Federal permit application for vessels fishing in the EE

OMB No. 0648-0205 Form Approval Expires: 12/31/2009

U.S. DEPT OF COMMERCE, NOAA
NMFS PERMITS BRANCH, F/SER1

FEDERAL PERMIT APPLICATION FOR
VESSELS FISHING IN THE EXCLUSIVE
ECONOMIC ZONE (EEZ)

263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727/824-5326 (8:00 am - 4:30 pm ET)
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Reviewer's Initials and Date
Check or Money Order Number
Violation Date
Violation Clear Date
Application ID

Non Compliance Hold Date
Non Compliance Cleared Date

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Expiration Date(s)

REMEMBER TO SEND A COPY of your current (not expired) USCG Certificate of Documentation or, if the vessel is not
documented, your state vessel registration must be on file or accompany this application. Do not send your original. We
cannot accept a bill of sale.

1. VESSEL INFORMATION
OFFICIAL NUMBER FROM USCG CERTIFICATE OF
DOCUMENTATION (if applicable)

YEAR BUILT

LENGTH (FEET)

TOTAL HORSEPOWER

STATE REGISTRATION NUMBER (if applicable)

USCG DOCUMENTED VESSELS ONLY
GROSS TONS

NET TONS

HOLD CAPACITY
(Pounds of Harvest)

VESSEL NAME

HULL IDENTIFICATION or IMO NUMBER

HULL MATERIAL

FUEL TYPE

FIBERGLASS

DIESEL

STEEL

GASOLINE

WOOD

OTHER
________________

PRODUCT STORAGE
(check all that apply)
ICE

HAILING PORT CITY

FREEZER
LIVE WELL

CEMENT
HAILING PORT COUNTY OR PARISH

HAILING PORT STATE
OTHER
________________

PASSENGER CAPACITY DATA FOR
CHARTER/ HEADBOAT VESSELS
UNINSPECTED VESSEL - "6-PACK"
USCG INSPECTED VESSEL
(Specify passenger Capacity as
listed on the USCG Certificate of
Inspection)

This vessel is
best described
as (select 1)
Commercial Fishing
Headboat
Charter
Page 1

TOTAL FUEL
CAPACITY (GALLONS)

OTHER
________________

For Shark and Swordfish Directed and Incidental Permit
Applicants Only: Does your vessel fish with, or carry
onboard, either longline or gillnet gear?
No
Yes
Reminder: If yes, include a copy of your "Protected Species
Release, Disentanglement, and Identification Workshop
Certificate".
Form Revision 01/01/2008

2. PERMITS
INSTRUCTIONS: Indicate which permit(s) and transaction(s) you are applying for. Find the fishery in the left column and mark the check box beside
that fishery to indicate what transaction you want.

OPEN ACCESS COMMERCIAL PERMITS

NEW

FISHERY

RENEWAL

DUPLICATE

COMMERCIAL ATLANTIC DOLPHIN/ WAHOO (ADW)
SPINY LOBSTER TAILING (LT)
SPINY LOBSTER (LC) (Not required for the EEZ off Florida)
SPANISH MACKEREL (SM)
SOUTH ATLANTIC ROCK SHRIMP (RS)
SOUTH ATLANTIC PENAEID SHRIMP (SPA)
GULF ROYAL RED SHRIMP (GRRS)

OPEN ACCESS CHARTER/HEADBOAT PERMITS
NEW

RENEWAL

TRANSFER

RENEWAL

FISHERY

DUPLICATE

SOUTH ATLANTIC CHARTER/ HEADBOAT FOR SNAPPER-GROUPER (SC)

SOUTH ATLANTIC CHARTER/ HEADBOAT FOR COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGICS (CHS)
ATLANTIC CHARTER/ HEADBOAT FOR DOLPHIN/ WAHOO (CDW)

LIMITED ACCESS/MORATORIUM CHARTER/ HEADBOAT and COMMERCIAL PERMITS
FISHERY
GULF OF MEXICO CHARTER/HEADBOAT FOR COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC FISH (CHG)
GULF OF MEXICO CHARTER/HEADBOAT FOR REEF FISH (RCG)

GULF OF MEXICO SHRIMP (SPGM)
HISTORICAL CAPTAIN GULF OF MEXICO CHARTER/HEADBOAT FOR COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC FISH (HCHG)
HISTORICAL CAPTAIN GULF OF MEXICO CHARTER/HEADBOAT FOR REEF FISH (HRCG)
KING MACKEREL (KM)
GILLNET FOR KING MACKEREL (GN)
GULF OF MEXICO REEF FISH (RR, RRE)
SOUTH ATLANTIC ROCK SHRIMP LIMITED ENTRY AREA ENDORSEMENT (RSE)
SOUTH ATLANTIC UNLIMITED SNAPPER-GROUPER (EXCLUDING WRECKFISH) (SG1, ST1)
SOUTH ATLANTIC 225 LB TRIP LIMIT SNAPPER-GROUPER (EXCLUDING WRECKFISH) (SG2, ST2)
SWORDFISH DIRECTED (SFD)
SWORDFISH HANDGEAR (SFH)
SWORDFISH INCIDENTAL (SFI)
SHARK DIRECTED (SKD)
SHARK INCIDENTAL (SKI)

