JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The owner of a 25-foot charter boat that the Coast Guard stopped said he will take classes to get his permits and certifications so he can continue operating his small business.
RELATED | Coast Guard stops illegal charter of 25-foot vessel on St. Johns River
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Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville said it ended the trip of what it called an illegal vessel traveling on the St. Johns River on Friday. The boat was being operated by Mike Nelson, who owns the Escapes River Tour company.
According to its website, the company offers tours of the St. Johns River to explore its beauty. The guided tours provide insights into the local wildlife and history and photos show people eating, drinking and even painting on the modified pontoon boat.
Nelson said the Coast Guard was just doing their job.
“They’re supposed to do that and I totally understand they want everybody safe on the water, they want the boater safe as well as the customers, so it’s all good,” Nelson said.
He said that he is starting classes on Friday to get the proper permits and certifications.
“I can’t do anything else until I get everything situated, but it’s no sweat,” Nelson said.
Officials said Nelson was issued a Captain of the Port order preventing commercial vessel operations until in compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations.
The violations include:
- 46 CFR 15.605 – Failure to have a credentialed mariner in control while operating as an uninspected passenger vessel.
- 46 CFR 16.201 – Failure to have a drug and alcohol program.
“The Coast Guard will take decisive action against any operator who puts lives at risk by ignoring passenger vessel safety regulations,” Cmdr. William Hickey said, chief of prevention operations, Sector Jacksonville. “Mariners operating charter vessels must follow regulatory safety standards and understand the consequences of violations, as these rules exist to protect passengers, crews and the maritime public.”
Officials said owners and operators of illegal charter vessels can face civil penalties of over $60,000 for illegal operations. Charters that violate a Captain of the Port Order can face a maximum penalty of $111,031.
Some potential fines for illegally operating a charter vessel are:
- Up to $22,324 for failure to operate a passenger vessel without a merchant mariner credential.
- Up to $19,324 for failure to produce a valid Certificate of Documentation for vessels over five net tons.
- Up to $9,086 for failure of operators to be enrolled in a drug testing program.
- Up to $5,661 for failure to provide a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers.
News4JAX asked Nelson if he was fined, and we are awaiting a response.