In keeping with their duty to enforce maritime law, the Coast Guard Sector Miami recently put an abrupt end to three illegal charter voyages that were operating near the Julia Tuttle Causeway. The halted voyages involved a variety of vessels, including a 37-foot pontoon, a 20-foot recreational craft, and a larger 55-foot pontoon known as the Mothership. According to a press release from the Coast Guard, these interceptions were a direct response to breaches of federal safety regulations and orders.
Amid the litany of violations, the enforcement actions were notably prompted by the failure to comply with active Captain of the Port (COTP) orders. This oversight left the owners in position to possibly face severe penalties, including hefty fines up to $117,608 for each day a vessel is found to be in violation. Chief Warrant Officer Joshua Yanez, in a statement obtained by the Coast Guard news release, emphasized the critical nature of adherence to such regulations: "We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water, but that experience must never come at the expense of safety."
Other infractions cited by the Coast Guard included lack of a drug and alcohol program, shortage of personal flotation devices and fire extinguishers, as well as missing lifebuoys and an absence of properly credentialed mariners. Documentational shortcomings were also highlighted, such as vessels not displaying the required registration numbers and failing to carry necessary registration documents onboard.
These enforcement actions are particularly salient considering the serious potential ramifications of such violations. Noncompliance doesn't just theoretically open the door to civil fines exceeding $69,000 for illegal passenger-for-hire operations; it also firmly establishes a culture where safety may be routinely compromised. To safeguard those seeking maritime leisure, the Coast Guard advises would-be passengers to verify whether captains hold valid Merchant Mariner Credentials before boarding. As reported in a WSVN article, the Coast Guard also recommends that passengers request to see a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection in cases where the charter boat carries more than six passengers.
The crackdown is part of a broader initiative by the Coast Guard to ensure compliance with maritime safety protocols and protect the well-being of passengers and crew members alike. Interested individuals can find more information about boating safety on the official Coast Guard boating website or follow Sector Miami's Uninspected passenger vessels & bareboat charter community on social media platforms for updates on related matters. Reports of illegal charters can also be made through the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) tips app or website.
