More illegal charter crackdown

Another one caught..

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/5966353/coast-guard-halts-illegal-charter-miami-river

People just aren't getting it are they?

No, I meant the operators.

I'm about 40 miles North of there, and the only place I'm hearing about the crackdowns are on this website......so most of the operators probably aren't hearing anything, or just don't care. If they cared, they'd be legal to begin with.

Oddly, never seen a 50' Cary converted to outboards...….makes a whole lot of sense to a boat nobody wants anymore with 4-454 gas with stern drives.

Oh they do. It's in the papers and on the evening news on a regular basis. But, there's also a lot of people in jail for dealing dope. Still, every street corner is a cash and carry. Like Cap Ralph said.... A fast buck except they know what can go wrong, it's just worth the risk to them. CG is trying to worsen the odds. I hope they succeed.

Another one bites the dust..

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6142...llegal-charter-operation-near-monument-island

If you really want to get in to trouble, just try to find a way to cross the border without getting intercepted by the military or coast guard

A sizable percentage of those with warrants are arrested as a result of committing another crime or violation. Example, have warrant for failure to appear, drive around in a car with a missing tail light.

Now warrants do fall into two categories. There are those for crimes and then those for failure to pay for minor violations.

Has anybody here gotten on a boat, from a 6 pax charter to a ferry or even a cruise ship, and counted the PFD's? And who in Florida doesn't carry a gun and some weed? Can't blame the passengers for what everyone does every day (on land). I notice one thing notably missing from the possible penalties, Asset Forfeiture. Add that and you might get the illegal charterer's attention.

Back on topic.

The illegal charters do two things. First, they hurt those who run legal charters financially, although perhaps less than one might thing as many of their passengers wouldn't pay a legitimate charter price and a legitimate charter captain wouldn't want many of them. This is a great example of that with minors drinking.

That leads into the real issue, safety. Amazing how many accidents and even deaths come from illegal charters. One thing that is so relevant to safety is to think about how few people drown wearing PFD's. I've known game wardens, wildlife agents, and CG officers who get involved with recoveries and lament each time that if the victim had only had a life jacket on. Now, I don't wear one all the time but sure am prepared in the event one appears to be needed as are my guests. Children have age appropriate PFD's. Underage drinking or marijuana use by those under 21 often leads to loss of judgement and balance, both of which are dangerous on a boat.

I would like to see harsher penalties applied to illegal charterers including loss of all boating rights and/or loss of boat.