Legal Definitions - sailor's will

A sailor's will is a specific type of legal document that expresses an individual's final wishes regarding their property, made while they are at sea. This kind of will is recognized under special legal provisions because of the unique and often dangerous circumstances faced by individuals serving on ships or vessels far from land. The law typically relaxes the strict formal requirements (such as the need for multiple witnesses) that apply to standard wills, acknowledging that those at sea may not have access to legal professionals or the usual resources to create a formal will.

Here are some examples illustrating a sailor's will:

• Example 1: Merchant Ship in Distress

  A first mate on a commercial container ship, caught in a severe storm in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, suffers a critical injury. Realizing his life is in danger and knowing he is days away from the nearest port, he quickly scribbles his wishes for his personal savings and belongings on a notepad, signs it, and hands it to the ship's captain, stating it's his last will. Even though this document lacks the formal witness signatures typically required for a will, the perilous circumstances at sea would likely allow it to be recognized as a valid sailor's will.

• Example 2: Naval Officer on Active Duty

  During a period of international conflict, a naval officer serving on a submarine deep beneath the ocean surface is informed of an imminent, high-risk mission. Before the mission commences, he dictates his wishes concerning his estate to a fellow officer, who writes them down. The officer then signs the document, but due to the operational environment and lack of available personnel, no other witnesses sign it. If the officer were to perish during the mission, this document could be upheld as a sailor's will, given his active service and the inherent dangers of being at sea in a combat zone.

• Example 3: Research Expedition in Remote Waters

  A lead scientist on a long-term marine research vessel, operating thousands of miles from civilization in the Arctic Ocean, receives a satellite message confirming a rapidly progressing, terminal illness. Knowing he may not survive the journey back to shore, he drafts a detailed note outlining how his personal assets, intellectual property, and research data should be distributed. He signs and dates the document, placing it with his personal effects. The extreme isolation and the critical health situation while at sea would support this document being considered a valid sailor's will, despite the absence of formal legal advice or witnesses.