2007-07-09 06:55:40 · 18 answers · asked by The Caretaker. 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Actually... no.... except under certain circumstances.
The International Rules governing this state that: THE MASTER OF THE VESSEL SHALL OFFICIATE AT A MARRIAGE PERFORMED ON THAT VESSEL
What that means is, his presence is REQUIRED for the Marriage to take place but he may or may NOT be the person doing the marriage.
Even if the captain of a ship does perform the ceremony, it is ONLY LEGAL if he performs that duty OUTSIDE THE COLREG'S LINE... in other words... HE MUST BE IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS
2007-07-09 07:03:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's generally a myth.
A ship is considered to be part of the territory in which it's registered and the marriage would only be valid if the captain was authorised by that territory and their marriages internationally recognised.
If you are in international waters and not on a registered vessel (say you put out in a lifeboat), you can agree to be married whether you've got a captain to read the wedding service or not. Most territories would regard the marriage as valid, although you would need to come up with some proof that it actually took place. It's probably easier just to get married in your home country.
2007-07-09 07:03:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
True, a captain is effectively also Judge, Jury & Executioner. His word is technically final. This is often a matter of expediency, the ship may not be in contact with it's home jurisdiction with no legal representatives aboard, or circumstances dictate he officiate.
However, depending on the nationality the ship is registered under, local laws may later apply. So, the captain does not have total "Carte Blanche" to act as he likes.
2007-07-09 07:04:38 · answer #3 · answered by Efnissien 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Perhaps we should ask the question, "can a Sea Captain marry you at sea according to such and such a country?" Not all countries would have the same laws.
If you are married in international waters, you would need to make sure that your country would recognize the marriage once you returned to it's jurisdiction.
2007-07-09 07:29:23 · answer #4 · answered by jessica R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, anyone who has legally attained the title of captain on a ship (not just anyone who owns a boat and calls himself captain), usually through the navy or merchant marine, can perform a legal marriage at sea.
2007-07-09 07:01:54 · answer #5 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes the sea captain can marry two willing persons.
2007-07-09 07:00:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
No, it's just a myth. If ONLY a captain, they CANNOT perform a legal ceremony.
He CAN however if he is ALSO authorised by the 'state' to perform marriages.
eg. In the UK, ANY person can apply to be formally allowed to perform marriage ceremonies.
It CAN be done under a BERMUDAN flag (Bermudan registered ship) in international waters...legally.
2007-07-09 07:01:03 · answer #7 · answered by creviazuk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the captain of the ship has all the powers to solumnised marriage and funeral at the ship if it is in international water hence the registration certificate will be issued by the first port enroute the ship is visiting.
2007-07-09 09:41:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
No they cant that ended a very long time ago. Do you ever see any photos or news about weddings on ships. It would be as legal as getting married in the blacksmiths shop by the blacksmith at Gretna Green.
2007-07-09 07:06:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a captain of a ship can marry you at sea, but he might want to divorce you later!
But, seriously, yes, he can but it`s not done so often now.
It first started in 1492 when the Mayflower took the first immigrants to America so they could bunk together before they reached the states.
2007-07-09 07:01:00 · answer #10 · answered by Montgomery B 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