PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation at Lummus Park

Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation at Lummus Park

MIAMI — The Coast Guard terminated the voyage of a 21-foot pleasure craft with eight people aboard Sunday at Lummus Park after discovering multiple violations.

A Coast Guard Station Miami Beach 45-foot Response Boat – Medium Enforcement boat crew conducted the boarding of a 21-foot vessel at Lummus Park where they discovered the following violations:

• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 16.201 for failure to have a drug and alcohol program.
• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100A for not having a valid Certificate of Inspection.
• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 170.120 for failure to have a valid Stability Letter.
• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.515 for not having a credentialed mariner in control while operating a small passenger vessel.
• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 25.25 for failure to provide personal flotation devices.
• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.401 for employment of an individual without appropriate mariners credentials.

“Owners involved in illegal charter operations are putting at risk the people who are paying for a safe and fun time on the water," said Petty Officer 1st Class Willie Almagro Coast Guard Station Miami Beach boarding officer. "Before getting underway, ask to see the captain’s credentials, vessel inspection certificate, and safety plan. Don’t put your life and the lives of your family and friends in the hands of an unlicensed operator."

Owners and operators of illegal charter vessels can face maximum civil penalties of $59,000 for illegal passenger-for-hire-operations. Some potential fines for illegally operating a charter vessel are:

• Up to $7,710 for failure of operators to be enrolled in a chemical testing program.
• Up to $4,803 for failure to provide a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers.
• Up to $16,398 for failure to produce a valid Certificate of Documentation for vessels over 5 gross tons.
• Up to $12,007 for failure to have been issued a valid Stability Letter prior to placing vessel in service with more than six passengers.
• Up to $18,943 for not having a credentialed mariner in control while operating a small passenger vessel. 
• Up to $10,519 for not have appropriate personal floating devices.