A la carte, billed for time
A licensed captain, when needed
Hiring a captain full-time means carrying a salary year-round. Our per diem captain services allow you to hire a captain when needed, whether for owner training, deliveries, excursions, or more.
Captain services
Captain services are billed for time worked, in addition to an owner's monthly retainer.
Deliveries
From in-state relocations to seasonal moves, a licensed captain can be provided to relocate your yacht anywhere.
Day captain
A licensed captain aboard for the day so you can enjoy a fully hands off experience. From cocktail cruises to overnight excursions, a per diem captain changes the ownership experience.
Charters
Vantage provides USCG licensed, vetted captains to assist in charter operations. All captains are members of a drug testing consortium and undergo a thorough background check.
Owner training
Owners can enjoy classroom and on-the-water training in vessel systems, day/night navigation, docking, anchoring, emergency response and more. Many owners notice a great improvement after only a few outings.
Why the license matters
Anyone can offer to take the wheel. Every Vantage captain holds, at minimum, a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, which means they've logged the required sea time, passed rigorous exams covering navigation, seamanship, and maritime law, and met the medical and physical standards the Coast Guard requires to operate vessels of that size commercially.
Licensing isn't a one-time credential — it comes with ongoing accountability. All of our captains are enrolled in a USCG-approved drug and alcohol testing consortium, meaning they're subject to random testing throughout the year, not just at the point of hire. For owners, that translates directly into peace of mind: the person behind the helm of your vessel has been vetted, tested, and held to a federal standard, not just a verbal assurance.
Beyond the legal requirements, insurance carrier requirements are growing more stringent by the day. Insurance carriers often require a licensed captain at the helm for coverage to apply. Many carriers will require a licensed and experienced captain in order for them to be added to your policy as an approved individual. In the event of an incident, a licensed captain's training in emergency procedures, navigation rules, and risk management is often what separates a manageable situation from a serious one. Vantage doesn't staff the helm with a warm body — we put a professional there, credentials to prove it.
How the billing works
The same terms whether the job is a single delivery or sits inside a monthly retainer.
- Captain work is billed for the time it takes, quoted before the job
- Available on an Essential Care or Full Management retainer, and available on its own without one
- Deliveries are quoted for days spent away, including travel to or from the vessel
- Fuel, dockage, tolls, and travel costs are passed through without markup
- Nothing is booked or started without your approval in writing
Common questions
Not seeing yours? Contact us.
- Do I need a management retainer to hire a captain?
- No. Captain services are available to non-vantage clients, and Vantage owners using either management plan.
- Will you deliver my yacht north and south for dual season use?
- Yes
- What kind of boats do you run?
- Vantage's fleet consists of power boats and yachts ranging in size from 25'-65' in length.
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Need a captain for a specific job?
Tell us the boat, the dates, and where she is going. You will get a quote for the time the job actually takes.