Page 2

DUPLICATE

3. VESSEL OWNER AND LESSEE INFORMATION
Please copy this page as needed to provide information on all persons or businesses that own or lease the vessel listed in Section 1.
1) Please complete this section for each owner of the vessel as shown on the Coast Guard Documentation or, if not documented, on the state
registration certificate. If the owner is a business or partnership, enter the Federal ID number and date the business was formed or partnership was
filed. If the owner is an individual, enter the Social Security Number.
2) Complete the Additional Owner or Lessee section for a second joint owner if the vessel is owned by more than one owner, or if the vessel is leased,
for the entity that is leasing the vessel from the vessel owner. If you need more spaces, copy the blank form or provide the required information on a
separate sheet of paper.
3) Place an "X" in the Mailing Recipient block to indicate who will receive the permit and all related information. Please only mark one box.
4) If the vessel is operated under a lease or other written management agreement that bestows control over the destination, function or operation of the
vessel to a person other than the vessel owner (as stated on the Coast Guard Documentation or state registration), you must submit information on each
lessee. If you need more spaces for additional lessees, copy the blank form or provide the required information on a separate sheet of paper.

Vessel Owner as shown on the USCG Certificate of Documentation,
or for undocumented vessels, the State Registration; and/or Vessel Lessee Information
This entity is a vessel OWNER
Check one

or vessel LESSEE

(For lessees only) LEASE START DATE:

INDIVIDUAL or SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP

JOINT OWNERSHIP

LEASE EXPIRATION DATE:

PARTNERSHIP

CORPORATION

OTHER ____________

Mailing Recipient - Mark this box if you want this entity to receive all mail concerning this permit; mark only one person
Mr/Mrs/Ms

Last Name or Name of Business

First Name

Middle Name

Suffix Name

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Federal ID # or SSN

Date of Birth/business filed

Area Code

Phone Number

Income Qualifier: If this entity is the income qualifier for any permits applied for in this application, indicate below to which fishery the income applies.
Commercial King Mackerel

Commercial Spiny Lobster

Spanish Mackerel

Reef Fish

Second Vessel Owner as shown on the USCG Certificate of Documentation or State Registration, or
Vessel Lessee
This entity is a vessel OWNER
Check one

or vessel LESSEE

(For lessees only) LEASE START DATE:

INDIVIDUAL or SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP

JOINT OWNERSHIP

PARTNERSHIP

LEASE EXPIRATION DATE:
CORPORATION

OTHER ____________

Mailing Recipient - Mark this box if you want this entity to receive all mail concerning this permit; mark only one person
Mr/Mrs/Ms

Last Name or Name of Business

First Name

Middle Name

Suffix Name

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Federal ID # or SSN

Date of Birth/business filed

Area Code

Phone Number

Income Qualifier: If this entity is the income qualifier for any permits applied for in this application, indicate below to which fishery the income applies.
Commercial King Mackerel

Commercial Spiny Lobster

Spanish Mackerel

Reef Fish

REMINDER: THE APPLICANT MUST SIGN THE APPLICATION IN THE SIGNATURE SECTION ON PAGE 6
Page 3

4. OFFICER/SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION FOR ENTITIES THAT OWN OR LEASE THE VESSEL
Please copy this page as needed to provide information on all persons or businesses that own or lease this vessel.

1) Please complete this section for each officer or partner associated by partnership, corporation, or other business relationship to a vessel owner or
lessee listed in section 3. You must provide the information for all officers that are shown on your most recent annual report.

Owner or lessee of the vessel:

Owner

Lessee

Business name:
Federal Tax ID #
All individuals associated with the above-named vessel owner or lessee must be included in this application. Photocopy this page or attach additional
sheets as necessary to list all officers, directors, shareholders, and registered agents of the business. Provide names, Social Security Numbers,
addresses, phone number, date of birth, and position held in business.

