Coast Guard reminds boaters of the hazards of illegal passenger vessel operations

LOS ANGELES — Coast Guard investigators at Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach identified and ordered the cease of activities on an illegal passenger vessel operating in Long Beach on March 2.

The vessel Orion, operated by Angel’s Ashes charter company, is suspected of taking passengers for hire while operating out of Long Beach Harbor. Coast Guard Capt. Jennifer Williams, commanding officer, Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, issued a Captain of the Port Order to the vessel’s owner to immediately cease operations as a commercial passenger vessel.
Vessels carrying at least one passenger for hire but no more than six passengers require at minimum, a Coast Guard credentialed operator who holds a valid Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel.

Vessels carrying more than six passengers with at least one passenger for hire require a Coast Guard credentialed (licensed) Master. The vessel must also be inspected by the Coast Guard and have its Certificate of Inspection posted in a location visible to passengers.

Illegal passenger vessels pose a number of safety risks to passengers including: captain and crew lacking necessary training and experience; inadequate or lack of drills, exercises, or passenger safety briefings; a lack of required pre-employment and random drug testing program for crew members; insufficient lifesaving or firefighting equipment; and, substandard hull construction, stability, machinery, electrical, safety railings and navigational equipment.

Operating an illegal passenger vessel often violates several regulations and statutes potentially resulting in civil penalties in excess of $35,000 depending on the severity and violation.

If there are any questions as to the status of a passenger vessel operation or to report an illegal passenger vessel operation, please contact the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach Command Center at 310-521-3801.

Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *