Insurance for freelance Captains?

OB, unless the insurance company has explicitly agreed to cover you, that owner's contract is perhaps useless...? Can't bind a third party without their consent, I've heard. Dunno.... I'm pleading with you good hard working folks to speak with your insurance co and lawyer. I wish I knew more about this area - I don't. I also don't want to create concern when none existed, but its a worthwhile conversation.

Ralph, you may be doing it correctly and in better shape than others that don't have that insurance company's endorsement (do you know the dollar limits, are you covered by the umbrella, are defense costs covered in addition to a liability recovery?). Again, I'm not providing advice, just discussing/suggesting captains should not make assumptions about coverage without checking with their own professionals. That is why I think you folks should have some professional organization to help answer these questions economically. For instance, a captain's organization could prepare a standard endorsement to be used by all captains which could be delivered to all insurance companies when providing coverage. Remember the question that started this thread.

Hi everyone, the last post was from 2009. But, I figured it wouldn't hurt to comment on this subject because I just started an LLC for my services as a freelance captain. I ended up getting a basic insurance coverage with 360 Coverage Pros. They are based out of Florida and seem to be the only legit company that offers insurance coverage for freelance captain's. Correct me if I'm wrong - I am new to business and freelance work.

Anyways, I'm interested in learning and would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice. Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Ryan Burnett

Are you sure you have a legit insurance company? I don't see it on Sunbiz, DBPR, and a search on a Florida Registered insurance company site replied back: Your search for companies with (360 Coverage Pros) as part of their names returned 0 records.

As discussed before: A free lance Captain, Contract Captain, whatever should be covered by
The ship ‘s insurance if meeting minimum qualifications for the policy.
In fact I got my first “Captain’s” job because the insurance company told the owner to hire a Licensed Captain from now on..(The owner kept running into things and he kept hitting the bottom, expensive props on the 2001 Johnson 70)

Hi,

This company was recommended by an insurance broker who used to cover the charter company I worked for. Here is the link:

Mod edit: Link disabled.

I doubt it's a scam.

I understand your point, but what if I work for several different boats throughout the summer months? Some of these boats will be smaller than what you're thinking of. Plus, it is not a bad idea to get coverage for myself in my opinion. You never know these days.

I agree with you, but in my situation, I've worked on one vessel 50 feet for the last two years (mid summer to early fall). I was paid cash until last year, and the owner sent me a 1099.

So, I started a single member of LLC and decided to pursue the freelance route. My plan is to keep working on the 50 foot vessel, but I will advertise myself for other vessel owners that need a 100 ton captain. I'm open to what others have to say - since I am fairly new to working for myself.

I have an insurance policy that runs parallel to the vessel’s policy which myself, an employer, or a vessel owner, has for the vessel (generally termed P&I, hull, and/or MGL/vessel policy) and protects my license and myself from the financial costs and liabilities in the event of a vessel incident or shipping casualty (collision, allision, grounding, etc.) leading to litigation or investigations against myself as a vessel operator or part of a crew. It also protects against allegations of negligence or even perceived negligence which could be brought forth by clients, passengers, or other third parties while I run the course of my usual professional services. The policy is underwritten and backed by a carrier partner and claims administrator Berkley Offshore.

Yes, exactly. I'm sure there's deductions, but I did only half a dozen trips last year. Now that I'm an LLC, does the owner hire me or the LLC? Should I take only check as a form of payment? And should I have a waiver/contract written up?

I do not have a maritime lawyer but I am not running the business without a lawyer. The LLC was created in February 2024, so I'm still in the process of getting started.

The owner and I still need to have a discussion about what the future has with me as the captain.

If you have an LLC and wish to use it, contracts (if any) and payments should be made with/to the LLC

afaik as I know cash is still legal (for now) so unless you re talking about regular large amounts (thousands and thousands) you can still get paid that way.

as to insurance, you re covered by the insurance of the boats you run. Just make sure the owners have insurance.

Interesting and still unresolved topic. Like many here, I offer private lessons on a clients boat and do deliveries on the West Coast from Mexico to Canada. I had Captains Liability Insurance up until this year when the company quit offering this type of coverage. Seven years ago, I was paying $1000 per year with small increases annually until the final year of $1500. I have searched in vain for similar coverage. When providing lessons, I confirm clients vessel is insured and that the coverage extends to a Capt. operating the yacht. I also have the owner sign a liability waiver. As extra protection, everything runs through an LLC. I'm comfortable with this arrangement for lessons.

The bigger concern is yacht deliveries. There is a higher risk of damage and personal injury. For now, deliveries have been limited to me operating as First Mate with another Captain who has liability insurance in place through his yacht business that covers all of his employees. I operate as a contract employee and am a 1099 worker paid from his LLC to my LLC.

I often provide a Resume to vessel owners insurance companies so I do have the basic coverage. The problem is the deductible on the vessels insurance. Hasn't happened yet, but it is always in the back of my mind.

This whole insurance thing has gone crazy over the past couple of years. Maybe it's because of big hurricane losses? I'm pretty much in line with CR position. Protecting myself the best I can.

I simply said I agreed with your position. I don't get on a boat with no insurance or insurance that does not cover me as the operator. I do the best I can to protect myself. Not sure what fired you up. Didn't quote anything you said. Just basically agreed with your position.