Position held
President/CEO
Mr/Mrs/Ms

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Last Name or Name of Business

Director/Manager

Agent

First Name

Other
Middle Name

Suffix Name

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

Date of Birth

SSN

Area Code

Phone Number

Income Qualifier: If this entity is the income qualifier for any permits applied for in this application, indicate below to which fishery the income applies.
Commercial King Mackerel

Commercial Spiny Lobster

Spanish Mackerel

Reef Fish

Position held
President/CEO
Mr/Mrs/Ms

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Last Name or Name of Business

Director/Manager

Agent

First Name

Other
Middle Name

Suffix Name

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

SSN

Date of Birth

Area Code

Phone Number

Income Qualifier: If this entity is the income qualifier for any permits applied for in this application, indicate below to which fishery the income applies.
Commercial King Mackerel

Commercial Spiny Lobster

Spanish Mackerel

Reef Fish

REMINDER: THE APPLICANT MUST SIGN THE APPLICATION IN THE SIGNATURE SECTION ON PAGE 6
Page 4

5. HISTORICAL CAPTAIN OR OTHER INCOME QUALIFIER (DESIGNATED OPERATOR)
Provide information on person who is the Historical Captain for Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat Historical Captain permit(s) and/or the
designated Operator (income qualifier) who is not the vessel owner or lessee, or related though business association to the vessel owner or
lessee, as listed in Section 3 or Section 4 of this application.

Please complete the top part of this section of the application only if you are applying for:
* A Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat permit with a Historical Captain provision (renewal or transfer),
* A King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Reef Fish, or Commercial Spiny Lobster permit for which you have met the
income qualification requirement by using the fishing income of a deignated operator who is neither a vessel owner or
lessee as listed in Section 3 of this application, nor is an officer or a shareholder of a business that owns or leases the
vessel, as listed in Section 4 of this application.
Please complete the bottom part of this section of the application only if you are applying for:
* A King Mackerel, or Spanish Mackerel permit for which you have met the income qualification requirement by using
the fishing income of a company that is not the vessel owner or lessee as listed in Section 3 of this application.
For all other applications, this page should be blank.
This person is a (check all that apply):
Historical Captain for Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat for Reef Fish
Historical Captain for Gulf of Mexico Charter/headboat for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish
Income Qualifier for: (check all that apply)
Mr/Mrs/Ms

Commercial King Mackerel

Last Name

Commercial Spiny Lobster

First Name

Spanish Mackerel

Middle Name

Reef Fish
Suffix Name

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

SSN

Date of Birth

Area Code

Phone Number

This business does not own the permit, but is the income qualifier for: (check all that apply):
Commercial King Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel

Name of Business

Mailing Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Physical Address

Apt/Suite #

City

State

County/parish

Zip Code

Country

Check box if same as Mailing Address

FEIN

Date Corporation Filed

Area Code

Phone Number

IF A SECTION OF THIS PAGE IS FILLED OUT, THE HISTORICAL CAPTAIN OR OTHER INCOME QUALIFIER AS
LISTED IN THE TOP PART OR AN OFFICER OR SHAREHOLDER OF THE COMPANY LISTED IN THE BOTTOM PART
MUST SIGN THE SIGNATURE SECTION AS THE APPLICANT ON PAGE 6.
Page 5

6. SNAPPER-GROUPER POTS
COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONLY IF YOU FISH WITH
SEA BASS POTS IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC SNAPPER-GROUPER FISHERY.
AS OF FEBRUARY 07, 2007 FISH TRAPS ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED IN THE GULF OF MEXICO REEF FISH FISHERY.
Tag cost is $1.50 per tag made payable by check or money order to Floy Tag, Inc.
If you have an existing buoy color code for ANY trap or pot fishery, list it here

Color Code

If you do not have an existing buoy color code for ANY trap or pot fishery,
request your choice here (white is not an available color option).

Color Code

South Atlantic Sea Bass Pot Information
Number of Pots
Size: L x W x H (in inches)
Mesh size (in inches)

Payment Reminder:
All applications must include payment of a non-refundable application fee in the form of a check or money order made
payable to the US Treasury. The fee required is $25.00 for the first fishery and $10.00 for each additional fishery
requested with this application.

7. SIGNATURE
The undersigned certifies under penalty of perjury that the foregoing infomation is true and correct (28 U.S.C. section 1746; 18 U.S.C. section 1621; 18
U.S.C. section 1001). Further, the undersigned acknowledges that (1) if a shark permit is received, then shark fishing, catch and gear are subject to the
shark regulations cited in 50 CFR 635.5, without regard to where such shark fishing occurs or where such shark and/or gear are possessed, taken or
landed; and (2) if a spiny lobster tailing permit is requested, the applicant routinely fishes commercially in Federal waters on trips of up to 48 hours or
more and that such fishing activity requires the separation of the tail and carapace to maintain quality product.
Please note: If the vessel listed in Section 1 is leased, the applicant who signs below must be an individual named as a lessee in Section 3, or an
officer or shareholder of the lessee as listed in Section 4. If the vessel listed in Section 1 is not leased, the applicant must be an individual named as an
owner in Section 3, or an officer or shareholder of the owner as listed in Section 4.

