The marine industry has experienced a high volume of of Bareboat (demise) Contract charters. This portion of the industry is a result of a “loophole” in the system in relation to the Jones Act. This has allowed boat owners to rent out their vessels to individuals on a recreational basis granted they follow seven “rules” of a “Bareboat” contract. Some of these rules directly conflict with what we are taught as professionals, namely a “selection of crew.”  If we are a consideration rather than a full time employee it gives us little chance to know the safety measures for that particular vessel, however  it is a specific term of a legal demise contract. 

What encouraging this change will do is allow trained operators ( including owners) to safely navigate their vessels while providing the best experience for the guests. Currently there are many gray areas In bareboat charters. Without clear definitions this will continue to allow people operating below the bare minimums to find new ways to skirt the process rather than encourage positive change. An OUPV12 under 99GRT will create the following:

1 passenger restrictions to 12 passengers 

2 well trained crew and staff

3 specific standards for operations and guidelines

4 revenue for the government 

5 a community that will assist in “self policing”

what it will discourage:

1 illegal operations

2 safety issues due to lack of maintenance 

3 uneducated charter brokers