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.

Get in touch about our maritime law services