Holiday Parade Warnings from the Coast Guard.

Risks include illegal charters, overloaded vessels, Christmas lights

(11/8/2011)

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard: (SAN PEDRO, Calif.) -- With the holiday boat parade season upon us, the Coast Guard wants to remind boaters and observers of certain safety pointers. General safety hazards for ALL boat operations: Illegal charters Overloaded or unsafe electrical systems due to Christmas lights Too many passengers affect stability of vessels – ensure compliance with maximum capacity Recreational boats cannot charge passengers to board their vessels – illegal, resulting in fines 5 knot speed limit strictly enforced during all boat parades Spot checks may be conducted on certified T-Boats: Adequate number of lifejackets Merchant Mariner licenses onboard Adequate number of crewmembers Compliance with vessel security plans Just like in past years, Coast Guard marine inspectors will be conducting additional inspections of vessels involved in the parades and evening trips.