U.S. Coast Guard Halts 13 Illegal Charters As Two Vessels Break Federal Orders

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami and its federal, state and local partners stopped 13 illegal charter trips over the weekend on Biscayne Bay and the Miami River.

Two vessels were found operating in violation of active Captain of the Port (COTP) Orders. All 13 trips were ended, and the operators were cited for several violations.

On Saturday, officers boarded Second Wind, a cabin cruiser, and found it was still operating even though it had an active COTP Order issued on 20 January 2023. The Coast Guard said that this vessel had also violated the same order before, on 22 February and 16 May.

On Sunday, officers boarded The Round, a 98-foot motor yacht, and discovered it was also breaking an active COTP Order issued on 25 October 2023. This vessel had a previous violation recorded on 23 March.

During the 13 boardings, officers found many violations. These included operating under an active COTP Order, having invalid state registration, not holding a valid Certificate of Inspection, and not providing Type 1 lifejackets for all people on board.

Other violations included not having a drug and alcohol testing programme, not ensuring a credentialled mariner was in control, failing to employ properly credentialled mariners, lacking documentation for coastwise trade, and one violation for obstructing revenue officers.

A Coast Guard investigating officer, Lt Michelle Haksteen, said through third-party reporting that the service will continue to work closely with state and local agencies to enforce the laws on South Florida’s waterways.

She added that their main goal is to make sure passengers have a safe and enjoyable experience, and she reminded charter operators to follow safety rules to avoid accidents, voyage terminations and civil penalties.

The Coast Guard explained that failing to comply with a COTP Order can lead to civil fines of up to $117,608 for each day a vessel is in violation under 46 U.S.C. 70036.

A wilful and knowing violation is a class D felony and can lead to up to six years in prison or fines up to $250,000 for an individual and $500,000 for an organisation.

Illegal charter operators can also face more than $69,000 in civil penalties. These include fines of up to $5,996 for not providing a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers, up to $9,624 for not being enrolled in a drug and alcohol programme, and up to $20,468 for not providing valid documentation for vessels over five gross tonnes.

The Coast Guard advised anyone paying for a charter trip to check that the captain has a Merchant Mariner Credential and a safety plan.

Passengers on larger boats or those carrying more than six people should ask to see a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection or confirmation that the vessel meets Uninspected Passenger Vessel rules.

Officers warned that passengers should not board if operators cannot show the required credentials.

Reference: USCG

Source: Maritime Shipping News