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Your current state is Virginia
I am seeking a deeper understanding of the term "International Traffic" in maritime law, specifically regarding its legal implications and applications in shipping operations. How does this term relate to the movement of ships, and what types of ships are included? Additionally, what... View More

answered on Jun 24, 2025
One way to look at international traffic is commerce between different nations. There are volumes written about the subject you mention, covering things from territorial waters to economic exclusion zones to fisheries enforcement. In terms of the movements of vessels, this is governed by navigation... View More
I want to sign permission for my 13-year-old son to travel with his father, whom he lives with full-time, and his father's family on a cruise to Bermuda. I have visitation rights with my son, and the cruise company requires both parents' signatures for consent. Will I be held liable if my... View More

answered on May 8, 2025
If your son embarks on the cruise, I hope that he enjoys a safe and enjoyable trip with the family. From the standpoint of maritime law and cruise ship protocols, you or the child's father could be presented with certain waivers of liability to sign, depending on the cruise line. These could... View More
I was involved in an incident where a friend of mine was injured on a rental boat. He was pulling up the anchor and asked me to give it some gas to unstick it, but I gave too much throttle, and the rope caught around his finger, cutting off the tip. The rental agreement stated that misuse of... View More

answered on May 7, 2025
There is a difference between a claim and a lawsuit. If your friend is pursuing a claim, he can do that directly with the insurance company. However, if he is filing a lawsuit, you will be sued as the defendant since you are the alleged negligent party. Whenever a person is named in a lawsuit,... View More
I recently found a stone at Capitola Beach, which I believe might be ambergris, weighing about 506 grams. I'm trying to confirm its identity and legality. I've attempted to contact ambergris experts but haven't received a response yet. I'm unsure whether I can sell it or if I... View More

answered on May 6, 2025
The website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises as follows, "You may not collect, keep, or sell ambergris because it is a part from an endangered marine mammal." (sperm whale) NOAA provides the following number for assistance: (301) 427-8401, from:... View More
If I sold a boat that may be considered my husband's separate property while residing at our marital home with court permission, despite him being granted exclusive use of the home—which was also his separate property—should I list the sold boat in the dissolution petition? My husband was... View More

answered on Apr 28, 2025
If you have not yet filed the petition, then I do believe that what must be listed in the petition is community property that exists at the time the petition is prepared. He of corse may want to respond with a claim that it was improper for you to sell his boat without his permission.
A... View More
No further information or contractual provisions to consider

answered on Dec 16, 2024
Under Cayman Islands flag state law, seafarers do not accrue annual leave while on paid leave (holiday). According to the provisions outlined in "Benedict on Admiralty," justified absences from work, such as holidays, are not considered as annual leave DOC. No. 9-1A MARITIME LABOUR... View More
Specifically, do the onboard shops follow the laws of the ship's flag state, the laws of the cruise company's home country, the local laws of the port of call, or another jurisdiction?

answered on Nov 12, 2024
In summary, onboard shops and stores on cruise ships typically follow the laws of the ship's flag state, but U.S. laws apply when the ship is within U.S. territorial waters or under specific international agreements.
Sales on cruise ships are primarily regulated by the laws of the... View More
Someone saw the video and reported it to the cruise lines. And I was banned for life. Not for getting caught for smoking weed. Banned because of a video of me smoking onboard. Can I sue?

answered on Jul 9, 2024
They'll do that. The short answer is that cruise lines have a no-marijuana policy. It's possible the video was flagged as a violation of policies, and that it could be used as evidence in subsequent proceedings if it appeared on social media or other public forums. Good luck
Hello, I was taking contaminated gummies and failed pre employment drug test. Please advise, I completed class and evaluation, Coast Guard took my credentials without any notifications.8

answered on Jul 6, 2024
It might be difficult to get guidance on this here - it's a narrow niche, even within the realm of maritime practitioners - most of whom don't work in this sector. There are some attorneys who handle Coast Guard credentialing and licensing issues involving Administrative Law Judges. You... View More

answered on Jun 23, 2024
Yes, under U.S. Federal law, if someone is instructed to release a vessel but fails to do so, the owner can legally remove the vessel. This is supported by case law where the courts have addressed similar situations involving the retention and release of vessels.
The key term is has the... View More

answered on Jun 23, 2024
The answer to this questions would depend on numerous factors, such as where is the vessel being held, does the person holding it claim any right to it, how it would be removed, etc? You should consult with a lawyer about the particular facts and circumstances of this matter before taking any... View More
Cuando fui a sacar el sello de mi embarcación en la oficina del DNRA la señora me indico que tenia que traer las plantillas de impuesto para verificar que ambos dueños (yo y mi esposa) somos los dueños legales de la embarcación, me indico que eso empieza el año que viene???

