Admiralty and Maritime Law Attorney Overview

Addressing Legal Concerns That Affect International Shipping and Offshore Work

Admiralty and maritime law governs a wide range of legal matters involving navigation, commerce, and conduct on international oceans, seas, and other waters. Unlike many areas of law that are governed by a single nation’s legal system, maritime law often involves multiple jurisdictions and international treaties. This complexity makes resolving maritime disputes particularly challenging, since each case may be subject to the laws of different countries or international bodies. An attorney with experience in admiralty and maritime law can help clients navigate these intricate legal issues and protect their rights.

The Complexity of Maritime Jurisdiction and Conflicting Legal Systems

One of the defining features of admiralty law is its international scope. Maritime activities frequently occur across territorial boundaries, and they involve vessels registered under foreign flags that employ multinational crews and travel through international shipping routes. Determining which country’s courts have jurisdiction and which laws apply can be a complex and contentious issue. A lawyer can help clients understand:

• The distinction between territorial and international waters and the legal implications of each
• Which court systems are appropriate for filing claims
• Applicable treaties or conventions, such as the Hague-Visby Rules, the Jones Act, or the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
• How jurisdiction is determined based on factors such as the location of an incident, the ownership of the vessels, or the home countries of the parties involved

Common Issues in Admiralty and Maritime Law

There are a wide range of legal matters that can affect shipping companies, vessel owners, crew members, passengers, insurers, and offshore industries. Some of the most common areas of focus include:

Shipping and Commerce

Legal disputes often arise out of commercial shipping activities, including:

• Charter party agreements between vessel owners and lessees
• Bills of lading and contracts for the carriage of goods
• Claims related to delays in loading or unloading cargo
• Breaches of contract that impact trade and commerce

An attorney can help draft, review, and enforce maritime contracts, and they can represent parties in litigation or arbitration when disputes occur.

Cargo Disputes

Disputes related to lost, damaged, or delayed cargo are a central focus of maritime law. A lawyer can assist with:

• Determining liability for cargo damage under international and domestic laws
• Pursuing claims against shipping companies or insurers
• Resolving issues related to packaging, labeling, and handling

Maritime Accidents and Vessel Collisions

Accidents at sea can involve collisions between ships, mechanical failures, or situations where ships strike obstacles or run aground. An attorney can provide support in these situations by:

• Investigating the causes of maritime accidents, including navigation errors or equipment defects
• Determining liability for damages or loss of life
• Addressing claims in which cargo owners may share the costs of losses incurred for the common good, such as when cargo is jettisoned to prevent a vessel from sinking

Injuries to Passengers and Offshore Workers

Maritime law includes rules for injuries sustained at sea, whether by passengers or employees working offshore. An attorney can help with:

• Passenger injury claims on cruise ships, ferries, or private vessels, including slip-and-fall accidents or injuries caused by inadequate safety measures
• Seafarer and offshore worker claims under the Jones Act, which allows injured maritime workers to recover damages from employers for negligence
• Maintenance and cure claims, which require vessel owners to provide medical care and living expenses for injured workers
• Death on the High Seas Act claims involving wrongful death that took place in international waters

Salvage and Treasure Recovery

Maritime salvage law governs the recovery of vessels, cargo, or valuable property lost at sea. A lawyer can assist salvage companies and divers in asserting salvage rights and help vessel owners respond to salvage claims. Legal complexities can also arise when dealing with historically significant wrecks or property owned by foreign governments, and an attorney can help address international maritime conventions in these situations.

Oil and Gas Rights and Offshore Drilling

Offshore energy development is deeply intertwined with admiralty law. A lawyer can help companies address concerns related to oil, gas, and energy in international waters by assisting with :

• Securing leases for offshore drilling in federal or international waters
• Compliance with environmental laws
• Drafting and negotiating contracts for drilling operations, pipeline construction, and equipment leases
• Responding to oil spills or environmental damage claims

Insurance Coverage for Maritime Assets

Maritime operations may depend on insurance policies that cover vessels, cargo, and liabilities. An attorney can assist with negotiating and reviewing marine insurance policies, pursuing coverage claims for damages or losses, or defending insured parties against denied claims or litigation. Marine insurance law differs from the laws that affect standard commercial insurance policies, and legal counsel can be essential to ensure that these disputes can be resolved efficiently.

Legal Help From an Admiralty and Maritime Law Attorney

Maritime legal issues demand a deep understanding of international law, jurisdictional rules, and the operational realities of shipping and related industries. Working with a lawyer can ensure that people or companies who encounter these concerns can protect their rights and resolve disputes successfully.