Commercial Boating in Hawaiʻi
Everything You Need for Commercial Boating and Ocean Recreation Operations
Commercial boating and ocean activities surround our state, each and every island! With daily catamaran cruises, fishing charters, and other types of activities for those seeking thrills, the ocean provides a unique asset to Hawaiʻi residents and visitors alike for hours of enjoyment.
All operators of commercial vessels and those providing watersports instruction must obtain a commercial use permit. It is important to have the information you need to take to the seas safely.
Commercial operations include:
• Commercial diving operations
• Guided canoe tours
• Guided kayak tours
• Parasailing instruction
• Sailboarding instruction
• Sailing instruction
• Surfing instruction
• Thrill craft (jet ski) rentals and instruction
• Certain rentals of ocean recreation equipment
• All passenger carrying operations on state
waters, except for those originating from a
DOT harbor
Application Process and Required Documents
All operators of commercial vessels originating from DLNR harbors and those providing watersports instruction must obtain a commercial use permit and individual certifications. Vessel registration or US Coast Guard documentation is required for motorized commercial vessels.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What is the application process for obtaining a commercial use permit?
- Applicants should go into their nearest DOBOR district office with a completed commercial use questionnaire and the documents listed in the form to complete a commercial use application and submit it for the department’s review.
- What Documents do I need to provide along with my Commercial Use Permit application?
- General Excise Tax License
- Commercial insurance policy naming “State of Hawaiʻi” as an additional insured, containing sufficient coverage limits, and meeting all other requirements.
- Certificate of Compliance from Hawaiʻi Compliance Express, OR a copy of each of the following:
- Certificate of Compliance for the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor
- Tax Clearance from the Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation
- Certificate of Good Standing from the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
- Articles of incorporation or operating agreement, if applicable
- PUC for vehicle(s), if applicable
- Certificate of Documentation or Certificate of Inspection for any vessels used in your commercial operation, if applicable.
- Any relevant permits or letters of permission allowing you to access ocean waters from the shoreline, if applicable.
Please note: If you will cross county, state, or private land, and/or conduct commercial activities therein, you may be required to obtain a permit or letter of permission from the landowner. Issuance of a commercial use permit from DOBOR does not grant transit rights to access the shoreline or conduct commercial activities on shore. A commercial use permit will not be issued without written permission to access/transit land for purposes of conducting the commercial activity.
Permits Required for Commercial Operations
| Permits Required for Commercial Operations | Commercial Use Operator | Commercial Use Instructor/ Operator | Cruise Operations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Use Questionnaire
The questionnaire helps to determine the time of permit needed and any relevant documents that are needed. |
✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Commercial Use Permit | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Commercial Instructor Operator Permit
To operate specific vessels or provide instruction for various ocean recreation activities (sailboard, canoe, kayak, diving, etc.) |
✔️ | ||
| Fees
For commercial permittees operating from state land: The cost for the new permit shall be $300.00 per month or 3% of your gross receipts, whichever is greater, due, and payable by the first day of each month. Fees may vary based on facility and harbor locations. See more about fees> |
✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Gross Receipt Reporting Form
For commercial permittees to report their monthly gross receipt amounts. |
✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Cruise Ship Operations (PortCall)
For the latest information about cruise ship movements and schedules. |
✔️ | ||
| Passenger Count Reporting Form
For fees charged relating to cruise operations |
✔️ |
Ocean Recreation Management Area (ORMA)
- The Ocean Recreation Management Area (ORMA) is a
map that defines the type of recreational use permitted
throughout the state. - Commercial ocean operations may need to apply for an
ORMA use permit and/or register ORMA equipment based
on their location and types of operations being performed.
Average Length of Recreational Boats
More than half of the recreational boats in this country are less than 16 feet in length, and more than 90 percent are less than 20 feet in length.
Slow-No Wake Distance
Speed on waters of the State is limited to “slow-no wake” within 200 feet of any shoreline, float, dock, launch ramp, congested beach, swimmer, diver’s flag, or anchored, moored, or drifting vessel. Slow-no-wake speed is generally around 5 mph even if the vessel does not create a visible wake.
Vessel Grounding Insurance
All vessels at least 26′ in length are required to have vessel grounding insurance.
Commercial Boating Resources
Commercial Use
Permit Auctions
Commercial Use
Permit Lotteries
Electronic
Notifications
Commercial
FAQs
Boating Resources
Hawaiʻi Ocean Recreation
Management Area
Interactive Map
Boating with Whales
Severe Weather and
Tsunami Preparation
