On Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:58:45 -0700, Tim wrote:

Something I've always wondered.

OK, some of my Great Grandparents came from Germany in 1858 and were
legally married by the capt. of the ship before entering port into the
US. (Louisiana) It was a larger passenger type vessel from what I
understand.

Now, question is. Can you or ANY licensed capt. perform the same duty?

Just curious.

Thanks!

You might be interested in an Ellis Island post I made recently, although
it doesn't address this particular question!