What are the differences between maritime law and federal maritime law?

Maritime law and federal maritime law are two distinct areas of law that are often confused. Maritime law is the body of law governing matters related to the sea, including matters relating to the ownership, operation and regulation of vessels, marine insurance, navigation, seamanship, and commerce. Federal maritime law, on the other hand, is the body of law created by the United States federal government to regulate commerce and navigation within territorial waters, the exclusive economic zone, and those international waters that are subject to U.S. jurisdiction. The primary difference between maritime law and federal maritime law is that maritime law is a body of law that is developed by each individual country or state governing matters related to the sea. In contrast, federal maritime law is comprised of federal statutes and regulations that are applicable to all states, regardless of where they are located. This means that ships and vessels trading between two states will be subject to the same set of federal regulations, regardless of whether they are located in the same state or different states. Maritime law also differs from federal maritime law in that the states have additional authority over their own coastal waters and can pass their own regulations about matters such as shipping and vessel regulations, fishing, oil and gas exploration, and environmental protection. Federal maritime law, in contrast, is primarily concerned with the safety of navigation and commerce in U.S. waters, and the protection of civil rights and property. In California, maritime injuries can be subject to both state and federal maritime law. Depending on the jurisdiction, a maritime injury matter may be brought before either a state court or the U.S. District Court. It is important to understand the differences between maritime and federal maritime law to ensure that someone who has been injured in a maritime accident receives appropriate legal remedies.

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What are the differences between maritime law and federal maritime law?

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