What “10–13 Passengers” Means Under USCG Rules in Miami
Planning a Miami yacht day with 10–13 people? The jump from twelve to thirteen changes everything under USCG rules. Use this guide to understand bareboat limits, when a COI is mandatory, and how to book a legal, seamless charter that matches your group size, vibe, and budget.
Key definitions: passenger, passenger-for-hire, charterer, crew
On the dock, words matter. A “passenger” is anyone on board who isn’t crew. A “passenger-for-hire” is someone who gave direct or indirect payment for carriage. A “charterer” is the person who takes control of the yacht under a bareboat agreement and becomes the temporary owner. “Crew” are the licensed or qualified people engaged in the vessel’s operation, not counted as passengers.
Vessel categories: recreational yacht, UPV (uninspected passenger vessel), inspected passenger vessel (Subchapter T/K)
Recreational yachts are privately operated and not hired to carry passengers-for-hire. UPVs—often called six-packs—carry up to six passengers-for-hire with a licensed captain but aren’t inspected for construction. Inspected passenger vessels hold a Certificate of Inspection under Subchapter T or K, with defined routes, capacities, and safety systems verified by the Coast Guard.
The 12-passenger threshold: when 13+ triggers COI inspection requirements
Here’s the line in the sand: when you move from 12 to 13 passengers, you’ve crossed into inspected-vessel territory. A true bareboat can host up to 12 passengers, but 13 or more requires a COI boat, period, even if the yacht is enormous and looks “safe.”
Counting rules: infants count as passengers; crew does not; owner cannot be aboard on bareboat
Infants and toddlers count as passengers under USCG rules; there’s no “lap baby” loophole. Crew never count toward the passenger total. On a bareboat, the owner can’t be aboard, or it’s not a true bareboat and the six-pack rule snaps back.
Legal Charter Models That Carry 10–13 in Miami
True bareboat charter (up to 12 passengers): how it works and what makes it “true”
A true bareboat charter shifts possession and control to you, the charterer: you pick and pay the captain, fuel, and incidentals, and you direct the itinerary within safe limits. Separate payments and the owner’s absence on board are the tells that it’s legitimate.
Inspected COI vessels (13–149 passengers): when you must book a COI boat and common capacities
When your headcount hits 13, you must book a COI vessel with a posted max capacity, route, and manning. In Miami, common COI capacities are 13–20 on upscale yachts, 30–49 on power cats and mini-party boats, and 100+ on event vessels.
Split-fleet solutions for 13–24 guests: two bareboats, a yacht + tender, synchronized itineraries
If you want yacht vibes without a COI price tag, split into two bareboats or pair a 60–70-foot yacht with a 30–40-foot tender following in formation. The groups can raft up at Monument Island or Nixon for the party moment you pictured.
Planning by Group Size: 10, 11–12, 13 Passengers
10 guests: widest yacht selection, best value, flexible layouts
With ten, you sit in the sweet spot—45–80-foot yachts, competitive pricing, and space to spread out between salon, flybridge, and bow. You’ll find better departure times, fewer marina constraints, and easier catering.
11–12 guests: bareboat limit tactics, space and service considerations
At eleven or twelve, choose layouts with big flybridges or cats with wide salons so no one feels jammed inside. Confirm that crew are in addition to your twelve and budget for a second stew for smooth drink service and resets.
13 guests: inspected yacht options vs. two-boat charters; pros, cons, and pricing deltas
Thirteen forces a decision: go COI and pay a premium for compliance and safety, or run two coordinated bareboats to keep a luxury vibe. COI gives one-boat cohesion; split fleet keeps costs down but divides the energy while underway.
Captain and Crew Requirements
Bareboat captain selection: owner-provided list vs independent hire; payment and control by charterer
You must select and pay the captain directly, even if the owner gives you a vetted list. The captain works for you on a bareboat, and that separation of payment is one of the first things inspectors look for.
Credentials for inspected vessels: licensed master, crew drug program, manning levels
Inspected boats carry licensed masters, documented deck crew, and enrolled drug testing programs, all tied to the COI’s manning table. Ask to see the COI and you’ll see required crew counts by route, day, and night operations.
Service staffing for 10–13 guests: stew/deckhand ratios, safety watch, bartender options
Ten to thirteen guests ride best with one captain, one deckhand, and one steward; add a second steward for cocktail-heavy plans. At night or on the River, keep one crewmember eyes-on the foredeck for collision avoidance.
