The U.S. Coast Guard Thursday urged Southland residents to check the credentials of charter boat operators in the Los Angeles and Long Beach areas.
“Vessels carrying passengers require a Coast Guard licensed or credentialed operator,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
“If carrying more than six passengers, the vessel must have a valid Certificate of Inspection issued by the Coast Guard, (which is) proof that the Coast Guard has verified the vessel meets specific minimum federal safety standards,” the agency said.
Vessels that don’t meet the standards pose safety concerns to the public and to the environment — and also adversely impact the livelihood of legitimate operators who do comply with federal regulations, the Coast Guard said.
“Many passengers book trips online with vessel operators,” the Coast Guard said.
“When reserving trips, prospective passengers are encouraged to ask the operator in advance for proof the vessel is compliant with Coast Guard requirements, (and) passengers may also request a vessel’s captain to show his or her valid Coast Guard license,” the agency said.
If passengers want to verify a captain’s license, the inspection status of a commercial passenger vessel, or report an illegal charter operation — or if vessel operators want more information on how to meet federal requirements — they should call the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach Command Center at (310) 521-3801.
— City News Service