A picturesque weekend for boating quickly turned into a major maritime enforcement operation in Biscayne Bay and the Miami River.
The Miami Sector Coast Guard, in collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, shut down 13 illegal charter trips that were carrying passengers without meeting essential safety and commercial operation standards.
This wasn't just a matter of minor administrative oversights.
Authorities disclosed that two vessels were flagrantly defying existing federal orders issued by the Captain of the Port, which prohibited commercial navigation until previous violations were rectified. Shockingly, both boats had previously reoffended and did so again this past weekend.
Hazards of Unlicensed Boat Charters
As reported by Telemundo 51, the 13 halts were due to a myriad of severe risks that endangered passenger safety. According to the Coast Guard, the violations included:
- Invalid state registrations
- Lack of inspection certificates
- Absence of life jackets for all passengers
- Failures in mandatory drug and alcohol control programs
- Operating without certified or accredited mariners
- Invalid commercial documentation
- Obstruction of officials by the captains
Many of the passengers thought they were paying for a safe recreational trip, unaware they were on vessels that failed to meet basic life-saving standards in emergencies.
Legal Consequences and Public Warnings
The authorities were firm in reminding about the consequences. Non-compliance with a Captain of the Port order can result in fines up to $117,608 for each day the vessel continues to operate illegally. It also constitutes a felony, carrying up to six years in prison and fines reaching $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations.
Following the operation, the Coast Guard issued a direct warning to those paying for boat trips without verifying the credentials of the operator. Lieutenant Michelle Haksteen, an investigative officer from the Miami Sector, stressed the importance of preventing tragedies. "Our goal is to ensure your experience on the water is both safe and enjoyable. Charter operators must understand the regulations before transporting passengers to avoid accidents, penalties, and trip cancellations," she emphasized.
The agency advises anyone paying for a trip to confirm that the captain has a merchant mariner credential and a safety plan. If the boat carries more than six passengers, it must also have a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection or meet uninspected vessel standards.
The final message was clear and emphatic: "If the operator cannot provide the appropriate credentials, passengers should not board."
The allure of maritime fun could mask a deadly risk if one doesn’t first inquire about who is at the helm.
Understanding the Risks of Unlicensed Boat Rentals
What are the consequences for operators who violate Captain of the Port orders?
Violating Captain of the Port orders can lead to daily fines of up to $117,608, felony charges with prison sentences up to six years, and fines reaching $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations.
Why should passengers ensure the operator has proper credentials?
Ensuring the operator has proper credentials is crucial for safety. It means the vessel complies with safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a secure maritime experience.