PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation in Fort Lauderdale

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 Fort Lauderdale

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

MIAMI — The Coast Guard terminated the voyage of a 28-foot pontoon vessel with 10 people aboard Sunday at 15th Street Marina, Fort Lauderdale after discovering multiple safety violations.

A Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement boatcrew conducted the boarding of the pontoon vessel in Fort Lauderdale 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's important that people looking to charter a boat verify the captain’s license and safety of the vessel," said Chief Warrant Officer Benjamin Mercado, investigation officer at Sector Miami. "Educating yourself on what to look for in a legitimate operation can ensure that you have a safe and fun time on the water." 

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.

For more breaking news follow us on Twitter.

-USCG-