TAMPA BAY — U.S. Coast Guard personnel in the Bay area will take part in a new operation this week focused on stopping illegal charter boat businesses operating in Tampa Bay.
- "Operation Passenger Defender" runs through Labor Day Weekend
- Officers will be on water checking for certifications, safety equipment
- Illegal businesses endanger consumer safety, take business away from licensed boat captains
Coast Guard officials said they’ve been having problems with charters operating illegally and that they’ve identified eight over the last few months.
"If you don't have a properly licensed crew they're not going to know all the safety equipment on board or may not know how to properly operate the vessel," Commander Tony Migliorini said.
To combat the problem they're joining a district-wide effort codenamed "Operation Passenger Defender."
"This is a very serious issue," Migliorini said. "So if you're on board a boat that should not be carrying passengers, or carrying too many, it certainly can be a life or death issue."
Officers will be out on the water checking for proper certification, safety gear, and making sure boats are not overcrowded.
Captain Charlie Howell with Ebb and Flow Charters didn’t mind being stopped for an inspection on Thursday.
"You have people's lives in your hands. You've got to make sure you have everything required," Howell said.
Many charter boat captains said those operating illegally not only put customer safety at risk, they’re also taking business away from those who are legally certified.
"We spend a lot of money on the credentials and insurance and safety gear," Howell said. "It costs quite a bit, so maybe they're just trying to cut corners and not doing it legit that way."
‘Operation Passenger Defender’ goes through Labor Day weekend but Coast Guard Leaders said the effort and enforcement will continue year round.