Under 18 on Liveaboard

[ppatin]

There are various problems with minors crossing international borders without both parents.

I did plenty of border crossing without my parents when I was younger, it was never a big deal.

OP, check with the boat to see if they have any issues but I doubt there'll be a problem.

 

[fisheater]

That was before international kidnapping to avoid domestic custody orders became a big deal.

See this: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/268

 

[ppatin]

I'm only 29, it wasn't that long ago.

This isn't a 7 year old crossing the border with a stranger, it's a 17-year old on a liveaboard dive boat. IMO the chances of anyone raising a stink over the abduction issue is vanishingly small, but the OP should call the boat's operator. They'll know better than anyone on here if it's an issue.

 

[Tigerman]

I'm only 29, it wasn't that long ago.

This isn't a 7 year old crossing the border with a stranger, it's a 17-year old on a liveaboard dive boat. IMO the chances of anyone raising a stink over the abduction issue is vanishingly small, but the OP should call the boat's operator. They'll know better than anyone on here if it's an issue.

Yeah, and may very well say "sorry, but we dont want to take liability for a minor who cant sign a legal contract"...

 

[ppatin]

Yeah, and may very well say "sorry, but we dont want to take liability for a minor who cant sign a legal contract"...

All the more reason to call them and ask.They're based outside the US though and thank god the rest of the world isn't as obsessed with liability and lawsuits as we are.

 

[Tigerman]

Im outside the US myself and my experience is that most of the places Ive been to do care wether or not youre an adult before letting you make your own decisions though..

 

[ppatin]

Well the OP can figure that out with a quick call or e-mail. If they're ok with him coming then I really doubt that US customs will give him trouble.

 

[flots am]

All the more reason to call them and ask.They're based outside the US though and thank god the rest of the world isn't as obsessed with liability and lawsuits as we are.

It's a double edged sword.

No fear of lawsuits leads to DMs that send OW divers on deco and cave dives they're not ready for.

Fear of lawsuits prevents dive ops from letting people dive without filling out a medical form and a liability release.

flots

 

[Lorenzoid]

Other than checking with the fleet about being an unaccompained minor, I just suggest being prepared to being the youngust guest on board on to not have much in common with the "older" folks, other than the diving-which on a LOB, what else is there? Enjoy yourself.

This was my first thought, too. Liveaboards, due to the relatively high cost compared with other styles of diving, tend to attract an older crowd. I wouldn't be surprised if the next "youngest" passenger is 35+.