On 11 September 2020, the IMO posted a Joint Statement by the United Nations Specialized Agencies calling on all Governments to immediately recognise seafarers as key workers and to take swift and effective action to eliminate obstacles to crew changes

Jacqueline is a qualified barrister and solicitor handling FDD and P&I cases for many years. She is Legal Services Manager at Thomas Miller, editor of the Club’s legal publications and also a member of Thomas Miller’s Legal and Environmental Team. Jacqueline speaks Malay, French and Hokkien.

This article outlines some key information regarding Letters of Indemnity and addresses some frequently asked questions

The California Air Resources Board approved a new regulation designed to further reduce pollution from ocean-going vessels while docked at California’s busiest ports.

On 17 May 2019, IMO's MEPC 74 adopted the resolutions below to allow for ERBs to be used. Guidelines to support the use of ERBs were also adopted by the Committee. These amendments, which will reduce the heavy burden associated with paperwork and which are thus to be welcomed, will enter into force on 1 October 2020;

Following years of discussion and preparation, the German maritime law was amended in 2013

Due to a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in China linked to vessels arriving at Chinese ports following crew changes, the local Customs Authority has introduced enhanced procedures for testing crew members for Covid-19 when vessels call at Chinese ports

The Club’s correspondents in Australia, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, advise of an increase in fines for those polluting Australian waters.

During the last few weeks, U.S. authorities have increased their focus on international shipping in a recent escalation of sanctions.

These Guiding Opinions will be of assistance to all Members trading to or from China, or who are currently involved in litigation proceedings in China. 

The Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1976 sets uniform rules relating to the limitation of liability for maritime claims.

Last week saw significant developments in the U.S. sanctions programs targeting Venezuela and Iran.

Whether master presented by Shipper’s with clean BL to sign was provided with warranty that cargo shipped in good order and condition – Consideration of Article III rules 3 and 5 of the Hague Rules.

Facts

When is a peril a piracy? Was there an attack on the vessel? Were there persons acting maliciously? Was there an act of vandalism? What there a “sabotage” of the vessel?

Failure to pass title in goods - Allocation of risks - Defence of common mistake – Status of a warehouse receipt – Bailment of goods – Limitation provisions in warehouse’s terms and conditions - Estoppel  

Like some other countries, the United States is a federal jurisdiction consisting of a national government and fifty states.  Maritime law is almost exclusively federal statutory or judge-made law but state law is also relevant in certain respects.