Coast Guard terminates voyage of vessel operating illegally on Lake Michigan near Chicago

Coast Guard terminates voyage of vessel operating illegally on Lake Michigan near Chicago

CHICAGO —The Coast Guard terminated the voyage of an illegal passenger vessel operating on Lake Michigan near Chicago in violation of a prior Captain of the Port Order, Saturday.

A Coast Guard boarding team from Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor, in partnership with Illinois Department of Natural Resources, conducted a recreational boating safety exam of the vessel, Another Dream, in Monroe Harbor. The vessel’s voyage was terminated by the Coast Guard after it was found to be operating again as an illegal charter with 13 passengers for hire, in addition to the vessel's owner. 

Another Dream was previously served with a Captain of the Port Order by the Coast Guard in 2018, prohibiting the vessel from being used as a commercial passenger vessel.

In addition to violating its Captain of the Port Order, the operator was serving as captain without proper credentials, the vessel was missing required documentation, and the vessel had expired visual distress signals.

The Coast Guard is committed to ensuring all commercial boats carrying passengers meet federal safety standards. On December 20, 1993, the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993 established for the first time the definition of a passenger for hire and required many vessels operating as a charter to be inspected by the Coast Guard as a commercial passenger vessel.

Anyone concerned about the status of a boat they would like to hire, charter or rent, or if they are aware of an illegal passenger vessel operation, can contact Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago’s Inspections Division at SMBMSUChicago@uscg.mil or call (630) 986-2155.

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