The Clean Water Act (CWA) sets important rules for keeping U.S. waters free from pollution. Maritime operations must follow strict guidelines to prevent harmful discharges. Understanding these laws helps companies avoid fines, lawsuits, permit revocations, and even...

Admiralty & Maritime Defense
Tips for preventing disputes and delays in maritime contracts
Dealing with conflicts over maritime contracts can delay shipments, cost money, and damage business relationships. By understanding common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, businesses can protect their interests. Common pitfalls in maritime contracts One common...
Steps to take for minimal disruption after a vessel arrest
A vessel arrest leads to delays and disruptions that can create financial and operational challenges. Learning as much as possible about the process can reduce the impact on shipping schedules and costs. Swift action can potentially return the vessel to normal...
Resolving disputes involving damage caused by shipping containers
Accidents involving maritime shipping containers can lead to significant property damage and disputes. Resolving these disputes often involves a combination of state and federal maritime law principles. For those in the maritime industry, these disputes and the legal...
How does the Limitation of Liability Act impact maritime defense?
The Limitation of Liability Act plays a significant role in maritime defense cases. This act allows vessel owners to limit their liability to the value of the vessel and its pending freight, provided they prove the incident happened without their knowledge or...
How does maritime law handle abandoned vessels?
Maritime law plays a crucial role in dealing with vessels abandoned at sea. These vessels can pose significant risks to navigation, the environment, and coastal safety. Understanding how maritime law handles abandoned vessels helps ensure proper procedures are...
Do cruise ships follow maritime law in Texas?
Cruise ships operate across international waters, which places them under the scope of maritime law, also called admiralty law. Although Texas serves as a major departure point for many cruises, the laws that apply during the voyage shift once the ship leaves the...
Are rivers under maritime law in Texas?
Maritime law, also called admiralty law, governs activities on navigable waters. Most often, this law applies to oceans, seas, and large lakes. However, rivers sometimes fall under its jurisdiction as well. Businesses operating along the rivers must understand whether...
Must you declare prescription medicine while working on a boat?
Working on a boat requires adherence to various regulations, including prescription medication-related laws. Failing to declare your medication when authorities conduct a stop can lead to serious consequences. When authorities stop a boat, their inspection may include...
Legal challenges of salvaging environmentally hazardous shipwrecks
Texas has a rich history of shipwrecks. Salvaging shipwrecks that contain hazardous materials presents legal challenges. You must comply with state and federal laws to avoid fines and legal disputes. Ownership disputes Abandoned ships often have unclear ownership. You...