Dive charter boat operator

Local divers, tourists, dive clubs, dive shops and groups booking private trips.

Price per diver per trip, private charter fees, and extras such as tank fills, rental gear and courses.

• Boat handling and navigation
• Dive leadership and safety planning
• Basic boat maintenance
• Customer service and scheduling

• Carrying paying passengers usually requires a Coast Guard captain's license and may require vessel inspection, so check the current rules
• Marine and general liability insurance can be costly, so get quotes before buying a boat
• Fuel, dock fees, maintenance and weather cancellations can eat into income
• Check local, state and park permits for the dive sites you plan to use
• Hiring crew may trigger workers' compensation, and maritime crew rules can differ, so verify them

Estimates put startup costs typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on whether you buy or lease the boat, its size and your gear. Get insurance quotes before buying, since marine and general liability cover can be costly.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000 as an estimate, depending on your trip schedule, private charters and courses. Fuel, dock fees, maintenance and weather cancellations can reduce what you keep.

Check the current rules: carrying paying passengers usually requires a Coast Guard captain's license and may require vessel inspection. Also check local, state and park permits for dive sites, and workers' compensation if you hire crew.