SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Coast Guard terminated the operation of an illegal charter vessel in San Diego on May 8, 2025, following a safety inspection that revealed multiple violations. During the boarding, Coast Guard officials discovered 11 individuals aboard the vessel, including 10 passengers for hire and one unlicensed crew member.
The inspection determined that the vessel was operating as an unauthorized small passenger vessel, prompting the Coast Guard to cite the operator for several regulatory violations. These included operating without a valid Certificate of Inspection as required under 46 C.F.R. 176.100(a), employing a non-credentialed mariner in violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.401(a), and failing to maintain a drug and alcohol program in accordance with 46 C.F.R. 16.201.
Coast Guard officials emphasized the importance of adhering to federal regulations for passenger vessels, noting that uninspected and unlicensed vessels pose significant safety risks to the public. “Illegal charters undermine the safety of the boating community by bypassing established safety standards,” said a representative from the U.S. Coast Guard’s 11th District Public Affairs Detachment in San Diego.
Passengers are urged to verify the legitimacy of charter operations by asking to see a valid Certificate of Inspection and confirming that the captain holds the appropriate credentials. Information about passenger vessel regulations and safety requirements can be found on the Coast Guard website or by contacting the Public Affairs Detachment in San Diego at (619) 278-7025.
