Vice president of the new Tampa Bay Passenger Vessel Association Corey Hubbard leads the group's first open meeting to new and prospective members. (SARA DINATALE | Times)

Mauricio Alvarez first met the Coast Guard when officers wrote him a citation aboard the luxury mega yacht Miami Vice. He didn’t have the captain’s license he needed to man the 91-foot vessel for a group of paying customers. Yet, just three weeks later on April 1, the 49-year-old captained another charter with seven people.

He had no formal training, he later admitted to investigators. So, before powering on the boat motor after some of the group took a swim, Alvarez didn’t think to check if everyone was back on board. He turned on the engine and backed up the massive boat.The propeller sucked up a passenger, the water below the boat turning a deep red.

It’s been just over a year since another boating fatality and allegations of a negligent captain triggered outrage — a Tampa Bay charter boat employee and student from China died after jumping into Gulf waters from over-packed charter the Jaguar. But area operators say the problem hasn’t improved.

Murky Waters: Chartering the wrong boat can have tragic consequences

Frustrated and worried more lives could be lost in boat casualties, they’ve created a coalition to fight against illegal operations and push for stricter penalties against violators. The latest Florida death just enforced their existing fears.
"Illegal charters… hurt our industry and now they’re hurting people," said Corey Hubbard, the group’s vice president and business developer at Hubbard’s Marina on Madeira Beach.

"People are literally dying out on the water (and) consumers don’t know the difference between legal and illegal charters, which endangers tourism, the lifeblood of our region," she said.

Members of the new Tampa Bay Passenger Vessel Association may spend thousands of dollars keeping their boats up to code, but they share waters with operators who don’t.

Even with heightened awareness following the deaths, local operators and Coast Guard investigators are still seeing boats that have too many passengers, no licensed captains and/or have never been inspected by the Coast Guard.
•••
On a weekday morning last month, the Coast Guard’s Sector St. Petersburg held an "industry day" in an auxiliary office on Gandy Boulevard in Tampa. A crowd of three dozen — owners, operators and crew members — packed inside, as officers, inspectors and advocates went over common missteps and problems.

"What happens when there is a casualty on an illegal charter boat?" Eric Christensen, a retired Coast Guard captain and spokesman for the national Passenger Vessel Association, asked the crowd. "Does the headline necessarily say ‘illegal’?"

Some in the crowd chuckled; others sneered. Legitimate operators say customers see "death" and "charter boat" and assume they’re all dangerous. "It doesn’t bode well for our industry," he said.

The average consumer doesn’t ask to see a captain’s license or know that a boat must have proof it has been inspected if it has six or more passengers.

Christensen, whose Virginia-based group is not affiliated with the budding Tampa Bay vessel association, has traveled to a couple dozen such industry days at different sectors across the country. Illegal charters are always a hot topic.
•••
Operators fighting against illegal charters point to a sting last summer in Chicago as a success story. The Coast Guard there partnered with Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

They boarded 39 boats and wrote 22 citations for illegal operations over a two-week span. The accompanying state officers issued 14 misdemeanors, including charges of obstruction of justice.

The Coast Guard took the extra step of putting cited vessels under "Captain of the Port Orders," which could turn fines into felony charges and possible jail time if violators were caught continuing to operate illegally.

The civil penalties — usually just a few thousand dollars — are often written off as the cost of doing business. It’s jail time that makes illegal boaters listen, Christensen said.

"The Miami Coast Guard did board the Miami Vice, and it was illegal," he said at the meeting. "And they still kept operating until they killed someone." Alvarez, the Miami Vice operator, was indicted on charges of negligence last month for the death of 25-year-old Raul Menendez.

The Jaguar deaths are still under investigation.

Read more: Lawsuit claims charter boat captain was improperly licensed, negligent at time of two deaths near St. Pete Beach
•••
At their first meeting last week about a dozen captains and charter company owners — all new or prospective members of the local vessel association — gathered on a docked yacht at Clearwater Marina.

They discussed letters they were preparing to send state officials and brainstormed ways to assist the Coast Guard.
They want an operation similar to the one done in Chicago. They want repeat offenders to face more than cash fines.
"There has to be a united law enforcement operation," Hubbard said to the group, as she suggested the new coalition could help foster those relationships.

Already, Coast Guard officers have trained members of the Pinellas Sheriff Office’s marine unit on spotting illegal charters. Twice in the last six months, a deputy found illegal charters he was able to pass on to Coast Guard investigators.

"When it comes down to people, associations, coalitions or whoever wants to work with the Coast Guard, and have ideas floated, we’re always interested," said local Coast Guard investigator Lt. Nate Herring.

