Yacht Charter Terminated for Multiple Safety Violations
The 65-foot pleasure yacht Zenith allides with the Venetian Causeway Bridge in Miami, June 16, 2018. After being boarded by a Coast Guard Station Miami 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement boatcrew, it was discovered that the yacht had several safety violations. (Coast Guard Photo)
The owner and operator of a 65-foot pleasure yacht is facing maximum civil penalties amounting to $41,546 for illegal passenger for hire operation.
The U.S. Coast Guard said it boarded the yacht Zenith Saturday after receiving a call from a concerned passenger and hearing that the vessel allided with the Venetian Causeway Bridge in Miami earlier that day.
There was no reported damage sustained to the bridge or any reported injuries to those on board the Zenith, but several safety issues and environmental concerns were discovered, including including carrying more paying passengers than certified to carry.
The Coast Guard terminated the yacht voyage at Sea Isle Marina after uncovering 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.
“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,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Emily White, a Coast Guard 7th District watchstander. "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."
