What Is General Maritime Law?

Before the Jones Act, the General Maritime Law was created from court decisions that determined the rights of seamen. This is also commonly referred to as "Admiralty Law" and is used to govern all offshore questions, injuries, and other offenses. Cases that maritime law reach range from passenger goods ships, commerce, fishermen, and other marine transportation, among others. A ship owner's duty to provide a seaworthy vessel and a seaman's right to receive maintenance, cure and unearned wages are among the developments of general maritime law. The benefits afforded under general maritime law remain important to seamen today. It would be best to defer to a more extensive resource when you are seeking information on general maritime law. If you have a question or concern regarding maritime law being able to cover your injury or illness, then you should defer to a legal professional who is familiar with the maritime industry.

Admiralty law is different from the law of the sea. The law of the sea is international law dealing with coastal waters and international relations. While the Jones Act is a more specified law governing offshore workers and seamen, maritime law will deal with maintenance and cure cases, personal injury cases, and even piracy. Maintenance and Cure states that the employer of a vessel or offshore company is responsible for the wellbeing of his employees, and if an employee is injured while working for him, the company is responsible for paying his medical and rehabilitation bills. Shipowners also have the responsibility of caring for their passengers and if negligence can be proven and led to an injury, the passenger may bring suit against the negligent third party.