PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation in Biscayne Bay

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/10/2019 07:55 PM EST

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News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
Contact: 7th District Public Affairs
Office: 305-415-6683
After Hours: 786-367-7649
7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation in Biscayne Bay

Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation in Biscayne Bay

Editor's Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard terminated the voyage of the 45-foot pleasure craft Sea You Twerk with 14 passengers aboard Sunday in Biscayne Bay after discovering multiple safety violations.

A Coast Guard Station Miami 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement boatcrew conducted the boarding of the Sea You Twerk in Biscayne Bay where they discovered the following violations:

  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100A for not having a valid Certificate of Inspection.
  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.515B for not having a credentialed mariner in control while operating a small passenger vessel. 
  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 16.201 for failure to have a drug and alcohol program.
  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 170.120 for failure to have a valid stability letter. 

“It can be very dangerous to take part in a charter that doesn't meet regulations and educating yourself on what to look for to determine whether or not the operation is legitimate can save your life,” said Jesus Porrata, Coast Guard Sector Miami lead marine investigator. "It's important that people looking to charter a boat verify the captain’s license and safety of the vessel." 

Owners and operators of illegal charter vessels can face maximum civil penalties of $42,394 for  illegal passenger-for-hire operations. Some potential fines for illegally operating a charter vessel are:

  • Up to $18,477 for failure of an inspected vessel to be under the control of an individual with the appropriate Coast Guard license.
  • Up to $7,250 for failure of operators to be enrolled in a chemical testing program.
  • Up to $4,685 for failure to provide a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers.
  • Up to $15,995 for failure to produce a valid Certificate of Documentation for vessels over 5 gross tons.
  • Up to $11,712 for failure to have been issued a valid Stability Letter prior to placing vessel in service with more than six passengers.

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-USCG-