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

Maritime law and federal maritime law are similar in many ways, but they are also two distinct forms of law. Maritime law is a body of laws that pertain to navigation, navigation rights, and navigation safety in waters typically three nautical miles or less from a coastline. Federal maritime law, on the other hand, is a body of law that governs all matters related to maritime activities and navigation that occur beyond the three nautical-mile limit. Differences between the two include the scope of authority, the types of claims they cover, and the types of entities that they apply to. Maritime law applies to anyone operating in navigable waters three nautical miles or less from a coastline and can be used to interpret instances such as personal injuries, collisions, and property damage. Federal maritime law applies to ocean navigation outside of this three-mile limit and includes areas such as the high seas, federal navigable waters, and international waters. It covers maritime activities such as commercial shipping, cargo transportation, fishing, and recreational boating. The two types of laws also differ in the types of claims that they cover. Maritime law typically covers claims such as personal injury, marine salvage, and cargo loss. Federal maritime law covers claims such as maritime contracts, marine insurance, and cargo claims. Additionally, it includes claims related to the enforcement of treaties and international conventions. In Washington, any matter that involves maritime activities occurring beyond the three-nautical-mile limit will be governed by federal maritime law.

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