If you’re thinking about doing professional boat delivery work, don’t miss this conversation.
In the latest episode of From the Wheelhouse, Captain John Martino sits down with maritime attorney Todd Lochner to talk about the #1 thing every captain needs before stepping aboard:
A contract — a real one.
Lochner has spent more than 20 years helping captains and vessel owners navigate delivery-related liability, and he still sees captains trying to move million-dollar boats on nothing more than a handshake. In this episode, he explains why that can be financially devastating and what a proper delivery contract must include.
In the interview, they break down:
- Why handshake deals still happen — and why they’re so dangerous
- The insurance clause every delivery contract should have
- How to avoid becoming the Jones Act employer of volunteer crew
- Why captains should work through an LLC for liability protection
- How to handle expenses, credit cards, weather delays, and seaworthiness
- A real horror story about a captain who tried to DIY his contract and ended up facing $500,000 in liability
If you’ve ever done a delivery, hired a captain, or are thinking about turning your captain’s license into paid work, this episode is packed with need-to-know guidance straight from an attorney who sees these cases every day.