U.S. Coast Guard terminates voyage of illegal charter vessel in San Dieg
By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–The U.S. Coast Guard terminated an illegal charter operation in the La Jolla State Marine Reserve protected area in San Diego on Sept. 21.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted a boarding of the state-registered 20-foot pleasure craft, Lucky Duck, which had 6 people aboard (5 passengers for hire and 1 child). Charges were filed against the operator for violating state laws.
The Coast Guard determined that the vessel was operating as an illegal uninspected passenger vessel, in violation of failure to employ an appropriately credentialed mariner, and failure to have a drug and alcohol program.
“The Coast Guard will continue to pursue vessel operators who put the lives of patrons at risk by disregarding Coast Guard passenger vessel regulations,” said Cmdr. Jamie Koppi, a Coast Guard Sector San Diego prevention.
Before boarding a vessel, passengers are urged to ask for the captain’s credentials and safety plan. Inexperienced operators can put passengers’ lives in danger.
Owners and operators of illegal charter vessels can face civil penalties for their unlawful operations.
Some potential civil penalties include up to $5,661 for not having a valid Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers. Owners and operators could also face up to $22,324 for operating a passenger vessel without a valid Coast Guard license, and up to $19,324 for engaging in coastwise trade without an appropriate Certificate of Documentation endorsement.
Violation of the captain of the port order is a Class D felony, punishable by up to six years in prison, and a criminal fine of up to $250,000 for an individual and $500,000 for an organization. Civil penalties for violating a captain of the port order can reach up to $111,031.
