Illegal Operations On Tierra Verde Charter Boat: Coast Guard

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A charter boat that operated illegally in the Tierra Verde area was shut down by the Coast Guard on Saturday, a Coast Guard news release said.

Investigating officers from Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg discovered that a boat they boarded did not have a valid certification of inspection, failed to have a drug and alcohol program and did not have a valid stability letter, the Coast Guard said.

“The Coast Guard aggressively investigates reports of illegal passenger vessel activity,” said Capt. Matthew Thompson, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, in a news release. “We urge anyone suspecting a vessel of violating the law to report the alleged violation to Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at 727-502-8720.”

After investigation, Coast Guard officials say officers ended the charter’s voyage and escorted the boat and passengers back to Marine Max.

“We urge bareboat patrons to review and become familiar with the bareboat charter regulations before paying for a charter,” said Knapp. “Anyone paying for a trip on a traditional passenger vessel should ask to see the Merchant Mariner Credential of the boat operator to verify their captain is properly licensed by the Coast Guard. If the captain can’t produce their license, don’t get on the boat.”

The Coast Guard said owners and operators of illegal charter vessels can face maximum civil penalties of over $50,000 for illegal passenger-for-hire operations.

According to the Coast Guard, some potential fines for illegally operating a charter boat 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 a boat in service with more than six passengers.