What is collision in maritime law?
Ship collision is the name given to the physical impact that occurs between two ships resulting in a damaging accident. This particular collision can also occur between a ship and a stable or a floating structure like an offshore drilling platform or an ice berg or even a port.
What is the law of shipping?
U.S. shipping law is a complex body of customs, legislation, international treaties, and court decisions dealing with the rights and responsibilities of ownership and operation of vessels that travel on the high seas. …
What are the most common forms of maritime law?
Today’s general maritime law consists of the common forms, terms, rules, standards and practices of the maritime shipping industry – standard form bills of lading, charterparties, marine insurance policies and sales contracts are good examples of common forms and the accepted meaning of the terms, as well as the York/ …
What are the actions to be taken in case of ship collision?
1. Inform the Master and Engine room: This is obvious, but make sure you inform the Master, if he is not on bridge. Inform the engine room and stop the engine. The officer on watch should not hesitate to call the master even if he has the slightest doubt about any given situation.
What is the reason for ship collision at sea?
Human error is the most common cause of maritime collisions. Weather: Next to human error, weather conditions have the biggest impact on maritime accidents. Fog obstructing vision, high winds exerting force on vessels, ice flows colliding with vessels all fall under this category.
What are the causes of ship collision?
Primary Causes of Maritime Accidents
- Long Hours, Lack of sleep leading to Fatigue.
- Inexperience, and lack of training.
- Long voyages, extended time at sea.
- Personal relationships aboard the vessel.
- Reckless Behavior, including abuse of drugs and alcohol.
- Poor decision making and/or negligence.
Who regulates shipping?
The Federal Maritime Commission
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer.
Who writes maritime law?
Congress regulates admiralty under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and federal courts have original jurisdiction over maritime matters. This power stems from the Judiciary Act of 1789 and from Article III, § 2 of the U.S. Constitution.
What do shipping lawyers do?
Shipping lawyers deal with the carriage of goods or people by sea, plus any and every matter related to the financing, construction, use, insurance and decommissioning of the ships that carry them (or are arrested, sunk or salvaged while carrying them).
What are the checklist for collision avoidance?
AVOID SHIP CHANNELS where possible, or cross them quickly. DO NOT PASS CLOSE ACROSS THE BOW You risk misjudging the speed of the ship, disappearing from the sight of the Pilot, or losing propulsion or sail headway at a critical moment and being run down. Be safe and pass around the stern.
What is the five causes of ship damage?
Loose wires, poor grounding and outdated insulation often contribute to electrocutions on ships. These can cause cardiac arrest, muscle, tissue and nerve damage, and thermal burns. Ships are unstable and often have wet surfaces. Some sailors also work at great heights.
What is a shipping accident?
•A shipping accident could be defined as “a usually sudden event or change, occurring without intent or volition through carelessness, unawareness, ignorance, or combination of causes and producing an unfortunate result.” •Any shipping accident, whatever in nature, is an unfortunate event.
What are the different types of maritime law?
The law of collision, towage, pilotage, salvage, limitation of liability, maritime liens, and general average are unique to maritime law. In addition, the United States has developed its own law of maritime personal injury and death. All references are to U.S. courts unless noted otherwise.
What is the origin of maritime law?
The general maritime lawhas evolved from various maritime codes, including Rhodian law(circa 800 B.C.), Roman law, the Rôles of Oléron(circa 1190), the Ordonnance de la Marine. (1681), all of which were relied on in Doctors’ Commons, the English Admiralty Court, and the maritime courts of Europe.