The Jones Act is important to the realm of maritime commerce within the United States. This legislation, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, regulates maritime trade and protects the interests of American shipping. Purpose of the Jones Act According to the American Maritime Partnership, there are 40,000 Jones Act vessels operating in domestic trade. The primary aim of the Jones Act is to promote and maintain a strong domestic maritime industry. It requires that American citizens or permanent residents build, own and operate all vessels that transport goods between U.S. ports. Th ..read more

Admiralty law governs the discovery and salvage of shipwrecks. The excitement surrounding the uncovering of a sunken ship is not just about adventure; it is also about navigating the legal framework that decides who can claim ownership of the wreck and its treasures. Admiralty law protects the interests of those who find shipwrecks while ensuring the recovery process respects historical and archaeological values. The legal framework for shipwrecks The principles that surround shipwrecks are complex and vary across jurisdictions. Generally, admiralty law distinguishes between abandoned shipwrec ..read more

Disputes arising over unpaid debts can lead to maritime liens against a vessel. There are a few ways authorities could seize a vessel in this type of situation. One method is the use of in rem proceedings. In rem proceedings are legal actions taken against a vessel rather than its owner. Use of in rem If a vessel owner has unpaid debts, the creditor could go after their ship.  In rem proceedings allow creditors who hold a lien to seize the vessel and hold it until the owner satisfies the debt. This is a unique approach applicable to the maritime industry. Vessels can change ownership freq ..read more

The vast expanse of the world’s oceans has long been an important conduit for global trade. As maritime vessels ferry goods across these waters, the risk of damaged cargo is an inevitable challenge. Understanding how to handle claims for damaged cargo is integral to maintaining the smooth flow of international trade. Assessing the damage When cargo arrives at its destination in less than optimal condition, it is important to initiate a meticulous assessment. The first step is to document the damages comprehensively. This involves noting any visible signs of harm, from dents to water damage. A ..read more

The ocean is a vast and critical resource that requires protection from pollution, including spills from cargo ships. Sadly, the ITOPF reported that there were three large spills and four medium spills in the world’s oceans in 2022. If you are in charge of a vessel and it unfortunately causes a spill, it is important to act quickly and responsibly. Pollution from such incidents can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems, wildlife and the economy. Your response can help mitigate these impacts and start the process of recovery. Report the spill Your first action should be to report the sp ..read more

ITOPF reported seven oil tanker spills led to ocean pollution in 2022. However, spills like these are not the only ways vessels may contribute to environmental harm in the waters. The maritime industry faces growing scrutiny regarding its ecological footprint. Ships and vessels play a pivotal role in international trade and transportation, but they are also responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. To address this concern and avoid legal liability, vessels need to adopt practices that minimize their environmental impact. Cleaner pro ..read more

Choosing someone to lead your shipping vessel is an important task. A solid pick can improve safety and elevate the efficiency of its voyages. As the owner, it is in your best interest to scrutinize candidates. Here are some tips on hiring an exemplary captain. Verify licensing Start by finding out whether the job applicant has the necessary credentials. For starters, a captain’s license is mandatory. Measure experience Review the maritime history of the person you are considering. You want an individual with a proven track record of successfully navigating vessels of similar size and type as ..read more

Cargo shortage claims result when cargo is missing from a shipment, damaged or lost in transit. Defending against cargo shortage claims requires an understanding of proper procedures. There are steps you can take to help defend your operation against these cargo claims. Comprehensive documentation Accurate, detailed records of the condition, quantity and packaging of any cargo throughout the transportation process help create a paper trail. Record these details during loading, unloading and any handling points in transit. Thorough inspection Before you leave the port, complete and document a t ..read more

Operating a cargo vessel in the Gulf of Mexico presents various challenges, and one that you hope never to face is having someone injured on board. If someone gets hurt on your Texas cargo vessel, it is essential to follow specific steps to ensure their safety, protect your crew and fulfill your legal obligations. Here are the steps to take if you find yourself in this situation. 1. Prioritize immediate medical attention The first step when someone gets hurt is to provide immediate medical care. You or another qualified person on board should administer first aid right away. Use the onboard me ..read more

Maritime accidents can be much more costly and tragic than workplace misfortunes in other industries. For this reason, owners and supervisors must keep a watchful eye on safety and ensure the team works together to create a secure environment. The following suggestions provide crews on maritime vessels with timely reminders about safety. Be wary of excess fatigue Fatigue remains a top reason for injuries in multiple industries, including marine transport. Sleep loss can be difficult to measure, but the effects can degrade one’s performance as much as substance abuse. Workers should modestly re ..read more