Maritime Law: The Facts

Maritime law, also referred to as admiralty law, concerns all navigation, shipping, and transportation that occur on the water. Original U.S. maritime laws were derived from British laws governing the American colonies, and have since evolved into a comprehensive body of laws designed to protect passengers, operators, and workers on our waters. If you regularly work or play on the water, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with U.S. maritime and admiralty law to ensure your safety and that of surrounding boaters.

The Jones Act

Maritime law is in place to protect not only the passengers of a watercraft, but also the crew and owners of such vessels. Specifically, the maritime law known as the Jones Act is in place to protect the interests of seamen who work on offshore oil rigs, barges, riverboats, fishing vessels, and other various watercraft. Other people who may be protected under the Jones Act include onshore workers, divers, and underwater workers. Under the Jones Act, maritime workers may be eligible to collect for injuries caused by faulty or failed equipment or any other negligent actions that may be proven to have caused harm.

Maritime Law Defense

Maritime law is unusual in that both state and federal courts may have jurisdiction in a specific maritime claim. Under international maritime law, the flag flown by a ship determines the country under whose maritime laws that craft is governed. Thus, ships or boats that fly the American flag are governed by US admiralty laws, no matter in whose waters that vessel operates. Maritime law is very complex and vastly different from other areas of the law. 

If you have been involved in a cruise ship accident or boating accident or feel you may have another claim relating to maritime laws, it is in your best interests to contact an attorney who specializes in this distinct area of the law.