JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville terminated the voyage of an illegal charter vessel, Friday, operating on the St. Johns River.
A Coast Guard Station Mayport boat crew boarded a 25-foot unregistered recreational vessel and discovered the vessel being operated as an uninspected passenger vessel with passengers for hire. The vessel owner was issued a Captain of the Port order preventing commercial vessel operations until in compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations.
The violations include:
- 46 CFR 15.605 – Failure to have a credentialed mariner in control while operating as an uninspected passenger vessel.
- 46 CFR 16.201 – Failure to have a drug and alcohol program.
“The Coast Guard will take decisive action against any operator who puts lives at risk by ignoring passenger vessel safety regulations,” said Cmdr. William Hickey, chief of prevention operations, Sector Jacksonville. “Mariners operating charter vessels must follow regulatory safety standards and understand the consequences of violations, as these rules exist to protect passengers, crews and the maritime public.”
The Coast Guard urges anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel to verify their captain has a safety plan and a Merchant Mariner Credential. For larger charter boats or those with more than six passengers, ask to see a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection. If the operator cannot produce appropriate credentials, passengers should not get on the boat.
Owners and operators of illegal charter vessels can face maximum civil penalties of over $60,000 for illegal passenger-for-hire operations. Charters that violate a Captain of the Port Order can face a maximum penalty of $111,031. Some potential fines for illegally operating a charter vessel are:
- Up to $22,324 for failure to operate a passenger vessel without a merchant mariner credential.
- Up to $19,324 for failure to produce a valid Certificate of Documentation for vessels over five net tons.
- Up to $9,086 for failure of operators to be enrolled in a drug testing program.
- Up to $5,661 for failure to provide a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers.
Anyone suspecting a vessel of violating the law should report the alleged violation to the Coast Guard Investigative Service here or download the CGIS Tips app.
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