Applicant Signature

Position in Company

Print Name

Operator Signature

Date

if required

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other suggestions for reducing this burden to Jason Rueter, National Marine Fisheries Service,
F/SER22, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
The National Marine Fisheries Service requires this information for the conservation and management of marine fishery resources. The data reported
will be used to develop, implement, and monitor fishery management activities for a variety of other uses. Responses to this collection are required to
obtain or retain a fisheries permit under the Magnuson - Stevens Act. Name and address information will be released via a NOAA website. All other
data submitted will be handled as confidential material in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, Protection of Confidential Fishery
Statistics. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subjected to a penalty for failure
to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a
currently valid OMB Control Number.

Page 6

Instructions for the
Federal Permit Application for Vessels Fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ)
General Instructions:
In addition to the instructions provided herein, applicants with specific questions are encouraged to contact
the Permits Office at (727) 824-5326 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET, and to consult the U.S. Code of
Federal Regulations whose guidance for application requirements, permit eligibilities, and related information
will always prevail. (Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned.)
1. Complete all applicable sections of this application form. Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned. Applications should be typed,
or hand printed in ink.
2. The application fee is $25 for one fishery and $10 for each additional fishery and is non-refundable. A check or money order payable
to the U.S. TREASURY must accompany each application. There is a fee schedule farther into these instructions to assist you in determining
the total amount to pay for your permits.
3. Mail the application, payment, and all required supporting documentation to: NMFS (F/SER 1), 263 13th AVENUE SOUTH, ST.
PETERSBURG, FL 33701. If you would like your permit and associated documents returned to you via overnight mail, enclose a FEDERAL
EXPRESS air bill, complete with your delivery address (no PO Box numbers), telephone number, and your FEDEX account number or major
credit card number with expiration date.
4. If transferring a Gulf charter/headboat vessel permit, a copy of a valid U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel
License (commonly referred to as a 6-pack license) or a valid U.S. Coast Guard Masters License must be provided, along with any other
requested information. A valid U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection must be provided if passenger capacity is greater than 6 passengers.
A valid temporary Certificate of Inspection will be accepted.
4. Each vessel issued a South Atlantic Rock Shrimp permit (regardless of whether or not issued the limited access endorsement) or an Atlantic
Dolphin/Wahoo (charter or commercial) permit, when at sea or offloading, is required to have on board at least one person who has a Federal
operator permit card issued by the NMFS Southeast Regional Office or the NMFS Northeast Regional Office.
5. Requests to renew or transfer permits will not be processed until all required reporting requirements (e.g. logbooks, the MARFIN telephone
survey, etc) have been met. Noncompliance with any reporting requirement will preclude processing of all permit transactions requests. To
avoid delays, ensure you comply with all reporting requirements in a timely manner and in advance of any permit application requests. Send
your logbook report(s) to National Marine Fisheries Service, Research Management Division, Logbook Program, P.O. Box 491500, Key
Biscayne, FL 33149-9916. Questions concerning your reporting requirements should be phoned to the Research Management Division at
305/361-4581. We cannot renew or transfer your permit(s) until all reporting requirements (e.g. logbook submission) are met.
6. An Income Qualification Affidavit is now accepted as proof of meeting permit income qualification requirements. A signed Income
Qualification Affidavit will be required with every application to renew or transfer an income qualified permit. A blank Income Qualification
Affidavit is included with this application or you may download another from the internet at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/permits.htm
7. Applications to transfer permits for which the Federal regulations restrict transfers to certain family members or to a vessel with
characteristics may be required to submit documentation to verify their eligibility for such transfers.
In accordance with Federal regulations, any change in your permit information must be reported in writing to NMFS within 30 days of
the change.
APPLICATION SECTION 1 Unless otherwise exempted by the application form, complete all portions of Section 1. Enter the Official Number
and the length of the vessel as they appear on the U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation, or if not documented, the state registration
certificate. If applying for a Highly Migratory Species commercial swordfish or shark permit issued without a vessel write “NO VESSEL” in the
field for USCG Official Number.
APPLICATION SECTION 2
Indicate the fishery and transaction type for each permit requested in this application.
APPLICATION SECTION 3
Enter the information of the person/business shown as the “owner” on the U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation or, if not
documented, from the state registration certificate. Information on all owners and lessees is required. If additional space is needed, please
photocopy the blank page as many times as is necessary to provide information on all vessel owners.

