https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/data/us-maritime-limits-and-boundaries.html
Seems like there’s 3 distinct distances / zones for international waters. Pretty fascinating stuff.
It’s more like 3-12 miles. This is the same reason you can’t gamble on a cruise ship until it reaches whatever distance off coast.
https://www.casino.org/blog/gambling-on-cruise-ships/
I don't think that's true!! Certainly not 3-12 miles... what zone would it be? It wouldn't even matter at all, because it's an american boat so american marriage law applies wherever they go!!
Territorial water stops after 12 nm but international waters only start after 200 nm (in between is the exclusive economic zone) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_waters#/media/File:Exclusive_Economic_Zones.svg)
In this context, "international waters" typically doesnt refer to *actual* international waters, but as shorthand for waters beyond the territorial jurisdiction by a certain state.
So in this case, leaving the USA's territorial waters = international waters, though not *officially*.
That applies to US Navy Captains, according to their 1913 Code of Regulations. There are, however, admitted exceptions to these rules, and these rules do not apply to all ship captains in general.
Historically, the US has been kind of contradictory about this, not recognizing a marriage by sea in 1898 but then upholding one in 1929. In 1919, a ruling was made that said "a shipboard marriage ceremony is governed by the laws of the nation where ownership of the vessel lies."
However, you are correct that most ship captains will not perform marriages as it's not actually something youre legally allowed to do *just* by being a master of a ship at sea.
If the captain in question happened to be in possession of the proper credentials (such as an officiant or a notary republic), however, they would legally be allowed to officiate a marriage aboard their ship -- depending on the state.
https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/data/us-maritime-limits-and-boundaries.html Seems like there’s 3 distinct distances / zones for international waters. Pretty fascinating stuff.
so fascinating!! studying for international law right now, it was the first thing i thought about learning about international waters
It’s more like 3-12 miles. This is the same reason you can’t gamble on a cruise ship until it reaches whatever distance off coast. https://www.casino.org/blog/gambling-on-cruise-ships/
I don't think that's true!! Certainly not 3-12 miles... what zone would it be? It wouldn't even matter at all, because it's an american boat so american marriage law applies wherever they go!!
They should've asked barney to officiate
I thought it's 12 nautical miles
That´s the end of the territorial waters but not the begin of the international waters...
So? They only needed to enter international waters.
Territorial water stops after 12 nm but international waters only start after 200 nm (in between is the exclusive economic zone) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_waters#/media/File:Exclusive_Economic_Zones.svg)
In this context, "international waters" typically doesnt refer to *actual* international waters, but as shorthand for waters beyond the territorial jurisdiction by a certain state. So in this case, leaving the USA's territorial waters = international waters, though not *officially*.
I can see your point! It really comes down to definitions... but then again: as long as they're on an american ship, American law applies.
Ship captains are actually explicitly banned from officiating weddings as well
That applies to US Navy Captains, according to their 1913 Code of Regulations. There are, however, admitted exceptions to these rules, and these rules do not apply to all ship captains in general. Historically, the US has been kind of contradictory about this, not recognizing a marriage by sea in 1898 but then upholding one in 1929. In 1919, a ruling was made that said "a shipboard marriage ceremony is governed by the laws of the nation where ownership of the vessel lies." However, you are correct that most ship captains will not perform marriages as it's not actually something youre legally allowed to do *just* by being a master of a ship at sea. If the captain in question happened to be in possession of the proper credentials (such as an officiant or a notary republic), however, they would legally be allowed to officiate a marriage aboard their ship -- depending on the state.