Mike Knell on Nostr: "Rich people should have to pay for their search and rescue operations!" is such a ...
"Rich people should have to pay for their search and rescue operations!" is such a terrible take for many reasons:
Firstly - it says that S&R should fundamentally be chargeable. Imagine if container ship owners started deciding captains weren't allowed to make a distress call without referring back to the company because it would cost money. Or if small boat owners delayed a mayday call for half an hour because they'd get a bill. People would die.
Secondly - there is an obligation under international law for countries to participate in search and rescue and to provide assistance to vessels in need. The primary purpose of this is not saving property - it's saving lives.
Thirdly - if a rescue has to occur due to a vessel's owner or operators being grossly negligent or incompetent or any other number of things, this can already result in legal action by regulators and massive fines.
Fourthly - just because some European countries are trying to sidestep their obligations in respect of refugee boats in distress doesn't mean everyone else should. This is Europe's problem, not that of Canada or the US or even the company. If anything I hope it reminds them of the fundamental principle that assistance should be offered without fear or favour whenever life is in danger.
Fifth - Yes, this rescue is costing an absolute fortune. But even if they find the submersible a week too late (or even never) the amount of training, experience and data this operation will provide is enormous. That experience will get folded back into future regulations and future operating practices and will almost certainly save lives in future.
Basically - Nobody doesn't "deserve" to have their life saved because they're rich or unpopular or because you don't like their politics. Saving lives at sea is the sole priority, because that is what a civilised society does and that is what the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea requires.
If you really think there should be value judgements involved you're right in there with the right-wing arseholes who think the RNLI should let refugees drown or that the Italians should do the same because they find it inconvenient.
Firstly - it says that S&R should fundamentally be chargeable. Imagine if container ship owners started deciding captains weren't allowed to make a distress call without referring back to the company because it would cost money. Or if small boat owners delayed a mayday call for half an hour because they'd get a bill. People would die.
Secondly - there is an obligation under international law for countries to participate in search and rescue and to provide assistance to vessels in need. The primary purpose of this is not saving property - it's saving lives.
Thirdly - if a rescue has to occur due to a vessel's owner or operators being grossly negligent or incompetent or any other number of things, this can already result in legal action by regulators and massive fines.
Fourthly - just because some European countries are trying to sidestep their obligations in respect of refugee boats in distress doesn't mean everyone else should. This is Europe's problem, not that of Canada or the US or even the company. If anything I hope it reminds them of the fundamental principle that assistance should be offered without fear or favour whenever life is in danger.
Fifth - Yes, this rescue is costing an absolute fortune. But even if they find the submersible a week too late (or even never) the amount of training, experience and data this operation will provide is enormous. That experience will get folded back into future regulations and future operating practices and will almost certainly save lives in future.
Basically - Nobody doesn't "deserve" to have their life saved because they're rich or unpopular or because you don't like their politics. Saving lives at sea is the sole priority, because that is what a civilised society does and that is what the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea requires.
If you really think there should be value judgements involved you're right in there with the right-wing arseholes who think the RNLI should let refugees drown or that the Italians should do the same because they find it inconvenient.