09/03/2026
It’s that time again…..A Holiday weekend is upon us, which means another safety message!
Labor Day weekend means more boats, more people…and unfortunately, more illegal charters on the water.
The U.S. Coast Guard is reminding passengers to do one very simple thing before stepping aboard:
ASK TO SEE YOUR CAPTAIN’S LICENSE.
Yes, really. It’s OK to ask. A legitimate captain won’t be offended by it. Their Merchant Mariner Credential represents the training, testing and requirements they completed to legally carry paying passengers.
And remember — this isn’t just about boats carrying more than six passengers. Any vessel operating for hire has rules and documentation it must follow. The requirements may differ depending on whether it’s a 6-pack charter, inspected passenger vessel or bareboat charter, but “they have a boat and take Venmo” is not a Coast Guard credential.
With one of the busiest boating weekends of the year approaching, take five minutes to know who you’re trusting with your family.
⚓ Ask questions.
⚓ Verify credentials.
⚓ Know what you booked.
⚓ And if something doesn’t feel right, don’t get on the boat.
Have an amazing Labor Day weekend, Destin — just have a safe one.
❤️🤍💙
Leave the boating to Captain Harry Zamora
Experience matters, especially on one of the busiest days on the water— Inshore & Offshore since 1980.