Insurance for freelance Captains?

Capt Ralph · Mar 25, 2024

Capt Cole said: ↑

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.
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Well, Sorry if I responded back, fired up but still confused with everybody's fuss including your comment that I may have poorly responded to.
Nobody has yet to confess that a real maritime attorney said this or that..

Capt Cole said: ↑

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.
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And you agreed where??

Capt Ralph said: ↑

The owners boat policy covers the boat, all claims and approved operators.
Any boat with out insurance don't step on.
I also stated consult with a real maritime attorney when in doubt.
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Must of been;

Capt Ralph said: ↑

But, As I typed before; Do what make you feel best.
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Capt Ralph · Mar 25, 2024

Now, As a service company owner, When I go down below and touch or even look at a loose screw, I need lots of liability insurance.
As a service company owner, I had to purchase my own personal medical/health insurance.
These are entirely different issues than pushing a boat.

If a fault of the boat or any event happens that I am injured, then the boat owners insurance still covers me. Just like if the owner or approved family member was driving.

Ryan Burnett · Mar 29, 2024

Capt Cole said: ↑

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.
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In your experience, what are some things you look for before taking command of a new vessel? What are some red flags that would cause you to decline business with an owner? Also, do you revise your waiver/contract with each vessel/owner you work with?

Thanks!

Capt Cole · Mar 29, 2024

I’ll try to keep this relatively short.
Vessel must be insured, No Exception

Vessel must be seaworthy for intended use.
if recently purchased, I review survey. Always inspect vessel before moving forward. Inspection portion is generally part of the first lesson.

Speak at length with potential client about their experience, intended use of boat and determine their expectations/goals.

If we are on the same page, complete waiver. The waiver is generic and can accommodate for example, Lessons, Sea Trial, Delivery etc.

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Insurance for freelance Captains?

Capt Ralph Senior Member

Capt Ralph Senior Member

Ryan Burnett New Member

Capt Cole Member