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Businesses With Ties To Charter Boats Warned To Vet Skippers

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 8, 2008

CLEARWATER - The Coast Guard is advising hotels and other businesses to make sure the captains of any charter boats the businesses sponsor are properly licensed.

Today's advisory came after the Coast Guard boarded a 32-foot sailboat carrying paying passengers on a dinner cruise on May 1. The operator of Almost Heaven III was charged with five offenses, including not providing passengers emergency instructions before the vessel set sail.

An investigation by the Coast Guard revealed that Gulfside Adventures, the company that sells tickets to the cruises on Almost Heaven III, was operating out of a Clearwater hotel.

In addition to failing to give emergency instructions, the operator of the boat did not have the license a captain needs to take passengers on a dinner cruise, the Coast Guard said.

The operator also was cited for not enrolling in a chemical testing program and for negligent operation of the vessel, the Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard said it issued a $3,200 citation.

Captains who transport passengers must have additional safety equipment onboard and need a merchant marine license. To get the license, a person must demonstrate fundamental seamanship, undergo a criminal background check, pass a health exam and participate in a drug and alcohol testing program.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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