Yacht Types and Layouts That Work for 10–13
Motor yachts (45–85 ft): salon vs flybridge space, sunpads, shade, heads
Look for flybridges with hardtops and seating for twelve, bow sunpads with grab rails, and at least two heads. A 65’ Princess offers perfect flow: main salon seating, aft deck dining, and an upper deck that can host your core group.
Power catamarans vs monohulls: stability, deck area, shallow-water access
Power cats win on deck area and stability at anchor, with twin hulls that slide into shallow Biscayne spots. Monohulls ride smoother at speed and feel more “yachty,” but they trade dance-floor square footage.
Swim platforms and toy storage: boarding ladders, freshwater showers, tender handling
A hydraulic swim platform is your best friend for sandbar days, especially with elders or kids. Make sure there’s a rinsing shower and safe storage for a floating mat so the aft deck doesn’t turn into a yard sale.
Pricing Structures in Miami for 10–13 Passenger Charters
Bareboat components: base rate, captain fee, fuel, cleaning, sales tax, security deposit, gratuity
Bareboats unbundle: you’ll pay the base yacht rate, captain and crew directly, fuel used, cleaning, plus Florida sales tax and county surtax, a refundable security deposit, and a 15–20% gratuity on the base.
Inspected-vessel pricing: all-in packages, hourly minimums, event surcharges
COI boats tend to package it: one hourly or session rate with fuel, crew, and standard softs included, plus taxes, dock fees, and event surcharges for branded décor, DJs, or late-night runs.
Cost drivers: seasonality, weekends/holidays, pickup marina fees, late-night premiums
Rates spike March, April, and December, with Saturdays outrunning other days by 20–40%. Island Gardens and Miami Beach Marina charge pickup fees, and post-9pm departures often carry premium crew and security rates.
Compliance Essentials to Avoid Illegal Charters
Bareboat checklist: 12-passenger cap, no per-person ticketing, owner not aboard, charterer selects captain, separate payments
Your bareboat must cap at twelve, take no per-person ticket sales, run without the owner aboard, show your captain hire documentation, and prove separate payments for yacht and crew if anyone asks.
COI verification for 13+: onboard COI, route, stability, max persons, required safety gear
For 13+, ask to see the COI on the boat; check the maximum persons, the route (Biscayne Bay vs coastal), and that lifesaving appliances match the posted numbers. If the COI says 20, you can’t bring 24.
Insurance and documents: proof of insurance, charter party agreement, crew credentials
Make sure the yacht carries current hull and P&I insurance for charters and that your charter party reflects bareboat responsibilities. Crew should have licenses and enrollment in drug programs where required.
Booking Process End-to-End
Discovery and yacht shortlisting: dates, headcount, budget, vibe, itinerary goals
Start with your date, firm headcount, budget, and the vibe you want—sandbar party, skyline sunset, or River dinner. We shortlist legal vessels that match your group size, route, and service expectations.
Contracts and payments: E-sign charter party, deposit timelines, balance due, addenda for toys/catering
You’ll e-sign the charter party, pay a deposit to lock the date, and clear the balance before boarding. Add toys, catering, and pickup adjustments as written addenda so everyone’s aligned.
Day-of procedures: marina access, boarding windows, safety briefing, fueling and post-trip reconciliation
We send gate codes and parking advice, you arrive during the boarding window, and the captain runs a safety brief before lines-off. Fuel usage is reconciled after and the deposit is released less any agreed incidentals.
Itineraries and Operating Areas in Miami
Biscayne Bay highlights: Star/Harbor/Flagler Islands, Monument Island, Miami skyline cruise
A classic loop runs past Star, Palm, and Hibiscus, anchors off Monument Island for a swim, then slides south for a sunset skyline run under the MacArthur. It’s the Miami postcard in 3–4 hours.
Sandbars and swim stops: Nixon, Haulover; anchoring rules and seagrass protection
Nixon and Haulover are lively; captains must avoid seagrass and drop hooks in sand, and you’ll see FWC checking for compliance. Good crews lay a stern line for swing control and keep toys clear of prop arcs.
Miami River and Dinner Key routes: bridges, no-wake zones, timing considerations
The River is moody and photogenic but slow with no-wake zones and bridge timing; plan 90–120 minutes dock-to-dock. From Dinner Key, you can hit Key Biscayne coves and still make golden hour back at the moorings.
