Following is local article about the requirements of charter boats- and the consequences of not complying. Southern Drawl Yacht Charters encourages everyone interested in chartering a vessel to DEMAND to see the legal credential necessary to operate a LEGAL charter boat. We are a USCG CERTIFIED SMALL PASSENGER VESSEL COI# 527746 and insured by Charter Lakes Insurance to carry passengers for hire. We will be happy to provide all relevant documents to those considering a yacht charter. The article/news release follows:
According to officials the charter boat previously had a Coast Guard issued captain’s license, but it expired in May 2013 and was never renewed.
“The Coast Guard is dedicated to reducing loss of life, injuries, and accidents on U.S. waterways,” said Capt. Ric Rodriguez, commander of Coast Guard Sector Charleston. “Illegal operators put lives at risk by sidestepping safety requirements. The public can help stop these illegal and dangerous activities by asking excursion vessel captains to produce valid original Coast Guard credentials and Coast Guard Certificates of Inspection on inspected vessels.”
Officials say a Coast Guard issued captain’s licenses demonstrate the captain of a commercial boat vessel has met minimum requirements in navigation and seamanship rules. The Coast Guard advises the public to ask boat captains to show his or her original Coast Guard license.
If you want to verify a captain’s license or the inspected status of a vessel carrying more than six passengers, please call Charleston Coast Guard at 843-740-7050.
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