San Diego coalition hopes to combat illegal charters

SAN DIEGO — Should passenger-for-hire services be left entirely to the open market, free of government interference? Is formal regulation of illegal charters a means to ensure safety on the waters or another revenue stream for public agencies? These are some of the reactions to attempts by the U.S. Coast Guard and regional policymakers to regulate unauthorized passenger-for-hire activities in local waters. Some argue the government is interfering in an honest economic activity. Still others contend illegal charter regulations aren’t about safety as much as they are another way to extract money from everyday people just trying to enjoy a day on the water with others no different than King Leonidas’ stroll with 300 of his personal bodyguards at the behest of Sparta’s elder statesmen. Parimal M. Rohit photo The depth of illegal charter use in San Diego Bay might not be easily discernible. Enforcement of illegal charter activity mostly depends upon tips from community members or a random boat boarding by Harbor Police. Coordinated statistics of the frequency of illegal charter operations within the harbor are not readily available. Perhaps a multiagency effort to address the illegal charter or passenger-for-hire activities in San Diego Bay could help provide some clarity. There...