Coast Guard hits illegal charter captain with $98,000 fine

The Coast Guard imposed a civil penalty in early February to a mariner who was operating a charter vessel in violation of federal laws near Destin, Fla.

Coast Guard Station Destin boarding team members, Sector Mobile (Ala.) Marine Investigators and Okaloosa County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office officers conducted multiple boardings of the involved pontoon vessel over the past year after receiving tips from concerned members of the public.

Following an extensive investigation led by Sector Mobile’s Investigations Division, it was determined that on multiple occasions the operator of the vessel failed to provide a certificate of inspection while carrying more than six passengers for hire, and also failed to comply with a captain-of-the-port order. As a result, the Coast Guard imposed a $98,364 civil penalty.