Maritime & Admiralty Law
Federal law governing navigation, shipping, sailors' rights, and injuries on navigable waters.
Overview
Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, is a distinct body of federal law governing navigation, commerce, and legal disputes on navigable waters. Rooted in centuries of seafaring tradition and codified in the U.S. Constitution (Article III, Section 2), admiralty jurisdiction extends to all navigable waters of the United States, including the high seas, rivers, lakes, and canals used in interstate or international commerce.
The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104) provides seamen with the right to sue their employers for injuries caused by negligence, a protection analogous to the Federal Employers' Liability Act for railroad workers. The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act covers maritime workers who are not classified as seamen, such as longshoremen, harbor workers, and shipbuilders. The Limitation of Liability Act allows vessel owners to limit their liability to the value of the vessel after a maritime casualty.
Maritime law also encompasses cargo claims under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA), salvage rights, general average, marine insurance, vessel arrests and liens, and pollution liability under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Federal courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over admiralty cases, though the saving-to-suitors clause preserves common law remedies in state courts.
Key Statutes
| Statute | Citation | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Jones Act | 46 U.S.C. § 30104 | Provides seamen injured in the course of employment with the right to bring a negligence action against their employer for damages. |
| Limitation of Liability Act | 46 U.S.C. §§ 30505–30512 | Allows vessel owners to limit their liability for maritime claims to the post-casualty value of the vessel and pending freight. |
| Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act | 33 U.S.C. §§ 901–950 | Provides workers' compensation benefits to maritime employees (other than seamen) injured on navigable waters or adjoining areas. |
| Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) | 46 U.S.C. §§ 30701–30707 | Governs the rights, responsibilities, and liabilities of carriers and shippers for international ocean carriage of goods. |
| Oil Pollution Act of 1990 | 33 U.S.C. §§ 2701–2762 | Establishes liability for oil spill cleanup costs and damages, creating a comprehensive federal scheme for oil pollution prevention and response. |
Key Cases
Norfolk Southern Railway Co. v. Kirby
543 U.S. 14 (2004)
Held that bills of lading are maritime contracts subject to federal admiralty law, even when covering inland transport segments.
Atlantic Sounding Co. v. Townsend
557 U.S. 404 (2009)
Ruled that punitive damages are available in maintenance and cure actions brought by injured seamen.
Chandris, Inc. v. Latsis
515 U.S. 347 (1995)
Established a two-part test for determining seaman status under the Jones Act: the worker must contribute to the function of the vessel and have a connection to the vessel that is substantial in duration and nature.
Exxon Shipping Co. v. Baker
554 U.S. 471 (2008)
Held that punitive damages in maritime cases should generally not exceed compensatory damages, arising from the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Jerome B. Grubart, Inc. v. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
513 U.S. 527 (1995)
Clarified the test for admiralty tort jurisdiction, requiring both a locality and connection to maritime activity.
Key Regulations
Coast Guard Vessel Inspection Regulations
U.S. Coast Guard (46 CFR Parts 1–199)
Comprehensive safety standards for vessel construction, equipment, manning, and operation on navigable waters.
Maritime Occupational Safety and Health Standards
OSHA (29 CFR Part 1915–1919)
Workplace safety standards for shipyard employment, marine terminals, and longshoring operations.
Federal Maritime Commission Shipping Regulations
Federal Maritime Commission (46 CFR Parts 500–582)
Regulates common carriers in U.S. foreign commerce, including tariffs, service contracts, and ocean transportation intermediaries.
Common Issues
- Seaman status determination and Jones Act eligibility
- Maintenance and cure obligations for injured seamen
- Vessel unseaworthiness claims
- Cargo damage and COGSA liability limits
- Maritime lien enforcement and vessel arrest
- Collision and allision liability
- Salvage rights and general average contributions
- Oil pollution cleanup costs and natural resource damages
State Variations
Maritime law is predominantly federal, but state law applies through the saving-to-suitors clause when no federal maritime rule conflicts. States may apply their own wrongful death statutes in maritime cases where federal law provides no remedy (Moragne v. States Marine Lines). Some states have enacted supplemental harbor and port regulations. Louisiana applies its own civil code in certain maritime disputes due to its civilian law tradition. State workers' compensation laws may apply to some maritime workers excluded from LHWCA coverage.
Resources
U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement
Federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection on U.S. navigable waters.
Maritime Law Association of the United States
Professional organization for admiralty and maritime lawyers, providing publications, committees, and CLE resources.
Federal Maritime Commission
Independent regulatory agency overseeing U.S. ocean transportation, ensuring competitive practices and consumer protection.