Fishing Buddy

[motorman007]

Hello, I guess next spring,summer I will be looking for fishing buddy to share half the cost in Galveston area, mostly bay fishing.is there a law againest this.

[John Jones]

The Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993 states that it is okay for all aboard to split all actual costs of the trip evenly (bait, ice, fuel).  If you charge a fixed amount or start calculating in boat payment, insurance, repair fund, etc. then you have to be licensed as a commercial.

You will hear lots of different opinions so I will quote from the horse's mouth.

SEC. 507. CONSIDERATION.
Section 2101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting between paragraphs (5)
and (6) a new paragraph (5a) to read as follows:
"(5a) 'consideration' means an economic benefit, inducement, right, or profit including pecuniary payment accruing to an individual, person, or entity, but not including a voluntary sharing of the actual expenses of the voyage, by monetary contribution or donation of fuel, food, beverage, or other supplies.".
DESCRIPTION - Section 507 amends 46 U.S.C. 2101 by adding a definition of the term
"consideration." Although this term was used in the prior definition of a "passenger," it was not previously defined by statute. Generally, some tangible amount of worth exchanged for carriage on a vessel such as payment, exchange of goods or a promise of performance is required. "Consideration" does not include a voluntary sharing of the actual expenses of a voyage. Additionally, employees or business clients that have not contributed for their carriage, and are carried for morale or entertainment purposes is not included as exchange of consideration.

I have a .pdf from the USCG titled "GUIDANCE ON THE PASSENGER VESSEL SAFETY ACT OF 1993"  if anyone wants it I will email it to them.  Even though this software says you can attach a file to a post it does not work.

[gran398]

Thanks JJ. On one hand, we can look at this as the fed holding too much power. On the other hand, we can be thankful that there are laws in place to protect the unprotected.

Somewhere in between I reckon. Thanks.

[seabob4]

Hello, I guess next spring,summer I will be looking for fishing buddy to share half the cost in Galveston area, mostly bay fishing.is there a law againest this.

Hypothetical.  You work with a friend.  He lives near you.  The two of you decide to carpool, agreeing to share expenses equally.  It's done a million times a day, with no second thought given to the practice...


So, that being said, what's different about motorman's suggestion?  What, the CG?  How are they different from the local LEOs?  I mean, it sounds pretty easy to me...but then, after seeing that thread on THT about the Conn. cop charged with DUI Manslaughter and his Sargent Dad coming to the rescue...well, not much faith in the law enforcement community, if you know what I mean...

[gran398]

Exactly, unfortunately, somewhere in between.

[WhazzupII]

My brother was a "Coastie" for years, and is now a Police Seargent and runs his departments marine unit. Told him about the post, and he said there should be a law against anyone going fishing and not sharing the cost, or at least helping you do some serious cleaning at the end of the trip

[John Jones]

That is a law on my boat.  If you don't at least offer to share and clean, you don't get invited again.  I may not take you up on it but you had better offer.  ;)

[gran398]

Law on my boat too JJ. Anyone crying ten minutes from the dock about "My wife said....bla-bla-blah...I gotta go". Not a problem....Go.  Will see you...but again on my fishing boat....not likely.

[John Jones]

I really love the ones that don't show and don't even bother to call or the ones that after you get 20 miles out say "Oh yeah, I have to be back to the dock by 1.   :ncool:

[Glock Diver]

My brother was a "Coastie" for years, and is now a Police Seargent and runs his departments marine unit. Told him about the post, and he said there should be a law against anyone going fishing and not sharing the cost, or at least helping you do some serious cleaning at the end of the trip

I like it.  I might write my Congressman and propose such a law.
 :study: