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Press Release | Aug. 22, 2026

Coast Guard Warns the Public About Illegal Charter Operations

The Coast Guard is warning the boating public about the life-threatening risks and legal consequences of illegal charter operations throughout the Northeast District. 

A suspected illegal charter operation is a passenger-for-hire operation that does not comply with applicable federal requirements. Dependent on the vessel and operation, this may include operating without a properly credentialed captain, carrying more passengers than authorized, operating without a required Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI), failing to meet drug and alcohol testing requirements, or lacking required safety equipment.

Illegal passenger-for-hire operations can put passengers at risk by bypassing safety, credentialing and inspection requirements designed to protect people on the water.

“The Coast Guard’s priority is protecting the public and supporting safe passenger-for-hire operations on America’s waterways. Before paying for or boarding a charter, passengers should ask to see the captain’s Coast Guard credential and confirm the vessel is authorized to carry their group. Do not board a vessel that appears unsafe or illegal and report suspected illegal charter activity through established Coast Guard channels,” said Rear Adm. Matt Lake, the commander of the Northeast District.

Illegal charter operations continue to pose a risk to public safety by operating outside established Coast Guard safety, credentialing, inspection, and passenger-for-hire requirements.

Passengers should make informed decisions before they book or board. Anyone paying for a boat trip should ask to see the operator’s valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. For vessels carrying more than six passengers for hire, passengers should also ask whether the vessel has a valid Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection. If an operator cannot provide appropriate documentation or clearly explain the arrangement, passengers should reconsider the trip.

Anyone with information regarding illegal charter operations is encouraged to contact your local Coast Guard sector:

Northern New England (207) 228-9268

Boston (857) 416-3006

Southeastern New England (866) 819-9128

Long Island Sound (203) 468-4481

New York (718) 354-4160

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is launching a 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS), which will provide detailed estimates in every state of how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they go boating.

The survey supports national safety and law enforcement programs by improving boating safety, according to the organization. The Coast Guard has regularly conducted the survey since 1973, and it was last conducted in 2018.

Notice: Changes to the USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists
The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center announces upcoming changes to the Local Notice
to Mariners (LNM) and the Light List, as part of our efforts to modernize and improve the
accessibility, accuracy, and overall user experience for mariners and other stakeholders

A Maine Boater Education Course Certificate is now required to operate motor boats on all waters that come under Maine's jurisdiction including coastal waters. This requirement will apply to person born on or after 1 January 1999.

F or for 12 short cut QR codes for Online Resources for Boaters that you can print out and use for items listed on the page. QR code are for items like Federal, State, Tides, Weather, and other organizations.

Coast Guard Warns the Public About Illegal Charter Operations

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