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UPDATE! Passengers – Too Many Can Make Your Luxury Yacht Charter Illegal

UPDATE

Updated:  November 18, 2019.  Questions arose after the release of this blog post.

QUESTION 1

First, someone asked if children are considered *passengers.”
Answer:  Yes, they are considered passengers. Many charteryachts will create special pricing for babies and toddlers.  We will work with the owner, management company, or agent to get the best possible rate for you.  Remember, babies and toddlers are legally considered members of the passenger manifest.  They DO count toward your guest count.

QUESTION 2

Second, someone asked if the crew members are part of the “12 guest count.”
Answer:  Not usually.  Yes, there are some yachts whose crewmembers are a part of the guest count (for example, a captain).  For the most part, however, the crew number does NOT factor into the guest count.

 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT LEGALITY AND YACHT CHARTER?

If you have any other questions, please contact us, and we will answer them right away.  Contact us here at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

= = = = =

SO THIS HAPPENED…

On August 19, US Coast Guard officers in Miami board 147 foot M/Y Golden Touch II.   They terminat the luxury yacht day charter for multiple safety violations. The owner and captain of the yacht face civil penalties. The penalities are up to $41,456 for the violations.

Aerial photograph of motoryacht Golden Touch II. Red hull and white superstructure with red satellites on top of yacht.

 

AS THE COAST GUARD VISITS THE YACHT

Upon boarding, the officers count 47 passengers.  They cite the captain for carrying more paying passengers than the vessel is certified to have onboard, which is 12.  Other violations includ the lack of a valid certificate of inspection.  Others include failure to have a drug and alcohol program for the crew,  as well as the lack of a valid stability letter.

 

THE COAST GUARD REPORTS

“Tragically, people have lost their lives on illegal charters, as was seen in the case of the vessel Jaguar in the Tampa Bay area and in the case of the Miami Vice yacht in Miami,” said USCG Capt. Ladonn Allen, of the 7th District prevention department. “The unsafe atmospheres that these types of companies and unlicensed captains, who knowingly engage in illegal activity, create on their boats show a complete disregard for passenger safety and have been responsible for multiple deaths in Florida alone.  We cannot stress enough to anyone looking to charter a boat to verify the captain’s license and safety of the vessel.”

Photo of US Coast Guard boat on Biscayne Bay with Miami Florida skyline in background. Sunny day.

 

 

164ft Yacht Amarula Sun – Loaded with Watertoys for Active Travelers

THEN HOW MANY GUESTS IS LEGAL?

So how many passengers can a yacht legally carry?  The answer can vary and depends upon many variables. For example, the type of certification the yacht holds and the type of license the captain possesses.

 

WHAT IS THE MAIN RULE?

As a general rule, most yachts for hire are restricted to 12 passengers, and require special certification to transport more than 12 guests.  

 

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF WHEN CHARTERING A YACHT?

First, make sure the boat you hire is operating legally.  Retain the services of a professional yacht charter broker.   A charter professional is numerous things.  For instance, someone who knows the rules, has experience, and can determine which yacht and crew is right for you.

 

WHAT IF I KNOW  THE CAPTAIN, PERSONALLY?

We realize it can be tempting to “go direct” and cut out the charter broker. The broker is essentially a middle-man/woman. He/she works for you and earns a commission for arranging your yacht charter, like Hertz or Avis, in renting a car.

 

WHAT PROBLEMS COULD I HAVE GOING DIRECT?

The possible savings of going direct are not what you might expect.  Many yacht owners set a rate that does not change.  The rate is firm, even if a yacht charter broker is involved.  Most yacht charters pay commissions to the brokers from the rate paid on the boat.  The charter fee is NOT “marked up” by ethical and reputable brokers, unlike going direct. Our company also rewards referrals for yacht charters presented to us.

 

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER TODAY?

In conclusion, protect yourself and go with professionals who know and obey the rules of chartering. Your safety, satisfaction, and memorable experience are of utmost importance to us.  To book your private luxury yacht charter vacation now, contact us today via whatsApp or text to 305-720-7245.

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged , , , , , , ,

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About Jana Sheeder

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters. Providing The Superyacht Experience(R) since 1976. Private luxury yacht charter vacations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, South Pacific, South Florida, Miami and The Keys, Italian Rivera, Belize. Megayacht charter company focused on generosity, Pay it Forward, Random Acts of Kindness, Giftivism, giving back to the ocean, to the needy, and the environment with every superyachting charter. Providing eco-friendly alternatives while on yacht charters and known for 6-star customer service, experience, and generosity. One of the original yacht charter companies.

  • Wile

    I really appreciate this post thank you for sharing these type of posts

    Reply ↓

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Thank you so very much, Wile! It is very important to us to give information and to make a difference with each blog post. So many people do not know the rules (including charter companies, unfortunately), so any educational info that we can share, the better! Keeping clients happy and rules unbroken!

