ST. LOUIS – The Coast Guard terminated the voyage of two vessels violating small passenger laws and regulations in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, Friday and Saturday.
A Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River 29-foot Response Boat-Small law enforcement boatcrew conducted a boarding on the 50-foot yacht, The Shady Shack, with 24 passengers aboard in the vicinity of Gravois Arm, Lake of the Ozarks, on Friday. Additionally, the Coast Guard crew observed the 42-foot boat, The Play Pen, with 15 passengers aboard from the dock on Saturday. In both cases, the crews discovered the following violations:
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100A for not having a valid Certificate of Inspection.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 15.515B for not having a credentialed mariner in control while operating a small passenger vessel.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 16.201 for failure to have a drug and alcohol program.
- Violation of 46 C.F.R. 170.120 for failure to have a valid stability letter.
The owners and operators of The Shady Shack and Play Pen face maximum civil penalties, as much as $41, 546, for this illegal passenger-for-hire operation.
“Boating safety and legal chartering operations remain top Coast Guard priorities along our waterway system,” said Capt. Scott Stoermer, commander, Sector Upper Mississippi River. “Given the inherently elevated risks that come with the congestion along Lake of the Ozarks in summer months, continued education and law enforcement presence are important elements to best ensure an enjoyable time on the water is also a safe one.”
The investigations are ongoing.
