I own a charter ship. We take it out for short cruises up and down the east coast of Australia. Sometimes it gets quite choppy especially during the change of seasons. If I'm the operator of a charter ship am I responsible for activating the distress beacon if we run into trouble? Is it only advisable to use it if there is a possible danger to life?
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.
Answer by Andrea Stein, Brisbane 4000 QLD
- As the operator of a charter ship you are responsible for activating the distress beacon or ensuring a member of the crew activates it.
- You should activate your vessel’s distress beacon in the event that you are in grave and imminent danger.
- Where you have an emergency situation communication should first be attempted with others in the vicinity by using mobile phones, radio contact or any signalling device you may have on board your vessel. If this does not work then you are advised to activate the emergency distress beacon.