ACAPT Vessel Standards

The C-PORT membership is geographically diverse, with diverse equipment needs. Three ACAPT (Accredited for Commercial Assistance and Professional Towing) tiers have been created to include all towers.

The three ACAPT tiers are as follows:

Utility: The lowest level of ACAPT accreditation for small vessels traveling short distances carrying minimum equipment but above Coast Guard regulations. Back-up vessels and inland vessels will most often qualify for this tier. Some equipment requirements include anchor, tow post, tools, VHF, proper lighting, and crew and passenger PFDs.

Coastal: Middle level ACAPT accreditation for mid-size vessels limited to a maximum response distance of 30 miles from nearest safe harbor and carrying a higher level of equipment. The ACAPT committee expects the majority of marine assistance vessels will be in this category unless the vessel handles long-distance tows. Standards in addition to the Utility requirements include charts, Loran or GPS, de-watering capacity, and red/yellow safety lights.

Ocean (all waters): Highest level of ACAPT accreditation for larger vessels but not limited to maximum response distance carrying the highest level of equipment. The vessels qualifying for this tier will have the accreditation to assist disabled boaters in all waters with equipment requirements that are the most comprehensive. Some equipment requirements in addition to the Coastal list include ADF, EPIRB, Drogue, Radar and reflector, and additional lighting.

The majority of C-PORT members and ACAPT-certified firms already closely meet the equipment standards set forth under the new program's tiers. Requests for exemptions must be submitted to C-PORT in writing and will be reviewed and approved by the C-PORT board of directors.

ACAPT is using accredited surveyors to make the program more professional in the eyes of the public and the Coast Guard.

Accredited NAMS and SAMS marine surveyors from coast to coast have been solicited to take part in this prgram. They have all received agreements regarding the cost to complete the ACAPT streamlined inspection on a $65-per-vessel basis. C-PORT has received many responses from interested marine surveyors who are willing to become ACAPT Approved Surveyors for their region. The surveyors who have responded are enthusiastic about the program and about working with this industry to raise the level of professionalism. They understand that this program is not a full-day inspection. These inspections are meant to be concise and streamlined to maximize the time spent on each vessel and keep costs to the tower to a minimum.

If there is no ACAPT-approved surveyor in your area, or if you do not want to use the ACAPT-approved surveyor in your area, contact C-PORT. The ACAPT inspection program is intended to allow members a choice in which surveyor they can use, and C-PORT will attempt to find several surveyors in every area of the country. To assist C-PORT, if ACAPT members know of surveyors in their area who may be interested in this program, send C-PORT their contact information.

The cost of inspections will be a one-time charge for each ACAPT firm. All ACAPT towers are required to pay for the first inspection of all of their vessels. From then on, C-PORT will pay for the ten percent random vessel inspections annually.

The planned ACAPT public relations campaign and the new partnership with the Coast Guard will be an effective tool to display this improved and unique program.

The ACAPT fee is $35 per vessel for C-PORT members and $60 per vessel for non-members. C-PORT and the accredited surveyors have agreed upon a fee of $65 per vessel for the simple, streamlined inspections of ACAPT vessels. To take advantage of this fee, you must use an ACAPT-approved surveyor.

If you are not currently ACAPT, and would like to receive an information package to begin the process, please contact CPORT.