The Coast Guard and law enforcement partners stopped multiple illegal charters in South Florida. Coast Guard Sector Miami law enforcement officers, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, recently terminated six illegal charter voyages over one weekend across Palm Beach County, Broward County and Miami-Dade County.
The 88-foot motor yacht, The Round, was reportedly operating as an illegal charter with numerous violations and 18 passengers for hire on the vessel. During the investigation, it was found the vessel’s owner was previously issued a Captain of the Port Order three separate times.
Violating a COTP Order is enforceable under 46 U.S.C. 70036. The Coast Guard may issue a civil penalty for up to $117,608 for each violation and may be assessed each day the vessel is in violation. Willful and knowing violations can be punished as a Class D felony, which is punishable up to six years in prison or fines up to $250,000 for an induvial or $500,000 for an organization…