so yep - get the license - be protected

Answer 2

No you didn't. If so you wouldn't need to ask this question, especially on YA.

Answer 3

Sea state has nothing to do with the requirement for a Captain's License.

You only NEED a Captain's License if you will be operating commercially. Taking up to 6 passengers fishing? You need an OUPV-6 ("6-pack"), the lowest level of license. Licenses go up in rating from there by tonnage, i.e. 50 ton, 100 ton, 200 ton, etc.  There would be no need for you to have that.

It will be a good idea to get your license if you will be travelling loooong distances, like up and down the ICW or doing the Great Loop. But 30' is hardly a large vessel, and hardly the largest vessel that is commonly handled without a license.