Coast Guard Busts Illegal Tiki Boat Charter Near Anna Maria Island
The U.S. Coast Guard stopped an illegal tiki boat charter operating near Anna Maria Island after determining the vessel was carrying passengers without meeting federal safety requirements.
Coast Guard crews from Cortez responded on Thursday, May 14, to a 54-foot vessel named Maititiki that was reportedly operating as a bareboat charter. Bareboat charters allow customers to rent a vessel without a captain or crew, but operators must meet specific federal guidelines for the arrangement to be considered legal.
According to the Coast Guard, the vessel was found to be in violation for failing to have a valid Certificate of Inspection. Authorities said the lack of proper certification could result in civil penalties totaling $69,000 or more.
The Coast Guard explained that bareboat charters are treated as recreational vessels because the renter temporarily assumes control of the boat. However, if the charter fails to meet required guidelines, the operation is reclassified as a commercial passenger vessel subject to federal safety regulations.
Potential penalties for illegal passenger-for-hire operations include fines of up to $5,996 for failing to provide a valid Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers, up to $9,624 for operators not enrolled in a drug and alcohol program, and up to $20,468 for failure to produce a valid Certificate of Documentation for vessels exceeding five gross tons.
The Coast Guard is reminding passengers to verify that charter operators have proper credentials before boarding. Officials recommend asking to see a Merchant Mariner Credential and reviewing the vessel’s safety plan. For larger charter boats or those carrying more than six passengers, passengers should also verify the vessel has a valid Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection or complies with Uninspected Passenger Vessel regulations.
Authorities advised passengers not to board a vessel if the operator cannot produce the required documentation.
