Really need advice on Maritime Law

[Wyldrush]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Fl

I am looking into starting a business but it would involve maritime law and setting up the business outside the US. Not sure if I will find the answer here but still in thought process.

I am looking into refurbishing an older cruise ship that is 250 ft long. I can get the ship for a great price and refurbishing is in check financially

Here is the maritime question.

I am interested in making MONEY like most. I want to turn the ship into a floating STRIP CLUB sailing out of a port in South Florida. It would need a ship registry outside of the US I think as well. No gambling needed but some slots or a small area be great as well but it may bring on federal regulations I dont need to deal with

I need to know, outside US waters (typical 3 miles) can the ship operate as a strip club. And yes, other services a well. We know some strip clubs push the limits and being in international waters where in some countries the oldest profession is still 100% legal and popular among US visitors to places like Costa Rica or Dominic Republic I like to start a daily cruise to nowhere doing this.

Yes MEN will come and play from all over. I am in a large tourist city so it would work.

Any help be great on this legality

 

[FlyingRon]

We only deal with US law here. Certainly what you're asking for has been done before. There are such ships that operate off Florida all the time.

 

[Mass_Shyster]

Generally a ship of non US registry cannot sail from a US port to a US port without visiting a foreign port along the way. That is why the NCL ships cruising Hawaii are all US flagged. There are exceptions for repositioning cruises, but you'll find all of the cruises to nowhere are aboard US flagged ships.

Also, these things may not be 100% legal where you think. Many laws are simply not enforced in the name of tourism, and police outside the US have a reputation for taking money on the side.

You'll need to learn about maritime liens, which are not necessarily recorded, and can cost plenty. You can find your ship arrested because a previous owner didn't pay for a load of fuel.

You'll need to learn about the Jones Act, which is the maritime version of a combination of workman's compensation and health insurance. The Jones Act covers any sailor on a ship that visits a US port, so ship's registry is irrelevant.