Does dcl charge passengers they rescue?

[we"reofftoneverland]

If a passenger jumps overboard and dcl manages to save that person, does a charge apply? Just curious.

 

[T & R]

They may be bound to some type of maritime law that they have a duty to rescue. If the law states "you shall", then I'm not sure they can turn around and bill somebody. Although in this country you can sue for just about anything. Maybe someone on this board is Coast Guard and could site actual international law regarding the matter. Proving they intentionally jumped would be difficult too unless you had a clear and undeniable video.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If a passenger jumps overboard and dcl manages to save that person, does a charge apply? Just curious.

Charge for the rescue? Or charge for being onboard?

Don't really know the answer to either question, but just trying to understand what's being asked.

 

[oam]

If a passenger jumps overboard and dcl manages to save that person, does a charge apply? Just curious.

If there is a charge they should announce your name as they pull you in , like when you first board.

 

[lanejudy]

just trying to understand what's being asked.

I assume the question is in response to the jumper last week. Where I live, it's not uncommon for people to intentionally ski out-of-bounds and there is legislation that allows the first responders to recoup some of the expense by charging such persons for the efforts to locate and rescue them, similar for hikers who don't take a compass or phone or map or pay attention to setting sun. I also believe some places allow fire departments to charge (usually insurance will handle it or it's waived). Ambulances frequently charge. Airlift or lifeflight services will charge. While obligated to respond to a person in need at sea, it can come at an expense to that many believe should not necessarily be passed along to the general cruiseline passenger by way of higher fares. Especially when a person does something "stupid" that should have, or should have, been avoidable with a little common sense or thought as to consequences.

To answer the OP... I don't know if maritime law allows a cruiseline -- or any other entity -- to charge for rescue at sea though it is mandated that they respond. Many situations, such as refuges on homemade liferaft, likely don't have a dime to pay anyway.

 

[RedSox68]

Wow, this is a great question!

 

[Dug720]

At the very least I would imagine they will have a hefty medical center bill...

 

[DLgal]

I imagine not.

 

[dcassetta]

http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1892621,00.html

This is an older article from Time magazine, but it states that as long as there is a real need, even of the person made poor decisions to create the need, the Coast Guard does not charge.

 

[Garyjames220]

I can answer you question next week

Am going to get a wee boat and jump in about an hour from PC and it should a good free week

This sounds a better deal than the "free" soda

 

[Neptune's Fork]

The circumstances would probably dictate that. If it were an accident and no fault of the person for falling overboard, then no. However, if they intentionally jumped overboard then they would be on solid legal footing to charge them.

 

[Capt_BJ]

The only time a charge is levied by the USCG is when the situation is proven to be a hoax ... an intentional false alarm. Even here the USCG does not actually levy a fine, rather presses charges which must then go thru the courts. USCG has 'standard rates' for resources (this is Government .. it is in a regulation!) and the charges will include a cost figured at X hours H-65 Dolphin helo at $YYY, etc.

With regard to a pass' on a cruise falling off and assessed a charge for the recovery ... my OPINION is: I suspect on a cruise, if you, a passenger, go over the side and are quickly recovered your fine is being put off the ship at the next port ...... no do-overs, do not pass go - do not collect $200 - bye bye. It is the discretion of the Master to put anyone off the ship at any time ... it is in the contract you sign. cuz IMO there is virtually no way to accidentally fall off a cruise ship. For example ... has there been a single case of a CHILD falling off a ship? Not that I can recall, altho without meaning to be cruel there HAVE been cases a 'inattentive parents' resulting in other 'incidents' injurious to children. While there is an exception to every rule, IMO stupidity and or alcohol is in play in 99.9% of the MOB cases. In my years on ships much smaller and much more dangerous than a cruise ship I had ONE man overboard: this happened in port when a crew member sat on a life line - which is proscribed because it is dangerous to do - the line was equipped with a quick release device which was improperly fastened and let go and the member fell over the side .... with no physical injury & to the applause of the many who saw him go! But I digress ....

***********
every country I'm familiar with requires their licensed mariners (read Captain/Master) to 'render assistance' until released by competent authority. In other words, for something in the Bahamas all ships in the area would respond to a MOB alert, until USCG was on scene and released them .... sometimes USCG assigns search areas! Depends on the case .... Bahamas almost ALWAYS immediately requests assistance of USCG for 'significant SAR' in their waters which is provided as long as assets are available. This is a 'fee' paid by the US for allowing US "assets" to be "forward deployed" in the Bahamas for other US missions

Google OPBAT ......

"U.S. and The Bahamas has permitted establishment of a significant interdiction and investigation infrastructure involving U.S. aircraft, ships, and personnel. Supported by INL, Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) is a combined effort by The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to intercept loads of cocaine and conduct investigations. OPBAT employs U.S. Coast Guard and Army helicopters assigned to joint interdiction bases in Nassau, George Town, Great Inagua, and elsewhere. INL is assisting Bahamian security forces to develop a more effective maritime end-game capability. "

(editorial comment ... ARMY no longer participates)

http://www.bradleyexcavating.com/portfolio-view/opbat-hangar/

https://bs.usembassy.gov/pr-11142014/

 

[dclpluto]

Charge you for being stupid

 

[monkeybird]

I imagine you are kept separate from the cruise passengers (infirmary or something) and get dropped off at the very next port. Probably not a good way to score a free cruise.

 

[Westcoastwild]

I'd be less worried about search and rescue fees and more worried about the cruise line suing.

If you get put off at the next port, you lose the remaining value of your cruise.

But then also DCL (or whoever) could probably come after you in civil law for interfering with the ship. They have to pause to rescue you, they've got to notify coast guard, they've got to fill out paperwork on both a legal and corporate level. Costly and inconvenient. And if they can prove that you are at fault, the court is not going to take your side.