Updated 01Jan 2008
1

If owner/qualifier is an individual, provide the owner’s date of birth and enter the Social Security Number (taxpayer ID information). If the person
shown as the “owner” is a corporation or partnership, provide the date that the corporation was filed or the partnership was formed and the
company’s Federal Tax ID number (taxpayer ID information). If corporations are in an INACTIVE status, permits will not be issued.
If the vessel is leased, also provide information on all vessel lessees. If lessee is an individual provide the owner’s date of birth and enter the
Social Security Number (taxpayer ID information). If the person shown as the “lessee” is a corporation or partnership, provide the date that the
corporation was filed or the partnership was formed and the company’s Federal Tax ID number (taxpayer ID information). If corporations are in
an INACTIVE status, permits will not be issued.
If the vessel is leased, provide a copy of the signed (both parties) and dated lease agreement (see page 2 of these instructions for lease details).
If any entities named as a vessel owner or for leased vessels named as vessel lessee are also an income qualifier for permits associated with
this application, indicate the permits for which their income has been used for income qualification and submit a signed Income Qualification
Affidavit.
APPLICATION SECTION 4
If the application is for a vessel that is owned by corporation, partnership, or other business entity, then information on the owner’s officers/
shareholders is required. Information on all officers/shareholders associated with the vessel owners and/or lessees is required. If additional
space is needed, please photocopy the blank page as many times as is necessary to provide information on all officers/shareholders associated
with the vessel owners and lessees.
If any individuals named as an officer or shareholder of the vessel owner, or for leased vessels named as an officer or shareholder of the vessel
lessee, are also an income qualifier for permits associated with this application, indicate the permits for which their income has been used for
income qualification, and submit a signed Income Qualification Affidavit.
APPLICATION SECTION 5
Complete this section only for applications that include:
¾ Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat permits with a Historical Captain provision, or
¾ King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Reef Fish, and/or Commercial Spiny Lobster permit which has been income qualified using the fishing
income of an operator who is neither a vessel owner or lessee as listed in Section 3 of this application, nor is an officer of a business
that owns or leases the vessel, as listed in Section 4 of this application.
For all other applications, this section should remain blank.
APPLICATION SECTION 6 Complete this section only if you fish with pots in the snapper-grouper fishery off the southern Atlantic states. A
separate check or money order for pot tags ($1.50 per tag) payable to FLOY TAG INC. is required for use in the snapper-grouper
fisheries. Tags will be mailed directly from Floy Tag Inc., and will not be sent with the permit package.
APPLICATION SECTION 7 The application must be signed and dated by the vessel owner or for leased vessels by the vessel lessee. For
corporate owned or leased vessels, an officer or shareholder of the vessel owner or vessel lessee must sign and date the application.

RENEWAL AND INITIAL (NEW) ISSUANCE OF PERMITS
¾

All permit renewal and first issuance requests must include, as a minimum: an application, the appropriate fees, and a copy of the
unexpired U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation or state registration certificate. Please note, we cannot accept a bill of sale
as documentation or registration.

¾

Applications for the renewal of Gulf of Mexico Shrimp permits must include a completed Vessel and Gear Characterization form.

¾

If the vessel is leased/rented/leased to own, include a copy of the current lease agreement. Both the vessel owner(s) and the lessee(s)
must sign and date the lease agreement. The lease must state the beginning and ending dates of the lease term.

¾

To ensure that your renewal goes as quickly and smoothly as possible, send your logbook report(s) to National Marine Fisheries
Service, Research Management Division, Logbook Program, P.O. Box 491500, Key Biscayne, FL 33149-9916. Questions
concerning your reporting requirements should be phoned to the Research Management Division at 305/361-4581. We cannot renew
your permit(s) until all logbook reporting requirements are met.

2

TRANSFERS
¾

All permit transfer requests must include, as a minimum: an application, the original permits with appropriate signatures on the back,
the appropriate fees, and a front and back copy of the unexpired U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation or state registration
certificate.

¾

SIGNATURES ON PERMITS: provide the valid (not expired) ORIGINAL transferable permit(s) with the signatures of both the buyer
and seller on the reverse of the permit.
o
o
o
o
o

If the buyer and/or seller are a joint ownership, ALL persons that sell and /or buy the permit MUST sign the permit.
The seller’s signature(s) must be notarized. The buyer’s signature(s) do not have to be notarized.
If transferring to a different vessel owned by the same entity (person or business), no signatures are required unless the
permit(s) is a Gulf of Mexico Charter Permit(s).
Signatures are required to transfer Gulf of Mexico Charter Permit(s) to certify that you have removed the charter permit sticker
from the old vessel.
Permits sold or bought by a business must be signed buy an officer or shareholder of the business. The correct format must
include the signature, the person’s position in the business and the company name, for example:
John Doe, President, ABC Fishing Inc.

