CRM uncovers jet ski permit scam

Coastal Resources Management Office Director Felipe Atalig yesterday revealed that several jet ski operators are sub-leasing their license to foreigners for a fee.

“Our office learned of unauthorized transaction of subleasing the permits to as much as $3,000 per month to a foreigner,” Atalig said, refusing to reveal the identity of the permittee.

He added that the same person was granted a permit but did not own any jet ski.

The scam was uncovered by the agency after an investigation and review of all jet ski permits, in preparation for the proposed re-allocation of permit applications.

Atalig clarified that the permit holder is not subject to any criminal charges but his permit is subject to revocation.

Permit holders found not in compliance with the conditions of the permit are subject to penalties which include fines and revocation.

One of the permit conditions provides that three or four violations constitute a revocation of the permit.

Yesterday, Atalig sent a notice of revocation to another permit holder who violated several conditions of the permit.

“In the past, those who were given notices would just pay the fine and resume their operation but now we have to review the total violations made and if they exceeded the allowed number, they are subject to revocation,” Atalig explained.

“The penalties are clear but there’s lack of enforcement but if properly enforced there will be nobody in the waiting list,” he added.

The CRM director sees more permit revocation as they continue to review them.

He also reminded permit holders of changes in the jetski permit allocation.

Starting May 31, all jet ski permits will be terminated and each authorized jet ski site will be included in a lottery style draw.

Atalig said his office will begin the registration process for jet ski applicants starting May 3 and will end on May 15.

All persons registering for the lottery must include a copy of their CNMI business license allowing the operation of a commercial jet ski business.

Only qualified applicants will be included in the lottery style draw.

The winning recipient will be required to submit all required documents, including proof of insurance, boat registration, permit application and fee, within five days of the notification of the award.

Each recipient will have two weeks to commence operations at the site. Failure to do will result in the immediate termination of the permit and the site will be redrawn for, Atalig said.

The new director said changes are being implemented to allow others to come in and apply for the permit.