Sunset and night ops: lighting, visibility, bridge schedules, music/noise constraints
Night runs demand sharp lookouts, working nav lights, and respect for residential quiet hours near the islands. Bridges along the River have schedules; your captain will time the openings to avoid circling.
Onboard Experience for Groups of 10–13
Food and beverage: BYO vs licensed caterer, ice and cooler logistics, glass vs acrylic
BYO works well if you plan ice and cooler space, but inspected vessels may require licensed caterers. Acrylic drinkware keeps decks safe; glass belongs in the galley, not on the bow in chop.
Music and entertainment: Bluetooth, DJs, live performers; noise ordinances and raft-up etiquette
Most yachts have Bluetooth systems; DJs and live sax are fantastic but watch volume near Star Island and on the River. If you raft with friends, keep speakers pointed inward and leave channels open for hailing.
Water toys: floating mats, SUPs, snorkel kits; jet skis and Florida livery compliance requirements
Floating mats and SUPs are easy; jet skis must come from a licensed livery with FWC-compliant briefings and boater cards as needed. Many marinas prohibit PWC fueling at the dock—your captain will coordinate.
Pickup Locations and Marina Logistics
Common marinas: Miami Beach Marina, Island Gardens, Bayshore Landing, Haulover, Dinner Key
Miami Beach Marina is central and polished; Island Gardens suits larger yachts; Bayshore and Dinner Key are great for Coconut Grove itineraries; Haulover serves North Bay and sandbar plays.
Fees and access: pickup/dockage charges, parking, rideshare drop-offs, security gates
Expect pickup fees and limited parking; rideshare drop-off zones beat circling garages. Some marinas require guest lists 24 hours out and photo ID at the gate—send names early so security waves you through.
Restricted/prohibited docks: condo/private docks, municipal permit zones, hotel piers
Condo docks are typically off-limits without HOA approval, and hotel piers often ban commercial pickups. Municipal seawalls can require permits; avoid last-minute plan changes that strand your group on the curb.
Policies, Rules, and Guest Responsibilities
Footwear, smoking/vaping, decor and confetti, balloon restrictions
Go barefoot or wear soft soles; stilettos and black soles mark decks. Most yachts allow vaping aft in the open air; confetti and glitter are banned, and Miami’s balloon restrictions make helium a non-starter.
Child safety: PFD rules, supervision, cabin stairs and railings
Kids under 13 must wear lifejackets in many operating areas, and stairs bite when the boat rocks. Assign an adult spotter during swim stops; crews can’t babysit while running lines and anchors.
Damage, cleaning, and behavior policies; alcohol service and intoxication limits
Security deposits cover scuffs and spills; crews will clean normal wear, not confetti explosions. Captains can cut off intoxicated swimming or return to dock if safety slips—his word stands on the water.
Weather and cancellations: captain’s authority, rescheduling windows, refunds/credits
Miami storms move fast; the captain calls go/no-go based on NOAA radar and wind, with reschedules favored over refunds. Build a weather window into your weekend plans to avoid squeezing into unsafe chop.
Safety Standards and Emergency Preparedness
Required equipment: lifejackets, throwable devices, fire suppression, signaling
Expect lifejackets sized for your group, a Type IV throwable, fixed or portable fire suppression, and current flares and sound devices. Inspected boats carry extras: ring buoys with lights and documented drills.
Safety briefing content: muster points, PFD access, man-overboard, heads and galley safety
A good brief points out PFDs, first aid, extinguishers, and what to do if someone goes over—point, shout, keep eyes on, and don’t all rush the same rail. Heads get a “nothing but tissue” speech for a reason.
Weather monitoring and go/no-go decisions: thunderstorms, lightning, wind and chop in the Bay
Captains watch cells build west of MIA and track sea breeze chop funneling through Government Cut. Lightning is a no-show-stopper; expect a delay or course change to keep you out of the red on radar.
Waterway Regulations Specific to Miami
Speed, wake, and manatee zones; enforcement hot spots
Manatee zones rule much of the Bay, with FWC staking out hot spots near Star Island and Haulover Cut. Wakes can damage seawalls and draw tickets, and neighbors film boats that misbehave.
Anchoring and seagrass: designated areas, fines, and best practices
Anchoring in seagrass risks fines and ugly prop scars; seasoned crews know the sand patches by sight. If you see a green haze below, you’re over grass—relocate before dropping.
