Florida leads the nation in the number of recreational boats, with over 1 million registered in 2022 according to a report of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (“FWC”). And, according to the U.S. Coast...more
In the early morning of March 26, the Singapore-registered container ship MV Dali, after losing power, collided with a main pier of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that spans the Patapsco River and the outer Baltimore Port in...more
In the wake of the tragic incident involving the collision of The Dali container ship with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, which led to the bridge's collapse, there are numerous concerns and questions...more
When you go out for a day on the water, the last thing you expect is to end the day dealing with the aftermath of a boating accident. But, these accidents happen far more often than they should, and many boat captains and...more
Proving liability after a boating accident is critical when seeking just compensation for your losses. To file a claim, you need to know who (or what company) is responsible—and you need to be able to prove it to the...more
Every June, the United States Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.) publishes a detailed report on boating accidents in the U.S. during the previous year. It breaks down all of the recreational boating incidents across the country by...more
An article published in the Washingtonian on June 23 highlights the unique circumstances leading to the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia’s (EDVA) oversight of the Titanic shipwreck and potential...more
Boating is a popular pastime in Florida. While being on the water can lead to a great deal of enjoyment, it can also lead to injuries. Understanding our state’s boating laws can help you to ensure that you stay safe. It can...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
Boating accidents are unfortunately common in Delaware, particularly in the summer season when visitors come from across the state and the country to enjoy our waterways. In 2021, there were 17 reported boating accidents in...more
On August 1, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published proposed amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule (50 CFR 224.105) to further protect...more
The U.S. Coast Guard reported 5,265 recreational boating accidents in the U.S. in 2020. As a result of these accidents, 3,191 people were injured, approximately $62.5 million in property damage was caused, and 767 people...more
Background - Almost a year to the day after the EVER GIVEN blocked the Suez Canal, making global headlines and focusing the general public’s attention on the world of shipping, bad news struck the EVER GIVEN’s parent...more
The tenets of good seamanship and common sense dictate that your boat should never be unintentionally adrift. Unfortunately, Murphy’s Law applies equally on land and at sea. Whether caused by a mechanical failure, a broken...more
There has been a substantial rise in the number of boaters out on the water. The massive spike in recreational boating has been attributed to the pandemic, as so many Americans were looking for something different to do...more
Boating accidents are unfortunately an all-too-common occurrence in the United States. To illustrate how widespread this issue is, consider that according to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report...more
As the summer kicks off, many people are getting out on the Delaware waterways and oceanfront in kayaks, jetskis, speedboats, and other personal watercraft. With increased activity on the water, there are inevitably more...more
The Delaware waterways are a popular destination for boating, jet-skiing, paddle boarding, water-skiing, and other recreational activities. As the summer approaches, many people are looking forward to getting out on the water...more
Q: What do a pleasure-boat operator blindly joyriding through the darkness with no running lights after four hours of barhopping and a commercial water-taxi owner/operator without a robust written cell phone use policy have...more
North Carolina's mild climate and natural beauty make it a great place for outdoor recreation. Its coastline, rivers, and lakes make water-related activities particularly popular. North Carolinians and tourists alike...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