gCaptain: A Word On Vessel Traffic Service | gCaptain.com
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OneEighteen · 1 year agoGood observations about VTS strengths and shortcomings. Here in Houston the pilot's association was approached about taking a more active role in VTS including possibly administering the service instead of the Coast Guard or assigning pilots to stand a watch in VTS as advisors. It was never done. The major hurdle was liability issues for the pilot's association. The government enjoys lawsuit immunity, the pilots do not. I remember reading about a similar issue in NY harbor.
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Jason M · 1 year agoIf they are simply in an advisory role do they still have liability?
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OneEighteen · 1 year agoOne would think not, but when lawyers start naming plantiffs reason and restraint are not the bywords. Even if a party is innocent of wrongdoing it can be very expensive to defend your position in court.
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John Denham · 1 year agoA duty pilot advisor can talk with a pilot and exchange information, and, can informVTS staff of pertinent information that may be applicable. However without a joint cooperative effort that is mutually agreed to the status quo continues. Lawful terms "by all available means" and "special circumstances." may be applied. JGD