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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville terminated the voyage of an illegal passenger-for-hire operation, Saturday, in Ponce Inlet.
A Coast Guard Station Ponce de Leon boat crew boarded a 49-foot recreational vessel and discovered the vessel being operated illegally as an inspected small passenger vessel with more than six passengers for hire. The vessel owner was issued a second Captain of the Port order preventing commercial vessel operations until in compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations.
The violations include:
- 33 CFR 160.105 – Failure to comply with an active Captain of the Port Order.
- 46 CFR 176.100(a) – Failure to have a valid certificate of inspection.
- 46 CFR 67.323 – Operation without documentation.
“The Coast Guard will not hesitate to hold accountable any operator who jeopardizes lives by failing to comply with passenger vessel safety requirements,” said Lt. j.g. Jack Brown, a Sector Jacksonville law enforcement duty officer. “Passenger vessel operators are expected to adhere to all safety regulations, which are essential to protecting passengers and others on the water.”
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 $69,000 for illegal passenger-for-hire operations. Charters that violate a Captain of the Port Order can face a maximum penalty of $117,608. Some potential fines for illegally operating a charter vessel are:
- Up to $23,647 for failure to operate a passenger vessel without a merchant mariner credential.
- Up to $20,468 for failure to produce a valid Certificate of Documentation for vessels over five net tons.
- Up to $9,624 for failure of operators to be enrolled in a drug testing program.
- Up to $5,996 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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