NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The Coast Guard has terminated the voyage of an illegal passenger vessel operation near Broad Bay in Virginia Beach.
According to a press release from the United States Coast Guard, several safety risks in violation of the Passenger Vessel Safety Act were identified during a recreational vessel safety boarding.
The people chartering the vessel were not aware they had violated any safety regulations, according to the release. The Coast Guard Sector Virginia and the Coast Guard Station Little Creek cited multiple violations and promptly terminated the voyage.
The violations can be found below:
- 46 CFR. 176. 100(a) – Not having a valid Certificate of Inspection
- 46 CFR 15.515(b) – Failure of vessel on voyage and subject to inspection to be under direction and control of an individual with an appropriate Coast Guard license.
- 46 CFR 16.201 – Failure of a marine employer to comply with the requirements concerning chemical testing of personnel.
The Coast Guard wants to remind people of the requirements that must be followed before operating a passenger for hire operation:
- The captain must hold the appropriate U.S. Coast Guard license.
- The captain and crew must be enrolled in a drug and alcohol program.
- If carrying more than six passengers, at least one for hire, then the vessel must also have a valid Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection.
For businesses conducting bareboat charter rentals, the requirements are as follows:
- A maximum of 12 passengers plus the charterer are allowed on the vessel, not including crew.
- The vessel can be crewed so long as the captain and crew are not specified or provided by or paid through the original rental company agreement.
- The company may provide a list of suggested captains, but the charterer has the right to go outside that list and choose their own captain.
- The vessel’s registered owner may not be onboard in any capacity while the vessel is rented (chartered) by a charterer.
For both recreational vessels and vessels suspected to be operating illegally, the Coast Guard will conduct periodic, unannounced boardings to ensure the safety of the boating public.
To report illegal passenger vessels, contact the Sector Virginia Command Center at 757-483-8567 or through CGIS tips.