The United States Coast Guard warned passengers and vessel operators in the Florida Keys about the serious legal and safety risks of using unlicensed boats.
The warning came after a crew from the Cortez Station halted an illegal charter operation in the intracoastal waterway near Anna Maria Island.
According to the official statement, the 24-foot vessel was carrying nine passengers without the required documentation or adequate safety equipment, including enough life jackets.
The Coast Guard identified among the deficiencies the absence of a valid Inspection Certificate (46 C.F.R. 176.100 (a)), and the insufficient number of life jackets on board (46 C.F.R. 180.71).
"Anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel should request to see the merchant mariner credential of the captain, issued by the Coast Guard. If the captain cannot present it, do not board the boat," warned Brian Knapp, chief of investigations for the St. Petersburg Sector.
He added that the owners and operators of illegal vessels could face civil fines exceeding $60,000 for providing passenger transport services without the appropriate licenses.
In cases where a Port Captain's order is violated, the penalties could reach $111,031, he emphasized.
Some of the specific fines include up to $22,324 for operating without a merchant mariner credential; up to $9,086 for not participating in a drug testing program; up to $5,661 for not having a valid Inspection Certificate; and up to $19,324 for failing to submit a Documentation Certificate for vessels over five net tons.
The Coast Guard reminded that "bareboat" charters (without crew included) must allow the customer to freely choose the captain or even operate the vessel themselves.
If the client does not have that option, then the contract does not qualify as "bareboat" and is subject to commercial charter regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Regulations for Vessels in the Florida Keys
What are the fines for operating a boat without a license in the Florida Keys?
The fines for operating a boat without a license can exceed $60,000. Specifically, the penalties include up to $22,324 for operating without a merchant mariner credential, $9,086 for failing to participate in a drug testing program, $5,661 for not having a valid Inspection Certificate, and $19,324 for not presenting a Documentation Certificate for vessels over five net tons.
What should passengers verify before boarding a passenger vessel in Florida?
Passengers must request to see the merchant marine credential of the captain, issued by the Coast Guard. If the captain is unable to show this license, it is recommended not to board the ship to avoid legal and safety risks.
What is a "bareboat" charter and what conditions must it meet?
A "bareboat" lease allows the client to freely choose their own captain or even operate the vessel themselves. If the client does not have the option to select the captain, then the contract does not qualify as "bareboat" and is subject to commercial charter regulations.
What penalties are faced if a order from the Captain of the Port in Florida is violated?
The penalties for violating an order from the Port Captain can reach $111,031. This is due to the seriousness of disregarding the safety and operational regulations established by maritime authorities.
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