$100k USCG fine for illegal charter on pontoon boat

[Adelie]

For those that think about offering charters, the fines can be pretty steep for licensure and inspection violations.

https://gcaptain.com/florida-mariner...legal-charter/

[Jamme]

Thanks for sharing. Seems as the captain was a repeat offender.

[CSY Man]

Glad the CG is cracking down, gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

[Celestialsailor]

"Boarded multiple times"...some people never learn!

[Bobby Lex]

I wonder what the odds are that the fine (or any portion of it) will ever actually get paid. The article calls it a "Civil Penalty" so there's no threat of jail/incarceration.

I'm thinking this is more of a "sending-a-message" to the public situation. Personally, I'm glad they did it, based on this guy's history.

Bob

[Sailor Sailor]

Originally Posted by Bobby Lex

I wonder what the odds are that the fine (or any portion of it) will ever actually get paid.

Uncle Sam has a Treasury Offset Program. If you owe the Feds or your state money, what you owe will be offset against what you may be entitled to from the government.

Example: you owe the U.S. Coast Guard $98K+, the U.S. govt. owes you Social Security. You only get 75% of the Social Security benefits you would otherwise receive until your debt to the U.S. is paid. You are entitled to a federal income tax refund - you will not get any of it; it will be applied to the debt you owe.

[fstbttms]

I didn't even have to read the article to know it was in Florida. This kind of illegal charter stuff is an everyday occurrence there.