Have you ever considered renting a yacht for a social or corporate event? Read these "5 Important Things to Know Before Chartering a Vessel" and it'll be smooth sailing! 

The United States Coast Guard regulates charter boat operations. Although many charter companies operate legally, there are a handful who do not. Whether they don't know the rules or choose to ignore them, we don't know; however we suspect the latter. After all, who goes into business without knowing the rules/regulations of the industry in which they operate? 

Here are 5 important things to know before chartering a vessel:

1. Vessels carrying at least one passenger for hire but no more than six passengers require at minimum, a Coast Guard credentialed operator who holds a valid endorsement as an “Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV)."
2. Vessels carrying more than six passengers with at least one passenger for hire require a Coast Guard credentialed (licensed) Master.  The vessel must also be inspected by the Coast Guard, with the vessel’s Certificate of Inspection posted in a location visible to passengers.
3. Ask the charter operator for a copy of the COI (Certificate of Inspection) for that particular vessel. This is an official document issued yearly by the USCG which states how many passengers the vessel is licensed to carry,how many crew are required, and the waters in which they may operate. 
4. A "Safety Check" is NOT the same as a COI. 
5. If the charter company cannot furnish a COI and suggests a bareboat or demise charter agreement, beware! Some operators believe this to be a "work-around" for groups of more than six (6) passengers. It's not; it's illegal and puts the charterer (you) at risk legally and financially - not to mention the safety of you and your guests may be compromised! 

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​Illegal passenger vessels pose a number of safety risks to passengers including:

• Captain and crew may lack necessary training & experience
• Inadequate or lack of drills, exercises, or passenger safety briefings
• A lack of required pre-employment and random drug testing program for crew members
• Insufficient lifesaving or firefighting equipment
• Substandard hull construction, stability, machinery, electrical, safety railings and navigational equipment.

In addition to the noted safety concerns, illegal passenger vessel operations adversely impact the livelihood of legitimate commercial passenger vessel owners that comply with all regulatory standards to conduct such operations.  The Coast Guard will pursue enforcement action against vessel owners, operators and credentialed mariners who are found operating an illegal passenger vessel in violation of the U.S. Code and the Code of Federal Regulations.  

Operating an illegal passenger vessel often violates several regulations and statutes potentially resulting in civil penalties in excess of $35,000 depending on the severity and violation.

If you would like to check on a vessel or report illegal operations, please contact the United States Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg: 813-228-2191.

Whether you're planning a unique corporate event or a special social event, we've found that working with ExecChef is your best bet! Before we recommend a caterer, we want to know that their food and presentation is something that will enhance their event with us. ExecChef not only met our expectations, they exceeded them and have received rave review from all of our clients who've chosen them to cater their event with Tampa Bay Yacht Charter. Please click here to view their sample menus. ExecChef: 727-798-1246

With water surrounding the Tampa Bay area, we're fortunate that there are ample opportunities to spend time in and on the water, whatever the season. And what better way to do just than than on a boat for the day? If you don't have a boat of your own, not to worry - charter one for the day! - authored by Susan B. Barnes, July/August 2015 
Read the full article here 

Are you looking for an effective way to celebrate a job well done? It's no secret that a happy employee is a motivated employee! Make your team feel appreciated and foster team spirit with a unique and fun outing aboard the Smooth C's on Tampa Bay. 

Whether you're a small company or a part of a larger organization, one thing is certain ~ your employees will thank you for booking your outing with us! 

Check out this recent review from a local company: 

"We had a fantastic time. In fact, some said this was the best outing we’ve had since we started them about 2 yrs ago. I’ll keep your number and email, because a few of us suggested that we consider Smooth Cs again for another trip.By the way, (Captain) Ben and (Mate) Chris were great and made sure everything went off without a hitch. They even called in a few favors and had some dolphins show up for us, lol."

It has come to our attention that some charter operators will tell prospective guests that they don't have to comply by the US Coast Guard's Inspected Passenger Vessel regulations by offering a Demise or "bareboat" charter. The scam works something like this:

The operator leases you and your party a boat for the afternoon. It's your private pleasure boat now, and not subject to passenger limit regulations. Then the operator has you hire them as the crew for your "private charter".

But for this to work, YOU, the customer have to assume full control and responsibility for the vessel. You have to pay for the fuel, you have to pay for all of the food and beverages, and you have to pay for the crew, etc.

And (and this is a *big* and!) if anything goes wrong, YOU are legally liable for it. That's right. If anything goes wrong, someone gets hurt or worse, a collision, whatever .. it's on you, the customer. Remember, you did a "bareboat" charter. You signed a contract saying you are in full control of the vessel. 

That's a scary thought, isn't it? You go out for an afternoon of fun with your friends, something happens, and now you're on the hook for damages!

Fortunately, the US Coast Guard got wise to this a while back, resulting in the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993. The Safety Act closed the Demise/Bareboat charter passenger count loophole by statutorily defining *any* charter with a crew provided, carrying more than six (6) passengers, as a Small Passenger Vessel (SPV) and as such, subject to USCG inspection requirements, regardless of who has control of the vessel or who's paying for the fuel. 

Unfortunately, abuses of the "Demise" charter scam continues. Operators using uninspected vessels continue to offer their services, telling prospective clients that "those rules don't apply, because this is a private charter." 

