Foreign vessels , that is vessels documented in foreign countries, cannot be licensed to fish commercially in Alaskan waters or the FCZ, or to process fish unless approved by the Governor. However, a 1989 opinion from the Attorney General's office determined that foreign vessels may be licensed to operate as tenders or packers, providing they are taking product on board only in established ports and not at sea. Any charter vessel used for sport fishing is required to have a sport vessel license. . Other registrations, requirements, and restrictions on vessels. The United States Coast Guard, Boating Safety Division , should be contacted directly regarding their registration and documentation requirements.
Many fisheries have additional licensing or registration requirements and restrictions.
These are imposed by the agency that manages the fishery, such as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, or the National Marine Fisheries Service. Information on restrictions on sport fishing from commercial vessels, salmon net and herring roe area registration requirements, and salmon troll registration are listed below. However you should check with the managing agencies of the fisheries the vessel will be used in for additional requirements. In most cases commercial vessels can be used for sport fishing. However, for any fishery the regulations of the managing agency as there are some restrictions concerning sport fishing in time periods immediately before, during, and after commercial fishery openings.