In case you’ve ever thought about making some money on the side by chartering out your boat, here’s a cautionary tale from the Coast Guard. It helps to follow the rules: NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard imposed a civil penalty, Feb. 6, 2023, to a mariner found operating a charter vessel in violation of federal laws near Destin, Florida. Coast Guard Station Destin boarding team members, Sector Mobile Marine Investigators and Okaloosa County 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 Coast Guard Sector…

The Coast Guard and other law enforcement authorities have cracked down on illegal boat charters in Miami lately. Indeed, they cited the captain of a 42-foot powerboat in Miami Beach and charged him with operating an illegal uninspected passenger vessel. They cited the captain of a 53-foot powerboat near the Miami River on the same charges. And they busted the captain of a 15-foot floating Tiki Hut, also near the Miami River, for operating an uninspected passenger vessel, as well as operating under the influence of alcohol The Coast Guard said that a Coast Guard law enforcement team from Miami…