What they're not telling is that the loophole was closed more than 20 years ago, that the charter they're offering is illegal, and that if anything goes wrong on a Demise aka "bareboat" charter, it's the customer who's legally and financially liable. 

Caveat emptor, my friends! If you have a group of 7 or more people, make sure you're doing your trip with an Inspected Passenger Vessel, and if the charter operator starts using words like "demise" or "bareboat charter", don't walk - run in the other direction! 

*Originally posted by Sailing Montauk

Downtown Tampa and the Tampa Convention Center is host to many meetings, trade shows, exhibitions and corporate events. The Smooth C's is a great choice for additional meeting space or dockside entertainment!

The owners of the Smooth C's have over 30 years of combined experience in the meetings and catering industry. We're unique in that we thoroughly understand your needs and how to help you "stand out" from the competition. We take the time to learn more about your company and event, and assist you with everything from display set-up and branding to catering needs and staffing. 

The Smooth C's has functioned as a dockside reception/networking venue at the Tampa Convention Center and as additional meeting space/reception at the Marriott Waterside. The vessel is available in 8-hour blocks (dockside) and includes two crew. 

Based upon availability at the Marriott Waterside, we will request the slip next to the floating dock below. This is a great extension of meeting and reception space and is a huge WOW to your clients and colleagues. With a capacity of 20 passengers on the yacht, this extension allows for an additional 20-25 guests. Catering is provided by the Marriott Waterside, however, the bar can be set up on your own, which is a considerable savings. 

Contact us today to learn more about hosting your next event: laura@tampabayyachtcharter.com or 727-776-8199

Let's start with the difference between Service Charges vs. Gratuity. What is the difference? Do I still have to tip the crew/staff if I'm already being charged a Service Charge? This is one of the most common questions asked by our clients. 

What is a Service Charge? 
A Service Charge is a mandatory and automatic {pre-determined} fee that is typically added to your charter, hotel, or catering contract for the service personnel. Just to give you an idea: Most venues in the surrounding areas charge a Service Charge {ranging anywhere from 18% - 24%} on their Food and Beverage {F&B} contract. A Service Charge is not to be confused with a Gratuity. In the State of Florida, taxes are applicable to the Service Charge, so please keep this in mind when considering your budget. 

So what is included in the Service Charge? 
How the Service Charge is broken down will vary from venue to venue, so don't be afraid to ask for an itemized breakdown. In general, the Service Charge offsets the labor and administration costs, including pre/post cleaning, preparing for your event, crew/staff travel time, vessel/facility maintenance and so forth. Keep in mind, the Service Charge DOES NOT equate to a Gratuity; therefore, it DOES NOT cover the gratuities for the crew or staff {unless specifically noted by your venue/caterer}. 

What is a Gratuity? 
A gratuity {also known as a tip} is a voluntary amount of money given in exchange for a service performed. For example -- We typically tip our waitstaff or our hair stylist for great service. Gratuity to the crew/staff is at your discretion. Do keep in mind, that while Gratuities are not required, it is in good etiquette to do so. 

Disclaimer
That's not our crew in the above picture, you're not chartering the Ohana Motor Yacht, and you're not paying a base rate of $20k per day. Photo credit BravoTV, Below Deck. 

'Tis the season to start thinking about a unique way to entertain your family, friends, or clients! Bring the party on the water and enjoy the ultimate in holiday cheer! 

The Rotary Club of St. Petersburg presents the 28th Annual Illuminated Boat Parade to benefit the Rotary House ~ a collaboration between the 5 Rotary Clubs in St. Pete and the Free Clinic to provide transitional housing for homeless families in St. Petersburg. 

Get those creative juices flowing! You take care of the decorations and we'll take care of the entry fee and provide wristbands for you and your guests to the awards party afterwards! The boat parade begins at 6 pm on Saturday, December 13 from the Vinoy Basin. Call us today to reserve the Smooth C's, USCG Certified for 20 passengers and 2 crew. This four-hour charter is priced at $1800.00 and includes a USCG Master Captain, mate, and fuel. To reserve: 727-776-8199 or sales@tampabayyachtcharter.com 

Escape the office for an afternoon or evening charter aboard the Smooth C's. Tampa Bay Yacht Charter is the perfect choice for client entertainment, employee incentive outings or a simple staff appreciation picnic on the water. As a reward or employee incentive, this is a truly memorable experience!

What are some of the benefits to taking your business on the bay? 

You have a captive audience. They aren't going anywhere so you can use the full time to network. They’ll have to listen to you…unless they’re bold enough to jump ship.

It’s relaxing. There’s a reason why people vacation by the water. It may not be Tahiti, but a trip along Tampa Bay is a great alternative.

People will be excited. Give people something to look forward to. They’ll enjoy spending time outdoors and relaxing.

Contact us today to begin planning your perfect outing! Sales@TampaBayYachtCharter.com 

We were honored to cruise with these ROTC cadets to celebrate the completion of their Biometrics and Forensic internship at the National Forensic Science Technology Center in Largo. 

The 12 cadets are from all over the country and will be entering their senior year of college. Upon graduation, they will commission as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army. 

We wish them success in their careers and thank them for their service.