Admiralty Law Overview
Admiralty Law Resources
Related Practice Areas
Admiralty law, or maritime law, regulates shipping, navigation, commerce, towage, recreational boating, and piracy by private entities on domestic and international waters. It covers both natural and man-made navigable waters, such as rivers and canals. It also covers persons and contracts related to maritime activities, such as seamen, shipping insurance contracts and maritime liens.
Admiralty law differs from the Law of the Sea, which addresses the territorial, econonomic and commercial rights of nations to the ocean and its resources. The Law of the Sea also provides controls on marine pollution, transit rights of ships and aircraft, and a dispute resolution mechanism for states.
Show Extended SummaryFeatured Cases 
- Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. The Unidentified Shipwrecked Vessel
Admiralty in rem action over a shipwrecked vessel lying at a depth of 1100 meters, beyond the territorial waters or contiguous zone of any sovereign nation, and 100 miles west of the Straits of Gibralter.
Florida Middle District Court
Contract: Marine
Filed: April 9, 2007
Plaintiff: Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. Defendant: The Unidentified Shipwrecked Vessel Claimant: Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Spain
Last Docket Report Change Found: September 7, 2008
(September 6, 2008) - Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. The Unidentified, Wrecked and Abandoned Sailing Vessel
Plaintiff Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. filed a complaint in rem against Defendant Unidentified, Wrecked and Abandoned Sailing Vessel. Plaintiff alleged that it located Defendant, a cannon wreck of the Colonial period lying within the English Channel at a depth of less than 200 meters between 25 and 40 miles from the Coast of the United Kingdom and beyond the territorial waters or continguous zone of any sovereign nation.
Florida Middle District Court
None
Filed: May 29, 2008
Plaintiff: Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.; Defendant: The Unidentified, Wrecked and Abandoned Sailing Vessel
Last Docket Report Change Found: September 6, 2008
(September 5, 2008) - Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. The Unidentified, Shipwrecked Vessel or Vessels
Admiralty in rem action over a shipwrecked vessel believed to be a merchant ship lying 100 meters deep, beyond the territorial waters or contiguous zone of any sovereign nation, and approximately 40 miles from Lands End near the English Channel.
Florida Middle District Court
Contract: Marine
Filed: September 13, 2006
Plaintiff: Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. Defendant: The Unidentified, Shipwrecked Vessel or Vessels Claimant: Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Spain Intervenor Plaintiff: Keith Bray
Last Docket Report Change Found: September 4, 2008
(September 3, 2008) - Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. The Unidentified Shipwrecked Vessel
Admiralty in rem action over an Italian-registered passenger ship which sank in 1915 during World War I and is lying at a depth of 500 meters in international waters approximately 65 miles southeast of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea.
Florida Middle District Court
Contract: Marine
Filed: April 9, 2007
Plaintiff: Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. Defendant: The Unidentified Shipwrecked Vessel Claimant: Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Spain
Last Docket Report Change Found: August 29, 2008
(August 28, 2008) - Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. The Unidentified, Wrecked and Abandoned Sailing Vessel
Plaintiff Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. asserts a complaint in rem against a cannon wreck of the Colonial period lying within the English Channel at a depth of less than 200 meters between 25 to 40 miles from the Coast of the United Kingdom.
Florida Middle District Court
None
Filed: May 29, 2008
Plaintiff: Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.; Defendant: The Unidentified, Wrecked and Abandoned Sailing Vessel
Last Docket Report Change Found: August 19, 2008
(August 18, 2008)
Dockets 
- Cargill Ferrous International vs M/V CMB YANGTZE
Texas Southern District Court
Marine
Filed: July 30, 2008
Plaintiff: Cargill Ferrous International Defendant: M/V CMB YANGTZE, Anglo-Eastern Antwerp NV, Richardson Stevedoring and Logistics, Inc., Richardson Stevedoring and Logistics, Inc.
(July 29, 2008) - Kuithe v. Gulf Caribe Maritime, Inc. et al
Alabama Southern District Court
Marine
Filed: July 30, 2008
Plaintiff: David Kuithe; Defendant: Gulf Caribe Maritime, Inc.
(July 29, 2008) - ICAP Hyde & Company Limited v. Neptune Shipping S.A.
New York Southern District Court
Marine
Filed: July 29, 2008
Plaintiff: ICAP Hyde & Company Limited, ICAP Hyde & Company Limited Defendant: Neptune Shipping S.A.
(July 28, 2008) - CMA-CGM (America) LLC v. Pac Anchor Transportation, Inc.
California Central District Court
Marine
Filed: July 29, 2008
Plaintiff: CMA-CGM (America) LLC Defendant: Pac Anchor Transportation, Inc.
(July 28, 2008) - Mills v. DRD Towing Company, L.L.C. et al
Louisiana Eastern District Court
Marine
Filed: July 29, 2008
Plaintiff: Keith Mills; Defendant: DRD Towing Company, L.L.C., Paris Towing, LLC
(July 28, 2008)
Legislation 
- Bill Introduced: S.Res.423 A resolution seeking the return of the USS Pueblo to the United ...