¾

Applications for the transfer of Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat permits must provide a copy of the unexpired USCG Operator of
Uninspected Passenger Vessel License or Masters License. If larger than a 6-pack, you must also provide a copy of the vessel’s
unexpired Certificate of Inspection (COI).

¾

Gulf of Mexico charter/headboat permits (including Historical Captain permits) may not be transferred to a vessel that has a larger U.S.
Coast Guard passenger capacity rating than the permit’s baseline passenger rating. For example, a 10 passenger permit may not be
transferred to a vessel with a COI for 12 passengers. Permits with a 6 passenger rating (6 pack) may only be transferred to an
uninspected vessel (another “6 pack” vessel).

¾

Upon transfer of a Gulf of Mexico moratorium Coastal Migratory Pelagic charter/headboat permit and/or Gulf of Mexico
moratorium Reef Fish charter/headboat permit, the Federal charter/headboat decal must be removed from your vessel.

¾

New owners of Limited Access/Moratorium permits must meet the earned income requirement not later than the first full calendar year
after the issuance of the permit.

¾

Transfer of Atlantic SHARK or SWORDFISH permits for swordfish handgear or swordfish and shark directed permits are subject to size
increase limitations.

¾

If the vessel is leased/rented/leased to own, include a copy of the current lease agreement. Both the vessel owner(s) and the lessee(s)
must sign and date the lease agreement. The lease must state the beginning and ending dates of the lease term. Expired permits
may not be transferred.

¾

The following permits are NOT transferable:
Charter Permits
South Atlantic Charter for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish
South Atlantic Charter for Snapper-Grouper
Atlantic Dolphin/Wahoo - Charter

Commercial Permits
Spanish Mackerel
Atlantic Dolphin/Wahoo - Commercial
Spiny Lobster
Spiny Lobster Tailing
South Atlantic Rock Shrimp
Gulf of Mexico Royal Red Shrimp Endorsement

DUPLICATE OR REPLACEMENT PERMITS
To request replacement of lost permits the USCG Official Number and/or the State Registration Number fields of Section 1 must be
completed. Section 2 must be completed to indicate for which permit(s) duplicates are requested. The application must be signed in
Section 7 by a permit owner. A check or money order for $18 payable to the U.S. Treasury must accompany the application.

3

FEES
Fees for permit renewal, Initial issuance and transfers are $25 for the first permit, $10 for each additional permit.
1 = $25
2 = $35
3 = $45
4 = $55
5 = $65
6 = $75
7 = $85
8 = $95
9 = $105
10 = $115
11 = $125
12 = $135
13 = $145
14 = $155
A flat rate fee of $18 is accessed for replacement of one or more permits issued to a single vessel.
EARNED INCOME OR GROSS SALES REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL PERMITS
KING & SPANISH MACKEREL

REEF FISH (GULF OF MEXICO)

SPINY LOBSTER

Percentage of earned income

At least 25%

More than 50%

At least 10%

Gross sales alternative

More than $10,000 in sales of fish

N/A

N/A

Source of earned income

Commercial, charter, or headboat

Commercial, charter, or headboat

Sale of catch

Time frame for qualification

One of three years prior to
application

Either of two years prior to
application

Year prior to application

The following fisheries do not require any earned income:
COMMERCIAL

CHARTER/HEADBOAT

Atlantic Dolphin/Wahoo - Commercial
Shark
Swordfish
South Atlantic Rock Shrimp
South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Limited Entry Area Endorsement
Spiny Lobster Tailing
South Atlantic Unlimited Snapper-Grouper excluding Wreckfish
South Atlantic 225 lb. Trip Limit Snapper-Grouper excluding Wreckfish
Gulf of Mexico Shrimp
Gulf of Mexico Royal Red Shrimp Endorsement

Atlantic Dolphin/Wahoo - Charter
Gulf of Mexico Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish Charter/Headboat
South Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish Charter/Headboat
South Atlantic Charter for Snapper-Grouper
Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Charter/Headboat

An Income Qualification Affidavit is now accepted as proof of meeting permit income qualification requirements. A signed Income Qualification
Affidavit will be required with every application to renew an income qualified permit.
KNOWINGLY SUPPLYING FALSE INFORMATION OR WILLFULLY OVERVALUING ANY FISHING INCOME FOR THE PURPOSE OF
OBTAINING A PERMIT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW PUNISHABLE BY A FINE AND/OR IMPRISONMENT.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of
information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other suggestions for reducing this burden to Jason Rueter, National Marine
th
Fisheries Service, F/SER22, 263 13 Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
The National Marine Fisheries Service requires this information for the conservation and management of marine fishery resources. The data
reported will be used to develop, implement, and monitor fishery management activities for a variety of other uses. Responses to this collection
are required to obtain or retain a fisheries permit under the Magnuson - Stevens Act. Non-confidential information may be released via a NOAA
Fisheries website. Non confidential information means: Name, Street Address, City, State, Zip code, Effective Date of Permit, Permit Types,
Vessel Name, Vessel Identification Number, and Passenger Capacity in the case of a “for hire” vessel for individual, corporate and lease holders
of permits. All other data submitted will be handled as confidential material in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, Protection
of Confidential Fishery Statistics. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be
subjected to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless
that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