Noise and nuisance rules near residential islands and the Miami River
Past ten pm, keep music down near the islands and along the River, where sound bounces off condos. Police boats will remind you if you forget; they know the speakers that aim like cannons.
Event Formats for 10–13 Guests
Birthdays, proposals, bachelorettes: decorations, cake handling, ideal time slots
Keep décor to reusable banners and LED candles, bring cake pre-cut, and aim for golden hour departures. For proposals, the bow at sunset off Fisher Island is a guaranteed yes backdrop.
Corporate/VIP charters: branding, NDAs, photographer/videographer coordination
Discrete vinyl branding and NDAs are normal, and photographers love the River’s textured backgrounds. Build a 15-minute docking buffer for talent arrivals and content resets.
Special dates: fireworks, holiday weekends, Miami Boat Show traffic planning
Fourth of July and New Year’s require earlier boarding and patient returns; traffic jams on the water are real. During Boat Show week, lock your slot early and avoid Venetian bottlenecks.
Accessibility and Special Needs Planning
Boarding and mobility: transoms, handrails, portable ramps, inspected vessel advantages
Stern boarding with handrails is easiest, and inspected boats often have wider boarding gates and steadier platforms. Tell us about mobility needs early so we align dock heights and bring a portable step.
Medical and dietary considerations: refrigeration, EpiPens, seasickness management
Most yachts can chill allergy-safe meals and stash EpiPens in a known spot. If anyone is motion-sensitive, start with the Bay’s leeward areas and keep ginger chews and water nearby.
Service animals vs pets: documentation, space and safety constraints
Service animals are generally permitted with documentation, but space and heat matter; shaded deck spots and water bowls are essential. Pets are at captain’s discretion and often declined on inspected vessels.
Content Creation and Special-Use Permits
Drone operations: FAA Part 107, marina approvals, no-fly zones
Drones need Part 107 for commercial capture and marina permission for takeoff and landing. Expect geo-fencing near PortMiami and coordinate with the captain to avoid rotor wash chaos.
Commercial shoots: city/county permits, insurance naming, dock location fees
City and county permits may be required for commercial productions, plus additional insured endorsements and dock location fees. Build lead time; last-minute permits kill shot lists.
Music licensing considerations for DJs and filmed content
If you plan to publish content, clear tracks or use licensed libraries; a COI vessel won’t risk a takedown notice after an event reel goes viral.
Authorities and Oversight in Miami Waters
USCG Sector Miami and FWC roles: inspections, boardings, citations
USCG and FWC share the field: the Coast Guard checks documentation and safety gear, FWC enforces state laws, manatee zones, and livery rules. Both have zero patience for illegal charters.
How to verify legality: COI onboard, captain’s MMC, vessel documentation
Ask to see the COI for 13+, the captain’s MMC, and the vessel’s documentation or state registration. A legitimate operator shows them without flinching.
Reporting unsafe or illegal operations; passenger responsibilities during boardings
If something feels off, report it; illegal charters undercut safety and the market. During boardings, stay calm, listen, and let the captain handle paperwork while you keep clear paths open.
Sustainable Boating and On-Water Etiquette
Trash, recycling, and no-discharge policies
We bag and bring back every scrap, and heads stay in “hold” mode with no overboard discharge. Refill water jugs beat single-use bottles if you want to feel good walking off the dock.
Wildlife protection: manatee awareness, wake discipline, respectful distances
Manatees surface quietly; your captain will idle through hot zones and spotters help in murky water. Keep respectful distances from dolphins and birds nesting on markers.
Quiet anchoring practices and neighbor-friendly sound levels
Aim speakers inward, calm the sub-bass, and save the nightclub levels for the hotel after. Good etiquette gets you invited back to the best anchorages.
Example Fleet Profiles for 10–13 in Miami
50–60 ft motor yachts for 10–12 on bareboat charters: features and use cases
A 58’ Azimut from Miami Beach Marina works beautifully for twelve: big flybridge, bow sunpads, two heads, and a hydraulic platform for Nixon sandbar. A 55’ Sea Ray L-Class adds shaded cockpit dining for plated lunches.
60–80 ft inspected yachts for 13–40: deck plans and event suitability
A 70’ power cat with a Subchapter T COI for 40 at Island Gardens gives you covered lounge decks, bar service, and stable platforms for DJs. A 75’ Princess with a COI for 20–25 is ideal for VIP cocktail events and sunset cruises.
