Coast Guard Cracks Down On Illegal Charter Boats

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- In conjunction with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Coast Guard terminated the voyage of a 21-foot uninspected passenger vessel Friday near Longboat Pass.

FWC observed the uninspected passenger vessel, which is only rated for six passengers, operating with seven passengers for hire, and boarded the vessel.

The effort is part of the U.S. Coast Guard's ongoing effort to crack down on illegal charter vessels operating in Tampa Bay.

"The safety of charter vessel passengers is a top priority for the Coast Guard," said Brain Knapp, investigations division chief at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. "We work every day with FWC and other partner law enforcement agencies to ensure illegal charters are identified and terminated."

The Coast Guard can initiate suspension and revocation actions against a licensed captain who commits violations. Owners and operators of illegal charter vessels can face maximum civil penalties of $58,389 for illegal passenger-for-hire operations. Some potential fines for illegally operating a charter vessel are:

• Up to $18,477 for failure of an inspected vessel to be under the control of an individual with the appropriate Coast Guard license.
• Up to $7,250 for failure of operators to be enrolled in a chemical testing program.
• Up to $4,685 for failure to provide a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers.
• Up to $15,995 for failure to produce a valid Certificate of Documentation for vessels over 5 gross tons.
• Up to $11,712 for failure to have been issued a valid Stability Letter prior to placing vessel in service with more than six passengers.

The Coast Guard recommends all passengers paying for boating services ask the captain for merchant mariner credentials. If the boat is carrying more than six passengers, it is required to be inspected by the Coast Guard, and a Certificate of Inspection should be displayed in an area accessible to passengers.

"The Coast Guard’s main mission is to ensure safety and security on the water; boating passengers should understand the safety requirements before paying for boating services,” said Cmdr. Anthony Migliorini, chief of prevention at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. “I can’t stress enough the importance of asking the captain to verify his or her license and researching the charter company that you are going to book. If you notice anything suspicious, contact the Coast Guard. Furthermore, if the operator of the charter asks anyone to mislead Coast Guard boarding team members by lying to them, this should be an instant red flag. I would urge charter passengers to not partake in this activity. If you do, you also could be found in violation of Federal law.”

Illegal charters not only put passengers in danger but impact the business of legally operated charters, he said.

“Illegal charter operations affect the livelihood of the guys who go through the right process, take the schooling, pass the exams, maintain all the credentials, so we can be on these guy’s [Coast Guard] team doing the right thing and making money the right and honest way,” said Shawn McCole, licensed charter captain.

"We fully understand the impacts illegal charter vessels have on their operations,” said Brian Knapp, senior investigation officer at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. “We urge all licensed charter boat captains to report illegal passenger vessels to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard takes all reports of illegal charters seriously and will investigate them to the fullest. Those who intentionally evade regulations or subvert the laws for the safe and proper operation of these types of vessels will be investigated."