{"id":55113,"date":"2025-07-10T21:23:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T21:23:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/55113\/"},"modified":"2025-07-10T21:23:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T21:23:09","slug":"owner-of-river-tour-boat-that-was-stopped-by-coast-guard-says-hes-taking-classes-to-get-proper-certifications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/55113\/","title":{"rendered":"Owner of river tour boat that was stopped by Coast Guard says he\u2019s taking classes to get proper certifications"},"content":{"rendered":"

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.<\/strong> \u2013 The owner of a 25-foot charter boat that the Coast Guard stopped<\/a> said he will take classes to get his permits and certifications so he can continue operating his small business.<\/p>\n

RELATED | <\/b>Coast Guard stops illegal charter of 25-foot vessel on St. Johns River<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville said it ended the trip of what it called an illegal vessel traveling on the St. Johns River on Friday. The boat was being operated by Mike Nelson, who owns the Escapes River Tour company<\/a>.<\/p>\n

According to its website, the company offers tours of the St. Johns River to explore its beauty. The guided tours provide insights into the local wildlife and history and photos show people eating, drinking and even painting on the modified pontoon boat.<\/p>\n

Nelson said the Coast Guard was just doing their job. <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re supposed to do that and I totally understand they want everybody safe on the water, they want the boater safe as well as the customers, so it\u2019s all good,\u201d Nelson said.<\/p>\n

He said that he is starting classes on Friday to get the proper permits and certifications.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do anything else until I get everything situated, but it\u2019s no sweat,\u201d Nelson said. <\/p>\n

A U.S. Coast Guard Station Mayport boat crew terminates the voyage of an illegal charter vessel operating on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, July 4, 2025. The 25-foot unregistered recreational vessel was cited for failure to have a credentialed mariner in control while operating as an uninspected passenger vessel and failure to have a drug and alcohol program. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n

Officials said Nelson was issued a Captain of the Port order preventing commercial vessel operations until in compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations.<\/p>\n

The violations include:<\/p>\n