Deep Sea Fishing in Destin :: Boat Captain for Hire :: Search or add your FREE listing

Sometimes you just want someone else to do the driving–of your boat, that is. Maybe you've heard the waters are tricky in a particular area. Or you're relocating to another part of the country, and you want someone to move your boat. Or there's a hurricane heading your way, and help getting your boat out of harm's way would be just the ticket.

What you need is a delivery captain. But once you find one, how do you know if he or she is qualified to do the job?

Start by asking for a resume and check out the recent references. A delivery 10 years ago doesn't tell you a thing about present–day reliability and skill. Interview the prospective captain. You want to know the types and sizes of boats he or she has delivered and to what areas. Will additional crew be needed?

Ask to see a Captain's License. Is it current? Since there's no convenient website to check for verification of a captain's credentials, the next best thing is to contact the Coast Guard's National Maritime Center at 1–888–427–5662.

If your captain doesn't carry liability insurance–and most don't–it's your responsibility to contact your own insurance company and add the captain (and any crew) to your policy. Be sure to ask what your policy covers in the way of damage to your boat or injuries to the captain and crew while the boat is in transit. At this point, you're almost home. Service the boat or have it serviced prior to departure and give the captain a heads up of any concerns.