What's the difference between boats and ships?

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Ship size matters

The size of ships is measured in a unit called "gross tonnage".  Vessels that are bigger than 500 gross tonnage MUST follow a set of rules called "Safety of Life at Sea" or "SOLAS".

Ships and boats follow different codes.

For this blog, we are calling any vessel less than 500 gross tonnage, a boat. 

Many boats in the Caribbean have to follow the "Small Commercial Vessel" or "SCV" Code. The Boatmaster license is part of the SCV Code. 

The training you need to work on a ship has to follow the STCW Convention only. Some of the training you need to work on a boat has to follows STCW and some follow the SCV Code.

So, what's the difference?

There is little difference in the training because modern vessels have similar equipment regardless of size. And the regulations so that boats in the oil & gas sector and for boats trading internationally and carrying passengers have to be followed.

Areas where boats operate

Boats can be licenced to operate 'inshore', 'offshore' or 'regionally'.

Inshore

Boats that operate where you can see land all the time. The crew do not usually sleep on these boats. The captain will typically need to have a Boatmaster 3 licence. 

Offshore

This is up to about 20 miles from land and includes the marine oil and gas fields. The crew on these boats sleep on board and maybe on the boat for two or more weeks at a time. A mate on these boats will typically have a Boatmaster 2 licence.

Regionally

Here we mean within the Caribbean. Consider that boats operating regionally have to follow regulations for international voyages. Remember also that there operate in a hurricane area. A mate on these boats will typically have a Boatmaster 1 licence. 

SS Nautical Training has a world-class Boatmaster certificate program that delivered by blended learning (online, distance, personal tutors).