Charter Policy
Wonderlust, LLC ("we," "us," or "our") offers yacht charter services in San Francisco and Seattle. This page explains the two ways you can charter with us, the legal framework behind each, and what it means for you as a guest.
How Our Charters Work
We offer charters under two distinct legal frameworks. The type of charter determines who is responsible for the vessel, who selects the captain and crew, and what regulations apply.
Six-Pack Charter (OUPV)
A six-pack charter carries up to 6 paying passengers plus a captain. Under this arrangement, we provide the vessel and a USCG-licensed Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) — your captain for the trip.
- Who drives: A licensed OUPV captain, arranged by Wonderlust
- Passenger limit: Maximum 6 paying passengers
- Regulatory basis: 46 USC §2101(21a); 46 CFR §15.801
- Drug testing: Required for the captain per 46 CFR Part 16
- You decide: The itinerary, provisions, and vibe — the captain handles the boat
Bareboat Charter
A bareboat charter means you charter the vessel and take full command. You are the temporary owner (legally, the "disponent owner") for the duration of the charter — you choose the captain and crew, set the itinerary, and assume operational responsibility for the vessel.
- Who drives: A captain you select and hire — not one provided or assigned by us
- Passenger limit: Up to 12 guests (the charterer + up to 12 additional passengers; captain and crew are not counted)
- Regulatory basis: 46 USC §2101; 46 CFR §68.105; USCG MSIB 01-19
- No COI or drug testing required for bareboat operation
- You decide: Everything — itinerary, crew, provisions, and how the day unfolds
Finding a Captain
On a bareboat charter, the charterer selects and hires the captain. We do not provide, assign, or employ captains for bareboat charters — doing so would change the legal character of the charter.
However, we understand that most guests aren't plugged into the local maritime community. We're happy to provide you with a list of names of qualified operators in your charter area. These are independent operators — you are free to hire any of them, or bring your own qualified captain. The choice is entirely yours.
Why does this matter?
Under USCG regulations, a bareboat charterer must have genuine freedom to choose their own captain. If the vessel owner dictates crew selection — even indirectly — the charter may be reclassified as an inspected passenger vessel, requiring a Certificate of Inspection (COI), a licensed Master, and full Subchapter T compliance. We keep our role strictly to providing a list of qualified operators, never assigning one.
Bareboat Charterer Responsibilities
When you bareboat charter with us, you assume the legal responsibilities of a vessel owner for the duration of the charter period. Specifically:
- Crew selection and payment: You hire and pay the captain and any crew directly. We may facilitate introductions, but the employment relationship is between you and the captain.
- Operational command: You (through your chosen captain) have complete command and control of the vessel — the owner does not remain aboard or direct operations.
- Insurance: Per USCG guidelines, the charterer is responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance coverage for the charter period.
- Vessel condition: You return the vessel in the same condition received, subject to normal wear and tear.
- Captain qualifications: We may require that your chosen captain hold a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), but we do not restrict your choice to a specific individual or list.
At a Glance
|
Six-Pack |
Bareboat |
| Passengers |
Up to 6 |
Up to 12 guests + charterer |
| Captain |
Provided & licensed (OUPV) |
Charterer selects & hires |
| Who's in charge |
Captain runs the boat |
You (via your captain) |
| COI required |
No |
No |
| Drug testing |
Yes (46 CFR Part 16) |
Not required |
| Your freedom |
Itinerary & provisions |
Itinerary, crew, provisions — everything |
Legal References
- 46 USC §2101 — Definitions (bareboat charter, passenger for hire)
- 46 CFR §68.105 — Bareboat charter requirements
- 46 USC §2101(21a) & 46 CFR §15.801 — OUPV / Six-Pack license
- 46 CFR Part 16 — Drug testing requirements
- USCG Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 01-19 — Bareboat charter guidance
- 46 USC §12103, §12112 — Coastwise endorsement for documented vessels
Questions?
We know maritime regulations aren't exactly beach reading. If you're unsure which charter type is right for your group, or you'd like help finding a qualified captain for a bareboat charter, reach out — we're happy to walk you through it.