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Admiralty / Maritime Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime and Civil Litigation on
Q: How are sales regulated on cruise ships? do the onboard shops/stores follow the laws of the ship's flag state?

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?

Masoud Jahani
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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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Admiralty / Maritime and Cannabis & Marijuana Law for Tennessee on
Q: Was banned from a cruise line for making a YouTube video about Marijuana smoking onboard. Was never caught.

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?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
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

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Gov & Administrative Law, Employment Law and Admiralty / Maritime for New York on
Q: Appealing Coast Guard decision

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

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
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

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Admiralty / Maritime for Maine on
Q: If someone is holding onto your vessel and has been instructed to release your vessel and they do not, can you remove it
Masoud Jahani
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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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Admiralty / Maritime for Maine on
Q: If someone is holding onto your vessel and has been instructed to release your vessel and they do not, can you remove it
Hunter J Tzovarras
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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

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1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime for Puerto Rico on
Q: Es legal que el DRNA requiera las plantillas de impuesto para poder sacar el sello anual de una embarcación

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???

Alberto J. Castaner
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Alberto J. Castaner
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...
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3 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Contracts, Business Law and Social Security for Texas on
Q: What are the powers that an authorized agent has to act on an account for the principal?

Accepting and transferring balances to the principal account

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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3 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Contracts, Business Law and Social Security for Texas on
Q: What are the powers that an authorized agent has to act on an account for the principal?

Accepting and transferring balances to the principal account

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
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.

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Admiralty / Maritime and Small Claims for California on
Q: I bought a boat through a private seller. The boat does not run. when I was told it did. What do I do?

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

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
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...
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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Admiralty / Maritime and Small Claims for California on
Q: I bought a boat through a private seller. The boat does not run. when I was told it did. What do I do?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Admiralty / Maritime for Georgia on
Q: Here in GEORGIA, what are the rules of giving notice to a defendant in the case of transcript reconstruction?

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

Glenn T. Stern
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Admiralty / Maritime, Civil Rights and International Law on
Q: What happens when someone says in court? 1. I do not consent to these proceeding? 2. Your offer is not accepted

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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Admiralty / Maritime for Hawaii on
Q: I am pro se and need to know the best place to obtain the process and stages, as well as court etiquette, and doc filing

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.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
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

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Admiralty / Maritime and Family Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Where do I find an "experienced" bulldog divorce lawyer with Admiralty marine lawyer knowledge in a divorce with a yacht

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

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
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

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Admiralty / Maritime, Communications Law and Federal Crimes for Michigan on
Q: Bought an item from auction clearly stating unused and when I got it it has missing screws and been tampered with..

Item doesn't charge and clearly been used and tampered with..

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

If you've received an item from an auction that was listed as unused but arrived in a used and tampered condition, the first step is to document everything. Take clear photos of the item, focusing on the areas where there are missing screws and signs of tampering. Make sure to keep all the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Admiralty / Maritime, Communications Law and Federal Crimes for Michigan on
Q: Bought an item from auction clearly stating unused and when I got it it has missing screws and been tampered with..

Item doesn't charge and clearly been used and tampered with..

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 19, 2024

The admiralty/maritime connection (one of the chosen categories) isn't fully clear here, unless this involves a vessel. Otherwise, it could be a basic matter of breach of contract, depending on sales agreement and auction platform's terms of service. Before involving attorneys, it could... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Admiralty / Maritime for Louisiana on
Q: what the Admirality/Maritime RS statue for towing barges to park on private property w/o permission. I live in Louisia

Barges park on my property for lengths of time no lease.. Shine lights at my home that enterred into my windows any hour nof night. what right do I have. We own 40 acres of land and 250 feets of this property extents into the river.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 24, 2024

A Louisiana attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Without knowing the reason for choosing to use your waterfront property instead of a mooring, a starting point could be to contact the towing company. It doesn't sound like a practice that the larger towing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Admiralty / Maritime and Small Claims for California on
Q: I rented a slip for 16 months. Can the owner move my houseboat so he could lien it for 1 month of back rent.

I became homeless from one day to the next. All of my belongings in it & lost my job.

First, He called a tow company to tow my truck without any notices (he stated that it was an eye sore, that it had three wheels, all wheels were on it).

One day before he moved my houseboat I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In California, the owner of a marina or slip has certain legal rights and procedures to follow when dealing with back rent and liens on vessels like houseboats. However, these actions, including moving your houseboat to place a lien for unpaid rent, require following specific legal procedures,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Admiralty / Maritime and Constitutional Law for Texas on
Q: How do I properly file a petition for writ of prohibition
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 7, 2024

A writ of prohibition is governed by Tex. R. App. P. 52 which governs all original proceedings. The petition for writ of prohibition should be filed electronically using the state's e-filing system with the appropriate appellate court. It should be captioned "In re [name of of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Admiralty / Maritime and Constitutional Law for Texas on
Q: How do I properly file a petition for writ of prohibition
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

To properly file a petition for a writ of prohibition, you will need to follow specific procedures outlined by the court in which you plan to file your petition. Begin by researching the rules and requirements for filing such petitions in your jurisdiction, as they can vary from one court to... View More

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