Ship Lawyer Maritime Law Fundamentals 2

Question 1

Under the COGSA (Carriage of Goods by Sea Act), what is the default liability limit per package for cargo loss or damage?

Accepted Answer

$500 per package

Answer

COGSA limits a carrier's liability to $500 per package or customary freight unit unless a higher value is declared by the shipper.

Question 2

Which maritime law doctrine holds that a shipowner is strictly liable for unseaworthiness that causes injury to a seaman?

Accepted Answer

Unseaworthiness doctrine

Answer

The unseaworthiness doctrine imposes strict liability on shipowners when an unseaworthy condition of the vessel causes a seaman's injury.

Question 3

What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim under the general maritime law?

Accepted Answer

3 years

Answer

General maritime law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, though specific statutes like the Jones Act have their own periods.

Question 4

Which federal statute governs the priority of maritime liens when multiple creditors compete for proceeds from a vessel sale?

Accepted Answer

Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens Act (CIMLA)

Answer

CIMLA (46 U.S.C. §§ 31301–31343) establishes the priority order of maritime liens and regulates ship mortgages.

Question 5

Under maritime law, what does the term 'privity or knowledge' refer to in the context of the Limitation of Liability Act?

Accepted Answer

The shipowner's awareness of or participation in the negligent act

Answer

Under the Limitation of Liability Act, a shipowner cannot limit liability if the casualty occurred with the owner's privity or knowledge of the negligent condition.

Ship Lawyer Practice Test

Ship Lawyer Practice Test

Ship Lawyer Maritime Law Fundamentals 2