The U.S. maritime industry is steeped in tradition and sometimes takes a conservative approach to change. Even when the industry has protocols in place to ensure safety of mariners, in some cases it takes an act of...more
Under 2023 amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), owners, masters, and managing operators of U.S. documented commercial vessels, are now required to immediately report incidents of harassment, sexual...more
When Congress enacted the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, it included several provisions requiring owners and operators of US flag commercial vessels to report complaints and incidents...more
1. What is the first thing you must do after a boating accident? If you have had a boating accident, you must first take care of the health and safety of the people involved. Ensure everyone is safely on the boat if it is...more
• The Federal Maritime Commission Authorization Act of 2017 was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Dec. 4, 2018, marking the first substantive revision to the U.S. Shipping Act, 46 U.S.C. § 40101 et seq. (the...more
On March 19, 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard published its long-awaited final rule on Marine Casualty Reporting Property Damage Thresholds. In what was widely viewed as a common-sense and non-controversial adjustment, the final...more
Action Item: The U.S. Coast Guard released an updated version of the CG-2692 forms for reports of marine casualties, commercial diving casualties, and outer continental shelf-related casualties. Vessel owners and operators...more
Some confusion and uncertainty has arisen in the international ocean shipping and logistics industry following several public statements and FAQs released by the U.S. Coast Guard in the past few days regarding the impending...more
In July 2015, the U.S. Coast Guard released the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 01-15 (“NVIC”), titled Marine Casualty Reporting Procedures Guide with Associated Standard Interpretations. The purpose of the NVIC is...more
As with the world economy, the shipping markets are currently experiencing a major bout of volatility. The wide range of matters we are handling in our maritime law practice certainly reflects the current swings the shipping...more
Action Item: The Coast Guard finalized its NVIC, published earlier this year in draft form, which endeavors to provide a uniform policy interpretation of when a casualty report is and is not required. Vessel owners,...more