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A weekend that seemed perfect for sailing ended with an intense maritime control operation in Biscayne Bay and the Miami River.
Officers from the Miami Sector of the Coast Guard, along with federal, state, and local agents, canceled 13 illegal charter trips that were transporting passengers without meeting the minimum safety and commercial operation standards.
They were not mere administrative irregularities.
Authorities revealed that two vessels were operating in blatant violation of existing federal orders issued by the Port Captain, which prohibited commercial navigation until prior violations were corrected.
Even so, both boats had reoffended before and did so again last weekend.
Lack of security, documentation, and obstruction of officers
The report from Telemundo 51 indicates that the 13 detentions were motivated by a long list of serious risks that could endanger the passengers.
According to the Coast Guard, among the violations found were:
Invalid state registrations
Lack of inspection certificates
Absence of life jackets for all passengers
Failures in the required drug and alcohol control programs
Operate without certified or accredited sailors
Invalid commercial documentation
Obstruction to officers by the captains
Many passengers who boarded believed they were paying for a safe recreational trip, unaware that they were on vessels that did not meet basic safety standards for life-saving in case of an emergency.
Sanctions can lead to imprisonment
The authorities were adamant in reminding about the consequences.
Failure to comply with an order from the Captain of the Port can result in fines of up to $117,608 for each day the vessel continues to operate illegally.
It is also a serious offense that can carry a penalty of up to six years in prison, along with fines that can reach $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations.
Public announcement: "Do not board if the operator cannot show credentials."
After the operation, the Coast Guard issued a direct warning to those who pay for maritime trips without verifying whom they are hiring.
Lieutenant Michelle Haksteen, investigative officer of the Miami Sector, affirmed that the priority is to prevent tragedies.
"Our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is safe and enjoyable. Charter boat operators must be aware of the regulations before transporting passengers, in order to avoid accidents, penalties, and trip cancellations," he emphasized.
The agency recommended that anyone paying for a trip verify that the captain has a merchant marine credential and a safety plan.
If the boat carries more than six passengers, it must also have a Certificate of Inspection issued by the Coast Guard, or comply with the regulations for uninspected vessels.
The final message was simple but powerful: "If the operator cannot provide the appropriate credentials, passengers should not board."
The invitation to fun at sea could conceal a deadly risk if one doesn't first ask who is at the helm.
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