U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami officers, working alongside federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, shut down six illegal charter operations over the weekend across Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Among the vessels intercepted was an 88-foot motor yacht, The Round, which authorities said was operating as an illegal charter with 18 paying passengers on board and multiple safety and regulatory violations. Investigators also found that the vessel’s owner had previously been issued a Captain of the Port (COTP) Order on three separate occasions.
Under federal law, violating a COTP Order can result in civil penalties of up to $117,608 per violation, per day. Willful violations may also carry criminal consequences, including up to six years in prison or fines of up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations.
“Our crews and law enforcement partners remain steadfast in enforcing federal maritime regulations, while also holding vessel owners and operators accountable to ensure the safety of the boating public in South Florida,” said Coast Guard Sector Miami investigating officer Jesus Porrata. “Charter vessel operators need to be mindful of safety regulations before embarking passengers to prevent the risk of an accident, voyage terminations and civil penalties.”
Authorities reported a range of violations across the six vessel boardings, including failure to comply with active federal orders, lack of valid inspection and documentation certificates, absence of required drug and alcohol programs, and failure to employ properly credentialed mariners. In some cases, officers also cited operators for failing to carry sufficient life-saving equipment, such as personal flotation devices for passengers.
Additional violations included improper vessel registration, failure to present required credentials to the Coast Guard, and providing false statements. One case also involved the possession of a controlled substance.
The Coast Guard is reminding the public to verify that charter operators meet all safety and licensing requirements before boarding. Passengers are advised to confirm that captains hold valid Merchant Mariner Credentials and that larger vessels carry a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection.
Officials say failure to confirm these safeguards could put passengers at risk and contribute to unsafe and illegal charter operations.
