DNER issues 22 citations during safety patrols in San Juan Bay

Natural and Environmental Resources Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez

By THE STAR STAFF

Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez announced over the weekend that the agency issued 22 citations totaling $7,300 as part of preventive patrols carried out in San Juan Bay.

Quiles said the operation is part of the agency’s “Vigilando las SanSe 2026” work plan, launched last week to enhance public safety and protect the environment during the annual San Sebastián Street Festival. The initiative is coordinated with the central government and the Municipality of San Juan.

As part of the effort, DNER enforcement officers began 12‑hour patrol shifts across the bay. On Thursday, officers conducted interventions involving 27 vessels and issued 22 citations for violations of DNER laws and regulations.

In total, the agency’s Ranger Corps boarded 27 boats navigating the bay’s channels and inspected businesses involved in renting jet skis and operating passenger‑transport charter boats.

“With respect to jet skis, we found that some lacked required safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, flares, and acoustic signaling devices,” Quiles Pérez said. “We also identified charter operators working without the proper permits and individuals navigating the bay without boating licenses, among other violations.”

Administrative fines were issued for infractions under Puerto Rico’s Navigation and Aquatic Safety Act (Law 430‑2000) and Regulation 6979, which governs vessel registration, navigation, and aquatic safety in the U.S. territory.