Maritime Law

Michael’s experience as a deep-sea officer with P&O Lines and coastal experience within BC on cruise ships, allows him to bring a practical approach to marine law problems.

Maritime law is an arena of sometimes-complex law, based as it is on statute, international law and convention. His practise includes not only the placement of ship’s mortgages, but also major international transactions such as the transfer of the RMS Helena to British Government ownership for service between U.K. and St. Helena, which was a unique and interesting experience. He included insurance claims (damage to vessels in inclement times being a fairly frequent occurrence), salvage and claims by seamen and others for unpaid wages.

Seven years experience at sea also provides expert knowledge of charts, navigation and seamanship, and 45 cruises to Alaska as chief and second officers provides unique exposure to local conditions. Few lawyers, while specialized and important on the West Coast, practice maritime Law; Michael can bring a special perspective to clients with maritime requirements.