Coast Guard Sector Miami law enforcement officers, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, terminated 13 illegal charters on Biscayne Bay and Miami River between Nov. 15–16. The operators of vessels The Round and Second Wind were violating active federal Captain of the Port Orders, according to a United States Coast Guard press release. All 13 vessels that were stopped were terminated and cited violations. Violations issued during the 13 boardings consisted of: • Violation of 33 C.F.R. 160.105 – Violation of active COTP Order. • Violation of 33 C.F.R. 173 – Vessel found with invalid state registration. • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100(a) – Failure to have a valid Certificate of Inspection. • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 25.25-5 – Failure to ensure type 1 PFDs for all persons aboard while operating as an uninspected passenger vessel. • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 16.203(a)(1) – Failure to have a drug and alcohol program. • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 515(C) – Failure to have a credentialed mariner in control while operating as a small passenger vessel. • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.401 (a) – Failure to employ appropriately credentialed mariner. • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.605 – Failure to employ credentialed mariner. • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 180.71 – Failure to ensure type 1 PFDs for all persons aboard while operating as a small passenger vessel. • Violation of 46 C.F.R. 67.7 – Failure to have a valid Certificate of Documentation endorsed for Coastwise Trade. • Violation of 19 U.S.C. 70 – Obstruction of revenue officers by masters of vessels. “The Coast Guard will continue to maximize its collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies to enforce all applicable laws on the waterways of South Florida,” said Lt. Michelle Haksteen, Coast Guard Sector Miami investigating officer. “The primary objective of our efforts is to guarantee that your experience on the water is both safe and pleasurable. Charter vessel operators need to be mindful of the safety regulations before embarking passengers to prevent the risk of an accident, voyage terminations and civil penalties due to non-compliance with established laws.” The Coast Guard urged that anyone paying for a trip on a vessel needs to verify that the captain has a safety plan and a Merchant Mariner Credential, while asking to see a Coast Guard-issued Certification of Inspection or if they conform to Uninspected Passenger Vessel regulations for larger charter boats or those with more than six passengers. Image by USCG.