Cancun, Q.R. — The Nautical Association will assist local authorities in locating boats offering illegal tours in Cancun. President of the Association says they believe between 150 to 200 vessels are currently operating illegally in the northern region.
Francisco Fernández Millán, President of the Nautical Associations of Quintana Roo, says they are assisting the Port Authority in locating the illegal vessels. The Harbor Master’s and Maritime Affairs Unit is preparing operations to identify and detain illegal vessels offering nautical services without permits.
Fernández Millán stated there are between 150 and 200 vessels providing “pirate” tour services in the northern part of the state, especially in Cancun where there is the most demand, however, the illegal boats also operating in other areas such as Holbox, Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres.
He says operations will begin once the Association gathers the requested reports so that the authorities can proceed with the verification and, if necessary, seizure of the illegal vessels.
The operation was announced after the nautical sector raised concerns about a large number of boat tours being offered on social media by brokers or intermediaries for vessels that do not have permits.
Fernández Millán says not only do these boats effect legally licensed tour guides, they also put tourists at risk since they are without third-party coverage in the event of an accident.
Ricardo Muleiro, the Director of the Asociados Náuticos de Quintana Roo said they have found many people on social media acting as brokers for private boat owners of people who probably do not live here.
“It’s very common to see this on social media. They call themselves boat brokers, people who are dedicated to managing the private boats of owners who may not even live here.”
He says the number of boats and brokers “are abundant with no limits on their commercialization.”
