Driver Of Chain O' Lakes Charter Boat Was Not Licensed: Authorities

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A Geneva man faces charges for allegations he ran a charter boat business without the proper licensing.

Clayton Star, 25, has been cited for operating a watercraft for hire without a license, operating a watercraft without proper equipment, failure to pay license fees, failure to display a license and other boating violations.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit deputies learned that Star was transporting a group of people around the Chain O' Lakes on June 23 without captain's license, which is required under federal regulations. Star charged the group $500 for two hours of charter boat services.

Deputies also determined Star did not have the required boating safety equipment onboard his boat. Police said Star likely has been soliciting fares at local businesses on the Chain O' Lakes.

Authorities are urging residents to check to make sure the driver of a charter boat has the proper licensing and equipment before hiring them. The driver should have an operator of uninspected passenger vessels (OUPV) license, also referred to as a ‘six-pack license’ or charter boat captain’s license.

Possessing this document shows the operator has received the necessary training to safely operate a boat while carrying passengers for hire, according to a news release.

Police said if the operator refuses to show this documentation, you should "be very wary."

“As we all know, the water can be a very dangerous place, which is why it is very important those soliciting business on the waterways have the required training, experience, and licensing," said Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg. "It is incredibly reckless to be soliciting boating fares without the proper licensing or boating equipment.”

Star is next due in court on July 17.