Posted by seahunt on January 14, 2003 at 17:24:46:
In Reply to: Just what authority does a DM have? posted by Captain Tim on January 14, 2003 at 16:45:52:
A DM has absolutely no inherent authority.
Your authority, on the other hand, is pretty absolute on your boat.
You can give authority to the DM, but it is still yours.
You have to be careful that you do not have a DM that abuses your authority.
Now, say I sign on to a charter through anyone besides you (you already have authority) and I make an agreement (to say solo), than I am obligated to do what I agree to. At that point, I expect that I would be liable in a civil court for a breach of agreement, but try to make it stick.
All real authority on the boat is yours and that is nearly ancient maritime law. You do not mess with that law except at your peril. Your authority is absolute as is your responsibility for your vessel.
Now I ain't a lawyer, but I passed this by one who agreed with it all and I state this based on principles that I am an expert on. Be careful though, law is never about absolutes, even in this pretty clear case.
Enjoy, seahunt