The United States Coast Guard has issued a stern warning to boat passengers and operators in the Florida Keys, highlighting the serious legal and safety risks associated with using unlicensed vessels. This caution comes in the wake of a recent incident where a crew from the Cortez Station halted an illegal charter operation on the Intracoastal Waterway near Anna Maria Island.
According to the official statement, a 24-foot vessel was found carrying nine passengers without the required documentation or adequate safety equipment, such as sufficient life jackets. The Coast Guard identified several deficiencies, including the lack of a valid Certificate of Inspection (46 C.F.R. 176.100 (a)) and insufficient life jackets on board (46 C.F.R. 180.71).
"Anyone paying for a ride on a passenger vessel should ask to see the captain's merchant mariner credential, issued by the Coast Guard. If the captain cannot present it, do not board the boat," warned Brian Knapp, Chief of Investigations at Sector St. Petersburg.
He further noted that owners and operators of illegal vessels could face civil penalties exceeding $60,000 for providing passenger transportation services without the necessary licenses. Violating a Captain of the Port order could result in fines reaching $111,031, he stressed.
Specific penalties include up to $22,324 for operating without a merchant mariner credential; up to $9,086 for failing to participate in a drug testing program; up to $5,661 for lacking a valid Certificate of Inspection; and up to $19,324 for not having a Certificate of Documentation on vessels over five net tons.
The Coast Guard also reminded that "bareboat" charters, which do not include a crew, must allow the customer to freely choose the captain or even operate the vessel themselves. Should this option be unavailable to the client, the contract is then classified as a commercial charter and subject to regulatory compliance.
Understanding Coast Guard Regulations and Penalties
What is a "bareboat" charter?
A "bareboat" charter is a type of lease where the customer has the option to choose the captain or operate the vessel themselves, without a crew provided by the charter company.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed vessel?
Penalties can exceed $60,000 for providing passenger services without proper licenses, with specific fines for not having a merchant mariner credential, failing drug testing programs, lacking a valid inspection certificate, and more.