Admiralty Jurisdiction

Admiralty Jurisdiction Independent Contractors with Seamen Status Illustrative of the unbroken line of federal cases holding that persons working on ships for independent contractors or persons rightfully transacting business on ships can recover…

Salvage Resources

Salvage The concept of marine salvage has been recognized by the law since the times of Byzantine Empire. Unlike land based volunteer acts to save property, the person who saves property at sea is entitled to a reward which is generously computed…

Jones Act

Seaman’s Claims and The Jones Act Although the Jones Act is similar to workers’ compensation, it is different in many regards and is not well understood by vessel owners and insurance companies. It does not require payment regardless of fault. In…

Limitation of Liability Actions

Maritime Laws Limitation of Liability Actions LOLA only permits boat owners to limit their liability for loss, damage, or injury if the act, damage or injury occurred without the owner’s privity or knowledge or malfeasance and/or nonfeasance….

Vessel Documentation & Registration

Vessel Documentation & Registration Documentation of a vessel is a national form of registration. It dates back to the 11th Act of the First Congress and is one of the oldest functions of the U.S. Government. There are many reasons to document a…

The Death on the High Seas Act

The Death on the High Seas Act When a seaman dies as a result of an employer’s negligence or because of an unseaworthy vessel, the worker’s family may file for benefits under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). The incident must occur on the…

The Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Act

The Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Act Modern cruise vessels are best viewed as floating hotels that transport their guests from exotic port to exotic port where the passengers stay a few hours for shopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing…

Cargo Claims-Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA)

Cargo Claims-Carriage of Goods by Sea Act The bulk of maritime commercial activity involves carriage of goods. The most important document used in this type of transaction is the bill of lading. A bill of lading is basically a contract of carriage….