As the Southern California boating season ramps up, the U.S. Coast Guard is ramping up its efforts, too — particularly when it comes to cracking down on illegal passenger vessel operations. These unauthorized charters, often advertised informally or operated without the necessary licenses and safety protocols, present serious risks to passenger safety, legitimate maritime businesses, and the marine environment. In a comprehensive interview with The Log, Sasha L. Coombs, Passenger Vessel Safety Specialist, U.S. Coast Guard District Eleven, provided clarity on the regulations, responsibilities, and red flags surrounding this growing concern.
“The Coast Guard’s goal is to educate passenger vessel operators and prospective passengers, as safety of life at sea is one of our oldest missions,” Combs said. “It is the Coast Guard’s responsibility to uphold federal law and to uniformly apply and enforce the regulations. We would like for the public to be informed and empowered to know before they go without hindering their business or adventure on the water. The responsibility for public safety and compliance lies with both the vessel owner/operator and paying passenger(s).”
With more boaters venturing out and more vessels available for hire through online platforms, the line between a legal charter and an illegal one can easily blur. According to Combs, passengers should begin by checking credentials. “Passengers should ensure that the captain holds the appropriate Coast Guard license, is enrolled in a drug and alcohol testing program, and that the vessel itself has proper certification,” she explained. For vessels carrying more than six passengers for hire, this means possessing a valid Certificate of Inspection (COI), which should be visibly posted onboard. Smaller vessels that carry six or fewer passengers fall under the category of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (UPVs), which still require the captain to have a U.S. Coast Guard-issued license.
Many UPV operators voluntarily undergo a Coast Guard safety exam and receive a decal to display as proof of compliance. “A lack of licensing, safety decals, or displayed credentials is a major red flag,” Combs said. “And if an operator is coaching passengers to lie about the nature of their contract during a boarding, that’s a very serious concern.”
Illegal operators often cut corners — bypassing drug testing protocols, skipping maintenance, or failing to meet safety equipment standards. These lapses violate federal law and can have catastrophic consequences. “A vessel operating without a credentialed mariner or the appropriate safety equipment poses significant dangers—not only to passengers but also to others on the water. It undermines legitimate operators, impacts the environment, and at worst, can lead to loss of life,” Combs warned.
The Coast Guard routinely conducts patrols and vessel boardings to verify compliance. “If the legitimacy of a commercial vessel is in question, boarding teams can call in Marine Investigators to assess whether the vessel is being used illegally,” said Combs. “If it is, the voyage may be terminated and the owner could face civil penalties. Licensed mariners may also be subject to administrative action, including suspension or revocation of their license.”
Civil penalties are no small matter. Operating without a Coast Guard license can result in a fine of up to $49,848. Carrying more than six passengers without a COI carries a penalty of $14,988. Failing to enroll crew in a required drug testing program is another $9,624. And should any vessel operator defy a federal order, criminal charges — including Class D felonies — may follow.
Combs emphasized that charter structure is critical to understanding the rules. There are three main types: vessels not chartered, vessels chartered without crew (commonly known as bareboat or demise charters), and vessels chartered with crew. In a true bareboat arrangement, the charterer assumes full control of the vessel — including the right to hire their own crew, purchase insurance, and manage provisioning. “The maximum number of passengers in a bareboat charter is 12, plus the charterer — not including crew,” said Combs. “The crew cannot be provided or paid through the rental company. The charterer has the freedom to choose who they hire to operate the boat.”
These distinctions are codified in the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993 and further explained in the Coast Guard’s Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 07-94 and in guidance documents like The Three R’s of Bareboat Chartering. “If the vessel owner dictates who operates or mans the vessel, the arrangement likely constitutes a chartered-with-crew operation,” Combs explained, adding that this classification triggers additional licensing and inspection requirements under 46 CFR Subchapters C and T.
Awareness is equally important for passengers. Advertising practices can offer early clues about a charter’s legitimacy. Reputable operators tend to highlight their compliance with Coast Guard rules, often displaying information about their credentials, licensing, and inspection status in brochures or on websites. In contrast, if an operator is vague about their qualifications or avoids questions about licensing, that’s cause for concern.
The Coast Guard is not tackling this issue alone. “We engage in informational industry days, community meetings, online education campaigns, and public outreach through Marine Safety Information Bulletins, Safety Alerts, and Notices to Mariners,” Combs said. She also acknowledged the vital role of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. “They conduct outreach at boating safety days, host UPV workshops, maintain a presence on docks, and offer voluntary UPV safety exams.”
For mariners and passengers looking to verify a captain’s license or vessel inspection history, Combs recommends contacting the National Maritime Center at (888) 427-5662 or emailing [email protected]. A new online verification tool is also in development. For COI questions, your local Coast Guard Inspections Office can provide confirmation. “The decal demonstrates the vessel was in compliance at the time of the exam,” Combs clarified, “but it’s incumbent upon the owners to continue operating within the confines of the regulations.”
Operators planning to enter commercial service are encouraged to contact their local Coast Guard Sector Office and consider working with maritime attorneys to develop a compliant business model. And if there’s any doubt about the legitimacy of a charter in your area, Combs urges the public to report concerns to their local Coast Guard Sector Investigation Office. Additional guidance is available through Ms. Sasha Coombs, Passenger Vessel Safety Specialist at the Eleventh District, at [email protected] or (206) 820-0414.
Ultimately, public cooperation is key. “Through vigilant enforcement, robust collaboration, and public education, the Coast Guard aims to ensure that passenger vessel operations are safe, legal, and in the best interest of the public and maritime community,” said Combs. With so many options available during the busy boating season, knowing what to look for — and what to avoid — could make all the difference in keeping your next trip legal, safe, and enjoyable.
