Part time mates and liability

[Eastbayfe]

The diving industry is unique in that many consider it a great trade to sign on as part time mate for a chance to dive for free. I am curious as to how liability falls for any unfortunate accident during the charter. Since the mate is listed under the captains testing program I tend to believe the mate is considered an employee and liability first falls on the captain or charter company. I may be wrong on this issue since they could possibly be seen as a subcontractor or freelance captain. I have wondered about this for a couple of years and would like to hear what the others know or think on the matter.

 

[ComputerJoe]

IMHO
If Part-timer is on your drug program, which he would have to be if he is not on another, he would be judged and employee. If something goes wrong, everyone would be in court right down to the dock boy who fueled your boat before departing. So the real question is will your insurance cover Part-timer, I doubt it.

In my linited expirence Charter insurance covers the "insured" only for accidents that happen on the insured boat, NOT to accidents that happen in the water. My agent wanted to be sure that I had insurance through a scuba agency.

 

[divezonescuba]

Moved to a new thread

 

[Tortuga James]

What thread did it move to?