Maritime Law
Richard has vast experience in Maritime law and we are able provide you with a number of services in this area from purchasing your first vessel to dispute resolution.
Our services include:
Sale & Purchase of Vessels
Registration of Vessels
Charter Agreements
Dispute resolution
Sale & Purchase of Vessels and Registration/Shares
Buying or selling a vessel can be dangerous due to the ease with which vessels can move from different locations around the world and hidden security interests. Vessels can have encumbrances, maritime liens and /or statutory liens securing former crew, captains, boatyards or others entitled to money they are owed.
We can provide expert advice before you enter into a sale and purchase agreement to ensure that you are fully aware of the implications of your purchase/sale and specific warranties are included to protect you.
We have dealt with vessel purchases/sales all over the world including Guernsey, Marshall Islands, USA (including Alaska), Australia and Europe. This work includes transferring shares and/or removing the ship from registers in these jurisdictions.
We can also assist with charter agreements to protect the owner from potential liability and if you are a charterer to protect your right to operate the vessel in the required jurisdiction.
Debt Collection
Boats have their own character at law. So any work done on a vessel entitles the worker, crewman/woman or captain to arrest the vessel and ultimately have it sold to pay the debt owing.
Insurance
This is a particularly difficult field. Checking terms on entering an insurance contract and or making a claim can require advice to avoid potential traps.
Prosecutions Maritime NZ
MNZ are notoriously pedantic. Any investigation notification requires urgent advice regarding strategy.