Coast Guard Terminates Illegal Charter Vessel Near Bradenton Beach
A law enforcement crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez terminated an illegal charter vessel operation Thursday near Bradenton Beach Marina after determining the boat was operating unlawfully as a bareboat charter with 11 paying passengers on board.
According to the Coast Guard, officers investigated the 42-foot vessel She’s Always Right and determined it was being operated as an illegal small passenger vessel. The charter voyage was terminated, and the vessel and passengers were escorted back to Bradenton Beach Marina.
During the boarding, Coast Guard officers issued several violations, including failure to possess a valid Certificate of Inspection, failure to have a credentialed mariner operating the vessel, failure to maintain a drug and alcohol testing program, and failure to have a valid Certificate of Documentation.
Coast Guard officials said bareboat charters are only considered legal when the renter has full control over selecting and directing the vessel’s captain. If the vessel owner requires the use of a specific captain, the arrangement no longer qualifies as a legal bareboat charter operation.
Officials also warned that illegal charter operations can create safety risks for passengers and undermine maritime industry regulations designed to protect the public. Licensed captains, inspected vessels and required safety programs are intended to ensure safe operations on the water.
The Coast Guard said owners and operators found conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations can face civil penalties exceeding $69,000. Potential fines include penalties for operating without a valid Certificate of Inspection, failure to maintain drug and alcohol compliance programs, and failure to provide proper vessel documentation.
Authorities are reminding passengers to verify that charter operators possess proper credentials before boarding. Officials recommend confirming that captains hold a valid Merchant Mariner Credential and that vessels carrying more than six passengers have a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection or comply with applicable uninspected passenger vessel regulations.