Coast Guard terminates illegal passenger vessel voyage

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 08/03/2018 06:28 PM EDT

united states coast guard

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland
Contact: Lt. j.g. M. L. Scholten
Office: (314) 269-2621
Eighth District online newsroom

Coast Guard terminates illegal passenger vessel voyage

 

ST. LOUIS -- The Coast Guard terminated two vessels suspected of illegal charter operations on the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, Wednesday.  

While conducting routine patrols on the Lake of the Ozarks, a Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River 29-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew determined the vessels were operating with excess passengers. 

“Passengers should understand safety requirements before paying for boating services,” said Capt. Scott Stoermer, commander, Sector Upper Mississippi River. “People have the right to know they are paying for a safe voyage before handing over their money. Vessel-for-hire services with a captain who is not credentialed puts passengers and surrounding boats in danger. Anyone that suspects a passenger vessel is operating illegally should immediately contact the Coast Guard.”

The basic laws and definitions governing charter services can be found in Title 46 United States Code 2101 and Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations 175.400.

-USCG-