Hi Jeff,

I think this is very much as someone else described as a "grey area".
Several years ago I was asked to offer my services for this exact same type
of situation, and I agreed to do it, but both I and the vessel were fully
covered and performed as if we were paid.

I think it really boils down to this: as a licensed master, you are held to
a higher level of expectation of professionalism, and you can be persued no
matter what the laws may be. Keep in mind that there are several laws that
can apply, besides Federal law, there's Maritime law and Civil law. Think
about the "worst case scenario", where a passenger is seriously injured or
worse. Who will be held accountable? Who will pay the medical bills? Who
will protect you from civil lawsuit? Being a licensed Master is a very
risky business, and I wouldn't take any shortcuts. I am not a lawyer, just
a fellow mariner who wants to keep his license ;-)

--
Paul

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