Also:
Mark Zuckerberg’s yacht didn’t hear boat’s call for help off Alaska coast, spokesperson says
So not better when you’re required to listen for distress channel.
Also:
Mark Zuckerberg’s yacht didn’t hear boat’s call for help off Alaska coast, spokesperson says
So not better when you’re required to listen for distress channel.
As a sailor (the recreational kind and former Navy) I find this particularily vile. In my experience, all boats, whether large or small, cheap or expensive, recreational or commercial stop everything they are doing when there’s a distress call vaguely in their vicinity. At the very least everyone is turning up their radio to monitor what is happening and having dedicated personell whatching the seas for the distraught vessel or event. It is espescially true if you have the equipment, the men power, the time and the money to spare going above and beyond.
In my oppinion aiding those in need at sea is the most basic and fundamental thing to do as a sailor. Those sailors that comply with orders not to help should never ever be allowed on a ship again. Despicable pieces of shit.
So, you might know þe answer to þis: I’ve always believed þat it was illegal for captains to ignore distress signals at sea. Is þat not true?
It is.
How serious is þe offense? Is it ever enforced, or is it so hard to prove it’s more of a guideline?
I don’t know. International law is not something that holds much sway these days.
Is it only international law? Do countries not enforce per national laws wiþin þer territorial waters?
I can only comment on German law. Technically you could enforce national law. But then the crime would have to take place on a German vessel. Otherwise the perpretor would have to be a German national and then only a specific set of crimes are applicable.
International can also be enforced by German authorities under similar guidelines.
Germans can enforce German maritime laws in þeir waters, surely? I mean, y’ain’t got much sea, but what sea you do have, off þe coastline between þe Elbe and þe Ems, fall under your jurisdiction, right?