The purpose of the Charter Boat ordinance is to improve lake safety by monitoring the operation of all Charter/Excursion Boats on Lake Norman in accordance with the Lake Norman Marine Commission’s (LNMC) “Charter/Excursion Boat Regulations”. The Charter Boat permits are issued once a year. Each Charter Boat company must complete the application process and submit all documentation to the Lake Norman Marine Commission at the beginning of each boating season. Applications will be reviewed to verify that each boat has a qualified Captain (a list of Captains being used is required), the necessary Insurance, inspection by a qualified inspector and a permanent location at a qualified public marina. If everything is satisfactory a new Charter Boat Permit for a year is issued effective April 1st of that year. In addition the Committee meets as required to review any reported problems or to review any requests for new charter boats.
Changes for 2025:
Activity on Lake Norman has grown significantly in the last 10 years. Along with that growth, the types, sizes, and styles of vessels used as Charter Boats has also evolved. No longer is a Charter Boat assumed to be a large dinner cruise/touring vessel. Pontoons and smaller vessels are currently in service as charters.
In an effort to recognize this evolution and diversity/reduced complexity of vessels, The Marine Commission is reviewing, both the application and inspection process. Unfortunately, this review will not be completed in time for this upcoming boating season.
As such, for the 2025 boating season:
- We will be waiving the vessel inspection requirement and associated fee. We do expect that you, and your Captains will ensure that all your vessels are properly maintained and equipped per US Coast Guard regulations.
- All Lake Norman Charter Boat operators must complete the application package and email it, along with all supporting documents, back to Kevin Frank at [email protected]. There will be a $25/vessel application fee. That fee can be paid via PayPal to “Lake Norman Marine Commission”.
- Alternatively, the entire completed package can be mailed to the address on the application along with a check for the $25/vessel application fee.
Once completed packages are received, we will process the application and issue 2025 stickers.
