Discussion About New Charter Boat Regulations in San Diego to Continue to March

SAN DIEGO—A culmination of the efforts of the Port of San Diego to address the issue of illegal charters in San Diego was presented to the Board of Port Commissioners in the form of a draft ordinance at the commission’s Jan. 19 meeting. The proposed ordinance would amend the section of the Port Code dealing with charter operators to require all charter operations to obtain a permit, allow charters unable to secure a place in a marina or sportfishing landing to use certain district facilities, require all charters to pay a fee for use of district property and provide enforceable regulation and oversight for all types of charters. “We believe the amended ordinance will create a level playing field by ensuring public safety and protecting consumers,” said Port of San Diego Assistant General Counsel Ellen Gross at the meeting. Staff also recommended issuing a request for proposals to hire a manager of charter operations to oversee compliance, issue all charter permits and license agreements, collect permit and license fees, manage a database of legal operators and manage charter operations at district-approved facilities. “We know that changes may need to be made, it will not be perfect, we will learn a lot of how much...