The Limitation of Liability Act of 1851 allows ship owners to protect their assets by filing a complaint to limit their liability for a mishap at sea. Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute explains that vessel owners may file a lawsuit to restrict liability...
Admiralty & Maritime Defense
Texas barge company pays $15 million settlement
Vessels that discharge oil into waterways may have to pay fines and damages. Texas company, Kirby Inland Marine LP, agreed to a $15.3 million settlement to cover damages caused by a collision that caused an oil spill. What happened and why did the Texas company have...
What are the penalties for discharging oil into waterways?
Keeping the waterways clean is something for which everyone who uses the waters is responsible. If you are in a vessel, you need to be sure you properly dispose of your used oil. You cannot simply discharge it into the water. The Environmental Protection Agency...
What is a Jones Act waiver?
As you undoubtedly already know, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act, requires that any cargo transported by water between U.S. ports must ship on vessels built, owned and registered in the United States. The ships’ crews must likewise...
Reducing worker risks when you enforce safety on your vessel
Keeping your workers safe can prevent injuries and accidents on your vessel. Enforcing rules, using consistent discipline and refining protocols can create a safe working environment. Maintain documentation of the steps you take to protect your workers. If you do your...
What are your employer obligations under the Jones Act?
As a Texas maritime employer, your workers face a high risk of experiencing a work-related injury or fatality. The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, addresses what you have to do as an employer when it comes to creating and maintaining a safe,...
What are the types of maritime actions?
Maritime law can be a confusing topic because of jurisdiction issues and the various problems that may occur on vessels and in the waters. When the U.S. Marshals Service handles marine incidents, it will classify them into three different categories of maritime...
Who is responsible for damage caused by breakaway vessels during a storm?
Every boat-owning Texas resident knows that the Gulf of Mexico regularly gets severe tropical storms. Occasionally, during a really nasty storm, the wind and waves can rip a vessel from its moorings and send it drifting, where it can crash into docks or other vessels....
Environmental initiative at Galveston port promise changes
Anyone operating a vessel or off-shore company needs to stay abreast of any changes landside when considering their business needs. When the government opts for widespread changes in the name of green energy, it is unclear how much it may impact individual businesses....
What you need to know about ocean dumping permits
Taking care of our ocean is crucial. That is why the government created the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), also known as the Ocean Dumping Act. The MPRSA prohibits ocean dumping that endangers the marine environment and ecological systems. To...