      Thank you again for your thoughtful comment.

      Sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      The SailAway Group (1800sailaway.com, 1800yachtcharters.com, 1800bareboat.com)

      Reply ↓

  • Pingback: Raj P.

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hello, Raj!

      Yes, it’s a wonderful idea to own your own yacht, but if you ever want to charter anywhere that you don’t take your yacht, we would be honored to assist you in finding the perfect yacht and destination for your vacation.

      Very sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters
      Delivering the Superyacht Experience since 1976

      Reply ↓

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    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Ahoy, Mate!

      Thank you very much for the wonderful comment. We pride ourselves in staying on top of the rules and safety measures in the industry. Our clients are our priority, and keeping them safe, healthy, and having wonderful experiences is of utmost importance to us. We’ve been in the industry since 1976, so we’ve seen everything…

      Thank you again for making our day with your comment.

      Sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters
      Delivering The Superyacht Experience Since 1976

      Reply ↓

  • Pingback: C.R.

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hello, C.R.,

      We are so happy that you enjoy it. Please feel free to let us know about anything you’d like us to profile!

      Thank you again.

      Sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters
      Delivering the Superyacht Experience Since 1976.

      Reply ↓

  • Pingback: Javi T

  • Pingback: Caro

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Huge smile. Thank you, Caro! I’m so glad that you like it.

      Please let us know if you have any questions about yacht charters or would like us to focus on any specific topics for you.

      Thank you again!

      Sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters
      Delivering the Superyacht Experience Since 1976
      Recommended by Forbes as Best Private Cruise
      http://www.1800yachtcharters.com

      Reply ↓

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  • Pingback: Talia P.

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hi, Talia!

      Thank you so much for your comment. I’m glad that we could give you this information.

      There are many rules in yachting, so it’s critical to have someone who knows these things so that you have a perfect outing or vacation.

      Thanks again, Talia. If you have any questions about anything, feel free to reach out anytime!

      Sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder, President
      1-800 Yacht Charters
      http://www.1800yachtcharters.com
      Follow us on instagram @1800yachtcharters
      delivering the Superyacht Experience Since 1976

      Reply ↓

  • Pingback: Sarah L.

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hi, Sarah –

      Thank you so much for your comment. We look forward to seeing you.

      Sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters and The SailAway Group
      Delivering the Superyacht Experience Since 1976

      Reply ↓

  • Pingback: Lexie

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hello, Lexie!

      We are so happy that you like our site.

      Please let us know if you have any questions, suggestions, or if you want to see some specific content.

      Thank you again. You made our day!

      Sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters
      Delivering the Superyacht Experience Since 1976

      Reply ↓

  • Pingback: Terri P.

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  • Pingback: Gord S.

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hello, Gord!

      Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. That makes us so happy to read that.

      Have a great day.

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters
      Delivering The Superyacht Experience Since 1976

      Reply ↓

  • Pingback: Tammy P.

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hi, Tammy –

      Great comment! Please let us know if there are any other questions or subjects that you can think of about yachting. It is always good to have such important feedback so that we can provide education. Please feel free to email me personally, or to leave comments on the blog. So grateful to you!

      Thanks again,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters and The SailAway Group
      jsheeder@1800yachtcharters.com
      Delivering the Superyacht Experience Since 1976

      Reply ↓

  • Pingback: Sesile U.

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hello, Sesile!

      We are so happy that you have chosen a luxury yacht charter vacation! It’s an unforgettable experience, and one that you will surely repeat. The girls are going to be thrilled! What a great friend you are! Here’s to some incredible memories!!!

      Sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters
      Delivering The Superyacht Experience Since 1976

      Reply ↓

  • Pingback: Isladis

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hello, Isladis!

      What a beautiful name. Thank you for your comment! Enjoy the site!

      Sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters and The SailAway Group
      Delivering The Superyacht Experience Since 1976

      Reply ↓

  • Gregor

    I didn’t know that you need special certificate for carrying more than 12 guests. Well, I know now. Great post!

    Gregor

    Reply ↓

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hello, Gregor!

      I’m so happy that we could help to educate you about this. People don’t know these things, and they easily are put into bad positions by unscrupulous companies to whom the rules do not matter.

      Thank you for your wonderful comment! It’s comments like yours that motivate us to create more blogs with educational information.

      Sincerely,

      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President
      1-800 Yacht Charters
      Delivering The Superyacht Experience Since 1976

      Reply ↓

  • Pingback: Paulina

    • Jana Sheeder Post author

      Hello, Paulina!

      So wonderful to hear from you. Yes, it will be so nice to be back to a bit of normal life, I know. Your country has experienced horrible losses. I am so very sorry for that.

      Talk to you shortly!

      Hugs – please stay safe and healthy,
      Jana

      Jana L. Sheeder
      President and Co-owner
      1-800 Yacht Charters
      Delivering The Superyacht Experience(tm) Since 1976

      Reply ↓

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