Ultimately, he said, it would be up to sector commander Capt. Holly Najarian to issue orders for stiffer penalties like those in Chicago. "It’s definitely not off the table," Herring said.
•••
But Tampa Bay has challenges Chicago doesn’t face — more boaters, a massive coast line without a major choke point and a year-around season.

Marc Redshaw, a former Coast Guard inspector who’s working with the new Tampa Bay association, said the Coast Guard alone doesn’t have enough resources to handle the problem. Since he retired in 2000 and began his own inspection business, the number of vessels in the area has exploded without a matching increase in inspectors.

"At a boots-on-the-ground level, they’re trying their best," Redshaw said of the local Coast Guard. "A lot of the guys are putting in extra hours; there’s really no off duty for them. "They just can’t be everywhere at once."

Contact Sara DiNatale at sdinatale@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8862. Follow @sara_dinatale

 URL: http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/After-another-death-in-Florida-waters-local-charter-boat-industry-creates-coalition_168021486

For more information on the Tampa Bay Passenger Vessel Association, please visit: tbpva.com

​M/Y Smooth C's underwent its annual USCG Inspection and Man Overboard Drill on July 6, as required for Small Passenger Vessels by the US Code of Federal Regulations.  

During a USCG onboard inspection, the inspector checks all vessel logs, which include safety/training, maintenance, emergency procedures, cruise/radio logs, charts, and official documents. Additionally, they verify all operators licenses, permits, first aid certifications, and compliance with an active drug consortium. The inspection also checks all PFD/life jackets/devices, fire extinguishers/fire suppression systems, bilges, thru-hull fittings, engines, generators, fuel tanks, waste systems, radio/PA, required safety lights, system alarms, and tests emergency shut-off and fire procedures. 

During the Man Overboard Rescue drill, a life jacket is thrown overboard to simulate a passenger falling off the vessel. The captain and mate must work together to safely retrieve the victim and coordinate further care. Knowing what to do when a passenger goes overboard may be the difference between life and death. After calling "Man Overboard" the mate must shout the position and distance of the victim, relative to the vessel, and request that the Coast Guard be notified. The mate then dons a PFD and tethers himself to the vessel in order to retrieve the victim. Depending on the severity of the injury, the mate will either stay with the victim on the swim platform or bring the victim up on the deck for continued care. 

The annual onboard inspection by the USCG for a vessel our size usually takes 2-3 hours. These inspections are much different than the CG Auxiliary vessel checks that recreational and charter vessels limited to 6 passengers undergo. As a reminder, any vessel carrying more than 6 passengers for hire MUST have a COI (Certificate of Inspection). Learn more: ​USCG Charter Passenger for Hire and Charter Vessel Operations >

Tampa Bay Yacht Charter, which offers private yacht charters throughout the Tampa Bay and Gulf Coast area aboard USCG Inspected and Certified vessels, has been recognized with a 2017 Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor. This award is based on consistently great reviews from charters guests: “An experience I will never forget", "Awesome service and vessel", and "Ultimate guest experience" are just a few of the ways guests have described their experience aboard the Smooth C's yacht. 

Captain Laura Lothridge, company president, states that it is important for people considering a yacht charter to be aware of the USCG Federal Regulations. Vessels carrying more than 6 passengers for hire must have a Certificate of Inspection (COI) in order to operate. Vessels with a COI are regularly inspected by the Coast Guard to ensure all safety equipment and training of the Captain and crew are monitored. The design of the boat itself is maximized for safety and stability and must pass annual inspections, in and out of the water. Chartering an inspected vessel ensures that passenger safety and crew training are paramount to the overall experience. 

Tampa Bay Yacht Charter is located in downtown St Petersburg and offers relocation throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. We're also pleased to offer charter service to guests staying at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort, Marriott Waterside Tampa, Sandpearl Resort, and the Longboat Key Club. 

The U.S. Coast Guard has reached out to marinas and event coordinators using vessels as event reception facilities during the SOFIC event in Tampa, May 15-18, 2017. If you're renting or chartering a vessel during this time (or anytime), know that "once the passenger count on a bareboat charter exceeds 12, the vessel is considered an inspected passenger vessel and is required to have a valid Coast Guard COI. The passenger limitation applies whether the vessel is moored or underway and means that vessels chartered as event reception facilities may not have more than 12 passengers on board at any time."  - USCG Sector St Petersburg letter 4/14/17​
NOTE: Tampa Bay Yacht Charter only offers charters aboard USCG Inspected small passenger vessels with a valid COI (Certificate of Inspection). We do not offer bareboat or demise charters.

