05/21/2026
Unpopular subject!!! We receive many inquiries about chartering 7 or 8 people and our Capt Pat kindly explains to these potential guests about his license that he worked hard to earn and retain that only permits 6 guests! Many people do not believe him or think he is exaggerating! We are thankful to U.S. Coast Guard Southeast for highlighting this huge local issue!
🚨 Illegal charters, real consequences 🚨
A Coast Guard Station Cortez law enforcement crew, with assistance from Sarasota Police Department, terminated an illegal charter vessel, Friday, near Big Sarasota Pass, Florida.
“Passengers can protect themselves by verifying the vessel has a valid Certificate of Inspection for these larger charters, and regardless of whether the vessel is operating as inspected or uninspected, they should always ask to see the captain's Coast Guard license. The Coast Guard strongly recommends that if you have paid for a trip and the captain cannot produce a valid license, you should not get on the vessel,” said Brian Knapp, chief of investigations at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg.
Our Southeast District Coast Guard crews are trained, equipped and ready to save lives, stop illegal activity and protect our waterways every day.
📎: https://tinyurl.com/4x7ejrfu
