19/09/2021
Last week Sector San Juan Prevention personnel in conjunction with Resident Inspection Office Ponce, Boat Station San Juan and the Sector Boarding team, conducted Illegal Passenger For Hire Operations in southern and eastern waters of Puerto Rico to include La Parguera, Guanica, Ponce and Fajardo.
The objective of these operations was to ensure the safety of passengers in the area from illegal and unsafe commercial passenger operations.
“The U. S. Coast Guard takes Illegal passenger for hire operations very seriously, operating a commercial voyage without the appropriate license presents an inherent risk,” said Cmdr. José Rosario, Sector San Juan chief of prevention. “We will remain vigilant and take action ensure the safety of the passengers, environment and the marine transportation system. Those conducting these types of operations are breaking the law and will be held accountable to its fullest extent.”
During the operations, Coast Guard teams conducted over 25 boarding’s, issued two violations, terminated two voyages, and issued 22 Captain of the Port Orders with warnings to vessel’s and operators suspected of conducting illegal passenger operations.
Two fines were issued to the vessel “Blessed”/ “Bienadventurero” for operating as an illegal passenger vessel:
1. 46 CFR 176.100(a) – Failure to have a valid Certificate of Inspection onboard a vessel less than 1600 Gross Tons Max Penalty: $4,685. First Offense: $750.
2. 46 CFR 15.401- Employment of an individual, or service in a position by an individual, without the appropriate license. Max Penalty: $18,477. First Offense: $750.
Additionally the teams visited over 15 marinas throughout the island to educate the public to include passenger and operators alike on the importance of safety, licensing and inspection requirements.
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