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The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry crew patrols off the coast of Maui during Operation Kohola Guardian in January 2018. The Coast Guard and law enforcement partners are launching Operation Kapena Kohole this month targeting illegal boat charters. U.S. COAST GUARD photo

Law enforcement agencies are launching an operation targeting illegal boat charters within Hawaiian waters throughout the month of September.

Operation Kapena Kohole is a joint effort of the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement partners and aims to “target and prevent recent cases of sea turtle, monk seal and dolphin harassment reported from beachgoers and waterborne tours,” Chief Warrant Officer Omar Perez, Sector Honolulu’s command security officer, said in a news release Wednesday.

Harbors and marinas throughout the state house a large commercial charter boat fleet. Within these legitimate operators, illegal charters disguise themselves as alternatives for hire, the Coast Guard said. Not possessing proper merchant mariner credentials or operating vessels not properly outfitted for commercial use poses significant risk to public safety and significant impact to the local economy, especially in a state where tourism is the dominant economic driver.

Boat operators who want to legally run charters must have appropriate credentials showing that they have met certain proficiency requirements in navigation, seamanship and rules for steering and sailing.

“Passengers should refrain from employing charters and tours from captains who do not advertise Coast Guard certification or possess valid merchant mariner credentials,” said Perez. “The credentials must be present at all times on all voyages; the dangers from engaging with unlicensed captains can be life threatening.”

The Coast Guard urges anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel to verify that their captain has a safety plan and that their merchant mariner credentials are up to date. For larger charter boats, or those with more than six passengers, ask for a Coast Guard-issued certificate of inspection.

Charter vessels must have a sufficient number of personal flotation devices and other required life-saving equipment onboard at all times for all passengers and crew. If the operator cannot produce appropriate credentials or equipment, passengers should not get on the boat.

Owners and operators of illegal charter boats can face up to $27,500 in fines, the Coast Guard said.

To report an alleged illegal charter operation, contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2603 or scchonolulu@uscg.mil.

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