Mooring is not what it used to be. Where and how your vessel is moored is a major concern for boat owners around the world, particularly as mooring costs do not reduce and competition for space increases. A common theme amongst boat owners is that they all want the peace of mind in knowing that their vessel is easily accessible,…
By Marcel Vaarzon-Morel and Kurt Lewis Q: How does the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) apply to the commercial boating industry, what aspects of boating does it cover and will my vessel be effected? Do you currently own, design, manage, work on or regulate an existing or future commercial vessel? At Vaarzon-Morel lawyers we have recently received inquiries regarding the MLC…
I recently discussed with Ocean’s Editor-In-Chief the interest “Legal Matter “ was invoking amongst its readers who had then contacted our office for legal advice and it was agreed that these scenarios should be shared in a question and answer format. Vessel Import The first scenario that presented itself was where a large super yacht was purchased in America and…
In the early hours of 3 October 2013 the luxury super yacht “Seafaris” owned by The McCloy Group caught fire and went down off the coast of Cairns. All 16 passengers and crew safely abandoned the ship, before being taken to port by a passing ship responding to the distress call. Luckily no one was hurt but the seriousness of such disasters…
PLAYING IT SAFE: The New National Marine Safety Laws Are you an owner; designer; operator or crew-member of an existing or future commercial vessel? From July 1 2013, the Australian Federal Government’s National System for Commercial Vessel Safety will apply. These new national safety standards coincide with the passing of legislation, the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act…
Sex and Tax Law (either way your screwed) Not the sexiest subject and often the last thing you’d think about when considering your yacht purchase, but Tax and Duty Laws are probably the most important, especially when importing from another country. For many reasons prospective buyers look overseas to purchase yachts and while this article does not consider the rights…
When I was an apprentice shipwright, one of the old-hats around the slipway was always spouting gems of wisdom. From him, I heard thatthe only people who make any money out of boats, are brokers. This is not entirely true. Since changing careers I’ve found that lawyers do alright of ‘boats’ as well. Nevertheless, brokers have a special relationship to…
Recently I attended a seminar in London on ‘Yacht and Yachting Law’ that was run by Filippo Lorenzon Director of the Institute of Maritime Law for the University of Southampton. The seminar heralded the launch of the first edition with the same name, a beautifully bound text, that covers ‘the whole nine yards’ and while having an English/Euro Law focus…
It was a devastating blow to all involved at Mullen & Wing shipyard when a fire gutted the largest construction hall, destroying the 50 metre Star Fish that was two-and-a-half years into her three-year build worth in excess of NZ$50 million. But imagine if this was your dream-build and after the event you learn you weren’t covered by insurance. While…
It’s the ONLY thing,’ said the Water Rat solemnly, as he leant forward for his stroke. `Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING–absolute nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. (Kenneth Grahame 1859-1932) The romantic notion that Grahame conjures up in his novel ‘Wind In The Willows’ often forms the basis of the decision making…