In the realm of marine casualties and incidents, each case has its own set of facts, cast of mariners and vessels involved and, frequently, sharp differences of opinion regarding same.  The one common denominator of most marine casualties, however, is the requirement to report them to the U.S. Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.). While what defines a marine casualty is often in the eyes of the beholder/ mari.

Professional mariners in all sectors of the diverse industry confront a myriad of challenges and hazards as they perform their daily duties.  From piloting ocean-going ships into congested harbors and safely docking them, to navigating passenger vessels through harbors and rivers loaded with other commercial vessels and recreational craft and everything in between, U.S.C.G. licensed officers lite...

“Have you been injured by the negligence of others?”  “Do you know your rights?”  “You won’t pay a dime unless we make a financial recovery.”  “They have insurance company lawyers, you need someone in your corner.” If you watch television, listen to the radio or surf the internet, you have undoubtedly seen, heard or read advertisements using phrases like these from plaintiff ...

They’re back!  And even earlier than expected. As the air and water temperatures begin their steady climb upwards with each passing day as we move towards the late spring and early summer, recreational boaters are prepping their power boats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks and jet skis for the season. In fact with this year’s mild winter weather, many of these vessels are appearing even earlier th...

Unfortunately, vessel collisions on America’s busy (but too often overlooked) inland waters have been a fact of life for a very long time.  With towboats, barges, ferries, oceangoing vessels and recreational vessels all jockeying for position in limited space, many collisions, and even more near misses, are bound to happen.  And while, thankfully, most of these incidents involving professional...