Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale crews terminated nine illegal charter voyages, one a floating tiki hut, over the weekend in Fort Lauderdale waterways.
All nine vessels were cited for safety violations and issued Captain of the Port Orders.
Violations issued during the boardings consisted of:
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 16.201 – Failure to have a chemical testing program (drug and alcohol program).
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 25.25-5 – Failure to ensure Type I personal flotation devices for all persons aboard while operating as an uninspected passenger vessel.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 67.7 – Failure to have a valid Certificate of Documentation endorsed for Coastwise Trade.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 67.325 – Failure to have a properly endorsed Certificate of Documentation.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.401(a) – Failure to employ appropriately credentialed mariner.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 515(c) – Failure to have credentialed mariner in control while operating as a small passenger vessel.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.605 – Failure to have credentialed mariner in control while operating as an uninspected passenger vessel.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100(a) – Failure to have a valid Certificate of Inspection.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100(b) – Failure to comply with Certificate of Inspection.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 180.71 – Failure to have Type I personal flotation devices for all persons aboard while operating as a small passenger vessel.
- Violation of 19 USC 70 – Falsifying information to a federal law enforcement officer.
“Ensuring the safety of our maritime community is a shared responsibility,” said Chief Warrant Officer Joshua Yanez. “Anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel should always verify that their captain can produce the appropriate credentials before embarking on any voyage. Likewise, charter vessel captains must comply with all regulatory standards to maintain the highest levels of safety for their passengers, crew, and the broader maritime community.”
The original announcement can be found here.