US Coast Guard Halts Illegal Charters in Florida
The U.S. Coast Guard recently halted five illegal charter boat operations in Florida. Authorities stated they are actively enforcing maritime regulations to ensure passenger safety and maintain fair business practices in the region.
- The five terminated voyages occurred near Rickenbacker Causeway and Lummus Park in Miami, with one vessel, the EPIC II, found to be violating a federal Captain of the Port Order issued on October 23, 2025. - Common violations included not having a valid Certificate of Inspection, lack of properly credentialed mariners, and not having a drug and alcohol program. - Penalties for violating a Captain of the Port Order can be severe, including daily civil penalties up to $117,608. - Willful violations can be prosecuted as a Class D felony, which carries sentences of up to six years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for organizations. - In a separate recent enforcement action in Miami, the Coast Guard terminated 12 illegal charter operations, with two vessels found to be in violation of active Captain of the Port Orders. - The Coast Guard urges passengers to verify the captain's Merchant Mariner Credential and to ask for the vessel's Certificate of Inspection if more than six passengers are aboard. - Specific safety violations often cited include the failure to have required Type I personal flotation devices for all passengers. - Owners and operators of illegal charters can face additional civil penalties exceeding $69,000 for illegal passenger-for-hire operations.
