The Coast Guard advises that tourists attending the Chincoteague Pony Swim on July 29 should avoid chartering boats without licensed captains inspected by the Coast Guard.
Sector Hampton Roads personnel will be aggressively enforcing federal regulations intended to ensure the safety of the public during this event. Boat crews will board boats and cite charters that do not have licensed captains or are carrying more than six passengers without the required Certificate of Inspection.
The Coast Guard advises tourists to ask the boat’s captain to show his or her original Coast Guard license. The boat is required to be inspected by the Coast Guard if it carries more than six passengers and the certificate should be displayed in an area accessible to passengers.
Charter boats are not required by federal law to carry insurance. Passengers should ask whether the boat is insured as a passenger vessel. If not, passengers may be unable to pursue a claim if they are injured while aboard.
The Coast Guard is reaching out to the owners of vessels that are advertising trips for the Pony Swim to ensure they operate legally. If an owner operates illegally, the Coast Guard will seek maximum penalties. Vessel owners and operators can receive civil penalties up to $1,100 for a first violation. The Coast Guard can initiate action seeking to suspend or revoke the license of a Coast Guard licensed captain who carries more than six passengers.
Petty Officer 1st Class Gregg Pescuma, operations officer for Station Chincoteague, also advises, "When leaving the Pony Swim area, be aware of kayaks, inflatable rafts, other boating traffic and people viewing from the water. The Coast Guard and Virginia Marine Police will be enforcing a slow speed zone."
Having lived on the shore all my life I have never seen the Pony Swim even though I would love to. However, the mass of tourists makes it impossible almost.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this means that those that personally own boats can't charge a few to "come on board" to watch? I am sure the Coast Guard and Chincoteague have the right idea and everyones safety in mind.
If you can't get to the pony swim try to get to the Chincoteague Firemans Carnival that night to see the ponies penned there.
I was able to see the firstborn last year just a few hours after it was born. To observe these wild horses is amazing.
yes that's what it means.
ReplyDeleteIf you charge 'anything' for a ride on a boat it's illegal if you are not a licensed capt.
I've lived here my whole life also and never seen the swim.