Admiralty And Maritime Law

The Jones Act is a law that controls shipping between U.S. ports. It says only ships that Americans build, own, and operate can move goods between these ports. While this law mostly focuses on the economy and security, it also connects to environmental rules in...

The rise of autonomous vessels challenges current admiralty law, especially with legal definitions and liability. Existing laws are for ships controlled by human crews, so it's hard to see how new technologies fit.  Challenges with defining control and responsibility...

The Defense Base Act (DBA) protects civilians working overseas for U.S. government contractors. If you work on U.S. military bases abroad or international public works projects, then you may qualify for this workers’ compensation program. It ensures that, if you...

Buying or selling a vessel isn't as simple as transferring ownership paperwork. Maritime liens can complicate the process. Understanding how maritime liens affect ownership transfers is crucial for both buyers and sellers. What are maritime liens? Maritime liens are...

Seamen working on vessels in navigable waters face unique challenges, including the need to ensure safe working conditions. The Jones Act is a federal law designed to protect these workers. In high-risk industries like riverboat work, understanding these protections...

Cyberattacks are creating new risks for maritime vessels and threatening the shipping industry. Understanding these risks and the legal protections is important for effective operations. The impact on maritime operations Cyberattacks can disrupt maritime operations in...

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal law that provides workers' compensation protection to civilian employees working on military bases and other defense projects, which can be outside the United States. Understanding the duties and responsibilities of a DBA is...

In maritime injury cases, finding the cause of the incident is crucial. Expert witnesses study evidence like vessel data, weather conditions, and maintenance records to pinpoint what caused the event. Their testimony can show if negligence, equipment failure, or other...

The Safer Seas Act, a new law created after the Midshipman X scandal, aims to fight sexual assault and harassment (SASH) in the maritime industry. This law sets stricter rules and reporting requirements for vessel owners and operators, ensuring all crew members feel...

If you’re involved in transporting cargo, chances are you have run into a few cargo disputes and liabilities. It’s important to understand what cargo disputes are so you can make informed decisions when issues come up. Understanding cargo disputes Cargo disputes are...