Enjoy the Firestone Grand Prix races in St Petersburg, Florida in the Lap of Luxury! By anchoring in the Firestone Grand Prix Yacht Club St. Petersburg, an exclusive, members only area, located on private floating docks at Turns 10 & 11, you and your guests will experience unprecedented access to the event! Please contact us for more information on our yacht charters in St Petersburg and Tampa. 
Read the full article here: Tampa Bay METRO Magazine Digital Edition: Vol. 16 | No. 2

Have you ever considered renting a yacht for a social or corporate event? Read these "5 Important Things to Know Before Chartering a Vessel" and it'll be smooth sailing! 

The United States Coast Guard regulates charter boat operations. Although many charter companies operate legally, there are a handful who do not. Whether they don't know the rules or choose to ignore them, we don't know; however we suspect the latter. After all, who goes into business without knowing the rules/regulations of the industry in which they operate? 

Here are 5 important things to know before chartering a vessel:

1. Vessels carrying at least one passenger for hire but no more than six passengers require at minimum, a Coast Guard credentialed operator who holds a valid endorsement as an “Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV)."
2. Vessels carrying more than six passengers with at least one passenger for hire require a Coast Guard credentialed (licensed) Master.  The vessel must also be inspected by the Coast Guard, with the vessel’s Certificate of Inspection posted in a location visible to passengers.
3. Ask the charter operator for a copy of the COI (Certificate of Inspection) for that particular vessel. This is an official document issued yearly by the USCG which states how many passengers the vessel is licensed to carry,how many crew are required, and the waters in which they may operate. 
4. A "Safety Check" is NOT the same as a COI. 
5. If the charter company cannot furnish a COI and suggests a bareboat or demise charter agreement, beware! Some operators believe this to be a "work-around" for groups of more than six (6) passengers. It's not; it's illegal and puts the charterer (you) at risk legally and financially - not to mention the safety of you and your guests may be compromised! 

​
​Illegal passenger vessels pose a number of safety risks to passengers including:

• Captain and crew may lack necessary training & experience
• Inadequate or lack of drills, exercises, or passenger safety briefings
• A lack of required pre-employment and random drug testing program for crew members
• Insufficient lifesaving or firefighting equipment
• Substandard hull construction, stability, machinery, electrical, safety railings and navigational equipment.

In addition to the noted safety concerns, illegal passenger vessel operations adversely impact the livelihood of legitimate commercial passenger vessel owners that comply with all regulatory standards to conduct such operations.  The Coast Guard will pursue enforcement action against vessel owners, operators and credentialed mariners who are found operating an illegal passenger vessel in violation of the U.S. Code and the Code of Federal Regulations.  

Operating an illegal passenger vessel often violates several regulations and statutes potentially resulting in civil penalties in excess of $35,000 depending on the severity and violation.

If you would like to check on a vessel or report illegal operations, please contact the United States Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg: 813-228-2191.

Whether you're planning a unique corporate event or a special social event, we've found that working with ExecChef is your best bet! Before we recommend a caterer, we want to know that their food and presentation is something that will enhance their event with us. ExecChef not only met our expectations, they exceeded them and have received rave review from all of our clients who've chosen them to cater their event with Tampa Bay Yacht Charter. Please click here to view their sample menus. ExecChef: 727-798-1246

Are you looking for an effective way to celebrate a job well done? It's no secret that a happy employee is a motivated employee! Make your team feel appreciated and foster team spirit with a unique and fun outing aboard the Smooth C's on Tampa Bay. 

Whether you're a small company or a part of a larger organization, one thing is certain ~ your employees will thank you for booking your outing with us! 

Check out this recent review from a local company: 

"We had a fantastic time. In fact, some said this was the best outing we’ve had since we started them about 2 yrs ago. I’ll keep your number and email, because a few of us suggested that we consider Smooth Cs again for another trip.By the way, (Captain) Ben and (Mate) Chris were great and made sure everything went off without a hitch. They even called in a few favors and had some dolphins show up for us, lol."

Escape the office for an afternoon or evening charter aboard the Smooth C's. Tampa Bay Yacht Charter is the perfect choice for client entertainment, employee incentive outings or a simple staff appreciation picnic on the water. As a reward or employee incentive, this is a truly memorable experience!

What are some of the benefits to taking your business on the bay? 

You have a captive audience. They aren't going anywhere so you can use the full time to network. They’ll have to listen to you…unless they’re bold enough to jump ship.

It’s relaxing. There’s a reason why people vacation by the water. It may not be Tahiti, but a trip along Tampa Bay is a great alternative.

People will be excited. Give people something to look forward to. They’ll enjoy spending time outdoors and relaxing.

