"Tim" wrote in message
oups.com...
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!


Not Tom, but the answer to your question is no, unless you also are
certified by your state to perform marriages as a notary, justice of the
peace or clergy).

It used to be authorized within territorial waters, but holding a USCG
license no longer (by itself) sufficient to legally marry anyone.

BTW .... Anybody know where the traditional "3 mile" territorial limit
originated?
Answer at 11.

Eisboch