Learn about recent news in the maritime law industry by reading the following blog articles from BoatLaw, LLP. Attorney Nick Neidzwski and Doug Williams are experienced in practicing admiralty and maritime law, including representation for Jones Act cases and for those injured at sea. BoatLaw serves the entire Pacific Coast including Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California.

Why Should a Vessel Operator Keep a Proper Lookout

Why Should a Vessel Operator Keep a Proper Lookout?

Maritime injuries are a serious concern for vessel operators and crew members alike. One crucial aspect of preventing such accidents is maintaining a proper lookout at all times. Unfortunately, complacency is a danger in any workplace, and maritime workers are not exempt. That’s why it’s important to know your rights as a maritime worker. If…

July 22, 2024

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What is the Give-Way Vessel’s Responsibility When Crossing Paths

What is the Give-Way Vessel’s Responsibility When Crossing Paths?

When navigating the waters of the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere, understanding the rules of right-of-way at sea is a key part of ensuring a safe and smooth sailing experience. One of the key components of this maritime protocol is the responsibility of the give-way vessel when crossing paths with another vessel. When an operator violates…

June 15, 2024

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Why is Underwater Welding So Dangerous

Why is Underwater Welding So Dangerous?

Underwater welding is a high-risk profession that poses numerous dangers to those who work in this field. From the hazardous environment to the risk of electrical shock and exposure to toxic gasses, underwater welders face a myriad of challenges that can result in serious injury or even death. If you’ve suffered an injury while working…

May 21, 2024

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Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: What Are the Legal Consequences?

Baltimore Bridge Collapse On March 26, a 200-million pound cargo vessel slammed into the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing a total collapse and sending multiple cars into the Patapsco River. Six people are believed to be dead while another person is believed to be in critical condition at a local trauma center….

March 28, 2024

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Supreme Court

Choice-of-Law Provisions and Presumptive Enforcement

Great Lakes Insurance SE v. Raiders Retreat Realty – Maritime Law in the Supreme Court The Supreme Court is asked to review thousands of cases every year, and few of those make it to our highest court. Maritime law is a specialized area of law, so having a case that affects maritime law reach the…

March 21, 2024

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Whistleblowers and maritime law

Maritime Law and Whistleblowers

Check out this joint blog article by BoatLaw’s Nick Neidzwski and Adam Pollock of Pollock Cohen LLP! In it, they detail the False Claims Act, whistleblowers, and some examples of fraud against the federal government in the maritime industry. Click the link below to read more. If you are aware of any maritime fraud, reach…

October 13, 2023

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OceanGate Titan Submersible: Passengers or Crew?

The intensive 5-day search for closure with regards to what happened to the Titan submersible has come to an end. On June 22, the US Coast Guard confirmed that the vehicle imploded underwater; today, families and friends are grieving the loss of the 5 lives involved. The devastating events surrounding the Titan submersible last week…

July 5, 2023

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Good Samaritans Save the Day

When a California charter boat began taking on water after hitting a rock, 14 passengers and crew members were told to abandon ship. Thanks to a nearby vessel, the Sea Biscuit, everyone on board was rescued and, later, taken ashore to safety by Coast Guard rescue crews. This story is a good reminder to always…

June 29, 2023

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A Labor Dispute Impacts West Coast Ports

Continuing conflicts between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) are causing dramatic changes to West Coast ports. Since early June, West Coast ports have experienced worker slowdowns and stoppages, resulting in an estimated $5.2 billion worth of trade stagnation in southern California alone. The Port of Seattle has…

June 20, 2023

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Maritime Hacking, Phishing and AI

A New Kind of Phishing

ChatGPT—a language AI chatbot—is being used for everything from composing emails to writing code, but could it also be used for hacking? Maritime vessels are becoming increasingly updated with electronically controlled components otherwise known as Information Technology (IT) systems. As such, vessels are becoming increasingly susceptible to cyber attacks, especially if a vessel is not…

May 22, 2023

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