SiriusXM Marine
September 21, 2023
Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation in Baker’s Haulover Inlet
Fishing Safety

Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation in Baker’s Haulover Inlet

Coast Guard halts illegal charter operation in Baker’s Haulover Inlet

MIAMI — The Coast Guard terminated the voyage of the 39-foot pleasure craft Down Under with seven passengers aboard Saturday in Baker’s Haulover Inlet after discovering multiple safety violations.

After being notified of the vessel by Customs and Border Protection a Coast Guard Station Station Miami Beach 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement crew conducted a boarding of the vessel and discovered the following violations:

  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 16.201 for failure to have a drug and alcohol program.
  • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.515B for failure to have a credentialed mariner in control.

“Illegal charters can be very dangerous and it’s important that people educate themselves on what to look for in a charter to avoid any unnecessary risk,” said Lt. Raymond Heberlig, commanding officer of Station Miami Beach. “It’s important that people looking to charter a boat verify the captain’s license and safety of the vessel.” 

Owners and operators of illegal charter vessels can face maximum civil penalties of $41,456 for illegal passenger-for-hire operations. Some potential fines for illegally operating a charter vessel are:

  • Up to $18,477 for failure of an inspected vessel to be under the control of an individual with the appropriate Coast Guard license.
  • Up to $7,250 for failure of operators to be enrolled in a chemical testing program.
  • Up to $23,436 for failure to provide a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers.
  • Up to $15,995 for failure to produce a valid Certificate of Documentation for vessels over 5 gross tons.