Coast Guard Sector Miami, partners stop 6 illegal charters, 1 violated federal orders

MIAMI — Coast Guard Sector Miami law enforcement officers, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, terminated 6 illegal charter voyages, over the weekend, across Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.  

The 88-foot motor yacht, The Round, was reportedly operating as an illegal charter with numerous violations and 18 passengers for hire on the vessel. During the investigation, it was found the vessel’s owner was previously issued a Captain of the Port Order three separate times.  

Violating a COTP Order is enforceable under 46 U.S.C. 70036. The Coast Guard may issue a civil penalty for up to $117,608 for each violation and may be assessed each day the vessel is in violation. Willful and knowing violations can be punished as a Class D felony, which is punishable up to six years in prison or fines up to $250,000 for an induvial or $500,000 for an organization.

“Our crews and law enforcement partners remain steadfast in enforcing federal maritime regulations, while also holding vessel owners and operators accountable, to ensure the safety of the boating public in South Florida.” said Jesus Porrata, Coast Guard Sector Miami investigating officer. “Charter vessel operators need to be mindful of the safety regulations before embarking passengers to prevent the risk of an accident, voyage terminations and civil penalties due to non-compliance with established laws.”   

Violations issued during the six boardings consisted of: 

•  Violation of 33 C.F.R. 160.105 - Failure to comply with an active COTP Order. 

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

• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 67.7 - Failure to have a valid Certificate of Documentation 

•  Violation of 46 C.F.R. 16.203(a)(1) - Failure to have a drug and alcohol program. 

•  Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.401(a) - Failure to employ a credentialed mariner. 

• Violation of 46 U.S.C 70506 (c) - Possession of a controlled substance. 

• Violation of 46 U.S. Code 14702 - Providing False Statements. 

• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 25.25.5 - Failure to have Type I personal flotation 
     devices for all persons aboard while operating as an uninspected passenger 
     vessel. 

• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 26.20.1 -Failure to have merchant mariner credential 
    available to be presented to CG while operating with passenger for hire. 

• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 67.325 - Failure to have a properly endorsed 
    Certificate of Documentation. 

• Violation of 46 C.F.R.  67.123 - Failure to properly display name and 
  hailing port marking requirements. 

• Violation of 46 C.F.R.  67.313 - Requirement to have original Certificate of 
  Documentation onboard. 

• Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.515 (c) - Failure to have a credentialed mariner 
  in control while operating as small passenger vessel. 

• Violation of 33 C.F.R. 173.23 - Failure to have a valid state registration. 

The Coast Guard urges anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel to verify that 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.   

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

Anyone with information regarding an illegal charter is encouraged to contact CGIS here or download the app.   

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-USCG-