Contact us today to begin planning your perfect outing! Sales@TampaBayYachtCharter.com 

Why you should care whether or not a vessel you're chartering is Coast Guard Certified. This is a great post by our friend, Captain Dan Peretz, President of Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center in St. Pete Beach. 

People who charter yachts on Tampa Bay may be putting themselves and their guests at risk. Local charter boat operators are warning the public about potential liabilities with uninspected and/or unlicensed charter boats.

St. Pete Beach, FL, January 17, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Local charter boat operators warn public about risks of private vessels offered for charter.

With several major events upcoming in the Tampa Bay area including the Super Bowl, the Gasparilla Festival and the SEC Men’s Basketball Championship, local professional charter boat operators are issuing a warning to visitors looking to charter boats for excursions on Tampa Bay’s numerous waterways: Beware of private-boats-turned-charter-boats which might not be in compliance with commercial chartering requirements. Additionally, would-be charterers should also avoid charter boats whose owners/skippers lack the proper U.S. Coast Guard licenses to operate “for hire”, or ones that utilize a ‘Non-Commercial’ facility.

“There are real safety issues involved in this situation,” says Captain Dan Peretz, owner of Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center in St. Pete Beach. Peretz, a charter boat industry veteran who’s been in business for more than 36 years, observed that the issues involve the mechanical and structural integrity of private-turned commercial boats, the quantity and quality of safety equipment on board and the experience of the crew. Peretz’ boats are rigorously inspected annually by Coast Guard inspectors and carry certifications regarding their equipment, stability and passenger capacities. Every passenger-carrying boat operating “for hire” is required to be under the command of a USCG-licensed captain.

Not every charter vessel needs to be Coast Guard inspected, however. The Coast Guard allows any vessel to operate on an uninspected basis, but they are limited to a maximum of 6 passengers. Additionally, the operators of uninspected charter boats are still required to have a valid Coast Guard-issued “captain’s” license. Such vessels must also meet the minimum Federal requirements for onboard safety equipment such as personal floatation devices (life jackets), flares, horns/bells, and fire extinguishers.

The Coast Guard, under its authority of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 46, Sub-Chapter “T,” classifies charter boats in two categories: “Inspected Vessels” and “Uninspected Vessels.” Inspected vessels undergo a thorough yearly inspection, carry extra safety gear and are subject to requirements for conducting regular safety drills and random drug testing for the crew. Uninspected passenger vessels operate without regular inspections or training requirements. Inspected vessels operate primarily as commercial/charter vessels and, thus, maintain a higher standard of regular maintenance, crew training/experience and safety systems than most private yachts.

Of particular concern to local charter operators is the use of “bareboat/demise charter” contracts. Their concern stems from the fact that visitors signing a demise agreement may not fully understand their responsibilities and liabilities under this type of contract. Specifically, under a demise contract, the charter assumes almost full responsibility and substantial liability for the operation of the vessel. Frequently, these responsibilities and potential liabilities are not explained to the potential charterer, who remains “on the hook” despite their lack of knowledge. An additional factor is that the “private-turned-commercial” boat’s insurance may not cover it for charter service, which could, again, leave the charter extremely vulnerable in the event of an accident.

Unless a vessel is Coast Guard Inspected and Certified, it may only carry 6 passengers, no matter the size of the vessel. In the event of a ‘Bareboat Demise Charter Contract’, the limit is 12 passengers. Per the Coast Guard, there are many stringent aspects of an acceptable ‘Bareboat Demise Contract’, some of which are very difficult to accomplish. Briefly, they are:

a.) The charter takes complete possession of the vessel, operating it as if it were their own.
b.) The charterer becomes the owner for most legal purposes, such as the vessel’s seaworthiness.
c.) Assumes nearly total liability for the vessel’s operation.
d.) Charter must provide a qualified Captain/crew
e.) Responsibility for pollution clean-up, and any other liability normally flowing to a vessel owner.
f.)  Guest may NOT pay individually or contribute by ‘paying for gas’, bringing food, etc.

The most important distinction is personal liability when entering into a ‘Bareboat Demise Contract’.

An additional chartering consideration is that a yacht that does not get underway, i.e. remaining docked, is still subject to the Coast Guard’s passenger limitations. According to LT Matt Dooris, Senior Investigating Officer for Sector St. Petersburg in Tampa, a vessel may be required to be USCG-certified if the vessel carries more than 6 passengers-for-hire, even if it remains docked. Certain exemptions may apply, including the exception under a “bareboat” contract where the passenger limit is 12 persons. To determine what safety regulations your vessel needs to meet, or to schedule a USCG inspection, please call Sector St. Petersburg’s Inspections Division at 813-228-2191 Ext. 8131.