What is the scope of liability for vessel collisions under Admiralty Law?
Under Texas Admiralty Law, the scope of liability for vessel collisions is referred to as the "privity and knowledge" rule. This rule states that a vessel owner is liable for the negligent actions of the vessel’s crew if the owner had knowledge or privity of those actions. In this context, privity means that the owner was aware of and had the power to control the negligent actions of the vessel’s crew. The “privity and knowledge” rule of Admiralty Law is based on a “Respondeat Superior” principle, which states that an employer is liable for the acts of its employees that are conducted within the scope of the employee’s duties. This rule applies to vessel owners as well, and the owner of a vessel will be liable for any collisions that result from the negligence of the vessel’s crew. Additionally, the rule of comparative negligence applies to vessel collisions, which means that the liability may be shared between both vessels involved in the collision. Under this rule, both parties will be held liable for the collision in proportion to their negligence. For example, if one party is found to be 75% at fault for the collision, they will be liable for 75% of the damages that result from it. Overall, the scope of liability for vessel collisions depends on the particular circumstances of the collision and whether the vessel owner had knowledge or control over the negligent actions of the vessel’s crew. The rule of comparative negligence may also be applied, which states that the liability for the collision may be shared between the vessels involved.
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