What are the main maritime legislative acts in United States?
United States Congress has enacted a wide range of maritime-related acts to address issues ranging from the treatment of seafarers, to shipping rules, to ship mortgages and liens.
Several pieces of maritime legislation have been developed from well-established maritime customs and practices, while other acts have been adopted to address specific national interests, such as the interest in maintaining a national fleet, and ensuring fair competition in shipping in United States.
Most of the United States Maritime Legislation is found in Title 46 of the United States Code.
Main United States Maritime Legislation includes the following:
- The Shipping Acts (46 U.S.C)
- The Shipowner’s Limitation of Liability Act
- The Commercial Instruments and Maritime Lien Act (former Ship Mortgage Act and Maritime Lien Act)
- The Jones Act (cabotage law for United States coast trade and also making seafarer claims for personal injury subject to the Federal Employee Liability Act)
- The Death on the High Seas Act (setting out the exclusive remedies for deaths occurring on seas)
- Coast Guard Authorization Acts (seafarer licensing standards, ship inspection laws, and other maritime requirements)