Shipping Lawyer Maritime Liens and Ship Arrests

Question 1

Which of the following gives rise to a maritime lien under US federal law?

Accepted Answer

Seamen's wages

Answer

Office lease payments

Answer

Shoreside employment contracts

Answer

Cargo insurance premiums

Question 2

Under the Federal Maritime Lien Act, which party may bring an in rem action against a vessel?

Accepted Answer

Any party holding a maritime lien

Answer

Only the vessel owner

Answer

Only the US government

Answer

Only cargo shippers

Question 3

What is the correct court to file an in rem vessel arrest action in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Federal district court with admiralty jurisdiction

Answer

State superior court

Answer

US Tax Court

Answer

US Court of International Trade

Question 4

Which maritime lien has the highest priority in a US vessel arrest proceeding?

Accepted Answer

Seamen's wages

Answer

Preferred ship mortgage

Answer

Tort claims

Answer

Contract claims

Question 5

A vessel can be released from arrest by posting what type of security?

Accepted Answer

A bond or letter of undertaking

Answer

A property deed

Answer

A personal guarantee only

Answer

An insurance certificate only

Question 6

Which doctrine prevents a maritime lien from being extinguished when a vessel is sold to a bona fide purchaser?

Accepted Answer

The lien 'follows the ship' doctrine

Answer

The clean hands doctrine

Answer

The parol evidence rule

Answer

The collateral source rule