What does a vessel license determine?

A vessel license primarily determines the activity the vessel can engage in while sailing. This is crucial for ensuring that vessels operate within the legal framework that governs maritime activities, which may include commercial fishing, passenger transport, or recreational sailing. Each type of activity may have specific regulations and requirements that must be adhered to, and the vessel license helps enforce these limitations.

While other aspects of a vessel, such as its nationality or size, may be important, they are typically governed by distinct regulations and documentation, like registration or certification. The crew requirements pertain to staffing and licensure of the maritime crew, which also falls outside the primary scope of what a vessel license dictates. Thus, the essence of a vessel license is to define and ensure compliance regarding the activities permitted for that particular vessel on the water.