US Coast Guard Halts Illegal Charters in Florida
The U.S. Coast Guard has halted five illegal charter boat operations in Florida. The action is part of an ongoing effort to ensure marine activities are conducted safely and legally. Regular patrols are being conducted to safeguard passengers and enforce maritime regulations.
- The five halted voyages occurred near Rickenbacker Causeway and Lummus Park in Miami, with one vessel, the "EPIC II," found to be violating a previous federal Captain of the Port Order issued on October 23, 2025. - Common violations cited in these recent crackdowns include not having a valid Certificate of Inspection, failure to employ a credentialed mariner, and not having a drug and alcohol program. - Penalties for illegal charter operations can be severe, with civil penalties possibly exceeding $69,000, and willful violations can be classified as a class D felony, carrying a sentence of up to six years in prison. - Knowingly violating a Captain of the Port Order can lead to daily civil penalties of up to $117,608 and fines up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for an organization. - This enforcement is part of a broader effort; in November 2025, for example, the Coast Guard and its partners terminated 13 illegal charter voyages in the Biscayne Bay and Miami River area. - The Coast Guard urges passengers to verify their charter's legitimacy by asking to see the captain's Merchant Mariner Credential and, for vessels with more than six passengers, a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection. - These actions are a result of collaborative efforts between the Coast Guard and federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of the boating public in South Florida. - Illegal charter operations pose significant safety risks to passengers and crews, according to Lt. Jasmine Smith, a Coast Guard Sector Miami investigating officer.
