Executive Summary: Starting January 1, 2026, the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation imposes strict greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity limits on all ships above 5,000 gross tons calling at EU ports. Non-compliance carries heavy penalties – up to €2,400 per 24 hours of non-compliance. This compliance roadmap explains your obligations and strategic options.
Author: John Wolf
Jones Act vs. OCSLA: Seaman Status Determination
Executive Summary: Whether an offshore worker qualifies as a “seaman” under the Jones Act or as an offshore employee under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) often determines whether they receive lifetime compensation or limited federal benefits. The distinction rests on seaman status – one of the most litigated issues in maritime law.
OCSLA vs. Jones Act: Coverage & Compensation
Executive Summary: Offshore injuries are governed by overlapping laws, but the difference between the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and the Jones Act determines how much compensation an injured worker can recover. Understanding where you were injured and your connection to a vessel often decides whether your claim is worth thousands – or hundreds […]
Sue Shipping Company for Cargo Damage: Break COGSA Limits & Win Full Recovery
Carriers think they’re untouchable. They wreck your cargo, deny the claim, and hide behind $500 COGSA limits. I’ve sued them. Won. Here’s exactly how you sue shipping company for cargo damage and get every penny back. Don’t let them cheat you. The law lets you punch through their defenses if you know where to hit.
USCG Documentation vs. State Registration: The $26 Difference Protecting Your Boat
In my practice, I often handle the sale of vessels. The first question I ask a seller is, “Is the boat Documented?” If the answer is “No, it just has a Florida title,” the transaction immediately becomes more dangerous for the buyer. Why? because state titles are notoriously easy to forge or “wash” of liens. […]
Importing a Sailboat to the USA: The Legal Traps
Executive Summary: Buying a sailboat in the Caribbean or Mediterranean often looks like a bargain—until you try to bring it home. While most buyers obsess over the 1.5% import duty, the real legal risks lie in EPA engine compliance and Jones Act trade restrictions. Failing these checks can turn an asset into a liability you […]
Maintenance and Cure: Why Your $40/Day Check Is Illegal
Immediate Action: If you are receiving $30 or $40 a day for “maintenance,” you are likely being underpaid. Do not sign any agreement stating this rate is final. If you are a seaman injured on the job, you are entitled to “Maintenance and Cure.” This is the most basic, ancient right in maritime law. Yet, […]
The Unseaworthiness Doctrine in Maritime Law: How It Increases Settlements
Executive Summary: Most injured workers focus on “negligence”—proving their boss made a mistake. But maritime law offers a more powerful weapon: the Unseaworthiness Doctrine. This rule makes vessel owners strictly liable for unsafe conditions, regardless of fault. Understanding this can double the value of your claim. When I review a new case, I don’t just […]
Jones Act vs. Workers’ Comp: Why Seamen Get Higher Settlements
If you are reading this, you or a loved one has likely been injured on the water. You are probably being offered “benefits” that sound a lot like workers’ compensation: medical coverage and a small portion of your daily wages. Here is the hard truth your employer might not tell you: If you are a […]
Calm Seas or Stormy Waters: The Role of Arbitration in Maritime Disputes
As a maritime lawyer with over ten years of experience, I have navigated the intricate legal dynamics of maritime disputes. My fascination with ships and the law has driven my professional journey, emphasizing the importance of effective dispute resolution mechanisms. Arbitration stands out as a pivotal process in the maritime sector, offering a pathway to […]