What kind of license do you need for a large yacht?

Question

What kind of license do I need to get to operate a large yacht. (over 120 feet, roughly 160,000kg displacement) for only personal/recreational reasons. Im not sure what the gross tonnage is.

Answer 1

captain's license, anyone can do it!

Answer 2

Anyone who operates a boat that carries passengers or cargo for hire must hold a current Coast Guard license.

The Coast Guard’s jurisdiction also extends to any circumstance where an employer or an insurance company requires the boat operator to be licensed as a condition of employment.  With this size vessel you should apply for a 200 gross ton license Near Coastal.

USCG Site: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/index.htm

Answer 3

Anything over 65 feet, you need a captains license to operate it.