Gaming Boat Detained for Safety Violations

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment has issued a captain of the port order to the Sterling Casino Liner, Ambassador II, and detained the vessel in the Port of Canaveral until it is in compliance with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements. The Coast Guard boarded the Ambassador II when it docked recently and found it exceeded it's maximum capacity of 1,800 passengers.

After further investigation of the casino liner, Coast Guard inspectors found of numerous SOLAS requirements, including: safety training requirements, watertight doors and certification for crew members. The Ambassador II is prohibited from carrying passengers and leaving the Port of Canaveral until the safety of life a sea (SOLAS) deficiencies are corrected to the satisfaction of the documentation and certification of the vessel.

The responsibility for the condition of the vessel rests with the owner and operator of the vessel. Periodic Coast Guard examinations are intended to ensure that vessels comply with international and domestic safety and environmental standards. "The Coast Guard aims to ensure the safety of passengers and maritime workers through a preventive approach that attempts to identify and eliminate problems before they escalate," said Capt. David Lersch, command officer for Marine Safety Office Jacksonville and captain of the port. "When we find safety deficiencies that could potentially have serious consequences on the port, ship, passenger or crew, we act swiftly and decisively to prevent the loss of the life and property."