What are the inherent powers of Admiralty Law?

Admiralty law is a body of legal principles that governs private maritime activities or commercial transactions that occur on navigable waters and involves maritime contracts, marine insurance, and maritime injuries and torts. Admiralty law is a highly specialized body of law and is primarily handled by maritime attorneys, who are experienced in dealing with the various legal issues that can arise. In the state of Massachusetts, the inherent powers of Admiralty Law are outlined in the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code. These powers include, but are not limited to, jurisdiction over navigable waters and the vessels upon them. This includes the power to prescribe rules and regulations relating to the movement of maritime vessels, the payment of port fees, and the enforcement of safety regulations. In addition, admiralty law has the power to grant a maritime lien for any unpaid maritime debt or services provided in relation to a vessel, as well as the authority to order the sale of a vessel to satisfy the lien. Admiralty law also grants a court the power to attach, or seize, property to satisfy a maritime lien or debt, and enforces the rules of limitation and prescription of actions against vessels. It also determines the right of salvage, or the payment due for salvage services; the use of general averages, or the equitable division of a total loss among all those involved in the maritime activity; the limitation of liability of vessel owners for any damages sustained; and the right to prize or confiscate vessels or cargoes.

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What are the inherent powers of Admiralty Law?

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