Why might you need marine lawyers?

Marine lawyers can help with the vast array of legal matters relating to marine law. Marine lawyers deal with shipping, insurance and salvage, amongst other areas of law. This could be contract, commercial, trade or others. For example, large companies that ship goods internationally will need assistance from marine lawyers in drafting contracts for shipments and assistance with disputes that arise because of cargo damage, retention of title issues and issues regarding transit.

Marine lawyers deal with many different areas of law including complex criminal prosecutions because of breaches of merchant shipping regulations, breaches of pollution regulations, breaches of load regulations and breaches of international collision regulations. Marine lawyers in criminal proceedings will assist by advising on the relevant regulations and advising on a defence if appropriate; they can also accompany clients to interview, interjecting where necessary and represent at the magistrates’ court or Crown Court where necessary. Marine lawyers will also be involved in personal injury and loss of life claims on boats and in ports. In addition, shipping firms will need assistance in employment issues that are particular to marine law and certain marine lawyers will specialise in these issues.

It is not only large firms and businesses in shipping that need assistance from marine lawyers. Small pleasure boats will also come across legal issues relating to insurance claims, boat registration problems or laws relating to charter. Marine law is made complex by the wealth of different jurisdictional laws and international laws that make up marine law, so ensure you allow Contact Law to help you find the right solicitor for your needs.

If you would like to obtain legal advice on marine law, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist marine lawyer free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding marine lawyers please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.