Transparency & Compliance
USCG-Compliant Bareboat Charter — What You Need to Know
Section 01
A bareboat (demise) charter is a USCG-recognized arrangement where the vessel owner transfers full possession, command, and control of the vessel to the charterer for the duration of the charter period. The charterer is responsible for selecting and engaging a qualified, USCG-licensed captain and any crew.
This structure is the legal framework that allows a privately owned vessel to accommodate up to 13 persons (primary charterer + 12 guests) without requiring a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection. It is the same framework used by reputable charter operators throughout the United States and is explicitly recognized under USCG NVIC 7-94.
Section 02
As the primary charterer, you take on specific responsibilities for the duration of your charter:
Section 03
The captain must hold a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential — either an OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels, "six-pack license") or a Master license.
One & Only Yacht Charters LLC may, as a courtesy, provide a list of independent, USCG-licensed captains who have been vetted and approved by the vessel owner and insurer. You are not required to use any captain from this list and may retain any properly credentialed captain of your choosing.
Section 04
Vessel Charter Fee
$925 per hour
| 4-Hour Charter | $3,700 |
| 5-Hour Charter | $4,625 |
| 6-Hour Charter | $5,550 |
| 8-Hour Charter | $7,400 |
| Estimated Additional Costs | Arranged & paid by Charterer |
| Captain & Crew Services | ~$440 |
| Estimated Fuel | ~$200 (approx. 10 gal/hr; final based on actual usage) |
| Temporary Fuel Surcharge | $75 |
| Customary Gratuity | 15–20% of captain/crew fee (not mandatory; at charterer's discretion) |
Section 05
The following policy governs cancellations, weather holds, and rescheduling for all ONE & ONLY bareboat charters.
Cancellation Window
Full refund of vessel charter fees. Captain and crew fees are governed by your separate agreement with the captain. Please cancel as early as possible to allow the date to be made available to other charterers.
Within 5 Days
Charter fees are non-refundable within 5 days of scheduled departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance if you have concerns about last-minute cancellations due to personal circumstances.
Weather — Captain's Call
The independently selected captain makes the final determination on the morning of the charter based on actual marine conditions and NOAA forecasts. Light rain or overcast conditions do not typically constitute grounds for cancellation.
Unsafe Conditions
If the captain declares conditions unsafe, the parties will first attempt to reschedule to a mutually agreeable date. If rescheduling is not possible, vessel charter fees will be refunded in full.
Section 06
By proceeding with this reservation, the Charterer acknowledges and agrees to the above Charter Structure, Pricing, and Cancellation & Weather Policy, and confirms understanding of the bareboat (demise) charter framework under USCG NVIC 7-94.
The Charterer further acknowledges that One & Only Yacht Charters LLC is not a passenger vessel operator, does not employ or direct captains or crew, and that all captain and crew services are provided by independent third parties engaged directly by the Charterer.
Ready to proceed
The full Bareboat Charter Agreement sets out all terms and conditions in detail. We recommend reviewing it before your reservation. Once reviewed, book your charter directly online.