On February 6, 2023, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) imposed a civil penalty of $98,364 on a mariner who was found to be operating a charter vessel in violation of federal laws near Destin, Florida.
The violation was discovered following multiple boardings of the pontoon vessel over the past year by the Coast Guard Station Destin boarding team members, Sector Mobile Marine Investigators, and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office officers. The boardings were conducted after the authorities received tips from concerned members of the public.
The extensive investigation led by the Coast Guard Sector Mobile’s Investigations Division revealed that the operator of the vessel had violated 46 C.F.R. 176.100(a) and 33 C.F.R. 160.105 on multiple occasions, according to the Coast Guard.
- The violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100(a) was for failure to provide a Certificate of Inspection while carrying more than six passengers for hire.
- The violation of 33 C.F.R. 160.105 was for failure to comply with a Captain-of-the-Port Order.