The US Coast Guard terminated the voyage of the 65-foot pleasure yacht Zenith at Sea Isle Marina, as it discovered several safety issues and environmental concerns, which included the carriage of more paying passengers than they were certified to carry onboard the vessel.
A US Coast Guard Station Miami 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement boatcrew boarded the Zenith at Sea Isle Marina, and discovered the following violations:
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100A for not having a valid Certificate of Inspection.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.515B for not having a credentialed mariner in control while operating a small passenger vessel.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 16.201 for failure to have a drug and alcohol program.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 170.120 for failure to have a valid stability letter.
As a result, the owner and operator of the Zenith faces civil penalties which amount to $41,546 for this illegal passenger for hire operation.
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The boarding was conducted after the yacht allided with the Venetian Causeway Bridge earlier that day and the USCG received a call from a concerned passenger.
There was no damage to the bridge or any injuries to those onboard the Zenith after its allision with the Venetian Causeway Bridge.
Petty Officer 1st Class Emily White, a Coast Guard 7th District watchstander, stated:
We urge people to request to see the vessel operator’s valid credentials or proof of required inspection or examination before hiring a charter vessel. Passengers are risking their safety by hiring a charter vessel without a credentialed mariner in charge or aboard an uninspected vessel which is subject to federal regulations.