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ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH PERMITS ARE REQUIRED
ATLANTIC DOLPHIN-WAHOO CHARTER VESSEL/HEADBOAT- For a person aboard a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel/headboat
to fish for or possess a dolphin-wahoo in or from Federal waters in the Atlantic, an Atlantic dolphin-wahoo charter vessel/headboat permit must
be issued to that vessel. There are no earned income or landing requirements for this permit. An owner of a charter vessel/headboat who
desires to sell dolphin is required to obtain a dolphin-wahoo commercial vessel permit (see below) in addition to the charter vessel/headboat
permit. (The sale of wahoo harvested in the Atlantic EEZ by a vessel operating as a charter vessel/headboat is not allowed.) This permit is for
the vessel it is assigned to. The permit will only be valid if there is someone on the vessel that has a valid Vessel Operator Permit Card issued
by the Southeast Regional Office of NMFS or by the Northeast Regional Office of NMFS. This permit is not transferable.
ATLANTIC DOLPHIN-WAHOO COMMERCIAL VESSEL- A vessel must be issued an Atlantic dolphin-wahoo commercial permit to be eligible
for exemption from the bag and possession limits for dolphin-wahoo in the Atlantic EEZ or to sell dolphin-wahoo harvested in the Atlantic EEZ.
This permit is for the vessel it is assigned to. The permit will only be valid if there is someone on the vessel that has a valid Vessel Operator
Permit Card issued by the Southeast Regional Office of NMFS or by the Northeast Regional Office of NMFS. This permit is not transferable.
GULF COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC CHARTER - For a person aboard a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat to fish
for or possess a coastal migratory pelagic fish in or from Federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico, a moratorium charter permit must be issued to the
vessel and be on board. Permits for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic charter are under a moratorium. No new vessel may be permitted except by
transfer of a valid (not expired) permit. To transfer a Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat for Coastal Migratory Pelagic fish permit, the original valid
permit must be signed and notarized as required, and returned with an application and applicable documents. Permits must be renewed
within one year of the expiration date – expired permits may not be transferred.
GULF REEF FISH CHARTER - For a person aboard a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat to fish for or possess a reef fish
in or from Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a moratorium charter permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Permits for Gulf of
Mexico reef fish charter are under a moratorium. No new vessel may be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) permit. To transfer
a Gulf of Mexico Charter/ Headboat for Reef Fish permit, the original valid (not expired) permit must be signed and notarized as required and,
returned with an application and applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date– expired permits
may not be transferred.
SOUTH ATLANTIC COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC CHARTER OR SNAPPER-GROUPER CHARTER - For a person aboard a vessel that
is operating as a charter vessel or headboat to fish for or possess a coastal migratory pelagic or snapper-grouper in or from Federal waters off
the southern Atlantic states, a charter permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. This permit is not transferable.
SPANISH MACKEREL - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits and to fish under a
commercial allocation for Spanish mackerel, a commercial permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. At time of application income
criteria must be submitted. If applying for a Spanish mackerel permit, earned income or gross sales from one of three years prior to application
must be submitted at time of application. See Earned Income or Gross Sales Requirements for Commercial Permits on page 4. This permit is
not transferable.
SPINY LOBSTER - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters off of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama to be exempt from the daily
catch and possession limit, a commercial spiny lobster permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Florida's requirements apply to a
vessel fishing in Federal waters off Florida. The daily bag or possession limit for spiny lobster in or from the EEZ of the southern Atlantic states
other than Florida (North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia), is two per person for recreational and commercial fishing, year round. To
possess a separated spiny lobster tail in or from Federal waters, a tail-separation permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Tail
separation permits may only be obtained for vessels that, due to the nature of the fishing, are required to remain at sea for 48 hours or longer. If
applying for a commercial spiny lobster permit, income from the previous calendar year must be submitted at time of application. This permit is
not transferable.
KING MACKEREL - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits and to fish under a
commercial allocation for king mackerel, a commercial permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Permits for king mackerel are
under a limited entry program. No new vessel may be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) permit. To transfer a King Mackerel
permit, the original valid (not expired) permit must be signed and notarized as required, and returned with the application and all applicable
documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date– expired permits may not be transferred.
GILLNET FOR KING MACKEREL - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters to use a run-around gillnet for king mackerel in the southern
Florida west coast subzone, a commercial gillnet permit for king mackerel must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Gillnet permits for king
