You have received some great advice. I've been boating for over 40 years. A couple things I didn't see mentioned. If you are getting a smaller boat, the capacity plate will tell you quantity in passengers and weight. Use the weight figure and calculate the weight of your dive gear. If you're just going out for a day, and you're the only diver, it won't matter much, but if you try putting 6 people and takes for a minimum of 2 dives each on a boat rated for 6 people, you will most likely be overloaded.
Second, I didn't follow your geographical use. But if you are in AZ and looking at FL or CA or the Islands, I see a concern. First, are you looking at a trailerable boat? If so, you will be limited to 28-30-ft range. And even many of those trailerables require extra width permits and escort vehicles. But, that is pretty much the minimum size you'll want for off-shore use.
I just did a quick check of current year requirements for AZ and FL. As long as you are over 21 y/o, you do not need an operator license or permit. But take note, every year more states are requiring a license or permit or Boater Safety Education in order to operate in that state. And, some states are do not have reciprocity - even if you are from out of state, you must comply with their laws.
Don't even think about conducting a business on or aboard your boat without fully understanding the USCG License, Inspection, and insurance requirements. In my opinion, it is not worth the hassle unless you plan on this being your livelihood. I qualify for a Masters, but all my time was with the Gov't, which doesn't require civilian licensing. After looking into it, other than status, it would be more of a pain if not using it as a livelihood. Since the courts look upon you as a "pro", you are expected to know, and held to a higher level of competencies, than a "recreational" boater. It was not worth the added potential liability exposure to me.
Second, I didn't follow your geographical use. But if you are in AZ and looking at FL or CA or the Islands, I see a concern. First, are you looking at a trailerable boat? If so, you will be limited to 28-30-ft range. And even many of those trailerables require extra width permits and escort vehicles. But, that is pretty much the minimum size you'll want for off-shore use.
I just did a quick check of current year requirements for AZ and FL. As long as you are over 21 y/o, you do not need an operator license or permit. But take note, every year more states are requiring a license or permit or Boater Safety Education in order to operate in that state. And, some states are do not have reciprocity - even if you are from out of state, you must comply with their laws.
Don't even think about conducting a business on or aboard your boat without fully understanding the USCG License, Inspection, and insurance requirements. In my opinion, it is not worth the hassle unless you plan on this being your livelihood. I qualify for a Masters, but all my time was with the Gov't, which doesn't require civilian licensing. After looking into it, other than status, it would be more of a pain if not using it as a livelihood. Since the courts look upon you as a "pro", you are expected to know, and held to a higher level of competencies, than a "recreational" boater. It was not worth the added potential liability exposure to me.
