Maritime Claims

Maritime claims can be brought by individuals, corporations, government entities and countries. Whenever there is a dispute regarding a matter that takes place in a maritime location, a maritime claim can be initiated. A matter as local as the injury of a fisherman on a U.S. river or as broad as an international conflict can provide the basis for a maritime claim.

An International Maritime Claim

For example, in recent weeks the government of China has stated that it is willing to enter negotiations regarding part of its maritime boundaries — specifically the two groups of South China Sea islands known by most of the world as the Paracels and the Spratlys.

The islands are near crucial shipping lanes, and they're also though to have significant oil reserves. Five other nations have made maritime claims on the Spratlys — Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan. The outcome of these maritime claims will affect millions of dollars' worth of commerce, resources, and even national pride.

The Maritime Claims Reference Manual

The Maritime Claims Reference Manual (MCRM) is a very large (over 550-page) and extensive publication that provides details about the maritime claims of countries all over the world regarding:

the territorial seas
contiguous zones between countries
exclusive economic zones
maritime boundaries and much more

The MCRM is the general reference book for the maritime claims of all coastal nations. It also documents all of the maritime claims of all of the countries around the world.

Maritime Claims by Individuals

In contrast, many more maritime claims are filed by individuals who have suffered harm in relation to an incident on navigable waters. Whether an individual is a passenger or a worker on a vessel of almost any type, he or she has a right to a make a maritime claim for injuries.

For example, a set of federal statutes known as the Jones Act protects seamen and provides benefits to seamen and others who are injured on the job or made ill by conditions on the job. When a Jones Act maritime claim is successful, the defendant held liable may have to provide compensation for the injured individual's:

wages lost because of the injury or illness
bills related to medical care
the costs of food and lodging

If You Have a Maritime Claim

If you have a maritime claim, contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced maritime attorney who will discuss the details of your situation and develop the best legal strategy for your unique circumstances.

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Maritime Claims

An International Maritime Claim

The Maritime Claims Reference Manual

Maritime Claims by Individuals

If You Have a Maritime Claim

Other Areas of Law