Lets go diving , I have a boat in Key West

[The Essence of Character]

Lets go diving. were diving at Marqueas Keys tomorrow leaving dock at 7;30am in Key
west the more people the lest fuel cost Six people$ 50 each 4 dives

 

[TMHeimer]

Find us a place to stay that won't break the bank when we snowbird 3 months and I'm in. That's why we do Destin and the N. Gulf. I hear they have casinos in S. FL too for my wife.

 

[Wookie]

You are a charter? Because soliciting fuel money makes you a charter.

 

[idocsteve]

You are a charter? Because soliciting fuel money makes you a charter.

$50 for 4 dives is not a charter solicitation it's a gift.


You going to be down there awhile? We're looking at an August trip to the Keys.

 

[muzikbiz22]

You are a charter? Because soliciting fuel money makes you a charter.

This continues to be a "fuzzy area", at least to me. The following verbiage is from a recent Coast Guard News Release, that "tells me" it's ok to accept gas money. Your thoughts ??

"A passenger is considered for hire if they contribute any economic benefit, monetary contribution, or a donation as a condition of carriage, to any person having an interest in the vessel, unless the contribution is from a voluntarily sharing of voyage expenses."

 

[teknitroxdiver]

This continues to be a "fuzzy area", at least to me. The following verbiage is from a recent Coast Guard News Release, that "tells me" it's ok to accept gas money. Your thoughts ??

"A passenger is considered for hire if they contribute any economic benefit, monetary contribution, or a donation as a condition of carriage, to any person having an interest in the vessel, unless the contribution is from a voluntarily sharing of voyage expenses."

A pre-set price posted for anyone to book on the internet is not going to meet the standard of a voluntary contribution. If it did, why would anyone need to be properly licensed? @Wookie could just say "hey, I've got a big boat and we go diving. Voluntarily chip in $500 and you can ride along and dive too!" and not bother with any of those messy regulations.

By the way, the USCG can fine such an illegal charter $42,750 per day. Not likely that they will, but it's an option.

 

[muzikbiz22]

A pre-set price posted for anyone to book on the internet is not going to meet the standard of a voluntary contribution. If it did, why would anyone need to be properly licensed? @Wookie could just say "hey, I've got a big boat and we go diving. Voluntarily chip in $500 and you can ride along and dive too!" and not bother with any of those messy regulations.

By the way, the USCG can fine such an illegal charter $42,750 per day. Not likely that they will, but it's an option.

Explained that way, it makes sense

 

[Schwob]

Well, but OP's SB-name is
"The Essence of Character"
Not
"The Essence of Charter"
That ought to count for something...

 

[Wookie]

$50 for 4 dives is not a charter solicitation it's a gift.


You going to be down there awhile? We're looking at an August trip to the Keys.

Have a blast with some guy with a boat. He may have none of the equipment you come to expect on a dive boat, but hey! It's cheap. You remind me why I sold my boat. Thanks.

 

[TMHeimer]

No matter how the law is interpreted, I wouldn't do it without insurance. But getting insurance probably goes along with being legal.