captains, crews, mutiney?..

[centerline]

I think maybe ive been reading too many books....

but since the beginning of time, the captain of the vessel has always been responsible for the safety of all persons aboard his ship. he was also the first and last word in any discipline that had to be dealt out.
any movement against him or his officers was considered mutiney and was an unlawful act, and punishable as such.

the captain of today, and especially the licensed captain, is still responsible for the safety and protection of the crew, passenger/guests while on his vessel, but the need for punishment has been eliminated. (mostly)

im wondering what laws are there are stating or requiring the proper conduct of either crew members, or passengers/guests to follow when they dont like the situation they are in....

most of us know proper etiquette and how to act responsibly, but its the hard fast written laws that im asking about here...

are crew members required by law to obey the captain, or can they just quit and ride out the trip as a guest?

what recourse is there if by quitting, the crewmember puts the ship at risk due to being shorthanded during the prevailing conditions?

what happens if a guest or crewmember sneaks a bottle aboard and gets drunk and becomes unsafe and more than a bit belligerent when called out about it?

what laws are there to punish a crewmember that deliberately causes gear damage or loss?

i can think of a few more situations where trouble could arise on some ships (never on mine, cuz im the perfect captain), but mostly im just wondering, with all the responsibility the captain has, what tools/laws does he have at his disposal to keep order or to threaten someone with, who is creating an unsafe condition for the other people aboard the ship?...

and where are the laws pertaining to mutiney found?

actually I was asked questions similar to these by my father-in-law and I had no answer... im not sure if hes thinking of causing an uprising or what, but i would like to have some answers to give him, just in case

 

[woodster]

oh lord...this always happens when the in-laws:stirthepot: come to dinner lol

 

[Joe]

If a crew or passenger endangers the ship, they can be restrained or confined.... until appropriate subsequent action can be taken. From simply kicking them off the vessel at the next port or having them jailed and charged with a crime. The safety of the ship prevails and that responsibility lies with the captain.

BTW, there's no E in mutiny.

 

[monkeybars]

If your talking about your own personal boat, you cant do anything to anybody, and then they can still sue you for something, If you have any question about someone's behavior or frame of mind just don't have them on your boat.

 

[All U Get]

Hi Centerline,

Keel-hauling comes to mind, but maybe that's a bit too rash. If you make that into a greeting card I'd like to buy one. Maybe it should be posted like the oil disposal sign.

All U Get

 

[Jackdaw]

Unless you're a pro with a paid crew, people on your boat are like people in your car along for a ride. About the same level of legal responsibility. They are not required to do anything except the obvious like no active endangerment. You however are potentially liable for anything that happens to them.

For the boat owner it's not a great deal. Think your friends will not sue you? Well maybe they will not, but their insurance company probably will.

 

[WayneH]

Hi Centerline,

Keel-hauling comes to mind, but maybe that's a bit too rash. If you make that into a greeting card I'd like to buy one. Maybe it should be posted like the oil disposal sign.

All U Get

Keel-hauling is not the punishment it used to be. Unless you have let your bottom paint go too long. Then you're back to the deterrent stage.

I'd figure walking the plank was good except I sail in thin water and they can walk home (mostly).

And I don't have a cannon onboard so they can't kiss the gunney's daughter.

I guess I'll settle for not having them onboard in the first place.

Geesh, these times are just no fun. :naughty:

 

[centerline]

ive never had a problem, and I dont believe I ever will have a problem, as I try not to associate with people of questionable backgrounds and/or mental soundness... (or at least any that are more questionable or less sound than myself)
but after i was asked, I got to wondering how it would work if it ever happened with todays laws....


when my boys were young and we would go out fishing/crabbing/cruising.... they would sometimes get to arguing for one reason or another... I always told them that if they didnt like the rules of the boat, feel free to walk home... I always allowed them a calm and rational choice in the matter

and I still would!!

 

[capta]

I always carry handcuffs aboard to restrain someone who might be a threat to the vessel, her crew or themselves. Handcuffed behind their back to the mast below for the duration. Fed and given water as necessary but, especially if violent, no head breaks.
In one case I did just this to a young man who attacked me with a winch handle while I slept. I turned him over to the local police in NZ (where we left from and where he as a citizen) and turned the boat around and finished the delivery to Oz single handed. No problems with the police, at all.
If a crew member stops working, they stop eating, beyond starch & water; this usually lasts 24 to 36 hours and they're back on watch, quite apologetic to all aboard.
I never take any crew w/o a cash bond to return them to their country of origin, at their own expense, in case I want to stop somewhere and chuck them off the boat. They usually go directly into custody of Immigration, so I don't even have to babysit them onto a plane.
This is another situation where a properly maintained log book is invaluable should it become a matter of he said/he said. No testimony supersedes a proper log book.

 

[All U Get]

Well said Capta. I used to know how to tie a proper handcuff knot, I'll have to check my notes. My wife has a better method than the winch handle, she just drives me crazy. Maybe we should start the day with a larger rum portion!

All U Get

Found it, the knot can be tied in a few seconds.

http://www.animatedknots.com/handcuff/