Illegal Boat Charters

The goal of uncovering illegal charters, whether illegal fishing or sightseeing boat charters, is to ensure public safety by detecting and deterring illegal passenger vessel operations through a robust on-water presence, education and outreach, termination of unsafe operations, and justified enforcement actions.

Combating illegal passenger vessel operations is a persistent and dynamic issue the U. S. Coast Guard faces throughout the country and here in North Carolina around Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks. Illegal passenger vessels may be dangerously overloaded, operated by an unlicensed and inexperienced individual who is more likely to engage in negligent operations due to a lack of training, lack of adequate safety or lifesaving equipment, and failure to comply with vessel maintenance, repair, and construction safety standards.
The Coast Guard urges the public to exercise caution before operating or chartering a vessel.

“It’s important the public be aware of the dangers associated with illegal passenger vessel operations and immediately report signs of illegal operations to the Coast Guard,” said Lt. Cmdr. Sonha Gomez, chief of investigations for Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region. “Not only is it against the law, unlicensed operators and uninspected vessels pose a significant risk to passengers and other boaters on our waterways.”

For their safety, paying vessel passengers are asked to consider these key questions:
• Does the vessel have a Coast Guard licensed master aboard?
• Does the vessel have proper documentation and safety equipment aboard?
• Is the master enrolled in a Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing program?
• If carrying more than six passengers, does the vessel hold a valid Certificate of Inspection issued by the Coast Guard?
• Does the vessel display an up-to-date UPV Inspection Decal?
• Does the vessel display other permits, an annual pass, e.g. an up-to-date National Park Service permit?

Owners and operators of illegal passenger vessels can face maximum civil penalties of $60,000 or more for illegal passenger-for-hire operations and over $100,000 for violating a Coast Guard Captain of the Port Order. Moreover, a violation of a Captain of the Port Order is a felony, punishable by up to six years in prison or fines up to $500,000.

To report illegal operations or for information regarding charter operations or passenger vessel regulations, please contact Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, or other locations throughout the USA or go to http://illegalcharters.com/.

Please note that H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions is a legal charter company that operates in the Crystal Coast of NC, including Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, and Beaufort, NC areas. Ask Captain Mark for any/all of the key elements above.

Be safe out there as we embark on Memorial Day and the summer season!