The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a warning to the public about the risks of illegal charter operations ahead of Labor Day weekend.
The Coast Guard Southeast District is informing people in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands about the risks and consequences of chartering vessels illegally ahead of the federal holiday, which honors the contributions of everyday workers to the U.S.
There is often an annual surge in travelers on Labor Day weekend who are looking for cheap and quick options, which means there may be more cases of people operating charter vessels without the required vessel documents.
How to Spot an Illegal Vessel
The Coast Guard urged anyone paying for a trip on a vessel to make sure their captain has a safety plan and a Merchant Mariner Credential, which the Coast Guard issues to mariners with specific training to ensure safe operation on the water.
Boats with more than six passengers are encouraged to seek a Coast Guard-issued certificate of inspection to verify the boat is legitimate, and to leave the boat if an operator fails to prove a certificate.
Another issue the Coast Guard said passengers should be aware of is whether the price seems suspiciously cheap.
“Our primary mission is ensuring the safety of the boating public across the Southeast District,” said Nicolette Vaughan, chief of inspections and investigations, Coast Guard Southeast District, in a statement. “When passengers step onto an illegal charter, they are placing their lives in the hands of unvetted operators on vessels that have not met federal safety standards.
“Before you step aboard or pay for a trip, ask to see the captain’s Merchant Mariner Credential and verify the vessel’s inspection documentation. Taking five minutes to confirm your charter is legal can prevent a tragedy on the water.”
Laws Around Illegal Vessel Operation
Operating an illegal vessel is a violation of federal law, and if caught, captains can be subject to criminal or civil liability up to $40,000 per violation.
The regulations are in place to help ensure the safety of passengers. Illegal charter boats are typically recreational vessels and are generally operated by a person without the required Coast Guard-issued captain’s license.
Since January 2026, Southeast crews have stopped more than 100 illegal charter operations throughout the district.
The Coast Guard rescued 12 people after a boat overturned Aug 9 near the Statue of Liberty in New York, killing one woman and a 5-month-old child.
After an investigation, the Coast Guard Investigative Service and federal prosecutors determined that Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, the operator, was conducting unlicensed, paid commercial tour operations without credentials or licenses.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York formally charged him with two federal counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death.
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