USCG to monitor illegal charters during San Sebastián Street Festival
The U.S. Coast Guard, along with federal and local law enforcement agencies, will increase maritime patrols in San Juan Harbor during the San Sebastián Street Festival from Jan. 15 to 18 to deter illegal passenger-for-hire vessel operations.
Authorities said only captains licensed by the Coast Guard may transport passengers for hire and only aboard vessels that carry the required safety equipment. Operators who carry passengers without proper credentials “may face termination of their voyage” and fines ranging from $500 to $117,608, the Coast Guard said.
“With crowd projections for the San Sebastián Street Festival estimated this year at over one million people, we anticipate a higher volume of recreational and commercial maritime activity in San Juan Harbor,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. “We are working in close communication and collaboration with city, state and federal law enforcement authorities to do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone.”
Romano urged people traveling to the festival by boat to verify that operators can present valid captain and vessel credentials.
“For more information on illegal charters, click on the video link to learn about what to ask the captain,” the Coast Guard wrote in a press release.
“Illegal passenger vessel operators represent a risk to maritime vessels and passenger safety, so it is of vital importance we raise awareness to avoid any incidents that could threaten people’s safety in the water and ruin their festival experience,” he said.
People attending the festival are encouraged to use the public ferry system and other organized transportation options announced by event organizers and the Municipality of San Juan.
The Coast Guard also reminded boaters that owners and operators are responsible for the safe operation of recreational vessels and must carry all required safety equipment and documentation.
Operating a recreational vessel under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more is illegal and may result in “termination of their voyage, fines and up to three years in prison,” the Coast Guard said. Commercial vessel operators with a blood alcohol level of 0.04% or higher may lose their captain’s license.
Agencies participating in the enforcement effort include Coast Guard Station San Juan; Coast Guard Sector San Juan Prevention and Response; Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine; the Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action; the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources; and the San Juan Maritime Municipal Police.
The Coast Guard said its Sector San Juan command center will maintain continuous operations and coordinate enforcement throughout the festival. Suspected illegal passenger-for-hire activity can be reported to the Coast Guard Sector San Juan Command Center at 787-289-2041.
