Maritime Safety

Published on: July 25, 2023

What is Maritime Law?

Maritime law, also known as maritime injury law or admiralty or law, is a specialized area of law that deals with legal issues arising from accidents, injuries, and disputes that occur on navigable waters, including seas, oceans, rivers, lakes, and other waterways. This body of law encompasses both civil and criminal matters related to maritime activities and serves to regulate and govern maritime commerce and navigation.

Key aspects of maritime injury law include:

Jones Act Claims: As mentioned earlier, the Jones Act is an essential component of maritime injury law. It allows seamen who suffer injuries while working on vessels engaged in maritime commerce to seek compensation for damages and medical expenses from their employers if negligence is proven. This law provides unique protections for seafarers injured in the course of their employment.

Published on: June 27, 2023

Titan Loss: Marine Board of Investigation Assembled

by Nigel Stacey

Oceangate_Titan-300x206 The U.S. Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the “catastrophic implosion” of the privately-owned underwater vessel TITAN. The vessel was destroyed while en route to the wreckage site of the TITANTIC, resulting in the tragic loss of all five individuals on board.

On Sunday, June 18, 2023, the TITAN lost contact with the crew aboard the POLAR PRINCE research vessel after approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Following an exhaustive search and rescue operation, the remains of the TITAN submersible were discovered on the ocean floor, about 500 meters away from the bow of the TITANTIC. The loss of the TITAN submersible and its five occupants has prompted the U.S. Coast Guard to assemble a Marine Board of Investigation (MBI).

The MBI is the highest level of investigation within the U.S. Coast Guard. Once the investigation is finalized, the Board will compile a report containing evidence, established facts, conclusions, and recommendations. Captain Jason Neubauer has served as the chief of the Office of Investigations & Analysis at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters since July 2014. He is responsible for overseeing marine casualty investigations, suspension and revocation cases involving credentialed mariners, violation investigations and data analysis for the U.S. Coast Guard’s prevention operations.

Published on: June 20, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Welcomes New Commander

by Nigel Stacey

On June 15th, the U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle celebrated the change of command ceremony hosted by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound.

During the event, Capt. Mark McDonnell assumed command of Sector Puget Sound, relieving Capt. Patrick Hilbert from his position as the commander.

The ceremony was overseen by Rear Admiral Mel Bouboulis, who serves as the commander of the 13th U.S. Coast Guard District. This district is responsible for overseeing Sector Puget Sound, which encompasses the Pacific Coast of Washington State to the eastern border of Montana. Sector Puget Sound is also responsible for managing a 125-mile maritime international boundary with Canada as well as maintaining relationships with Tribal Nations.

Published on: May 23, 2023

Violations and Safety Concerns Plague F/V Pacific Producer

by Nigel Stacey

The 77- year-old F/V PACIFIC PRODUCER, which operates in the waters of the Pacific, has recently come under scrutiny due to numerous violations and safety issues. The 169-foot long vessel has been docked in Tacoma on the Foss Waterway since August of 2022, after smashing into a private pier. As concerns over the safety of the men and women who work in the fishing industry mount, it is crucial to shed light on the alleged wrongdoings surrounding this vessel. Accountability and improved practices within the fishing industry are imperative.

Labor Issues

A joint investigation by OSHA and the U.S. Coast Guard found the crew living in deplorable conditions while working for an operator with a history of workplace violations. The F/V PACIFIC PRODUCER has been implicated in labor violations. Several crew members have come forward, alleging harsh working conditions, long hours, inadequate safety measures, and unfair wages. These reports highlight the exploitation faced by workers onboard the vessel.

Published on: May 16, 2023

Dangers of Cold Water

by Joseph Stacey

The weather has turned warm, and in many places, high temperatures are breaking records. The air may be warm, but the water is still cold.

In Washington State, the average summer water temperature is just 55 degrees. This may not sound that cold, but it can be deadly. Warm air temperatures can create a false sense of security for fishermen, boaters, and recreational swimmers.

