As you were training to become a ferry boat captain, you were educated rigorously on all kinds of accidents that have happened or can happen and the safety procedures to prevent them. It takes one small mistake or mechanical malfunction for things to go awry.
However, whether you are at fault for an accident or not doesn’t mean you are protected from investigations or lawsuits. In this article, we are going to explore why it’s paramount you are prepared for all accidents.
2023 Ferry Accidents
In accordance with Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 4.05-1, someone must notify the nearest Coast Guard Sector office whenever a vessel is involved in a marine casualty. According to Title 46 CFR Part 4.07, the Commandant or District Commander should immediately begin an investigation into the cause of the incident upon receiving the report.
This means that it does not matter if you had no knowledge of, could not control or were not present at the incident; serious accidents almost always result in an investigation. Here are a few ferry accidents from the past year where ferry crews were not at fault yet still faced investigation.
Fatal PortMiami Crash
Two young men were enjoying a summer day on their 32-foot private boat. The fun continued until almost 4 a.m. when they crashed into a Fisher Island ferry in PortMiami. One of the men was killed almost instantly, while the other was rescued by crew members of the ferry and rushed to the hospital in serious condition.
Many signs point toward irresponsible actions by the two men on the boat as the cause of the incident. Any time there is a casualty, there will be an investigation and the families of those injured or killed may file a lawsuit against you, regardless of your involvement.
Boat Crashes then Gets Stuck Between Two Ferries
In September, two people had just parked their boat at the Madeline Island docks in La Pointe, Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Superior. As they were leaving to go to a restaurant, their boat crashed into a ferry. A few minutes later, their boat became wedged between the initial ferry boat they crashed into and another neighboring ferry boat.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, but the evidence available at this time suggests the two owners of the small boat are responsible. Yet, since in instances where the cause of the incident is unclear, investigators could discover a detail at the scene to find you at least partially liable for damages — such as not securing your ferry properly to prevent the damage to a small boat. Further, you may not be found criminally liable, but that will not stop the other party from filing a civil lawsuit against you, even if their rationale doesn’t add up.
Washington Ferry Beaches After Losing Power
A ferry in Rich Passage that was headed from Bremerton to Seattle ran aground after losing power and steering control in mid-April. The vessel was drifting uncontrollably, and the crew had to tell passengers to brace for impact as it finally hit the shore. Luckily, there were no serious injuries.
The investigation showed bacterial and fungal growth in the ferry’s diesel storage tanks caused the mechanical shutdown and concluded the crew was not at fault. However, when it comes to maintenance troubles that cause you to lose control of your vessel, an investigator can find you liable for neglecting maintenance issues that endanger your passengers, especially if the incident were to cause serious injuries or death.
You might be thinking about how unlikely these scenarios are, and it’s safe to say the captains of the aforementioned ferry boats thought the same thing. But, a routine day of work can quickly become disastrous, and you shouldn’t work another day without being prepared to deal with the aftermath of an accident.
Protection Insured Ferry Boat Captains Have
An investigation or lawsuit that puts your license and business at risk puts your livelihood at risk. You shouldn’t have to face investigations, negligence claims or lawsuits alone; you need a comprehensive mariner liability insurance policy that can act fast and provide you with the resources you need.
License, Legal and Liability Protection
A comprehensive liability insurance policy covers the cost of the protection and provides it. A good insurance partner will help you build a custom plan with coverage options and features that fit the exact needs of your ferry boat business.
24/7 Access to Marine Claims Experts
As soon as these incidents happen, your mind is racing, and investigators may already be contacting you. You need around-the-clock access to experts who can assist you with unique situations you aren’t prepared to handle by yourself. It’s worth noting that the PortMiami crash happened just before 4 a.m., and the Madeline Island crash happened around 11 p.m.
Loss-of-Income and Property Damage Coverage
You need a financial safety net in times of uncertainty and the means to make repairs to your damaged ferry so you can get your business back up and running.
Mariner Liability Insurance from 360 Coverage Pros
Mariner Liability Insurance from 360 Coverage Pros can offer you all the protection you need amid the uncertainty and aftermath of an accident. Our comprehensive policy developed by marine professionals provides the support and protection you need to stay afloat.
Here are a few benefits of our policy:
- Customizable license protection; legal and liability defense coverage options to fit your needs
- 24/7 access to admiralty attorneys and marine claims experts
- Loss-of-income protection and coverage for property damage
- Low monthly payments starting at just $25.83
- Instant proof of insurance by filling out an easy online form
To learn more about Mariner Liability Insurance from 360 Coverage Pros and how to get started, you can schedule a free consultation or call 866.807.3822. Visit our Mariner Liability Insurance page for ferry boat captains here for more coverage details.
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