ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Coast Guard is encouraging the public to be aware of illegal charter operations during the upcoming boating season.
As boating and vacation season kicks into full gear, the U.S. Coast Guard urges the public to remain vigilant and informed when booking on-water excursions. The safety of passengers is our top priority, and we are actively working to identify and stop illegal passenger vessel operations across the nation’s waterways. These illegal operations often lack licensed operators, proper safety equipment, and required inspections. In the event of an emergency, these deficiencies can have deadly consequences and compromise public safety.
The public can protect themselves by being knowledgeable and identifying legitimate businesses. Typically, a vessel that carries more than six passengers for hire on federal waterways will have a U.S. Coast Guard inspection decal and also post its U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection. Smaller uninspected passenger vessels, carrying six or fewer passengers, are not required to have similar postings but can undergo a voluntary U.S. Coast Guard safety exam and display a U.S. Coast Guard decal for successful completion. All operators are required to hold a U.S. Coast Guard license. Legitimate businesses advertise their compliance with U.S. Coast Guard requirements. If they do not, it is a warning sign.
Boat owners should be cautious of taking passengers on federal waterways in exchange for money or some other form of consideration. This does not include the voluntarily sharing of actual expenses such as among friends. Operators wishing to utilize a vessel for commercial purposes should reach out to their local Coast Guard office for guidance to ensure compliance. Violators of passenger carriage laws are subject to civil penalties and federal orders. Violation of a federal order can constitute a Class D felony leading to jail time and fines.
Some potential violations and daily fines include:
- Up to $49,848 for failure to operate a vessel carrying six or fewer passengers without a Coast Guard License. 46 CFR 15.605
- Up to $14,988 for failure to obtain a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for a vessel carrying more than six passengers. 46 CFR 176
- Up to $9,624 for failure to enroll operator (and crew) in a drug testing program. 46 CFR 16.201
Regulations for licensing, manning and drug testing requirements can be found in 46 CFR Subchapter B.
Regulations for vessels carrying six or less passengers can be found in 46 CFR Subchapter C.
Regulations for vessels carrying more than six passengers can be found in 46 CFR Subchapter T.
If you suspect an illegal passenger vessel operation, contact your local Coast Guard Sector Investigation Office. Be safe and be aware.
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