Ship Lawyer Maritime Contracts and Liens

Question 1

What distinguishes a 'time charter' from a 'voyage charter' in maritime contract law?

Accepted Answer

A time charter hires the vessel for a fixed period while a voyage charter hires it for a specific voyage

Answer

A time charter transfers ownership while a voyage charter does not

Answer

A time charter covers cargo while a voyage charter covers the ship

Answer

A voyage charter is longer term than a time charter

Question 2

What is a 'bareboat' or 'demise' charter in maritime law?

Accepted Answer

A charter where the charterer takes complete possession and control of the vessel, including crewing

Answer

A charter for a vessel without cargo

Answer

A short-term vessel rental for day trips

Answer

A charter that includes the crew but not the fuel

Question 3

What is a maritime lien and how does it differ from a land-based lien?

Accepted Answer

A maritime lien is a privileged claim against a vessel that travels with the ship regardless of ownership changes

Answer

A maritime lien requires recording in a public registry

Answer

A maritime lien only attaches to cargo, not the vessel

Answer

A maritime lien expires after 90 days

Question 4

Which categories of claims give rise to maritime liens under the Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens Act?

Accepted Answer

Necessaries, wages, salvage, and maritime torts

Answer

Only seaman wage claims

Answer

Only cargo damage claims

Answer

Only collision damage claims

Question 5

What is the 'necessaries' doctrine in maritime lien law?

Accepted Answer

Suppliers of goods and services necessary for a vessel's operation acquire a maritime lien on the vessel

Answer

Shipowners must provide necessary supplies to seamen

Answer

Cargo that is necessary for ballast receives lien protection

Answer

Emergency repairs create a superior lien

Question 6

What is 'general average' in maritime contract and insurance law?

Accepted Answer

The proportional sharing of extraordinary losses deliberately incurred to save the ship and cargo

Answer

The average value of a vessel's cargo over a voyage

Answer

Standard liability limits under COGSA

Answer

Insurance premiums averaged across all vessels in a fleet