When a human body enters cold water, it goes into shock. This “cold shock” can cause dramatic changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. Cold water drains heat from the body up to 4 times faster than cold air. Immersion in cold water without a lifejacket or immersion suit can be life-threatening for even the most experienced swimmers.

Published on: April 4, 2023

National 406 Day and 8 EPIRB Tips

by Nigel Stacey

April 6th is National 406 Day. It is easy to remember, as the date (04/06) corresponds to the 406 MHz frequency used by these devices to transmit digital signals to satellites. These beacons are considered by many in the maritime trades to be the best life insurance available. And in some cases, they are legally required by vessel owners. To read more about safety gear, please see our page regarding life rafts, EPIRBs and survival suits. National 406 Day is also a reminder to anyone with a beacon that federal law requires registration to be current.

What exactly is an EPIRB? It is an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon that works by transmitting a signal via satellite that can then be relayed to a rescue coordination center. The device can be automatically activated (for example if the device is under more than 3 meters of water) or manually activated to transmit a distress signal.

Here is a list of 8 tips NOAA recommends when handling your EPIRB:

Published on: March 21, 2023

Immersion Suit Safety

by Nigel Stacey

In August of 2020, multiple U.S. Coast Guard units received distress calls stating that the F/V ARCTIC FOX II, a 66-foot commercial fishing boat, had begun taking on water. The vessel was located about 85 miles off Cape Flattery, Washington at the time of trouble.

The three crewmembers aboard were getting ready to abandon ship and reported that they were all wearing survival suits. Once on the scene, the U.S. Coast Guard aircrew immediately spotted a lifeboat. One survivor was aboard and hoisted into the helicopter. Tragically, the other two crewmembers did not survive. The fishermen were all wearing survival suits; however it was later reported that the suits were old, in poor repair, and the seams were cracked. The suits that were meant to save lives were not watertight.

This tragic accident highlights the need for all vessel owners, masters, and captains to test the functionality of immersion suits stored on their vessels. Under federal law, it is the duty of the person in charge of the vessel to make sure all lifesaving gear is properly maintained and inspected before each voyage.

Published on: January 17, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Rescues 7 from Disabled Tug

by Nigel Stacey

On Saturday January 14^th, 2022, The U.S. Coast Guard rescued seven people after a 1,000-foot towing line snapped and the tug they were piloting became disabled. The incident happened about 30 miles off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland at approximately 3:30 a.m.

Crew members aboard the tug LEGACY were towing a 290-foot barge from New Jersey to Guyana at the time of the incident. The 1,000-foot towing line became caught in the starboard propeller. One engine was still functional, and the crew tried to regain control of the barge; however, the line snapped.

One of the LEGACY crew members called the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region and reported that they were disabled, adrift, and preparing to abandon ship.

Published on: March 18, 2022

America’s Finest Crewmember Suffers Serious Foot Injuries

by Joseph Stacey

Watchstanders at the 17^th Coast Guard District command center in Juneau, AK received a medevac request after a crewmember aboard the 262-foot fish processor AMERICA’S FINEST suffered serious foot injuries.

The request is reported to have come from the vessel’s master at approximately 2:30am on Thursday, March 17^th. The vessel was located about 20 miles west of St. George Island at the time of the incident.

A US Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was deployed while the AMERICA’S FINEST vessel traveled toward Dutch Harbor. An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Kodiak was also launched to provide additional support. The injured worker was hoisted at approximately 12:52pm, then flown to Dutch Harbor where LifeMed personnel were waiting.

Published on: January 25, 2022

What is a Maritime Lawyer?

by Nigel Stacey

People often believe that all attorneys know all the laws of the land. Just as you would go to a trained cardiologist for heart issues or a radiologist to diagnose a broken bone, there are many types of lawyers who are versed in many types of law. It is always best to engage with a specialist.

Why Should You Work with a Maritime Lawyer?

Maritime Law is a very specific set of rules and laws that deal with injuries and accidents that occur on or near a body of water, a lake, ocean, or sea. While these laws were originally created to address national and international commerce, they have since expanded to include fishing vessels, recreational and passenger boats, oil rigs, and more. Virtually anyone injured on or near a body of water should consult with an attorney who specializes in Maritime Law.