Covered Voyage: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition

Definition & Meaning

A covered voyage refers to a specific type of journey undertaken by commercial passenger vessels. This includes any voyage that:

  • Lasts for one or more nights.
  • Involves transporting passengers engaged in gambling aboard the vessel beyond the territorial waters of the United States.

Passengers must embark or disembark in the United States for the voyage to be classified as a covered voyage. Notably, this term excludes any voyages on vessels owned or operated by government entities and those lasting less than 12 hours between two ports in the U.S.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A cruise ship that departs from Miami, Florida, sails to the Bahamas for a three-night voyage, allowing passengers to gamble onboard while outside U.S. waters. This qualifies as a covered voyage.

Example 2: A ferry that operates between two U.S. ports for less than 12 hours does not qualify as a covered voyage, as it falls outside the definition.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Differences
Covered Voyage A voyage lasting one or more nights involving gambling beyond U.S. waters. Includes overnight travel and gambling; excludes short trips.
Day Cruise A short trip that typically lasts less than 12 hours. Does not meet the overnight requirement; not classified as a covered voyage.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a covered voyage, ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, especially concerning gambling laws. If you need assistance, consider using legal templates from US Legal Forms to draft necessary documents or contracts. For complex situations, consulting a legal professional is advisable.

Quick facts

  • Typical Duration: One or more nights
  • Jurisdiction: U.S. maritime law
  • Gambling Allowed: Yes, beyond U.S. territorial waters
  • Exclusions: Government-owned vessels, trips under 12 hours

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A covered voyage is a journey on a commercial passenger vessel that lasts one or more nights and involves gambling beyond U.S. waters.