A resolution seeking the return of the USS Pueblo to the United States Navy.
(January 21, 2008) - Bill Introduced: S.1892 Vessel Conveyance Act
A bill to reauthorize the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes.
(July 24, 2007) - Bill Introduced: S.Res.154 A resolution demanding the return of the USS Pueblo to the United ...
A resolution demanding the return of the USS Pueblo to the United States Navy.
(April 16, 2007) - Bill Introduced: H.Res.91 Demanding the return of the U.S.S. ...
Demanding the return of the U.S.S. Pueblo to the United States Navy from North Korea.
(January 21, 2007) - Bill Introduced: S.2566 Cooperative Proliferation Detection, Interdiction Assistance, and ...
A bill to provide for coordination of proliferation interdiction activities and conventional arms disarmament, and for other purposes.
(April 4, 2006)
Regulations 
- Rule - U.S. Citizenship for Contracts on RRF Vessels
Maritime Administration
Rule
U.S. Citizenship for Contracts on RRF Vessels,
49357-49358 [E8-19255]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration 46 CFR Part 315 [Docket No. MARAD 2008 0076] RIN 2133-AB73 U.S. Citizenship for Contracts on RRF Vessels AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This rulemaking clarifies Maritime Administration regulations which require that Agents (including Ship Managers) for the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) appointed by the Maritime Administration be United States citizens. DATES: Effective... [read document]
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(August 20, 2008) - Rule - Determination of Availability of Coastwise-Qualified Launch Barges
Maritime Administration
Rule
Determination of Availability of Coastwise-Qualified Launch Barges,
30783-30789 [E8-11704]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration 46 CFR Part 389 [Docket No. MARAD-2008-0045] RIN 2133-AB67 Determination of Availability of Coastwise-Qualified Launch Barges AGENCY: Maritime Administration, DOT. ACTION: Interim final rule. SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration supports the coastwise laws of the United States. We are publishing this interim final rule to establish regulations governing administrative determinations of availability of coastwise-qualified launch barges to be... [read document]
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(May 28, 2008) - Rule - Maritime Security Program: Maintenance and Repair Reimbursement Pilot Program
Maritime Administration
Rule
Maritime Security Program:
Maintenance and Repair Reimbursement Pilot Program,
5342-5345 [E7-1880]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration 46 CFR Part 296 [Docket No. MARAD-2006-23804] RIN 2133-AB68 Maintenance and Repair Reimbursement Pilot Program AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This final rule amends the Maritime Administration's (MARAD's) regulations governing its pilot program for the reimbursement of costs of qualified maintenance and repair (M and R) of Maritime Security Program (MSP) vessels performed in United... [read document]
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(February 5, 2007) - Proposed Rule - Maritime Security Program: Maintenance and Repair Reimbursement Pilot Program
Maritime Administration
Proposed Rule
Maritime Security Program:
Maintenance and Repair Reimbursement Pilot Program,
49399-49400 [E6-13971]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration 46 CFR Part 296 [Docket No. MARAD-2006-23804] RIN 2133-AB68 Maintenance and Repair Reimbursement Pilot Program AGENCY: Maritime Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of opening of reply comment period. SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is amending its regulations governing its pilot program for the reimbursement of costs of qualified maintenance and repair (M and R) of Maritime Security Program (MSP) vessels performed in United... [read document]
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(August 22, 2006) - Proposed Rule - Coastwise-qualified launch barges; availability determination
Maritime Administration
Proposed Rule
Coastwise-qualified launch barges; availability determination,
46887-46888 [E6-13391]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration 49 CFR Part 389 [Docket No. MARAD-2005-22050] RIN 2133-AB67 Determination of Availability of Coastwise-Qualified Launch Barges AGENCY: Maritime Administration, DOT. ACTION: Proposed rule; Notice of opening of reply comment period. SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration is establishing regulations governing administrative determinations of availability of coastwise- qualified launch barges to be used in the transportation and launching of... [read document]
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(August 14, 2006)
Government 
- Notice - Voluntary Tanker Agreement; Final Text
Maritime Administration
Notice
Voluntary Tanker Agreement; Final Text,
51692-51697 [E8-20392]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket Number: MARAD-2008-0083] Final Text of the Voluntary Tanker Agreement AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice of Publication of Final Text of the Voluntary Tanker Agreement. SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration announces the publication below of the final text of its Voluntary Tanker Agreement (VTA). The Agreement below replaces a prior version that was last published in Volume 48 of the Federal... [read document]
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(September 3, 2008) - Notice - Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws
Maritime Administration
Notice
Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws,
51341-51342 [E8-20196]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD-2008 0082] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Invitation for public comments on a requested administrative waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws for the vessel L'ESPRIT LIBRE II. SUMMARY: As authorized by 46 U.S.C. 12121, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant... [read document]
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(September 1, 2008) - Notice - Application of Foreign Underwriters to Write Marine Hull Insurance
Maritime Administration
Notice
