Captain taking parents for a free ride

The thing about lawyers is that they spend a lot of time researching law , which the client pays for, so when it come to something which is a bit outside that legal knowledge base and deals with common sense and courtesy, they are some times really at sea.

A client hired a good lawyer a couple of years ago to draw up a boat partnership. Just something simple outlining how responsibilities are split and what to do if anyone wanted to opt out. The end product cost $10K, and from the looks of it you'd think it was AT&T merging with Verizon. The partnership never happened, because of it. Lawyers have to be kept on a short leash or else they sometimes think they're Clarence Darrow (or at least want you to think it).

Oops. Never mind.

I think the owners that keep it 100% professional with their crew are the owners that miss out. I don't work for owners like that, nor have I worn epilletes in a decade. But primarily run vessels under 100'.

I do long trips with several owners and their families. Never once have I gotten a provisioning list from any of them that had all of the food that was important to their family. Most of the times it's a sort of list that's about 50% accurate. That being said, after 1 trip I know exactly what foods and beverages to have on board and never run out of anything. I know exactly how they like things, don't like things, what destinations would appeal to them just based upon normal conversations. In a totally professional setting, you don't really get much feedback, unless something is really wrong and then they may tell you or they might not.

I have only taken a guest on a boat once or twice, I usually never get into that because I'm not full time and my trips are usually short enough and I don't like to ask for any favors. But, I asked the owners ahead of time and they were fine with it. Just about every owner I work for would be fine with it, especially on a delivery where extra capable people would be a help. Most every owner I have worked for has been very generous with their crew and have always treated them very well.....

It sounds to me like the Captain took his parents both to spend time with them and as extra crew and that it was a strict delivery to the Carribbean for the OP. Maybe the OP was too cheap to acquire and pay for additional delivery crew to take the boat to the Carribbean so the Captain took his parents.

I have a friend that was fulltime on a 109' MY that moves a lot and was full time for many years. The boat ran with a Mate, stew, chef normally. But delivering the boat various places the Captain always took on additional crew (paid). Sometimes he would take his father (who owned a 60' MY for many years) as one of those crew and the father was experienced, maintained watches, and everything else....what's wrong with that?

I personally have no problem with something like this. As long as no added cost are placed on me. If my boat is going one way and me or my guest are not on board, why not? HOWEVER if the owner did put that into the captain's contract than he did not follow the owners wishes. One Demerit!

I don't see how the owner loses anything in this situation, so I don't see it as ethically wrong.

It would be polite of the captain to ask first though, as a courtesy.

In this circumstance it's wrong because the owner had made the Captain aware of his policy not allowing guests. Otherwise, I'd agree that it's borderline, but it's still discourteous. As an owner I would be upset but then as an owner I would have a clear policy and clear means of obtaining permission and in situations like this would allow it without hesitation.

In this case also trust was violated and when you don't have trust you need to make a change, either to reestablish trust or to get someone new. Now, the owner in the long ago case that started this thread clearly was looking at it from a legal matter of contract law and that really isn't the issue at all.

One of the many reasons I want to know who is on one of my boats is from an insurance and liability standpoint and more to protect the person than me. For instance, let's say someone from the family got injured in some way due to something malfunctioning on the boat or in a boating accident even. Insurers look for reasons not to pay and if they found out the person was aboard without the owner's knowledge or permission then they might well refuse.

What happens if the person gets hurt on board? Owner's responsibility / liability and the deductible can be many thousands. What if they're the type to fake an injury to sue 'some rich dude'? Owner's headache. It's always the owner's choice who to have or not have on board. We're talking a captain's parents here, but the situation could just as well be some hooker from last nights bar.

Hi All, I just joined YF today in search of legal advice. I have been reading your threads for hours, and eventually did come across what I was seeking. Am closing my day with this thread out of curiosity, as I have experienced both types of owners. I am grateful for all of your comments.

While some of the general advice here may be useful, if you find yourself in a situation where you truly need legal advice, I'd recommend a lawyer in the right field over us.

Very well said. I was going to post a similar statement but saw this so no need

Owner is right to be pissed. The subject was brought p and in his contract. Captain overstepped and did something he was specifically told not to do. Captain way in hte wrong. Everybody that wants him to do the nice thing can find out the captains name and hire him to not do what you tell him too.

plus they ate his food on his 8 mill. yacht.......must be a gem to work for if he post that as a complaint....

The guy was wrong in the employment contract. No unauthorized people. Not to mention what happens if there was a slip and fall ? He is not an employee he is not a paying client. I think theft if going way out on the limb poor decision or possibly the guy is really out to lunch as to how things work in the world.

You all realize this is 12 year old post, right?

Thanks what is weird is it popped up in my e-mail as if it was new.