Author Archives: Site Administrator
Can I Get a DUI Driving a Boat in Florida?
Boating Under the Influence Yes. It is known as “boating under the influence”, or BUI. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher — the same as it is to operate a vehicle. (Florida Statute Ch. 327.35) Alcohol is a leading contributing factor… Read More »
Cruise Ship Passenger Refunds
Passenger Refunds: What You Need to Know What is the deal with cruise ship passenger refunds? The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, the agency over cruise lines, is looking into the hodgepodge of refund policies of cruise lines. Some cruise lines were refusing refunds if a person canceled their cruise before the cruise line canceled… Read More »
Boat Propeller Injuries
Are Boat Propeller Injury Cases Increasing? It appears the answer is yes. It may be seasonal but we are seeing several. On July 27, 2020, Channel 2 NBC in Ft. Myers ran a story about a rise in propeller injuries. It cited Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission that 3 boat propeller strike cases had… Read More »
Maritime Academy
New Maritime Academy in Tampa Bay Tampa Bay has a new maritime training facility, and it is Coast Guard approved, for training of captains, officers and personnel. The courses include training for coastal shipping, yachts, cruise ships, charter boats, offshore, and oil and gas industries. Gulf Coast Marine Academy lists an address of 1601… Read More »
Cruiseship
Carnival Cruise Lines Name of vessel: Carnival Breeze Maiden voyage: 2012 Passenger: 4,428 Crew: 1,386 Length: 1,004′ *Known Injuries: Fractured interior pole, fractured patella, fractured fibula, death. Slip & fall on slippery tile floor. Slip & fall on slippery metal plate entering buffet. Doors slamming suddenly on passengers. Minor standing on the balcony furniture… Read More »
Kicked Off the Cruise Ship in a Foreign Country
We recently wrote in our blog post about cruise lines kicking passengers off their vessels in foreign ports. (e.g., in a foreign country) We also recently wrote about the cruise ship passenger’s Bill of Rights. In our view the passenger Bill of Rights is almost useless. (See our Blog Post in February 2019). And,… Read More »
Cruise Ship Passenger Bill of Rights
Is there such a thing as a passenger Bill of Rights for cruise ship passengers? Yes. This arose after February 2013 the vessel Carnival Triumph lost power due to an engine fire while offshore. Stories were widespread in multiple media outlets that the 4200 passengers were stranded with no air conditioning, little food options,… Read More »
How Many Passengers Cruise Each Year on Cruise Ships?
According to Cruise Line International Association (“CLIA”), the industry association organization, 28.2 million passengers sailed on cruise ships in 2018, up from 26.7 million passengers in 2017, and ridership is expected to reach 30 million passengers in 2019. Where Do Cruise Ships Travel Most? Cruise Line International Association (“CLIA”) the industry association organization estimates… Read More »
Limitation of Liability and Why It Is Important
We Represent People Injured in Boat Crashes and JetSki Collisions in Florida. Many visitors come to Florida, are hurt on a vessel, and then return to their out-of-State home. Here is something significant to note about such cases. Insurance companies frequently resort to a Limitation of Liability action against injured persons. This is a… Read More »
Medical Services on a Cruise Ship
You’d Better Know About Medical Care on a Cruise Ship The vessel has limitations on the medical care and procedures they can perform on the vessel. Cruise lines don’t like to advertise this fact. The vessel is not a hospital. Read the ticket book to see what services the cruise line specifically offers. Read… Read More »