License

A marine document issued to a vessel of the United States by the customs authorities.

A vessel of five tons and upwards (unless under register), employed in domestic trade, in the fisheries or in foreign trade on the inland northern frontiers of the United States, must be licensed.

Yachts must be licensed if of five tons or upwards, or be subject to light money fees of fifty cents per ton at each port of arrival. All licenses expire by limitation at the end of one year, when they must be renewed.

Officers' licenses are certificates of competency issued by the U. S. Local Inspectors of Steam Vessels to masters, mates, pilots and engineers, and authorizing them to perform their several duties. These licenses must be renewed yearly.

A wrecking license is issued specially. (See American Shipmasters' Association.)