When you are working on the ocean, maritime law protects your rights. In the event of an accident on a ship or in a port, you may be entitled to federal compensation if you are injured while working at sea. While many people think maritime law doesn’t apply to them, workers from all fields can claim maritime-related injury compensation. From crane operators to clerical office workers, maritime law can protect you. Listed below are some of the most common maritime law claims.

Admiralty and maritime law is part of the federal government’s overall legal system. The Department of the Navy, which regulates the use of maritime laws, has an admiralty counsel to ensure compliance with federal maritime environmental laws. The Admiralty Counsel also reviews navigational light placement on DoN vessels, handles all maritime environmental torts, litigation, and consultation, and provides support for federal interagency working groups. In addition to these legal matters, the Admiralty Counsel advises maritime industry companies on issues pertaining to environmental law.

Maritime law also applies to civilian passengers. Civilians may sustain injuries while aboard a ship, and may be able to prove that their injuries were caused by the ship owner’s negligence. The statute of limitations for maritime law cases is three years from the date of the accident, which can be dramatically reduced by the fine print in a passenger ticket. In cases of maritime injuries, it is important to seek legal advice before proceeding with a claim.