Maritime Articles
Please note that the following articles are for informational purposes only and do not institute any legal advice from Lochner Law Firm, P.C. See Legal Disclaimer page for more information.
Can AI Serve as Your Legal Lookout?
Radar, AIS, integrated cameras, collision-avoidance software — today's marine electronics put more information in front of an operator than ever before. But COLREGs Rule 5 still requires a proper lookout "by sight and hearing." Software doesn't change that...
Buying Or Selling A Vessel: Tariff Changes And Their Impact
What Is The Difference Between A Duty And A Tariff When Importing A Vessel? A duty is a standard tax on imported goods, whereas a tariff is a policy-based additional cost that can vary depending on reasons like industry protection or country relations. Currently,...
Legal Traps in Boat Buying and Selling
What are common legal issues that catch boat buyers and sellers off guard? One common issue is the presence of prior liens on vessels, which may not be recorded but still exist. These maritime liens can travel with the vessel, creating unexpected liabilities for...
Understanding Foreign Flagging for Boat Owners
What does foreign flagging mean for boat owners and why is it done? Foreign flagging involves registering a vessel with a country other than the United States. This registration can provide various benefits, such as avoiding import duties and tariffs. Historically,...
The Viral Fishing Boat-on-Sailboat Collision: Lessons from a Real Maritime Incident
The dramatic photo of a fishing vessel perched atop a sailboat that's circulated widely online isn’t AI-generated—it captures a real collision that occurred on the Chesapeake Bay in 2018. While the image is striking, it also highlights important legal and navigational...
What It Really Means to Be a Licensed Captain
What It Really Means to Be a Licensed Captain In a recent episode of From the Wheelhouse, maritime attorney Todd Lochner, Captain John Martino—founder of the Annapolis School of Seamanship—and Captain Matt Benhoff, a USCG-licensed captain and maritime instructor,...
Temporary Import Bond Entry vs. Offshore Flagging: What’s the Best Path for Your Yacht?
A Temporary Import Bond (TIB) is a customs mechanism that allows a foreign-built vessel to enter the country temporarily without paying import duties. It is typically valid for up to 12 months and is designed for vessels that will leave the U.S. after a defined...
Boat Delivery and the Importance of Good Contract
If you’re thinking about doing professional boat delivery work, don’t miss this conversation. In the latest episode of From the Wheelhouse, Captain John Martino sits down with maritime attorney Todd Lochner to talk about the #1 thing every captain needs before...
What the Brill Maritime v. Boats Group Case Could Mean for Yacht Brokers
A new lawsuit filed in Miami challenges Boats Group’s dominance of yacht listing platforms. Learn what Brill Maritime v. Boats Group could mean for brokers, listing costs, and competition in the industry.
Out-of-State Yacht, In-State Taxes: How Overstaying in a U.S. State Can Cost You
Learn how overstaying in U.S. state waters with your yacht can trigger costly excise taxes, common triggers, and tips to avoid surprise tax bills.
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