FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFLA) — The U.S. Coast Guard shut down nine illegal charters in Fort Lauderdale waterways over the weekend.
The vessels that were stopped included a floating tiki hut, a speedboat and several larger boats meant to carry multiple guests. Many of the stops happened near the New River Triangle.
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Officials said all nine vessels were cited for multiple safety violations.
There were several that did not have enough personal flotation devices for passengers, and many were also lacking a valid Certificate of Inspection, according to the Coast Guard.
The full list of violations issued consisted of the following:
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 16.201 – Failure to have a chemical testing program (drug and alcohol program)
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 25.25-5 – Failure to ensure Type I personal flotation devices for all persons aboard while operating as an uninspected passenger vessel
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 67.7 – Failure to have a valid Certificate of Documentation endorsed for Coastwise Trade
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 67.325 – Failure to have a properly endorsed Certificate of Documentation
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.401(a) – Failure to employ appropriately credentialed mariner
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 515(c) – Failure to have credentialed mariner in control while operating as a small passenger vessel
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.605 – Failure to have credentialed mariner in control while operating as an uninspected passenger vessel
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100(a) – Failure to have a valid Certificate of Inspection
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100(b) – Failure to comply with Certificate of Inspection
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 180.71 – Failure to have Type I personal flotation devices for all persons aboard while operating as a small passenger vessel
- Violation of 19 USC 70 – Falsifying information to a federal law enforcement officer
The Coast Guard said anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel should make sure their captain has a Merchant Mariner Credential. Larger charter boats with more than six passengers require a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection…