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Being a boat captain is an extraordinary and challenging role. Duties range from piloting a vessel to being responsible for the safety of everyone on board. This career demands high levels of skill, concentration, and physical stamina. However, like all physically demanding jobs, captains may experience accidents or health issues 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. Long-term disability benefits replace a portion of a person’s income if they cannot return to work. Unfortunately for claimants, it is not always easy to get a long-term disability claim approved.
Duties of a Boat Captain
The role of a boat captain extends beyond just navigating the ship. Here are a few critical responsibilities:
- Navigation: The primary role of a boat captain is to navigate the boat safely. They must have a deep 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 onboard emergencies, and ensure the vessel meets all safety regulations.
- Maintenance: Boat captains oversee the maintenance of the vessel. This involves ensuring the boat is seaworthy, regular inspections, and coordinating necessary repairs.
- Administration: Captains also have administrative duties, including preparing voyage plans, 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 TON / OUPV Endorsement; and
- Master Inland 25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TON / Mate Near Coastal Endorsement.
Generally speaking, the crew members of a boat must be physically fit and free of disabling illness and injury. However, loss of a professional license alone may not be enough to qualify for disability insurance benefits.
Challenges Boat Captains Face When Filing for Long-Term Disability
If a boat captain is unable to perform their duties, they may qualify for long-term disability insurance benefits. However, since boat captains are well compensated, they may have a hard time obtaining claim approval. Despite the risk involved in their work, boat captains often face challenges when filing long-term disability claims.
This is because the insurance carrier is viewing the case from a financial standpoint. They do not want to pay a high 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. This process can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
Tips for a Successful Disability Insurance Claim
Tip #1 Support Your Claim with Medical Evidence
If you have been injured or become ill, seek immediate medical attention. Consistent treatment not only aids your recovery but also documents your medical condition, making it easier to prove your disability. Make sure your medical provider is documenting all of your symptoms and limitations in your medical records.
It is also important to obtain objective evidence to support any subjective complaints, when possible. For example, let’s say a boat captain has a significant back injury (such as herniated discs). 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 alleviate 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 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 investigate to watch a claimant’s home or follow them around town. The insurer is hoping to “catch” you performing any activities that may “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 look for any evidence that you are not really disabled. It may be tempting while you are out of work, but we recommend avoiding social media for the entire claim period.
Tip #4 Do Not Rush Back to Work
The time you are out of work to recover may be dull and feel unproductive compared to your usual work activity. However, it is important that you do not go back to work until you are ready. If a boat captain returns to work too soon, they could be in danger of making their medical condition(s) worse.
Tip #5 Carefully Review Your Disability Insurance Policy
Know your coverage, benefits, and limitations. If the policy is complex, consider scheduling a free consultation with a disability attorney. Make sure anyone that you speak with has experience with disability insurance claims specifically. Many lawyers handle disability claims with the Social Security Administration, but not all of them are familiar with disability insurance claims.
Hiring a lawyer experienced in disability insurance law can ease the long-term disability claim process. 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, we help disability insurance claimants across the United States get the benefits they deserve. We can help you evaluate your claim to determine how to move forward with the claim process. Call the Ortiz Law Firm at (888) 321-8131 to schedule your free case evaluation.