Many maritime workers have a legal right to compensation when they are injured on the job at sea. Although many people assume that this law doesn’t apply to them, it can protect the rights of crane operators and other workers who aren’t necessarily involved in maritime activities. Here are some common examples of compensation claims that might be made under maritime law. The Jones Act: This statute applies only to maritime workers who are classified as “seamen,” while the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act covers a wide range of maritime workers, including clerical office workers, painters, and more.

Exclusive Economic Zone: A country’s territorial waters offshore are defined according to its flag. In the Mediterranean Sea, an American flagged ship is subject to American admiralty law. An exclusive economic zone extends up to 200 miles and protects that country’s natural resources. However, disputes can occur over the territory of an exclusive economic zone, especially among close neighbors. In addition to territorial waters, countries can also claim exclusive economic zones that extend beyond their borders.

Maritime Courts: In addition to federal courts, states also have jurisdiction over certain maritime disputes. These courts handle claims brought against shipowners in order to partition ownership of a ship after a serious accident, limit a shipowner’s liability to the value of the ship after a major disaster, and arrest ships for enforcing maritime liens. However, most maritime actions can be brought in state courts. Therefore, it’s important to understand which jurisdictions have jurisdiction over the action you’re seeking.