Legal Requirements for Carrying Passengers for Hire: What Do North Carolina Vessel Operators Need to Know?

ferry boat

Coastal North Carolina’s thriving tourism industry creates abundant opportunities for commercial passenger vessel operations. Charter fishing boats departing from Wrightsville Beach, sunset cruises along the Cape Fear River, and sightseeing tours through the Intracoastal Waterway all share one common requirement: strict compliance with federal and state regulations governing vessels that carry passengers for hire. Whether…

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Recreational Boating Accidents: Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Maritime Law

boat driving off

The pristine waters of coastal North Carolina offer some of the most spectacular recreational boating opportunities on the East Coast. From the Cape Fear River to the Intracoastal Waterway, thousands of boaters enjoy these waters year-round. However, with increased recreational boating activity comes the unfortunate reality of boating accidents.  Understanding your rights and responsibilities under…

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Understanding the Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

If you run a maritime business—whether it’s on the docks, shipping yards, or at a port—you need to know what your responsibilities might be if an employee gets hurt on the job, and how an experienced maritime law attorney can advise you to limit your risk.  The Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a…

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What Do Maritime Laws Cover?

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, includes legal matters related to navigable waters. It includes domestic and international laws governing transactions and disputes on or connected to water. This area of law covers various issues, such as commerce, transportation, and personal injuries. Jurisdiction over maritime law cases is primarily held in federal courts in…

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How Injured Seamen Receive Compensation From The Jones Act

The maritime industry can be a challenging and hazardous field to work in. Workers are exposed to many dangers, such as falling objects, transportation accidents, fires, and explosions, which increase their risk of accidents and injuries. Unlike land-based workers, maritime workers cannot seek compensation through workers’ compensation benefits. Instead, they are protected under the Jones…

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National Maritime Day – Postponed to May 26

Marchant Marine Wreath Laying Ceremony May 26, 2023 11:00 AM *This event was postponed from May 19th to May 26th due to inclement weather. Veterans’ Memorial in Riverfront Park201 N. Water St., Wilmington, NC National Maritime Day is in observation of our maritime heritage with a formal wreath-laying ceremony to honor those lost who served…

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What to Do After a Boating Accident

After a boating accident, your goal should be to make sure everyone involved is safe. If the boat is still afloat, do a quick headcount to confirm that everyone is still on board. If someone has fallen overboard, assist them in safely getting back into the boat. Once everyone has been accounted for, check for…

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