ORLANDO, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard is warning the public about illegal charter boat operations ahead of Labor Day weekend.
Passengers should verify that a charter vessel is properly licensed and meets safety requirements before paying for a ride or boarding. Legitimate operators are required to show credentials, including a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection.
The Coast Guard also advises passengers to be wary of unusually low prices. Charter rides priced significantly below competing operations may be a red flag for illegal activity.
Illegal charter operations bypass mandatory safety standards, putting passengers and the maritime community at risk.
The agency is conducting a weeklong public awareness campaign to help passengers identify unsafe vessels, ask the right questions and report suspected violations.
The campaign will continue through Labor Day weekend.
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