Boat Charter Liability

A boat charter is an arrangement where an individual or company rents out a boat or yacht to another party for a specified duration. The terms and conditions of the charter depend on the agreement between the boat owner and the charterer. This service can be used for various purposes, including recreational activities, fishing expeditions, and special events.

What Are Some Common Types of Boat Charter Arrangements?

There are various types of boat charter arrangements, each catering to different needs:

Crewed Charter

This is the epitome of luxury when it comes to chartering a vessel. With a crewed charter:

• Full Service: The charter comes with a full crew that can include a captain (or skipper), chefs, deckhands, stewards, and sometimes even dive instructors or masseuses. This ensures a comprehensive, hassle-free experience for the charterer.
• Tailored Experience: Many crewed charters provide tailored itineraries and activities based on the preferences of the charterer. Whether exploring secluded bays, diving in exotic spots, or gourmet dining at sea, the crew ensures a bespoke experience.
• Safety and Expertise: The crew is typically experienced and well-trained, ensuring safe navigation through waters, understanding local regulations, and providing expertise in various activities, whether water sports or fishing.
• Ideal For: Those seeking a luxury experience, corporate events, special occasions like anniversaries or honeymoons, or individuals unfamiliar with boating and navigation.

Bareboat Charter

For the more adventurous and those with sailing experience:

• Complete Control: The charterer fully controls the vessel, its itinerary, and its activities. This offers a sense of adventure and the opportunity to chart one’s course.
• Responsibility: The charterer must have the necessary qualifications or demonstrate sailing competence. They are responsible for the vessel’s operation, navigation, anchoring, and safety.
• Cost-Effective: Typically, bareboat charters are more budget-friendly than crewed charters since you’re not paying for a crew’s services.
• Ideal For: Experienced sailors, those seeking a more hands-on sailing adventure, or individuals/couples/groups wanting a more intimate experience without crew presence.

Day Charters

Short and sweet, these are quick escapes:

• Duration: As the name suggests, these charters last for a day or less. They can be morning, afternoon, or sunset cruises.
• Activities: Common activities include sightseeing, snorkeling, swimming, dining, or simply enjoying the sea.
• Flexibility: Day charters often offer flexible departure and return times, allowing for a customized experience.
• Ideal For: Tourists, families, or groups wanting a quick sea experience or celebrations like birthdays.

Term Charters

An extended voyage on the waters:

• Extended Stay: These charters range from a weekend getaway to several weeks. They allow for a deep exploration of regions, islands, or coasts.
• Varied Itineraries: Term charters enable visits to multiple destinations, exploration of secluded spots, and immersion in local cultures.
• All-Inclusive Options: Many term charters come with options that include food, beverages, and sometimes even activities or excursions onshore.
• Ideal For: Vacationers, explorers, those wanting a more immersive sea experience, or groups wanting to bond over an extended period.

Each type of charter offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences, durations, and budgets. Choosing the right one depends on your sailing expertise, the kind of experience you seek, and how long you wish to be at sea.

Who Is Liable for Injuries or Damages in a Boat Charter Agreement?

Liability in a boat charter agreement often depends on the type of charter and the terms specified in the contract. In a crewed charter, the boat’s owner or operator might be held liable under charter vessel accident law for any injuries or damages, provided they are due to their negligence or violation of safety regulations.

However, with bareboat charter law, the charterer, acting as the skipper, assumes greater responsibility. In this case, they might be held accountable for any accidents or damages unless an external factor or third party is involved.

What If I Choose to Act as Skipper in a Bareboat Charter?

If you act as the skipper in a bareboat charter, you assume significant responsibility for the vessel and the safety of its passengers. This means understanding and complying with maritime laws, ensuring the boat is operated safely, and being aware of weather and sea conditions.

Any negligence on your part can lead to liability in case of accidents. Additionally, charter boat insurance is crucial in this setup to cover potential damages or injuries.

What Are The Most Common Types of Charter Vessel Accident Claims?

Charter vessel accident claims can arise from various situations, but some of the most common include:

1. Collisions with Other Vessels or Stationary Objects

• How it Happens: Collisions can result from various factors, including poor visibility, miscommunication between vessels, navigation errors, or malfunctioning equipment. Stationary object collisions often occur due to poor navigation, inattention, or underestimating water depths.
• Potential Damages: Collisions can lead to substantial property damage to the vessel and other involved entities. They can also cause serious injuries or fatalities to those onboard, especially if the impact throws them overboard or onto hard surfaces.
• Example: A chartered yacht, while attempting to anchor in a crowded bay, misjudged the distance to another anchored boat, leading to a collision that damaged both vessels and injured passengers.

2. Passengers Slipping or Falling Onboard

• How it Happens: Wet decks, turbulent waters, unsecured equipment, or lack of proper signage can lead to slips and falls. Additionally, improper footwear or intoxication can increase the risk.
• Potential Damages: Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like fractures, concussions, or, in extreme cases, overboard falls, leading to drownings.
• Example: A passenger on a charter boat, after a swimming session, slipped on the wet deck while walking back to their seat, resulting in a broken arm.

3. Mechanical Failures Leading to Accidents

• How it Happens: Lack of regular maintenance, wear and tear, or manufacturing defects can cause mechanical failures such as engine breakdowns, steering malfunctions, or equipment failures.
• Potential Damages: Such failures can strand vessels, lead to loss of control, or even cause fires or sinking. This can result in both property damage and physical injuries.
• Example: A charter boat’s engine failed due to lack of maintenance, leaving it stranded in open waters. As a result, passengers experienced dehydration and panic attacks before they were rescued.

4. Negligent Operation or Navigation by the Crew or Charterer

• How it Happens: Inexperience, lack of training, intoxication, or distraction can lead to negligent operation. This can involve speeding, not adhering to navigation rules, or failing to monitor weather conditions.
• Potential Damages: Such negligence can result in collisions, grounding, or other accidents, endangering the vessel and its occupants.
• Example: A bareboat charterer, unfamiliar with local waterways, navigated too close to the shore and grounded the boat on a sandbar, leading to hull damage and stranding.

5. Violation of Safety Regulations Leading to Injuries or Fatalities

• How it Happens: Ignoring safety protocols, not having enough lifejackets, overloading the boat, or not conducting safety drills can lead to such violations.
• Potential Damages: Non-adherence to safety regulations can exacerbate the outcomes of any accident, leading to greater injuries or fatalities.
• Example: A charter vessel, overloaded with passengers beyond its certified limit, faced rough seas. With not enough lifejackets for everyone, a sudden wave caused panic, and two passengers were thrown overboard, leading to a tragic drowning.

Should you or someone you know face such circumstances, seeking legal counsel can be beneficial.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Boat Charter?

If you’ve been involved in a charter vessel accident or face potential legal challenges related to such an agreement, consult with a charter vessel accident attorney. They will offer guidance, ensuring your rights are protected.

Connect with a top-rated personal injury lawyer through LegalMatch today and secure your rights and claims.