Wooden superstructure disclaimer
Posted 06-22-2008 at 01:30 AM by Franz Neumeier
A small piece of documentation I'd like to share: Here is the required disclaimer from the Delta Queen tickets all passengers have to sign together with the Terms and Conditions in order to get on board. The part about the wooden superstructure not meeting all requirements for fire safeta is printed in bold letters. Here is how it reads:
If embarking the Steamboat Delta Queen, you hereby acknowledge that the wooden construction of the Delta Queen's passenger berthing areas prevents her from complying with all of the applicable fire safety standards and with Safety Of Life At Sea (S.O.L.A.S.). The Delta Queen operates under a special Congressial exemption.
I can't emphasis enough: Even if you consider the Delta Queen as being dangerous (which she obviously is not; otherwise the Coast Guard would not have issued certificates of inspection for decades) it should still be the free decision of free people in a free country whether they accept this terms or not.
When I take a canoe out on the Mississippi River, it's my free decision to do so, and I'm well aware of the risks (and if not, it's still my personal problem). Why should this be different to boarding the Delta Queen which is much, much safer - and I'm even being warned in advance. So, please, let me decide on my own. or be honest and admit that this is not a free country any more.
"Land of the free", huh?
If embarking the Steamboat Delta Queen, you hereby acknowledge that the wooden construction of the Delta Queen's passenger berthing areas prevents her from complying with all of the applicable fire safety standards and with Safety Of Life At Sea (S.O.L.A.S.). The Delta Queen operates under a special Congressial exemption.
I can't emphasis enough: Even if you consider the Delta Queen as being dangerous (which she obviously is not; otherwise the Coast Guard would not have issued certificates of inspection for decades) it should still be the free decision of free people in a free country whether they accept this terms or not.
When I take a canoe out on the Mississippi River, it's my free decision to do so, and I'm well aware of the risks (and if not, it's still my personal problem). Why should this be different to boarding the Delta Queen which is much, much safer - and I'm even being warned in advance. So, please, let me decide on my own. or be honest and admit that this is not a free country any more.
"Land of the free", huh?
Total Comments 2
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Right you are, Franz! In the 70's campign, there was a rhyme written that, though sexist by today's standards, still fits the bill: "Ye men who wear the nation's pants, if we can ride, we'll take the chance". 'Nuff said.
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Franz,
You bring up a very legitimate point here. For we are too quick now days to blame others rather than take responsibility for our own actions. The DELTA QUEEN is more safe than my own home, or for that matter the home our elected President lives in. For he does not have the advantage of 10 trained firefighters onboard and 5 on shift 24 hours a day...not to mention the other safety features the boat has. Most people neglect the fact she can be landed and her passengers could be removed to the safety of land in moments at any time anywhere. Where a land-based building still has the danger to all in its pheriphery...the DELTA QUEEN does not have this...as in the event of a catastrophic event, her passengers can be put ashore and she safely removed from their danger. Knowing these facts...why is this an issue at all? As you said, Franz...."Land of the free"....I question it myself! ~Travis~ |
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Recent Blog Entries by Franz Neumeier
- Delta Queen Preservation Foundation (10-26-2010)
- Delta Queen Hotel: Special Deals for Steamboaters (07-14-2010)
- Delta Queen Culinary History (07-09-2010)
- Race for the Silver Antlers (04-12-2010)
- Captain Larry "Buford" Wilkinson passed away (03-24-2010)
