A yacht charter agreement sets clear rules for your voyage. It protects both you and the owner by defining every detail of your trip. From start to finish, the document spells out dates, locations, and responsibilities. It ensures you understand what you pay for and what the owner must provide. With clear terms in place, […]
Author: Laura Williams
Your Rights Under the Jones Act
Owning and working on boats brings joy and freedom. It also brings risks. The Jones Act steps in to protect you when you face dangers at sea. This federal law applies to anyone who works aboard a vessel in navigable waters. It covers captains, deckhands, engineers, and all crew members for hire. If you earn […]
Maritime Liens Explained for Boat Owners
Owning a boat is a joy. It brings freedom and fun. Yet it also brings responsibilities. One of these is the maritime lien. A maritime lien is a powerful legal tool. It protects those who supply work or materials to vessels. It helps ensure they get paid. Without it, many marine businesses could go unpaid.
Marine Protected Areas and Biodiversity Conservation
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have emerged as a crucial tool in the global effort to preserve marine biodiversity and sustain the ecological health of our oceans. As areas designated for the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, MPAs help manage human activities, especially those that are harmful, allowing marine and coastal ecosystems to recover and […]
Guardians of Marine Life: Maritime Law and the Protection of Biodiversity
As a yacht owner and a mother who regularly ventures into the sea with her family, the protection of marine biodiversity is a subject close to my heart. Maritime law, often seen as a complex web of regulations, is a key player in safeguarding the rich diversity of life in our oceans. The increasing threats […]
Icy Waters: Navigating the Legal Challenges in the Arctic
The Arctic, with its vast expanses of ice and unique wildlife, holds a special allure for those like myself who are drawn to the sea. As a yacht owner and someone who frequently explores marine environments, I have developed a deep appreciation for these icy waters. However, the Arctic is not just a place of […]
The Depths of Ocean Law: Protecting Our Blue Planet
The world’s oceans, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, are a critical component of our planet’s ecosystem, influencing climate regulation, supporting marine biodiversity, and sustaining human livelihoods through fisheries and maritime trade. Yet, these vast bodies of water face unprecedented threats from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. The field of ocean law plays a […]
Navigating the Legal Seas: The Operation and Regulation of Jack-Up Barges
In the realm of maritime construction and offshore operations, the jack-up barge stands out as a pivotal asset. Characterized by its ability to elevate above the water’s surface on legs, typically for offshore oil drilling, wind farm installations, and other marine construction projects, the jack-up barge provides a stable platform even in challenging sea conditions. […]
Spud Barge Operations and Legal Considerations in Maritime Law
A spud barge, an essential asset in the maritime and construction industries, is distinguished by its use of spuds – large, heavy poles that can be lowered into the seabed to anchor the barge firmly in place during operations. This unique feature makes spud barges ideal for a variety of tasks, including dredging, marine construction, […]
Navigating Legal Waters: Understanding Liability in Barge Accidents
Barge accidents, while less frequent than other maritime incidents, pose significant legal, environmental, and economic challenges when they occur. These accidents can range from collisions with other vessels or structures, groundings, or even capsizings, often leading to substantial property damage, environmental pollution, and personal injuries. The complexity of maritime law becomes particularly evident in the […]