The Boating Barrister

What you need to remember is that no matter your vessel’s size, you are its master and that title carries with it the weight of a very long maritime tradition.

Admiralty attorney John K. Fulweiler, Esq. practices maritime law on the East and Gulf Coasts. As a former partner of a Manhattan maritime firm, John now helms his own practice located in Newport, Rhode Island where he helps individuals and businesses navigate the choppy waters of the maritime law.

Federal courts have jurisdiction to resolve crew member’s wage claims. In broad speak, the word crew member includes a wide range of workers whose work on a vessel on navigable waters contributes to its functioning, its mission or its operation.

And so with your thoughts now heeled over and foaming at the bow, let me don my admiralty attorney regalia and capsize your craft. Indeed, the ocean commons are actually more regulated than you realize.

What Happened Team Vestas Wind? A Maritime Attorney Wants to Know

Parties shall ensure that assistance is provided to any person in distress at sea.

With fall in town the diamonds are gone, the waters look bruised blue and the huff and chug of marina machinery is in the air. As you bundle your steed up for the winter, here’s a few maritime legal items worth considering.

What’s a maritime lien? In broad speak, a lien is a legal claim against property arising as a result of a loan, a debt, a service, etc. In the housing world, the treatment of liens seems pretty straightforward in that they’re identified on the property records. In other words, in almost every instance concerning real estate, the world is on notice of the lien. But boy, that’s about as different from the maritime world of liens as is the difference between being afloat or ashore.

Admiralty attorney John K. Fulweiler, Esq. practices maritime law on the East and Gulf Coasts. As a former partner of a Manhattan maritime firm, John now helms his own practice located in Newport, Rhode Island where he helps individuals and businesses navigate the choppy waters of the maritime law.

Say your bateau is bigger than around thirty-nine feet, and I’ll remind you federal regulations demand you have a copy of the Inland Rules of Navigation aboard and available “for ready reference.”