The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reminds those enjoying the Chain O’Lakes and other Lake County Waterways to be cognizant when hiring charter boat operators to drive you, your family, or your friends around the waterways.
Recently, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit cited Clayton Star, 25, of Geneva, for operating a charter boat for hire without having proper licensing. On June 23, 2023, Sheriff’s Marine Unit Deputies discovered Star was transporting a group of people around the Chain O’Lakes for two hours, for a cost of $500.00. Star did not possess a captain’s license as required by federal regulation. It was also determined Star did not have the required boating safety equipment onboard his boat. Marine Unit Deputies discovered Star has likely been soliciting fares at local businesses located at the Chain O’ Lakes.
Those operating for hire without the proper licensing and equipment put their customers at great risk. Prior to hiring a charter boat, ensure the operator possesses an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) license, also referred to as a ‘six-pack license’ or Charter Boat Captain’s License. Possessing this document shows the operator has received the necessary training to safely operate a boat while carrying passengers for hire. If the operator refuses to show this documentation, be very wary.
Star was subsequently cited for:
Operating a Watercraft for Hire Without a License
Operating a Watercraft Without Proper Equipment
Failure to Pay License Fees
Failure to Display a License
Other Boating Violations
Star is due in court on July 17, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in Round Lake Beach Branch Court.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg added, “As we all know, the water can be a very dangerous place, which is why it is very important those soliciting business on the waterways have the required training, experience, and licensing. It is incredibly reckless to be soliciting boating fares without the proper licensing or boating equipment.”
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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