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Being a boat captain is an extraordinary and challenging role. Duties range from steering a ship to being responsible for the safety of everyone on board. It requires a high levels of skill, concentration, and physical stamina. However, as with all physically demanding jobs, captains can suffer accidents or health problems that result in long-term disability.
If a boat captain is unable to work due to a medical condition, they may be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Short- and long-term disability benefits replace a portion of a person’s income if they are unable to return to work. Unfortunately, it is not always easy for applicants to get a long-term disability claim approved.
Duties of a Boat Captain
The role of a boat captain extends beyond simply navigating the vessel. Here are some critical responsibilities:
- Navigation: A boat captain’s primary responsibility is to navigate the boat safely. They must have a thorough understanding of marine weather conditions, tidal information, nautical charts, and navigational tools.
- Safety: Boat captains are responsible for the safety of the crew, passengers, and cargo. They conduct regular safety drills, manage emergencies on board, and ensure that the vessel meets all safety regulations.
- Maintenance: Boat captains oversee the maintenance of the vessel. This includes ensuring the vessel is seaworthy, conducting regular inspections, and coordinating necessary repairs.
- Administration: Captains also have administrative duties, including preparing itineraries, handling legal and customs documentation, and managing the ship’s budget.
Different Types of Captain Licenses
The different types of captain licenses include:
- OUPV Inland (6 PAK) – Uninspected Passenger Vessel Operator;
- OUPV Near Coastal (6 PAK) – Uninspected Passenger Vessel Operator;
- Master Inland – 25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TONS;
- Master Inland – 25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TONS / OUPV Endorsement; and
- Master Inland 25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TONS / Mate Near Coastal Endorsement.
In general, the boat’s crew must be physically fit and free of disabling illness or injury. However, loss of a professional license alone may not be enough to qualify for disability insurance benefits.
Challenges Boat Captains Face When Filing a Long-Term Disability Claim
If a boat captain is unable to perform their duties, they may qualify for long-term disability insurance benefits. However, because boat captains are well compensated, they may have a difficult time getting a claim approved. Despite the risk involved in their work, boat captains often face challenges when filing long-term disability claims.
This is because the insurance carrier looks at the case from a financial standpoint. They do not want to pay a large monthly benefit month after month or year after year. The longer you are expected to be out of work, the more the insurance company will scrutinize your claim. The process can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
Tips for a Successful Disability Insurance Claim
Tip #1 Support Your Claim with Medical Evidence
If you are injured or become ill, seek medical attention immediately. Consistent treatment will not only help you recover, but it will also document your medical condition, making it easier to prove your disability. Make sure your healthcare provider documents all of your symptoms and limitations in your medical records.
It is also important to obtain objective evidence to support any subjective complaints whenever possible. For example, let’s say a boat captain has a significant back injury (such as a herniated disc). The boat captain cannot walk, stand, or even sit for very long before needing to change positions. The most comfortable position is for the captain to lie down for 50% of the day to relieve the pain.
There are not many jobs that will accommodate the need to lie down for half of the day. The boat captain will want to make sure that there is good “objective medical evidence” to support the subjective complaints of pain. Objective evidence may include MRIs, x-rays, etc.
Tip #2 Be Prepared for Video Surveillance
Disability insurance companies have the legal right to conduct surveillance. An insurer will often hire a private investigator to watch a claimant’s home or follow them around town. The insurer hopes to “catch” you in any activities that might “disprove” your disability.
Tip #3 Avoid Social Media
If you file a long-term disability claim, the insurance company will investigate your social media accounts. They will be looking for any evidence that you are not truly disabled. It may be tempting while you are out of work, but we recommend avoiding social media for the entire duration of your claim.
Tip #4 Don’t Rush Back to Work
The time you spend out of work recovering may be boring and feel unproductive compared to your usual work activities. However, it is important that you do not return to work until you are ready. Returning to work too soon could aggravate your medical condition(s).
Tip #5 Carefully Review Your Disability Insurance Policy
Understand your coverage, benefits, and limitations. If the policy is complex, consider scheduling a free case evaluation with a disability attorney. Make sure that anyone you speak with has experience with disability insurance claims specifically. Many attorneys handle disability claims with the Social Security Administration, but not all of them are familiar with disability insurance claims.
Hiring an attorney experienced in disability insurance law can make the process of filing a long-term disability claim easier. They can help navigate complex insurance laws, assist with paperwork, and advocate on your behalf.
Representation by the Ortiz Law Firm
Although based in Florida, long-term disability attorney Nick Ortiz helps disability insurance claimants across the United States get the benefits they deserve. He can evaluate your claim to determine the best course of action. Call the Ortiz Law Firm today at (888) 321-8131 to schedule your free case evaluation.