Beware Bogus Boats

From workboat.com

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llegal charters are becoming more of a menace, not just cutting into commercial passenger vessel operators’ business but also raising the specter of accidents leading to higher insurance rates and more regulation. The boats are a draw for licensed captains who may not know the risks.

That was the message delivered at the Passenger Vessel Association’s annual convention in Seattle.
The problem has become a lot more prevalent in recent years, said Mike Borgström, president of Wendella Sightseeing Co., a Chicago tour boat operator. The problem is usually found with charter motorboats, but some sailboats are operating illegally as well.

“Why is this important to us as an industry as small passenger vessels?” he asked. “For starters, some of these boats are doing the same thing we’re doing, without the inspection criteria. That’s putting people in jeopardy because the boats aren’t inspected, and the crew’s not licensed.”

The law requires a boat to be inspected if it carries more than six people with at least one paying passenger. Operators must be licensed to carry up to six paying riders. Commercial operators with six or more onboard must have a master’s license and a Certificate of Inspection (COI). Bareboat charters may carry a maximum of 12 without a COI. The Coast Guard has several enforcement options including taking control of the vessel, civil penalties up to $37,500.

williamsburgchartersails.com