The waters off Rickenbacker Causeway and Lummus Park were the scene of a concerted crackdown on illegal charter operations this weekend, with Coast Guard Sector Miami and a coalition of law enforcement agencies shutting down five unauthorized voyages. One particular vessel, the 54-foot cabin cruiser EPIC II, was caught red-handed for blatantly ignoring a standing federal order. According to a press release by the U.S. Coast Guard, the owner of EPIC II had previously been dished out a Captain of the Port Order on October 23, 2025, which they decided to outright disregard.
Digging into the specifics, officials identified a litany of violations during the boardings, ranging from lack of proper documentation and safety equipment to the absence of a credentialed mariner in control. Notably, EPIC II and the other boats were called out for failing to comply with an active COTP Order and not having a valid Certificate of Inspection or Documentation, among other infractions. "Illegal charter operations pose a significant risk to passengers, crews, and the broader maritime community," Lt. Jasmine Smith of Coast Guard Sector Miami underscored, as quoted in the Coast Guard release.
The potential penalties for breaching maritime regulations are hefty, with fines up to $117,608 per day for violating a COTP order, and on the criminal side, willful and knowing defiance could result in imprisonment for up to six years. For those operating illegal charters, civil penalties can also quickly add up, amounting to $69,000 or more. Law enforcement stresses the importance of verifying captain credentials and safety plans before embarking on any vessel services that require payment.
As authorities continue to rigorously monitor and enforce maritime laws, they urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious or illegal charter activities. For those seeking outings on the water, officials remind potential passengers to always ask to see the captain's Merchant Mariner Credential and request a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection for larger charter boats or those carrying more than six patrons. "If the operator cannot produce appropriate credentials, passengers should not get on the boat," the Coast Guardwarns, as noted by the same press release.
