MIAMI \u2014\u00a0Coast Guard Sector Miami law enforcement officers, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners,\u00a0terminated\u00a06 illegal charter voyages, over the weekend,\u00a0across\u00a0Palm Beach,\u00a0Broward\u00a0and Miami-Dade\u00a0counties.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 88-foot motor yacht, The Round, was\u00a0reportedly operating\u00a0as an illegal charter with\u00a0numerous\u00a0violations and\u00a018\u00a0passengers for hire on the vessel. During the investigation, it was found the vessel\u2019s owner was previously issued a Captain of the Port Order\u00a0three\u00a0separate\u00a0times.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Violating a COTP Order is enforceable under 46 U.S.C. 70036. The Coast Guard may issue a civil penalty for up to $117,608 for each violation and may be assessed each day the vessel is in violation. Willful and knowing violations can be punished as a Class D felony, which is punishable up to six years in prison or fines up to $250,000 for an induvial\u00a0or $500,000 for an organization.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur crews and law enforcement partners remain steadfast in enforcing federal maritime regulations, while also holding vessel owners and operators accountable, to ensure the safety of the boating public in South Florida.\u201d said Jesus Porrata, Coast Guard Sector Miami investigating officer.\u00a0\u201cCharter vessel operators need to be mindful of the safety regulations before embarking passengers to prevent the risk of an accident, voyage terminations and civil penalties due to non-compliance with established laws.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Violations issued during the six boardings consisted of:\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Coast Guard urges anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel to verify that their captain has a safety plan and a Merchant Mariner Credential. For larger charter boats or those with more than six passengers, ask to see a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection. If the operator cannot produce\u00a0appropriate credentials, passengers should not get on the boat.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
For\u00a0additional\u00a0recreational boating safety information, please visit\u202fwww.uscgboating.org<\/a>.\u202f\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Anyone with information\u202fregarding\u00a0an illegal charter\u202fis\u202fencouraged to contact CGIS\u202fhere<\/a>\u202for download the\u202fapp<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n For more breaking news follow us on\u202fTwitter<\/a>\u202fand\u202fFacebook<\/a>.\u202f\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n -USCG-\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n