PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation near Watson Island

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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 near Watson Island

Pictured is a 24-foot pontoon boat that was boarded by a Coast Guard Station Miami Beach boarding team near Watson Island, Florida, Mar. 15, 2019.

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

MIAMI — The Coast Guard terminated the voyage of a 24-foot pontoon vessel with seven passengers aboard Friday near Watson Island after discovering multiple safety violations.

A Coast Guard Station Miami Beach 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement boatcrew conducted the boarding of the pontoon vessel near Watson Island 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. 

 "While we want people to have fun out on the water, safety is always the number one priority," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Juan Ros, watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Miami. "Educating yourself on what to look for in a legitimate operation can help keep you from taking unnecessary risks." 

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-