Understanding Maritime Law: What You Need to Know About Admiralty Jurisdiction in the United States
If you’ve ever been injured on a vessel, involved in a shipping dispute, or dealt with cargo damage during ocean transport, you’ve likely encountered the complex world of maritime law. Also known as admiralty law, this specialized legal field governs activities on navigable waters — and it operates very differently from the laws most people are familiar with on land.
In this post, we’ll break down the essentials of U.S. maritime law, explain how admiralty jurisdiction works, and highlight key areas where having the right legal guidance can make all the difference.
What Is Maritime Law?
Maritime law is a distinct body of law that governs nautical issues and private maritime disputes. It covers everything from commercial shipping and offshore drilling to recreational boating accidents and cruise ship injuries. Unlike most areas of American law, maritime law has its roots in ancient international customs and treaties, making it one of the oldest branches of law still in practice today.
In the United States, federal courts have original jurisdiction over admiralty and maritime matters under Article III of the Constitution. This means that most maritime cases are heard in federal court rather than state court — a critical distinction that affects everything from the filing process to the applicable statutes of limitation.
Key Areas of Maritime Law
Jones Act Claims
The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104) is one of the most important statutes in American maritime law. It provides seamen — crew members who spend a significant portion of their work time aboard a vessel — with the right to sue their employers for injuries caused by negligence. Unlike workers’ compensation claims on land, Jones Act claims allow for a full trial by jury and the recovery of damages including lost wages, pain and suffering, and future earning capacity.
To qualify under the Jones Act, a worker must meet the legal definition of a “seaman,” which generally requires that they contribute to the function or mission of a vessel and spend at least 30% of their working time in service of a vessel on navigable waters.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
Not every maritime worker qualifies as a seaman. Longshoremen, harbor workers, ship repairers, and other maritime employees who work on or near navigable waters — but are not crew members — are covered under the LHWCA. This federal statute provides compensation for medical expenses, disability payments, and rehabilitation services, functioning similarly to state workers’ compensation programs but with its own set of rules and procedures.
General Maritime Law and Unseaworthiness
Under general maritime law, vessel owners have a non-delegable duty to provide a seaworthy vessel. This means the ship must be reasonably fit for its intended purpose, with properly maintained equipment, adequate crew, and safe working conditions. An unseaworthiness claim is separate from a Jones Act negligence claim, and importantly, it does not require proof of the employer’s fault — only that a defective condition on the vessel contributed to the injury.
Cargo Damage and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA)
When goods are damaged, lost, or delayed during ocean transport, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) typically governs liability. COGSA establishes a framework for determining responsibility between shippers and carriers, including specific defenses available to carriers (such as acts of God, perils of the sea, or inherent defects in the goods) and a default liability cap of $500 per package unless a higher value is declared.
Cruise Ship Injuries and Passenger Claims
Cruise ship injury claims are another significant area of maritime law. Passengers injured aboard cruise vessels may file claims under general maritime law, but they face unique challenges — including forum selection clauses (which often require lawsuits to be filed in a specific city, usually Miami), shortened statutes of limitation (often one year from the date of injury), and notice requirements that can be as short as six months.
Why Maritime Law Requires Specialized Legal Counsel
Maritime law is not simply an extension of personal injury or commercial law. It operates under its own set of principles, statutes, and precedents that differ significantly from land-based law. For example, the concept of “maintenance and cure” — a shipowner’s obligation to provide medical care and basic living expenses to injured seamen regardless of fault — has no direct equivalent in land-based employment law.
Additionally, the interplay between federal statutes like the Jones Act, LHWCA, and COGSA, along with international treaties such as the Hague-Visby Rules, creates a layered legal landscape that requires attorneys with deep familiarity in admiralty practice.
Choosing the Right Maritime Attorney
When selecting a maritime lawyer, consider the following factors:
- Experience in admiralty courts. Maritime cases are heard in federal court under specialized procedures. Your attorney should have a strong track record in this forum.
- Knowledge of industry practices. Understanding how vessels operate, how crews are managed, and how cargo is handled can be the difference between a successful claim and a dismissed one.
- Willingness to go to trial. Many maritime cases settle, but having an attorney who is prepared for trial can significantly strengthen your negotiating position.
- Familiarity with international conventions. Cross-border shipping disputes often involve international treaties and foreign law, adding another layer of complexity.
Final Thoughts
Maritime law is a fascinating but highly technical area of practice. Whether you’re a seaman injured on the job, a shipping company facing a cargo dispute, or a passenger hurt on a cruise, understanding the basics of admiralty jurisdiction can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions.
If you’re dealing with a maritime legal issue, don’t wait — the statutes of limitation in admiralty cases can be surprisingly short, and failing to act promptly can result in the loss of your claim entirely.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need assistance with a maritime law matter, please consult a qualified admiralty attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.