# How to find captains (Renters)

> When booking a captained package there are a few important things to be aware of Please follow the steps below to make sure you have a captain booked on your 

Source: https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/how-to-find-captains-renters-S1kGUyj2s

Last updated: 2026-02-11T20:12:17.991Z

When booking a captained rental, there are a few important things to be aware of. Please follow the steps below to make sure you have a [captain](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/what-is-the-boatsetter-captain-network-ByMR1jsb1g) booked on your reservation: 

*   Navigate to your booking details or [message](https://www.boatsetter.com/a/inbox) thread and use the “Change captain” button to select a captain from the list provided. Captain status will show as “Pending”. If the captain is available, they will approve.
*   If the captain is unavailable and declines, or fails to reply, please select a different captain. If the rental start time is within 24 hours and no captain has accepted your trip, reach out to Boatsetter Support for additional assistance through our [Contact Form](https://boatsetter.kustomer.help/contact/contact-us-rybdP8n5i).
*   If you are unable to select a captain via your booking dashboard or message thread, the owner will provide you with a list of captains to choose from. Please feel free to reach out to the owner to ask about their available captains. 

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/63b5c8a85a141f76a9688e43/e4ee396a248d841fe80005ddf759cefe.png)

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/63b5c8a85a141f76a9688e43/3803f9907009152968ce559e927c169c.png)  

## **Are captains vetted to ensure they have a license?**

All captains have their credentials verified with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) database.

## **How does the captain network work?**

The captain network is a group of USCG-licensed captains vetted and approved by Boatsetter. Captains are available for trips requiring their expertise, ensuring safety and compliance for renters and owners.

## **Can I choose my own captain?**

Yes! If you are booking a **Bareboat Charter**, you have the option to bring your own captain. However, the captain [must be approved through Boatsetter](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/how-to-become-a-captain-Hks7I1o3s) before they can be added to the booking.

## **How can my captain get approved?**

If you want to bring your own captain, they need to sign up and be verified on Boatsetter by following the steps below:

*   Have them visit [www.boatsetter.com/captains/new](https://www.boatsetter.com/captains/new)
*   Complete the captain sign-up process, including providing their U.S. Coast Guard credentials
*   Once approved, you can add them to your booking as the designated captain.

## **How can I communicate with the captain?**

Once a captain is assigned, you are given access to their phone number and email via the [Onboard Document](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/locating-your-onboard-document-SygfIyshi). You can also contact them through the message thread on the site.

## What if my captain doesn't respond or cancels last minute?

If your scheduled captain fails to respond or cancels last minute, don’t worry—Boatsetter can assist you in finding a replacement captain.

*   ****Contact Boatsetter Support ASAP**** – Reach out to our team so we can help you locate an available captain
*   ****Check with the owner**** – Some owners may have backup captains they frequently work with.
*   ****Search for an available captain**** – If time allows, browse Boatsetter’s list of captains to see if another licensed captain is available for your trip.

If no replacement captain can be found, contact Boatsetter Support immediately via our [Contact Form](https://boatsetter.kustomer.help/contact/contact-us-rybdP8n5i) to discuss your options, including potential rescheduling or refunds.

## **Important notes about Bareboat Charters:**

*   Bareboat charters require the renter to hire the captain independently (the boat owner cannot provide one)
*   The renter is responsible for ensuring their chosen captain meets all licensing and safety requirements
*   If the captain is not yet registered on Boatsetter, their approval process may take some time—so plan ahead!