Charleston Faces a Surge in Illegal Charter Boats as Safety Risks Rise

Charleston Faces a Surge in Illegal Charter Boats

In sunny Charleston, South Carolina, local waters have become a battleground for safety as illegally operated charter boats are on the rise. This troubling trend is creating both financial strain for legitimate charter companies and raising serious concerns about the safety of passengers.

Safety Risks on the Water

According to Lt. Com. Jennifer Simpson, a Senior Investigating Officer for Coast Guard Sector Charleston, the safety risks involved are pretty straightforward. She likened the situation to getting into a car with a rideshare driver who doesn’t have a valid driver’s license, or boarding a plane without a certified pilot. Similarly, she pointed out, hopping aboard a commercial passenger vessel that hasn’t been inspected can be just as dangerous.

One of the alarming aspects of this issue is that a person can rent or operate a charter boat in South Carolina without ever going through a Coast Guard inspection. This loophole arises from private agreements between boat owners and renters, which can skirt various safety regulations. Yet, what puts these charters in the illegal realm is when they break the Passenger Vessel Safety Act and Coast Guard guidelines just to make a quick buck.

The Role of Technology

With the advent of smartphone apps and websites that allow anyone to list their boats for charter, the problem is getting worse. Lt. Com. Simpson noted that some of these vessels lack the essential safety features, crews, and even insurance coverage that passengers would expect.

“Illegal charters pose a serious safety concern,” she stated. “These vessels are not necessarily built or equipped to carry paying passengers, and they may be overloaded to increase profits.” Additionally, operators might not even have the credentials or training needed to ensure passenger safety.

The Growing Problem in Charleston

This year alone, the Coast Guard has put a stop to seven illegal charters in South Carolina, with five of those occurring right in Charleston—an increase of over double from last year. Local charter boat companies are feeling the heat more than ever.

Voices from the Local Industry

Shaun Laursen, the owner of Charleston Party Cat, has seen firsthand how these illegal operations are affecting legitimate businesses. Having run his charter for the last six years, he expressed surprise that illegal charters have become such a significant issue. “We have to be inspected by the Coast Guard and followed federal regulations,” Laursen said, adding that he’s seen several of his competitors close down due to the online market’s influence.

Laursen warns that for those who don’t thoroughly vet who they’re chartering from, the consequences could be dire. “You are now legally liable if an accident happens,” he explained. “If they don’t have insurance and it’s not a Coast Guard inspected vessel, there’s no coverage.” This could leave families in dire situations without the necessary financial support for medical emergencies.

Taking Action and Raising Awareness

While the Coast Guard doesn’t control the apps or websites that allow these illegal charters, they do have authority over the boat operators and captains. Violating Coast Guard regulations can lead to serious consequences, ranging from penalties to criminal charges.

Lt. Com. Simpson encourages passengers to be proactive. “They should be aware of the safety and credentialing requirements for those vessels,” she said. Passengers should feel free to ask for the captain’s Coast Guard-issued Merchant Mariner Credential to ensure it’s valid for the type of boating experience they’re paying for.

Regulatory Changes on the Horizon

To tackle this issue head-on, Laursen is in discussions with state leaders to push for stricter laws that would protect both locals and visitors. “A few small regulation changes will help save a lot of people’s lives and keep them safe on the water,” he emphasized.

How to Report Illegal Charters

If you suspect that a charter boat is operating illegally or unsafely, it’s crucial to report it. The Coast Guard Charleston encourages the public to contact the Sector Charleston Command Center at 843-740-7050 or submit an anonymous tip via their email at CGISTips@uscg.mil.

As Charleston continues to grow as a destination, the community must stay informed and vigilant to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience for everyone.