mackerel are under a limited entry program. No new vessel may be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) permit. Gillnet permits
for King Mackerel may only be transferred to an immediate family member (mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister). To
transfer a gillnet for King Mackerel permit, the original valid (not expired) permit must be signed and notarized as required, and returned with the
application and all applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date– expired permits may not be
transferred.
GULF OF MEXICO REEF FISH - As a prerequisite to sell reef fish in or from Federal waters and to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits,
a commercial permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Permits for the commercial reef fish fishery are under a limited entry
program. No new vessels may be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) permit. To transfer a Gulf of Mexico Reef fish permit, the
original valid (not expired) permit must be signed and notarized as required, and returned with the application and all applicable documents.
Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date– expired permits may not be transferred. Please note: Gulf of Mexico
Reef Fish Permits may only be renewed or transferred on vessels that have an installed, activated and operational VMS (Vessel Monitoring
System).
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SOUTH ATLANTIC LIMITED ACCESS ROCK SHRIMP ENDORSEMENT - For a person aboard a fishing vessel to fish for rock shrimp in
Federal waters from the Virginia/North Carolina border to the East Coast of Florida, or possess rock shrimp in or from Federal waters, a vessel
permit for rock shrimp must be issued to the vessel and be on board. However, to participate in that fishery off Georgia and the east coast of
Florida, a limited-access endorsement for South Atlantic rock shrimp is required. To transfer a limited access endorsement for South Atlantic
rock shrimp, the original valid (not expired) endorsement must be signed and notarized as required, and returned with the application and all
applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the expiration date – expired permits may not be transferred.
SOUTH ATLANTIC SNAPPER-GROUPER EXCLUDING WRECKFISH PERMITS - For a person aboard a vessel in Federal waters to be
eligible for exemption from the bag limits, to engage in a directed fishery for tilefish or to use a sea bass pot, a commercial permit must be issued
to the vessel and be on board. Permits for the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery are under a limited entry program. No new vessels may
be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) permit. A person desiring to acquire a permit for South Atlantic unlimited snappergrouper (excluding wreckfish) must obtain and exchange two such permits for one new permit. South Atlantic snapper-grouper (excluding
wreckfish) 225 trip limit permits are only transferable to a vessel owned or leased by the same permit owner; ownership of the permit may not be
transferred. The original valid (not expired) permits must be returned with the application and applicable documents. Permits must be
renewed within 60 days of the expiration date – expired permits may not be transferred.
SHARK - As a prerequisite to sell a shark in or from Federal waters and to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits, a commercial permit
must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Permits for the shark fishery are under a limited entry program. No new vessels may be
permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) limited entry permit. To transfer a shark permit, the original valid permit must be signed and
notarized as required, and returned with the application and applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the
expiration date – expired permits may not be transferred.
SWORDFISH - To fish for or possess swordfish in or from the North Atlantic Ocean, or take swordfish as bycatch, whether or not retained, a
commercial permit must be issued to the vessel and be on board. Permits for the swordfish fishery are under a limited entry program. No new
vessels may be permitted except by transfer of a valid (not expired) limited entry permit. To transfer a swordfish permit, the original valid (not
expired) permit must be signed and notarized as required and, returned with the application and all applicable documents. Permits must be
renewed within one year of the expiration date – expired permits may not be transferred.
SOUTH ATLANTIC SHRIMP - For a person aboard a trawler to fish for penaeid shrimp (brown, pink, or white shrimp) in the South Atlantic EEZ
or possess penaeid shrimp in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, a valid (not expired) commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic penaeid shrimp
must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. This permit is not transferable.
GULF OF MEXICO SHRIMP - As of March 26, 2007, permits for the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery is under a moratorium program. For a person
aboard a vessel to fish for or shrimp in the Gulf EEZ or possess shrimp in or from the Gulf EEZ, a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf shrimp
must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. To transfer a Gulf shrimp permit, the original valid permit must be signed and
notarized as required and, returned with the application and applicable documents. Permits must be renewed within one year of the
expiration date– expired permits may not be transferred.
GULF OF MEXICO ROYAL RED SHRIMP ENDORSEMENT – For a person aboard a vessel to fish for royal red shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico
EEZ or possess royal red shrimp in the Gulf EEZ, a valid vessel permit for Gulf of Mexico shrimp and a royal red shrimp endorsement must have
been issued to the vessel and must be on board. This permit is not transferable.

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