Is a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) REALLY needed to host a boating experience on a small lake?

[Zach88]

Greetings AirBnB Community,

I am an experienced Super Host in Colorado and would love to start hosting a "Colorado Boat Cruise" Experience. I filled out the application, verified my insurance meets the requirements, but after the Experience was reviewed I was sent to a website called Evident where I was asked for my full name and my Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) ID number. I had to research what this is (remember I live in Colorado) and it looks like a very serious credential you get directly from the US Coast Guard if you work full time on the ocean. I watched a video outlining the application process and it seems like total overkill for the small lake I boat on in Colorado. I spoke with several AirBnB support reps (even a few from the Experiences Team) and none were aware of what an MMC is or knew that I needed one. In general I have gotten zero help or answers from AirBnB (which is disappointing because they are always great at supporting me as a Super Host) and I am not sure how to proceed. Is anyone on here famailar with MMC's or anything that could help me? I would like to dispute that an MMC is really needed in my case. Thanks!

[Michael1524]

I'm in the same boat as you... haha. Airbnb could not offer any help regarding this. I am trying to do the same thing with a small lake in Arizona. A MMC is entirely unnecessary for what we are doing. I am going to try to get the MMC anyways as an "Ordinary Seaman" and see if that is good enough. 

[Zach88]

Well I guess it's good to know I'm not alone and that I'm not missing something. I did hear back from someone at Airbnb letting me know that the MMC is required by their insurance so there's no way around it. Let me know how the process goes as I'll be trying to do the same thing here soon.

[Michael1524]

I found out today from Evident that you can have the most basic MMC and it will work. So go for the “Ordinary Seaman”, it’s the easiest to get I think. I believe it just requires forms CG-719B and CG-719k. 

[Zach88]

That's great to hear. I filled out the first of the application forms (CG-719B), saw the different levels, and assumed/hoped Ordinary Seaman was sufficient for what we will be doing. Glad to hear you were able to confirm this.

[Thomas1986]

Hello @Zach88 @Michael1524  did you guys solve this problem? It seems like it is a length process to overcome.

[Michael1524]

Yeah, I eventually got the MMC. It was a lengthy process for sure, but I don’t think it has to be. You’ll have to get drug tested, and there’s another form that has to be filled out by a doctor. My PCP required blood test work, which sucked, but it was her own requirement and not one of the coast guards. I didn’t need any qualifications to receive the MMC for Ordinary Seaman, and once I got it, I had no trouble putting a boating experience on Airbnb. 

[Arlyn69]

Thanks for that. I am in the same boat as you all. I offer sailing on a small lake in Minnesota. So, Michael1524, it sounds like there was no test of knowledge involved?

[Troy-G0]

Hi. Very helpful to know all of this as I’m interested in hosting a boating experience with my 23 ft boat. I called my insurance (Geico) and they said they wouldn’t cover it. Just curious what type of insurance I should get if the guests will be swimming or possibly wake surfing. Thank you!

[Roarke0]

Hey Troy. Late to the blog but I'm running into issues with certification. I would recommend State Farm; they have policies in my local office to allow boat rental/towing/bareboat charter. Insurance is incredibly tough to find for small business/one boat operations.