Going A Cruise? Here Are Some Good Maritime Laws To Know

Watching movies most have seen the laws of the high seas that are outside the jurisdiction of any nation. According to movies captains (even space captains in Star Trek) can officiate weddings and conduct trials. But what are the relevant laws on a cruise?

The high seas are big. They make up around 50% of the earth's surface area and cover over two-thirds of the ocean. One of the best places in the world for a luxury cruise is in the stunning Mediterranean Sea. Alternatively, to really experience the High Seas, consider voyaging around the world on a cargo vessel instead.

Performing Weddings On Ships

One common myth is that ship captains are permitted to perform weddings aboard the ship. But this is generally false. It is banned in the UK, largely banned in the USA, as well as most other countries in the world. Oddly enough Japan permits it, but only for Japanese citizens, and Spain permits it, but only in the case of imminent death.

High Seas Weddings: Mostly Forbidden
Permitted: High Seas Weddings Are permitted by Bermuda, The Bahamas, and Malta

Three countries that do permit it are Bermuda, The Bahamas, and Malta. Many cruise ships have been registered to Bermuda so that they can conduct these romantic unions on the high seas.

Captains normally have the official certifications from Bermuda and they are not officiating solely in their capacity as the ship captain.

Where the Ship Is Registered Is Key

Knowing where the ship is registered is key. Let's say one has something happen that one wants to press charges for in international waters. This ship has left the United Kingdom and is bound for the United States but the ship is registered to Liberia in Africa.

Flag: The Ship Is Governed By The Flag It Is Flying

Upon arriving in the USA it is unlikely that the police can help one as the incident was out in international waters and it was Liberian flagged. One will need to press charges in Liberia under Liberian law.

For this reason, it can be very difficult to press charges for incidents abroad ships.

With cruise ships, things can be a little more complicated as one is entering into a legal contract with them. According to How Stuff Works, one may be able to sue the cruise ship, but that actually depends on the cruise ship's ticket's fine print. They state:

"If the ticket says the cruise line can only be sued in Seattle, then a Los Angeles court will almost always refuse to hear the case."

Breakdown Of Zones

If the ship is not in international waters, then it is more complicated. Here is a breakdown of the zones.

Internal Waters: If the ship is in places like bays or ports, then the laws of that country apply. So a ship coming from Britain but flagged in Liberia will be under American law if it is docked in the harbor. Anything that happens is under American law (federal and state).

Where: In Harbor, Bays, Etc
Internal Waters: All The Host Countries Law Apply

Territorial Waters: Most of a country's laws apply within its territorial waters - these generally extend to 12 miles from the coastline. This also means that a ship departing from a country where gambling is banned, cannot open gambling activities until it is 12 miles out. After that, it's fair game. The same goes for alcohol, the drinking age, and other activities - depending of course on the laws to which the ship is registered.

Where: 0-12 Miles From The Coast
Territorial Waters: Most of The Host Country's Laws Apply

Contiguous Zone: This is an area 12 to 24 miles off the coast. Here the country has only limited jurisdiction and only certain rights. These rights cover things like patrolling (they may conduct anti-smuggling operations here regardless of the flag the vessel is flying).
Where: 12 to 24 Miles Offshore
Contiguous Zone: Limited Jurisdiction Like Patroling for Smuggling

High Seas: The High Seas or international waters are over 24 miles away from any coastline. In the high seas, it is the law of the flag the vessel is flying that governs what happens onboard the ship. So if one is sailing 25 miles off the coast with an American cruise ship company, from an American port, going to another American port, with an American captain, flying a Liberian flag - its Liberian law that everyone is subject to.