Media Availability: Coast Guard, agency partners to discuss boating safety, illegal charters in Chicago

Editor’s Note: Media interested in attending are requested to RSVP no later than 5 p.m. Thursday by contacting Chief Warrant Officer Corinne Zilnicki at Corinne.L.Zilnicki@uscg.mil or (216) 571-5917.

WHO: Coast Guard Station Chicago, Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Chicago Harbor Safety Committee, Chicago Police Department Marine Unit, and Chicago Fire Department - Marine & Dive Operations

WHAT: Representatives from each agency will discuss steps boaters can take to stay safe on the water and address the dangers and risks associated with illegal charter operations.

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 4, 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Navy Pier, 840 E Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

CHICAGO — The Coast Guard and agency partners are slated to provide on-camera interviews during a media availability at Navy Pier in Chicago Friday.

With more boats and passengers expected on Chicago’s waterways during Labor Day weekend, agency representatives will highlight boating safety measures and raise awareness about illegal charter activity.

Boaters should equip their vessels with required safety gear, wear life jackets, refrain from bow riding, operate at safe speeds, remain alert and sober, and follow all navigation and boating regulations. In addition, boaters should check weather conditions before heading out and make sure they have a reliable way to call for help in an emergency.

A suspected illegal charter operation is a passenger-for-hire operation that does notcomply withapplicable federal requirements. This may include operating without a properly credentialed captain, carrying more passengers than authorized, operating without a required Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection, failing to meet drug and alcohol testing requirements, or lacking required safety equipment. These operations put passengers at risk by bypassing Coast Guard safety, credentialing, inspection, and equipment requirements.

-USCG-

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