If you are a mariner who has experienced discrimination, harassment, racism, sexism, a hostile work environment, or any other type of actionable discrimination at sea, you are not alone. The maritime industry is known for its unique and often harsh working conditions and environment, especially when compared to land-based work. But maritime employers are subjected…

The U.S. Coast Guard designates the week prior to Memorial Day each year as National Safe Boating Week. This holiday weekend serves as the unofficial start of summer and boating season, so it is the best time to remind people of the steps they need to take to stay safe on the water and be…

The Limitation of Liability, aka the “Titanic Law,” has been in the news since the M/V DALI crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. On April 1, 2024,  the owners of the M/V DALI, Grace Ocean Private Limited and Manager Synergy Marine PTE LTD, filed a Petition for Exoneration From Or Limitation of Liability in…

As we approach the warmer weather and recreational boating begins, it is important to know about aspects of the maritime law that affect liability on the water.  The Limitation of Liability Act is an arcane law that can limit the amount an injured person or estate recovers when there is a collision or other incident…

Citing numerous instances where the use of personal locator devices could have potentially prevented casualties at sea, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a new safety alert recommending that the owners and operators of vessels equip crew members with personal locator devices. While the U.S. Coast Guard does not yet require the provision of…

A fall foliage cruise aboard the historic schooner  S/V GRACE BAILEY turned into a deadly tragedy when, without warning, the vessel’s main mast snapped and dropped to the deck. The mast collapse killed one person and seriously injured three others. Although the cause of the break is still under investigation, speculation suggests that more frequent…

Some boat owners never learn. Recently, the team at Latti & Anderson recovered a $785,000 settlement for a crew member of a scallop fishing vessel after he seriously aggravated a pre-existing back injury by falling on the slippery deck. This was the third time our team had brought a claim against the owner of the…

While admittedly every week should be a safe boating week, this week’s formal designation as National Safe Boating Week will hopefully call attention to some critical safety measures that people often skip. A little extra time or inconvenience can make the difference between life and death on the open water. While new boaters often do…

Courts and lawmakers have long treated incidents at sea by different standards than those that apply on land. “Sailors lead a rough life,” courts have noted, observing that they are “more apt to use their fists than office employees.” This characterization of maritime professions has been used as justification for not holding shipowners accountable for…

In a unique case involving complex issues of both admiralty law and state law, Carolyn Latti and David Anderson of  Latti & Anderson LLP succeeded in recovering $22.5 million for a mate who suffered the loss of both of his lower legs in a barge accident.  Because of the intricate issues and number of potential…

Victims of sexual misconduct at sea may take some comfort in knowing that the U.S. Coast Guard has established new reporting options and consolidated reporting for all types of sexual misconduct on U.S. flagged vessels. This includes all incidents of “harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault” that violate company policy. The “responsible entity” of a…

Most people had never heard of the phenomenon known as a rogue wave until one such wave made recent headlines by killing a passenger on a Viking cruise ship. The wave smashed into the side of the ship, breaking numerous windows in passenger cabins. A 62-year-old woman was killed after apparently being struck by glass…

While women used to be restricted to very specific jobs, today women can be found working in every industry. But in some fields, the number of females remains very limited and are only 2% of the 1.2 million seafarers worldwide. The maritime industry is one of those fields where participation by women is more of…

The popular legal news outlet focused on the advocacy efforts of Partner Carolyn M. Latti in the wake of two recent federal court case rulings on seafaring tragedies.  Latti decried the meager recoveries provided to families of mariners who lost their lives while working at sea. She explained how the Limitation of Shipowner’s Liability Act…

Harassment is not the first hazard people associate with working at sea, but it is a prevalent threat that causes serious harm for many mariners. If you suffered from harassment, aggressive or threatening treatment, or unwelcome sexual advances while working on a boat or ship, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you’ve…