Coast Guard Suspends Dive Boat Operator

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads investigators received confirmation last month that Administrative Law Judge Michael Devine agreed with the Coast Guard's arguments in a case against a local dive boat operator, resulting in the suspension of a dive boat operator's mariner credentials.

The case stemmed from a recreational diving casualty that occurred June 9, 2012, aboard the Miss Lindsey, a 48-foot commercial diving vessel, near Virginia Beach.

The diving casualty claimed the life of Kevin Kraemer, 55.  Kraemer drowned while diving with a group of recreational divers off the inspected vessel Miss Lindsey.

An investigation conducted by the Coast Guard determined administrative action would be taken against the master of the vessel, Rebecca Bryson, for three acts of misconduct and one act of negligence. The judge upheld the four charges Oct. 21, 2013.

“This was very tragic incident,” said Capt. John K. Little, the commander of Sector Hampton Roads. “One of our many jobs is to investigate marine casualties, to take actions necessary to ensure the safety of our waterways and to prevent similar actions from happening in the future.”

A suspension was placed on Bryson’s merchant mariners credential for 18 months, which consists of 12 months suspension and six months of remitted probation.

uscgnews.com