The Coast Guard is warning the boating public about the life-threatening risks and legal consequences of illegal charter operations throughout the Northeast District.
A suspected illegal charter operation is a passenger-for-hire operation that does not comply with applicable federal requirements. Dependent on the vessel and operation, this may include operating without a properly credentialed captain, carrying more passengers than authorized, operating without a required Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI), failing to meet drug and alcohol testing requirements, or lacking required safety equipment.
Illegal passenger-for-hire operations can put passengers at risk by bypassing safety, credentialing and inspection requirements designed to protect people on the water.
“The Coast Guard’s priority is protecting the public and supporting safe passenger-for-hire operations on America’s waterways. Before paying for or boarding a charter, passengers should ask to see the captain’s Coast Guard credential and confirm the vessel is authorized to carry their group. Do not board a vessel that appears unsafe or illegal and report suspected illegal charter activity through established Coast Guard channels,” said Rear Adm. Matt Lake, the commander of the Northeast District.
Illegal charter operations continue to pose a risk to public safety by operating outside established Coast Guard safety, credentialing, inspection, and passenger-for-hire requirements.
Passengers should make informed decisions before they book or board. Anyone paying for a boat trip should ask to see the operator’s valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. For vessels carrying more than six passengers for hire, passengers should also ask whether the vessel has a valid Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection. If an operator cannot provide appropriate documentation or clearly explain the arrangement, passengers should reconsider the trip.
Anyone with information regarding illegal charter operations is encouraged to contact your local Coast Guard sector:
Northern New England (207) 228-9268
Boston (857) 416-3006
Southeastern New England (866) 819-9128
Long Island Sound (203) 468-4481
New York (718) 354-4160
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