Should the Delta Queen be saved?

KeithnRita · December 15, 2008

Should the President issue an executive order to extend the exemption of the Delta Queen, an American historic steamboat, from certain vessel laws included in the 1966 Safety at Sea Act?

Despite operating under a bipartisan exemption for 42 years, critics of the boat have forced it into dry dock under the guise of being an unacceptable safety risk due to its advanced age and wooden construction. The Delta Queen has a 24-hour watchman and an extensive sprinkler system as part of its overall safety program.

Recognizing the difference between boats that operate on rivers, within yards of the shore, and ships that sail the high seas, Congress established an exemption for the Delta Queen in 1968. Since then, the exemption has been renewed nine times, in virtually every case by near-unanimous votes in both the House and the Senate. The current exemption expired at midnight on October 31, 2008.

We certainly hope the historic steamboat is saved. It's even stopped in our city a few times over the years with passenger excursions to various historical locations in the area.

Joanandjoe · December 15, 2008

The ship has been sailing safely for a long time; and, hopefully, should be allowed to do so. I'm not sure, however, whether the President has the power to issue an executive order saving the ship. At any event, I believe that Majestic America has ceased operations, and (so far as I know) no one has bought the three ships of the former Delta Queen line. Thus, the matter may be academic.

KeithnRita · December 15, 2008

I'm not sure, however, whether the President has the power to issue an executive order saving the ship.

J&J,

This is a quote from the Save The Delta Queen website:

"Although the Constitution does not grant the President the power to overturn the law itself, there is a chance that he can order the continuation of an exemption that has been routinely granted for the past 42 years."

Maybe it similar to granting a Presidential pardon?

Joanandjoe · December 16, 2008

Yes, I've seen the Save-the-Delta-Queen web site, which seems skeptical about whether Bush or Obama has the power to save the ship. I've also seen the Majestic America web site, which states that the line has ceased operations, will run no cruises in 2009, and is looking for a buyer. Saving the DQ is possible, but it's a long shot.