Maritime Admiralty Law
Maritime law (also known as admiralty law) is the group of legal rules that help offshore accident lawyers, courts, and judges argue and decide disputes that occur on open water. These rules include the international legal strictures that cover the oceans – known as the Law of the Sea – and they also include conventions and treaties that address open water disputes, shipping, and business.
Maritime Law and the IMO
Most countries govern their lands with national laws, but maritime/admiralty law is a different beast because it governs disputes that occur on the seas and oceans. The United Nations oversees the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which generates conventions that guide nations in how their navies and coastal forces can keep order on the seas in their vicinity.
The maritime/admiralty law issues addressed by the IMO decrees include:
- civil matters between ship owners, sailors, and passengers,
- piracy,
- registration, inspection, and licensing procedures,
- insurance and insurance claims regarding vessels, equipment, and cargo,
- and the disposition and transport of passengers and goods.
There are dozens of IMO conventions that govern admiralty issues, but the three pillars of maritime law are the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. There are 175 IMO member nations and each is responsible for enforcing IMO conventions for ships that fly their flag.
Do You Have an Maritime/Admiralty Law Question?
Our Houston maritime attorneys at the Jolly Roger Law Firm, PLLC, are ready to assist you with your legal questions. Call us today at 844-595-6446 or send us an SOS through our online contact form. Our proven offshore accident lawyers will listen to your story, evaluate your case for free, and tell you how they can help you recover money to compensate you for your losses.