In California’s bustling maritime sector, the specter of cyber threats looms large, even if you may not know it. Cybersecurity poses significant risks to operations, trade and data integrity. With a surge in attacks targeting vital maritime infrastructure, from navigation systems to cargo security, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more pressing. Regulatory bodies Regulatory bodies like the International Maritime Organization have underscored the urgency of integrating cybersecurity into safety protocols. They highlight the imperative for compliance to protect the flow ..read more

Maritime license agreements are essential components of international trade, governing the relationships and terms between shipping companies, terminal operators and other parties involved in the maritime industry. These agreements ensure a competitive and reliable ocean transportation supply system, crucial for the global economy. What are maritime license agreements? Maritime license agreements are contracts that outline the terms and conditions under which shipping services are provided. They cover various activities, such as vessel sharing arrangements, terminal operations and fee discussi ..read more

When you’re injured on a vessel in navigable waters, then you might qualify for benefits under the Jones Act. However, unless you can prove negligence, the compensation that you recover pursuant to this law are limited in scope. Practically speaking, you’ll only be able to recover money for maintenance and cure, which only help cover your medical expenses and your day-to-day living expenses. If you can prove that your employer was negligent, though, then you open the possibility of recovering additional damages. In those instances, you need to think about taking additional maritime personal in ..read more

Ships carrying cargo sometimes collide with other ships for various reasons. Sometimes determining responsibility for the collision can be difficult or impossible. When two ships collide, either one or both were likely negligent. Rather than go through the complicated process of determining or apportioning liability, carriers can include a both-to-blame collision clause in their marine insurance policy. Marine insurance policies are a necessity in today’s maritime industry These policies provide coverage to vessels for losses sustained from collisions, sinking, being stranded, fire, piracy or ..read more

California ports, people who work there and businesses that rely on them have been experiencing ups and downs in recent years. From the health crisis to labor disagreements to the latest issue with foreign policy obstacles, it can be difficult to predict shipping volume and everything that accompanies it. However, importers are increasingly using these ports to conduct business. While this is undoubtedly a positive, companies still need to be cognizant of past challenges to be fully prepared when issues again arise as they inevitably do. During times of growth, it is even more essential to be ..read more

Accidents can be problematic for any California business. For maritime businesses, this is even more pronounced. When it is an accident that negatively affects the environment, it is inevitable that greater attention will be paid to it. Regulators and agencies will investigate and provide guidance to prevent it from happening again. An oil spill in California in 2021 was one such accident and the National Transportation Safety Board has made recommendations that pipeline operators and others who work in the maritime industry should be cognizant of. NTSB addresses problems that caused oil spill ..read more

Cruisegoers and other ship passengers often face significant risk of injury due to slippery ship decks and choppy waters. A significant number of these passenger injuries are caused by slip/trip-and fall accidents. These accidents are often caused by: Wet/slippery decks and docks. Improperly secured or stowed equipment. Uneven flooring. Poor lighting in stairwells. Improperly placed objects/clutter. Inadequate training. Lack of posted warning signs. Slip-and-fall injuries can range from minor bruises to severe head and neck trauma. Accident victims with more serious injuries may have to miss w ..read more

When we discuss maritime law, we often talk about the Jones Act, a 1920 law that controls many aspects of the shipping industry, but maritime law encompasses more than the Jones Act. People were working on the seas long before 1920, and the legal systems of various countries have devised many ways to resolve issues. One such solution is the concept of maintenance and cure. In maritime law, the term “maintenance and cure” refers to an employer’s obligation to pay for a workers’ medical care and living expenses after they have been injured on the job. In this context, “maintenance” refers to the ..read more

If you work at the Port of Long Beach, you know the pace of work has been up and down over the past few years. This year it has been down. In a recent interview, the port’s chief operating officer said freight shipping at the port is currently down 27% from the numbers seen in 2022. Of course, the numbers last year were somewhat unusual because of pent-up demand after the global health emergency and all its attendant economic disruptions and supply chain problems. According to the executive, the recent downturn is partly related to last year’s protracted labor disputes between the Pacific Mari ..read more

Working at sea can be a very rewarding career for California residents; however, it is one that comes with many risks. The dangers are so extensive, that a worker’s life could be lost. As such, it is important for maritime employees and their loved ones to understand the laws in place and the recourses available to them when an injury or death occurs. Injuries at sea At Russell Mirkovich & Morrow, our law firm understands the seriousness of a maritime accident and the devastation it can cause for the injured worker and their loved ones. Thus, our skilled attorneys are prepared to handle a ..read more