Boating Accident Reporting Rules in California: Key Updates for 2025

California boater completing official boating accident

Whether you’re a new or experienced boater, the state of California expects you to know and abide by all state boating laws. As we enter a new year, it’s helpful to look into new boating laws that may affect your trips. The team of boat collision lawyers at BoatLaw, LLP, can help you navigate any…

Written by Nicholas J. Neidzwski on January 7, 2025

Read more »

Why Float Plans Save Lives

Boater filling out a float plan before embarking on a journey

With recreational boating season well underway, the attorneys at ACW&N want everyone to stay safe while enjoying the water.  A float plan is a great way for boaters to keep safe this summer. It’s always important to have a game plan when you’re operating a vessel out in the ocean, harbor, or sound. When an…

Written by Nicholas J. Neidzwski on June 17, 2021

Read more »

Coast Guard Rushes to Save Containership from Engine Fire in CA

U.S. Coast Guard responds to engine fire aboard container ship NYK Delphinus off the coast of Monterey, California

Photo Courtesy of GCaptain and the U.S. Coast Guard On May 14th, 2021 the containership NYK Delphinus was traveling from the Fraser River in Canada at the Port of Vancouver to Oakland, California. This monster ship, measuring at 295 meters in length and 32 meters wide, was built in 2007 as a registered Liberian vessel….

Written by Doug Williams on May 18, 2021

Read more »

BOATLAW, LLP Ranks Amongst Expertise Top 21 Workers Comp Firms

Luxury yacht sailing on the open sea with the sun setting in the background

We are proud to announce that BoatLaw, LLP has been recognized as one of the top 21 maintenance and cure law firms in Seattle, Washington, by Expertise.com. Expertise.com, a trusted platform for connecting individuals with the best professionals in their area, helps more than 10 million customers each month find qualified experts in a range of…

Written by Nicholas J. Neidzwski on May 17, 2021

Read more »

At least 4 Dead After Suspected Smuggling Vessel Overturns in San Diego, CA

luxury boat

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesperson Monica Munoz told CNN they received reports of a smuggling vessel which overturned on May 3, 2021. The boat capsized near the Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma at approximately 10:27 a.m. James Gartland, lifeguard chief for San Diego, told reporters it appeared the boat hit the reef, broke up…

Written by Nicholas J. Neidzwski on May 3, 2021

Read more »

U.S. Coast Guard Announces New Law Requiring Boat Engine Cut-off Switches

recreational boating on calm waters.

As of April 1, 2021, operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet long will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL), according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The ECOS and ECOSL devices prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to…

Written by Alexander Tinder on March 24, 2021

Read more »

Back-to-Back Offshore Medevacs on the West Coast

U.S. Coast Guard rescues fishermen from sinking vessel

It was a busy weekend for the U.S. Coast Guard along the West Coast, including two medical evacuations from vessels underway offshore. First, on February 19, 2021, the Coast Guard responded to hails from the 10,000 TEU containership M/V HYUNDAI JUPITER 40 nautical miles to the west of San Luis Obispo, California.  A person aboard…

Written by Alexander Tinder on February 25, 2021

Read more »

Three Commercial Fishermen Rescued from Sinking Crab Boat in Northern California

Three Commercial Fishermen Rescued from Sinking Crab Boat in Northern California

At 1820 hours on Sunday, January 24, crab boat F/V SUNUP issued a distress call to the United States Coast Guard.  According to the crew, the vessel developed propulsion issues, lost control, and allided with the south jetty entering Humboldt Bay, California. Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay deployed a motor lifeboat and a helicopter to…

Written by Alexander Tinder on January 26, 2021

Read more »

Los Angeles: Busiest U.S. Port Had Fourth-Best Year In 2020

Los Angeles, the busiest U.S. port.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port of Los Angeles, which remains the U.S.’s busiest port, reported the fourth-best year on record in 2020. Specifically, the Port of Los Angeles handled 9.2 million 20-foot equivalent units, or TEUs. As reported by the Port’s Executive Director, Gene Seroka, the Port’s container business was the “most erratic” seen…

Written by Alexander Tinder on January 26, 2021

Read more »

New Fire Safety Requirements for Small Passenger Vessels Included in the National Defense Authorization Act (FY2021)

Boat engulfed in flames, with thick smoke rising into the sky

In the wake of the deadly fire aboard D/V CONCEPTION in September 2019, lawmakers have advanced a new fire safety bill for small passenger vessels, the Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act.  The legislation was proposed by Senator Dianne Feinstein and Representatives Salud Carbajal and Julia Brownley.  It was rolled into the National Defense Authorization Act…

Written by Alexander Tinder on December 8, 2020

Read more »
  • 1
  • 2