A joint law enforcement effort by the Coast Guard and Treasure Island Police Department resulted in the termination of an illegal boat charter operating in John’s Pass, Florida, on Sunday.
The Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg boarding team and officers from the Treasure Island Police Department marine patrol unit boarded a 23-foot boat. The vessel was found to be operating as an illegal small passenger charter, carrying nine passengers under the guise of a “bareboat charter.” Following an investigation, law enforcement escorted the boat and its passengers back to Treasure Island Marina and ended the charter’s voyage.
Brian Knapp, senior investigating officer at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, clarified the regulations surrounding bareboat charters. “Under a bareboat charter contract, the person who rents the charter must be given the option to hire any captain of their choosing, or operate the boat themselves. If a bareboat renter is assigned a captain without any options, the bareboat charter designation no longer applies.”
According to authorities, the boat’s operators were in violation of several federal regulations, including failure to have a valid Certificate of Inspection, failure to have a credentialed mariner in control of the vessel, and failure to have a drug and alcohol program. Owners and operators of illegal charters can face maximum civil penalties exceeding $60,000. Additional violations such as operating without a Coast Guard license could result in fines up to $22,324, among other penalties.
“Anyone paying for a trip on a traditional passenger vessel should ask to see the Merchant Mariner Credential of the boat operator,” advised Knapp. For those who suspect illegal charter activities, the Coast Guard encourages reports to be made to Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at 727-502-8720.