I am buying a retired Navy Minesweeper. Will I need a Captain's license?

-The displacement is rated at 320 tons, but it will be a private vessel.At that size an tonnage, yes, it's considered a commercial vessel and you would need a Captain's license. That is if you are underway. If it's tied to a pier, you will only need it to pass inspection. You can hire a captain and a few crewmen (qualified) to man the ship for any voyage. You should be forewarned these things seldom turn out as you would expect. I'd pass on this good idea, it might not be as good as you hope.
It really depends on HOW YOU PLAN TO USE IT. If you are buying it to convert it into an on the water condo that you can use to run out to your favorite dive spot then you don't need a Merchant Marine license.. but I would STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you DO spend the $500 with some place like Sea School or Houston Marine to LEARN THE RULES OF THE ROAD and how to operate that beast. You can do a lot of damage with a 320 ton vessel and other boaters WILL expect YOU to be operating it as if you were a commercial operation.. so don't expect any sympathy if you destroy something or someone.



They make a great boat for a luxury live aboard or cruising. The Radio/TV and Broadway personality MIKE NICHOLS (married to Elane May) had one and loved it. You DO know it has a WOOD HULL and the upkeep and general maintenance can and will cost you a blood FORTUNE.. you do know that.. right?
Check With the Coast Guard as if 1 person is paying for anything than Yes U will need a captains Lic.