Shipping Lawyer Study Guide 2026

Sister ship arrest allows a creditor to arrest another vessel owned by the same debtor as the one involved in the claim, expanding the available security for the claim.

A General Average Adjuster (typically an Average Adjuster or Average Stater) is an independent expert, often appointed by the shipowner, who determines what losses qualify for general average, calculates each party's contributory value, and prepares the formal adjustment document.

Rule A is the foundational definition: a general average act exists when any extraordinary sacrifice or expenditure is intentionally and reasonably made or incurred for the common safety of the ship and cargo in a common maritime adventure.

Supplemental Admiralty Rule C governs in rem actions, including the arrest of vessels to enforce maritime liens.

A bareboat charter registry (also called a parallel registry) allows a vessel on bareboat charter to fly the flag of the charterer's country while the primary mortgage registry remains in the home state.

The master has an implied agency authority to bind cargo interests to salvage contracts in emergencies because the law recognizes the necessity of immediate action when life and property are in peril and consultation is impossible.