answered on Jun 1, 2024
La Ley 430 llamada Ley de Navegación y Seguridad Acuática de Puerto Rico y el Reglamento tienen los requisitos de inscripción. El Artículo 8 (4) del Reglamento requiere que se presente "evidencia de haber rendido su planilla de contribución sobre ingresos, mediante
certificación... View More
Accepting and transferring balances to the principal account

answered on May 28, 2024
An authorized agent has whatever powers the principal has given to the agent acting on his/her/its behalf. An agent has a fiduciary duty to act honestly in accordance with the principal's instructions in good faith with utmost loyalty to the principal and to refrain from self-dealing.
Accepting and transferring balances to the principal account

answered on Jun 2, 2024
As an authorized agent on an account, you have the power to perform specific financial actions on behalf of the principal. These actions can include accepting and transferring balances to the principal's account. Essentially, you manage financial transactions that the principal has entrusted... View More
I signed a contract for a boat through a private seller. I did sellers financing. I am still in this contract with him making payments. I was told multiple times that the boat runs, works, and is good to go. I have text messages and emails confirming this was said. I did end up trusting this... View More

answered on May 25, 2024
Thank you for your question!
You can rescind the contract, and/or sue for damages if you spent money to repair it maintain it.
This is merely a discussion of general laws and not legal advice. For legal advice, more specific facts and investigations are needed. I recommend you... View More
I signed a contract for a boat through a private seller. I did sellers financing. I am still in this contract with him making payments. I was told multiple times that the boat runs, works, and is good to go. I have text messages and emails confirming this was said. I did end up trusting this... View More

answered on May 24, 2024
Under California law, even if a contract states "as is," you may have recourse if the seller made fraudulent misrepresentations about the condition of the boat. Since you have text messages and emails confirming that the seller stated the boat runs and is in good condition, you can argue... View More
The court reporter failed to create record of plea hearing. Later, the prosecutor sent a proposed transcript to defendant. Defendant was given no certain time by which to respond. Nor was defendant made aware that the proposed transcript would become the true and official transcript if he did not... View More

answered on Apr 30, 2024
Under Georgia law, reconstructed transcripts are governed by OCGA §5-6-41(g), which states
"Where a trial is not reported as referred to in subsections (b) and (c) of this Code section or where for any other reason the transcript of the proceedings is not obtainable and a transcript... View More
3. I do not consent to being surety for this case and these proceedings
4. I demand the bond be immediately brought forward so I can see who will indemnify me if I am damaged
What happens next in the courtroom if this said to the administrative clerk/ judge?

answered on Apr 25, 2024
If someone were to make those statements in court, here is what would likely happen:
1. Saying "I do not consent to these proceedings" would not have any legal effect. Court proceedings are compulsory and do not require the consent of the parties involved. The judge would likely... View More
It is a misdemeanor, but self defense. Need to know how to navigate thru law of the sea in court, as an American National under law of the land, common law. In Hawaii dist 1. Just their procedures. Thank you.

answered on Apr 23, 2024
I'm not a criminal defense attorney, but you posted under Admiralty/Maritime, and your question remains open for four weeks. It would probably be best for an experienced criminal defense attorney who practices in Hawaii to advise you. But as a general point, I see you are working on... View More
Need immediate help possibly getting an injunction to keep it from being launched the last week in April in Wisconsin to prevent husband from sailing off with his new girlfriend with the asset although no divorce proceedings yet, but impending. Husband is a brilliant clinically diagnosed... View More

answered on Apr 21, 2024
You're seeking an attorney, and it could be difficult for attorneys here to respond with offers of their services. There is no solicitation here - the format is limited to quick Q & A. The closest thing to an attorney referral page on this site may be the tab above, "Find a... View More
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