Application of Foreign Underwriters to Write Marine Hull Insurance,
51340-51341 [E8-20197]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket Number: 2008 0084] Application of Foreign Underwriters To Write Marine Hull Insurance The Maritime Administration has received an application under 46 CFR part 249 from Codan Forsikring A/S, a Denmark based underwriter, to write Marine hull insurance on vessels guaranteed under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 537 (formerly Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended). In accordance with 46 CFR 249.7(b), interested persons are hereby... [read document]
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(September 1, 2008) - Notice - Application of Foreign Underwriters to Write Marine Hull Insurance
Maritime Administration
Notice
Application of Foreign Underwriters to Write Marine Hull Insurance,
51341 [E8-20198]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket Number: MARAD 2008 0085] Application of Foreign Underwriters To Write Marine Hull Insurance The Maritime Administration has received an application under 46 CFR part 249 from Fortis Corporate Insurance N.V., a Netherlands based underwriter, to write Marine hull insurance on vessels guaranteed under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 537 (formerly Title XI of The Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended). In accordance with 46 CFR 249.7(b), interested... [read document]
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(September 1, 2008) - Notice - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals
Maritime Administration
Notice
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,
51340 [E8-20230]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD-2008-0081] Information Collection Available for Public Comments and Recommendations ACTION: Notice of intention to request extension of OMB approval and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Maritime Administration's (MARAD's) intention to request extension of approval for three years of a currently approved information collection. DATES: Comments... [read document]
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(September 1, 2008)
News 
- Santiago removes Ermita as Senate TWG head
GMA news.tv, Philippines - 4 hours ago
Trillanes said that to the surprise of the 12 members of the technical staff, it was Ermita, in his capacity as the chairman of the Commission on Maritime ...
(September 7, 2008)
Lloyd's List
New Dutch masters
Lloyd's List, UK - 1 hour ago
THE next Maritime London networking event takes place at lunchtime on September 18 at the offices of law firm Norton Rose. Places are still available for ...
(September 7, 2008)- When is the Arctic’s turn?
Oil and Gas Industry Latest News, Russia - 1 hour ago
This creates new opportunities for maritime traffic and ameliorates the possibility of recovery of natural resources. A vicious circle occurs—burning of ...
(September 7, 2008) - Groos: Hard to get justice
Lake County News, CA - 7 hours ago
I hope he has a good maritime lawyer who can advise the Lake County officials that powerboat operators that cause accidents are at fault. ...
(September 6, 2008) - DA foes experienced in law
2TheAdvocate, LA - 8 hours ago
Four candidates qualified in July for the District Attorney’s race, but First Assistant District Attorney Prem Burns and lawyer Jonathan Holloway Sr. have ...
(September 6, 2008)
Blog Posts 
- Obama and Biden Will Protect Your Rights!
Vessel crewmembers are working people. They don't benefit from tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. They need the benefits and protection sought by labor unions and the party of labor, the Democrats. They need affordable health care and social security. They need good public schools for their children. They need an intelligent energy policy and environmental protection. They need the right to organize and the right to fair compensation when they are injured. The Republican party has been in...
(September 5, 2008) - Deceased worker's family files asbestos, Jones Act suit against 13 companies
At the age of 75, George Greer, Sr. allegedly died from mesothelioma. His family is holding more than a dozen companies accountable for his exposure to asbestos and death and has filed a suit on his behalf. As the representative of Greer's estate, Rosia Greer filed the suit against Chevron USA and 12 other companies in Jefferson County District Court on Aug. 28. Court documents show that Greer was employed by various defendant companies from 1960 through the 1980s. He also worked as a seaman...
(September 4, 2008) - How to hire an attorney for a maritime injury case
If you are injured in a maritime accident, whether your case falls under the Jones Act or general maritime law, you will want to hire a good, experienced maritime accident attorney. Hiring the right attorney is very important Many people are surprised to know that the vast, vast majority of attorneys have never handled a maritime accident case and never will. Maritime law is a specialized field of law, which in many ways is completely different than land-based injury law. Simply put, you need...
(September 1, 2008) - Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case
If you are injured offshore or while working for the maritime industry, you may be making a huge mistake by talking to the company, the insurance adjuster, or signing anything at all before reading this book. In fact, if you don't read this book first, you may be missing valuable information and may fall for some tricks and traps that the maritime industry uses to reduce or even eliminate the value of your maritime injury case. The insurance industry uses all the tricks in maritime injury cases...
(August 28, 2008) - Exxon Plaintiff's Frustrated by Dramatic Cut in Damages
The Supreme Court reduced the payout from $2.5 Billion to $507.5 and Exxon Denies Interest is owed. The Supreme Court has left Alaska Fishermen reeling from the June decision reducing the judgment dramatically. For many, waiting for settlement has lasted nearly 20 years of pain. Prince William Sound has yet to recover its herring fishery, and salmon prices have never attained the levels before the spill. Residents of Prince William Sound still report finding oil on the beaches near their homes....
(August 26, 2008)