Frequently Asked Questions
This page was created to answer most of the frequently asked questions received by BMW Vessel Response. If you have a question that is not answered here on this page or you would like to speak with someone to get more details on our services feel free to contact us.
How long are the contract lengths?
A. Port Canaveral contracts are currently for two years with a 2-year option at the end of the first two years.
B. If your cruise line request our service in another port that is in the State of Florida, that contract length would be 3 years with a 2 year option at the end of the first 3 years. Then after the first 5 total years, these contracts would then assume the 2 year with a 2 year option.
C. All contracts are invoiced monthly and are due on the 1st of every month.
Will your service be available at other Florida Ports other than Port Canaveral?
YES. Currently we are operating 24/7/365 out of Port Canaveral. Based on the request from individual cruise line companies, our company is evaluating 4 other Florida Ports to include; the Port of Jacksonville, Port Everglades, the Port of Miami and the Port of Key West. We are also evaluating 2 island ports that include; the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
Are there times that your service will NOT be able to respond to our ship?
YES. Due to the size of our emergency response boats, there will be times that severe weather and rough sea conditions will make it entirely too dangerous to conduct Med-Evac operations. Therefore, we will not be able to respond off-shore until weather conditions are safe for all parties involved.
These unsafe conditions include the following; a small craft advisory that is issued by the National Weather Service, any severe weather warning issued by the National Weather Service, severe lightning in that port’s operational area and any tropical storm or hurricane watch or warnings.
How many critical patients can you transport at one time?
We can retrieve and transport one patient who is either on a backboard or in a stokes litter.
Do you have a paramedic on your boat?
NO. Due to insurance restrictions, we do not have any paramedics nor do we perform any life saving techniques to a patient on our boats.
After a transfer is performed and the patient is on your boat, heading to shore, who maintains custody and performs life saving techniques on the patient if the need arises?
When BMW Vessel Response retrieves a patient from your ship, we will also require a member of your medical staff to accompany your patient and our captain to shore. After the patient has been turned over to paramedics, for transport to the hospital, we can return your medical staff member to your ship if that is your request.
How do you transfer the patient from ship to response boat?
Based on the cruise ship’s configuration, the lower watertight doors will be the most conducive location to conduct the patient transfer. In the event that your cruise line has an alternate transfer location or technique, we will evaluate the feasibility of that location.
How far out into coastal waters do you respond?
We will respond up to 6 miles off-shore, into coastal waters, to meet with your ship.
How much liability insurance does your company carry?
BMW Vessel Response carries a $1M/2M policy that covers all of our business operations.
How much does your emergency Med-Evac service cost?
There are many factors that go into calculating the actual cost for our service. Because our service is very unique, it requires highly trained and experienced boat captains, as well as, a specially designed fast boat that is capable of performing the job under all conditions. Please click here to contact us to request a quote for our service.
Please provide the following information.
The port(s) that you require being covered, the number of your ships, both current and future, that are home ported in that port(s) and the number of your ships, both current and future, that will make Port of Calls to that port(s).
Can’t Find an Answer to Your Question?
If the answer to your to your question is not listed here on this page, feel free to Contact Us for assistance. We respond to most inquiries within 24 hours.