Observing and Reporting A Suspected Illegal Passenger-for-Hire Operation
Illegal passenger-for-hire operations are a public safety concern. These operations subvert federal regulations designed to ensure passenger safety and have a negative impact of the industry at large. The first step is to notify your local Coast Guard office of the suspected activity. They will determine whether a vessel is operating, rented or chartered illegally after compiling sufficient evidence and conducting a comprehensive investigation. These investigations require a great deal of their time and resources. Your assistance is vital in observing, gathering and providing them with detailed information of individuals and/or vessels that you suspect may be operating illegally. Suspicious activity is based upon where someone is; when they are there; and what they are doing. The following are examples of things to look for that may warrant further observation:
Checklist for Observing and Reporting a Suspected Illegal Vessel Operation, Rental or Charter to the USCG
Date _______________
Time _______________
Type of Vessel (Power or Sail) ____________
Name of Vessel _____________________________________________
Hailing Port __________________________________
State Registration Numbers ___________________________________
Vessel Manufacturer _________________________________________
Hull Color ______________
Bottom Color ____________
Waterline Color ____________
Other Distinguishing Features _________________________________________
Approximate Vessel Length ________
Number of Persons on Board _______
Specific Location Where Vessel Was Observed ____________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Direction Vessel Was Heading __________
Website or Social Media Information_____________________________________
Other Information ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Please attach any photos of the suspected vessel in operation
Illegal passenger-for-hire operations are a public safety concern. These operations subvert federal regulations designed to ensure passenger safety and have a negative impact of the industry at large. The first step is to notify your local Coast Guard office of the suspected activity. They will determine whether a vessel is operating, rented or chartered illegally after compiling sufficient evidence and conducting a comprehensive investigation. These investigations require a great deal of their time and resources. Your assistance is vital in observing, gathering and providing them with detailed information of individuals and/or vessels that you suspect may be operating illegally. Suspicious activity is based upon where someone is; when they are there; and what they are doing. The following are examples of things to look for that may warrant further observation:
- A vessel appears to have more persons on board than appears normal.
- No USCG Passenger Vessel inspection stickers.
- A vessel that seems to depart on a schedule when it is not a USCG inspected passenger vessel.
- A vessel or company advertises that all their vessels can be chartered for more than 6 passengers with crew provided. Vessels under 100 GRT that carry more than 6 passengers for hire must be USCG inspected.
- A vessel carrying more than twelve persons that is not Coast Guard inspected. Vessels at or over 100 GRT that carry more than 12 passengers for hire must be USCG inspected.
- A vessel that docks with regularity at a specific time and location every day.
- There is a uniformed captain or crew on board.
- No state registration numbers or a vessel name displayed.
- A vessel is observed carrying homogenous groups of people at different times throughout the day. (For example: all children, all women, all dressed the same)
- There is a catering and/or bar set-up on the vessel.
- Social media posts or online reviews that indicate any of the above information in text or photo: Example: “My bachelorette party was a great success. Captain Gary was great! He had all the food and wine ready for us when we arrived. I was so happy that he was able to accommodate all 20 of us on his boat. It was a great value for the money. I highly recommend Gary’s Charter Boats.”
Checklist for Observing and Reporting a Suspected Illegal Vessel Operation, Rental or Charter to the USCG
Date _______________
Time _______________
Type of Vessel (Power or Sail) ____________
Name of Vessel _____________________________________________
Hailing Port __________________________________
State Registration Numbers ___________________________________
Vessel Manufacturer _________________________________________
Hull Color ______________
Bottom Color ____________
Waterline Color ____________
Other Distinguishing Features _________________________________________
Approximate Vessel Length ________
Number of Persons on Board _______
Specific Location Where Vessel Was Observed ____________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Direction Vessel Was Heading __________
Website or Social Media Information_____________________________________
Other Information ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Please attach any photos of the suspected vessel in operation