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Press Release | June 23, 2025

Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation after vessel runs aground near New River

Coast Guard Seventh District - 786-367-7649

MIAMI – A Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale law enforcement boat crew terminated an illegal charter, Friday, after the 58-foot vessel, Rogue One, ran aground in the vicinity of New River. 

The boat crew and a good Samaritan disembarked all 14 people aboard the vessel and brought them ashore with no medical concerns reported.  

After investigation, Rogue One was determined to be an illegal passenger-for-hire operation with 12 passengers for hire and two non-credentialed crewmembers.  

The voyage was terminated and cited for the following violations: 

  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100(a) – failure to have a valid Certificate of Inspection. 

  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 16.201- failure to have a drug and alcohol program. 

  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.401- failure to hire an appropriately credentialed mariner. 

  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.515(c)- failure to have the appropriate credentials while operating as a small passenger vessel. 

  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 180.71 - failure to have Type I PFDs while operating as a small passenger vessel. 

  • Violation of 46 U.S. Code 2302 – negligent operations. 

  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 67.67 – failure to have a valid Certificate of Documentation endorsed for Coastwise trade.   

“The Coast Guard urges anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel to verify their captain has a Merchant Mariner Credential, and a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection for any larger vessels with more than six passengers aboard,” said Jesus Porrata, chief of investigations at Sector Miami. “Mariners in control of charter vessels should meet the regulatory safety standards and understand the consequences of disregarding safety violations.” 

Owners and operators of illegal charters can face civil penalties of $69,000 or more for illegal passenger for hire vessel operations. Some potential civil penalties for illegally operating a passenger vessel include:     

  • · Up to $5,996 for failure to provide a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers for hire.     

  • · Up to $9,624 for failure of operators to be enrolled in a drug and alcohol program.     

  • · Up to $20,468 for failure to produce a valid Certificate of Documentation for vessels over 5 gross tons. 

For additional recreational boating safety information, please visit www.uscgboating.org.     

For more information on passenger vessels and bareboat charters follow Uninspected Passenger Vessels & Bareboat Charter Community on Facebook.  Anyone with information regarding an illegal charter is encouraged to contact CGIS here or download the CGIS Tips app.   

For breaking news, follow us on X. For additional information, find us on Facebook and Instagram. 

-USCG- 

USCGFeatured illegal charter law enforcement Sector Miami Station Fort Lauderdale

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