MIAMI — Coast Guard Sector Miami law enforcement officers, along with federal and state law enforcement partners, terminated the voyage of an illegal passenger-for-hire vessel, Sunday, near Indian Creek.
The 88-foot motor yacht, The Round, was reportedly operating as an illegal charter with numerous violations and twelve passengers for hire on the vessel. During the investigation, it was found that the vessel’s owner was previously issued a Captain of the Port Order in November 2023.
“The Coast Guard along with Coast Guard Investigative Service, state, and local law enforcement agencies will continue to actively enforce all applicable laws to ensure your time on the water is safe and enjoyable,” said Lt. j.g. Jasmine Smith, a Coast Guard Sector Miami investigating officer. “The Coast Guard is committed to protecting passengers and ensuring vessel operators adhere to federal safety standards.”
Coast Guard Sector Miami originally issued a COTP order to the vessel’s owner, mandating that any vessels the individual owns or operates to immediately cease commercial operations until they were in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Additionally, one person on the vessel with questionable immigration status was taken into custody by Coast Guard Investigative Service agents and transferred to U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector agents for identification and processing.
Information for violating a COTP Order is detailed in 46 U.S.C. 70036, as follows: “failure to comply with a Captain of the Port Order is punishable by a civil penalty of up to $117,608 for each day the vessel is in violation. Willful and knowing violation of a Captain of the Port Order is a class D felony, punishable by up to six years in prison (18 U.S.C. 3581) or fines up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for an organization.”
Owners and operators of illegal passenger vessels can face maximum civil penalties of $69,000 or more for illegal passenger for hire operations. Some potential civil penalties for illegally operating a passenger vessel include:
The Coast Guard urges anyone paying for a trip on a vessel to verify that the captain has a safety plan and a Merchant Mariner Credential. For larger charter boats or those with more than six passengers, ask to see a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection or if they conform to Uninspected Passenger Vessel regulations. If the operator cannot produce appropriate credentials, passengers should not get on the boat.
Anyone with information regarding illegal charter operations is encouraged to contact CGIS here or download the app.
For additional recreational boating safety information, please visit www.uscgboating.org.
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