Luxury vs value tiers: chef/stew service levels, interiors, AV packages
Luxury tiers bring chefs, two stews, premium AV, and designer interiors; value tiers focus on clean decks, solid sound, and a captain who knows every sand patch. Pick based on the moments you want to remember, not spec sheets.
The clear takeaway: twelve is the hard ceiling for bareboats; hit thirteen and you either book a COI yacht or split your group across two legal boats. To move forward, send your date, firm headcount, and pickup preference, and we’ll shortlist legal yachts with real prices and hold your first-choice time while you poll the group.
Miami Yacht Passenger Limits FAQs: 10–13 Under USCG Rules
Understand the 12 vs 13 passenger line, bareboat rules, and when a COI vessel is mandatory—so your Miami charter is fun, safe, and legal.
What changes when we go from 12 to 13 passengers?
At 13 passengers, you cross into inspected-vessel territory under USCG rules. A true bareboat charter can carry up to 12 passengers (crew not counted), but once you hit 13, you must book a vessel with a valid Certificate of Inspection (COI) that lists the maximum persons, route, and required crew.
Do infants and toddlers count toward the passenger total?
Yes. Infants and toddlers count as passengers. There is no “lap baby” exemption under USCG rules. If your headcount is 13 including infants, you need a COI vessel or a split-fleet solution.
Do captain and crew count toward the 12-passenger cap?
No. Captain and crew are not counted as passengers. The 12-passenger cap refers to passengers only. However, the owner of the vessel cannot be aboard during a bareboat charter; if the owner is present, it is not a true bareboat and commercial UPV/COI rules apply.
What makes a bareboat charter “true” and legal for up to 12 guests?
The charterer takes possession and control of the yacht, selects and pays the captain/crew separately, covers fuel and incidentals, and directs the itinerary within safe limits. No per-person ticketing, owner not aboard, and separate payments for yacht and crew are critical tells inspectors look for.
How can we legally host 13 guests without a big party boat?
Two main options: book an inspected (COI) yacht with capacity for 13+ or split into two bareboats (e.g., a 60–70 ft yacht plus a 30–40 ft tender) with synchronized itineraries. You can raft up at approved spots like Monument Island or Nixon for shared swim time.
What documents should I ask to see for a 13+ charter?
Ask for the vessel’s COI onboard (showing max persons and route), the captain’s MMC (license), and vessel documentation/registration. On bareboats (12 or fewer), keep your charter party agreement and proof of separate captain/crew payment handy.
How do payments work on a bareboat vs a COI vessel?
Bareboat: you pay the yacht base rate to the owner/agent, then pay captain/crew directly, plus fuel, cleaning, tax, deposit, and gratuity. COI vessels are commonly packaged: one hourly or session rate with crew and standard softs included, plus taxes, dock fees, and any event surcharges.
Which yacht types and layouts work best for 10–13 people?
For 10–12 on bareboats, 50–70 ft motor yachts or power cats with big flybridges and wide salons are ideal. For 13+, look at inspected 60–80 ft yachts or power cats with posted capacities; they offer safer boarding, wider decks, and bar/service stations built for groups.
Can we bring jet skis or toys for a 10–13 guest charter?
Floating mats, SUPs, and snorkel kits are common. Jet skis must come from a licensed livery with FWC-compliant briefings and boater cards if required. Many marinas restrict PWC fueling at the dock—your captain will coordinate compliant procedures.
What are the most common mistakes that make a charter illegal?
Exceeding 12 passengers on a non-COI yacht, owner on board during a “bareboat,” per-person ticketing, and bundled payments that hide captain hire. Also, not carrying the COI for 13+, or operating outside the COI route/manning table.
What should guests do during a USCG or FWC boarding?
Stay calm, keep pathways clear, and let the captain handle documents. Have your charter party and payment separations ready (bareboat), or the COI visible (13+). Follow crew instructions—safety and cooperation keep boardings brief.
How do prices compare: 12-passenger bareboat vs 13+ inspected yacht?
COI yachts cost more due to inspections, manning, and safety systems. Expect a premium versus a similarly sized bareboat. Split-fleet (two legal bareboats) can reduce cost, but divides the group while underway.
Where can 10–13 guest groups embark in Miami, and are there extra fees?
Common pickups include Miami Beach Marina, Island Gardens, Bayshore Landing, Haulover, and Dinner Key. Many locations charge pickup/dock fees and have security gate lists. Share guest names early and plan rideshare drop-offs to avoid parking delays.