gCaptain - Latest Comments in A Word On Vessel Traffic Service

Re: A Word On Vessel Traffic Service

Jorge Arroyo — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:01:41 -0000

Any pilot, acting in the course and scope of his or her duties while at a United States Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service, who provides information, advice, or communication assistance while under the supervision of a Coast Guard officer, member, or employee shall not be liable for damages caused by or related to such assistance unless the acts or omissions of such pilot constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct. __46 USC 2307(2004)

Re: A Word On Vessel Traffic Service

John Denham — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:08:03 -0000

A 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

Re: A Word On Vessel Traffic Service

OneEighteen — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:58:33 -0000

One 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.

Re: A Word On Vessel Traffic Service

Jason M — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:03:22 -0000

If they are simply in an advisory role do they still have liability?

Re: A Word On Vessel Traffic Service

OneEighteen — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:53:08 -0000

Good 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.