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U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Corinne Zilnicki
COAST GUARD CRACKS DOWN ON MID-ATLANTIC ILLEGAL CHARTERS BY MEG WALBURN VIVIANO
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he U.S. Coast Guard is back on the hunt for illegal charter boat operators in the Bay region this summer. The Coast Guard says it has found and halted the voyages of at least five illegal charters up and down the mid-Atlantic since July. The agency says it’s seeing an increase in illegal charters, those payfor-hire operation where boat owners or someone they hire take passengers on the water without the proper credentials. In some cases, USCG says, they don’t even have proper safety gear or inspections. Illegal charters can be dangerous because passengers often believe they’re hiring a professional mariner for a tour, excursion or fishing trip, but the boat operator may be underprepared to handle an emergency situation. Also, USCG points out, these charter operations can take business away from legitimate charters in the industry. The Coast Guard reminds captains and their potential customers that any boat who take passengers out for hire are required to have proper credential-
ing and licensing. The vessel’s activity, size, and number of passengers determines the inspection requirements of the vessel. Passengers should always ask to see a valid license and ask if the captain is insured before getting underway. In the last year, 10 vessels have been issued Captain of the Port Orders from USCG Sector Maryland National Capital Region. Getting caught can bring serious consequences for charter captains, as “willful and knowing violation of the order” is a felony, punishable by up to six years in prison or fines up to $500,000. “The recent increase of illegal charters in the Maryland National Capital Region is a serious issue. Illegal charters pose a significant hazard to life, property, and the environment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Sonha Gomez, Chief, Investigations Division at Coast Guard Sector Maryland National Capital Region. Anyone with questions about charter boat licensing can call the Coast Guard at 1-888-427-5662 or 1-888-IASKNMC.
4 • BAY WEEKLY • September 3 - September 10, 2020
PHILLIPS SEAFOOD PRESIDENT’S WATERFRONT HOME LISTED AT $25 MILLION BY STEVE ADAMS
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teve Phillips, president and CEO of Phillips Seafood Restaurants and founder of Phillips Foods, and his wife, Maxine, have listed their 23-acre waterfront estate in Annapolis for a cool $24.9 million. The property’s next owners are sure to enjoy its privacy and the 270-degree views of—and access to—the Severn River that first led the Phillipses, who are avid sailors, to buy what was an
abandoned friary on Winchester Road for $2.5 million in 2002. Boaters take note: “What’s incredible about this property is not only the home and the grounds, but the unparalleled level of privacy and water access that it provides,” said Brad Kappel, who along with David DeSantis holds the listing for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. “With over 1,500 feet of Severn River frontage and a sixslip private deep water pier, this is the perfect location for the boating enthusiast.” Kappel notes that anyone, boater or not, who celebrates the Annapolis waterfront lifestyle, will be impressed
Photo courtesy TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
