Relief Captain — Temporary Command & Delivery Passages

A relief captain steps into command of a vessel on a temporary basis — during the permanent captain's leave, for delivery passages, or during owner trips when no full-time captain is employed. Relief captains are typically independent contractors with extensive experience across multiple vessel types, and they are an essential part of South Florida's large contingent of yachting professionals.

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When a Relief Captain Is Needed

Common scenarios for relief captain deployment include: permanent captain's vacation or illness, delivery of a newly purchased vessel from a northern yard or boat show to South Florida, repositioning between marinas, and owner voyages on vessels without full-time crew. A competent relief captain brings the same license credentials as a full-time captain and must be familiar with the vessel type, systems, and intended route.

Licensing and Experience for Relief Work

Relief captains typically hold a USCG 100-ton or 200-ton Master's license (or higher) and carry current STCW Basic Safety Training. For deliveries involving offshore passages or international ports, OUPV or higher credentials plus appropriate routing endorsements are required. The best relief captains maintain vessel-type log books across a wide range of powerboat and sail configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a qualified relief captain in South Florida?: The Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas have a deep pool of licensed relief captains. YatHub can refer you to crew placement resources, and USCG-licensed captain networks are active on local social media and at marina bulletin boards.
Does a relief captain need to be added to my vessel's insurance?: Yes. Notify your insurance broker before any relief captain takes command. Most policies require named operators or operators meeting specified criteria (license, experience hours) to be covered.
What is the typical day rate for a relief captain in South Florida?: Relief captain day rates vary by license level, vessel type, and route complexity. Delivery passages typically run $500–$1,500/day depending on vessel size and conditions. Confirm rates with individual captains.

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