What are the main principles of maritime law?

Maritime law, or admiralty law, is the body of law that governs activities taking place at sea, on navigable rivers, and other bodies of water in California. Maritime law is based on a few core principles. First, maritime law follows a “reasonable person” principle, meaning that all people must exercise reasonable care to avoid harm to others or their property. This includes taking reasonable steps to prevent unexpected accidents or incidents. Second, any activity or event on a body of water will be interpreted according to its customs and practices, or the set of conventions that everyone involved typically relies upon. Third, maritime law in California follows the “duty of overtaking” principle, which requires that vessels overtaking (passing from behind) another vessel must stay to the starboard (right) side and keep a safe distance. Fourth, the “doctrine of seaworthiness” requires that all vessels be fit, safe, and have adequate crew and supplies for any action taken at sea. Lastly, the “general average” principle is applied when multiple ships are involved in an incident that causes loss of life or property. This principle requires that all participating ships contribute to any damages that the incident caused. These five principles form the foundation of maritime law in California, and they help regulate the safety and security of people, vessels, and property on the state’s waters.

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What are the main principles of maritime law?

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