The ocean is a vast, often unforgiving body of water that connects continents, facilitates trade, and offers recreation.
However, it also has its own set of rules. For people who work or play on the water, the question of who enforces maritime law is not just a trivia question; it’s a matter of safety, rights, and sometimes, deep vulnerability.
There are numerous federal agencies, international organizations, and specialized courts that ensure ships operate safely, pollution is minimized, crews are protected, and passengers have legal recourse when things go wrong.
This is true from the busy Port of Long Beach to the vast ocean. If something bad happens on the water, knowing how that web works and where to go for help can make a big difference after an injury, a contract dispute, or an environmental incident.
Defining Maritime (Admiralty) Law and Why It Exists
Admiralty law, also known as maritime law, is a distinct set of rules that govern actions on navigable waters.
This includes more than just navigation; it also covers the complex world of shipping, environmental protection rules for ships, the special rights and duties of seafarers, and, most importantly, how to seek help if you are injured at sea.
When you learn about maritime law, you know about a legal system that deals with the specific problems and dangers that come with being on the sea.
Maritime admiralty law differs from regular civil law systems, which typically operate within a single country. It is a blend of traditional international customs, treaties, and contemporary national laws.
Due to the need for seafaring nations to have uniform rules, this historical evolution means that its principles often extend beyond national borders.
Ships frequently cross borders and work in international waters, so laws need to be clear about which country’s rules apply, how responsibilities are shared when something happens that involves more than one jurisdiction, and which courts have the final say (jurisdiction) over a case. This is why a clear definition of maritime law is crucial for global trade and travel.
Federal district courts in the United States have exclusive jurisdiction over most admiralty cases.
This is because the federal government has constitutional power over navigable waters and foreign trade. But it’s also true that state courts can sometimes use maritime principles when they have concurrent jurisdiction over a case.
This two-pronged approach illustrates the complexity of specialized marine law.
These special legal rules give injured sailors and cruise passengers different and often better rights than land-based injury laws. For example, injured seafarers, who are at a lot of risk at sea, can get “maintenance and cure” medical benefits.
These benefits cover their living expenses and medical care until they are as healthy as possible.
Additionally, laws such as the Jones Act grant injured seafarers the right to sue vessel owners for negligence, providing an essential means for them to obtain compensation beyond workers’ compensation.
Other federal laws, such as the Limitation of Vessel Owner’s Liability Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, also provide special protections and procedures for different types of maritime workers.
A maritime lawyer who is familiar with the intricacies of admiralty law and its application to specific situations is often needed to help individuals understand these complex laws.
See our dedicated Jones Act lawyer resource for more details on seafarer rights.
The United States Coast Guard: Primary Enforcer in U.S. Waters
When American mariners ask who enforces maritime law domestically, the answer usually starts with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
Operating under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, the Coast Guard has sweeping authority to board vessels, conduct safety inspections, and arrest violators within U.S. territorial waters and, in some instances, on the high seas.
According to the Coast Guard’s mission overview their duties include:
Interdicting Illegal Activities
The USCG plays a critical role in national security by interdicting drug traffickers and human smugglers on the water, preventing illicit activities from reaching U.S. shores.
Investigating Marine Incidents
They are responsible for investigating marine casualties, such as collisions, groundings, or fires, to determine causes, prevent future occurrences, and enforce applicable regulations.
Enforcing Environmental Regulations
The Coast Guard plays a crucial role in protecting marine ecosystems by enforcing environmental laws, such as the Oil Pollution Act, responding to spills, and holding polluters accountable.
Overseeing Vessel Safety
Through port-state control inspections, the USCG ensures vessels, including commercial ships and cruise liners, comply with international and domestic safety standards before entering or departing U.S. ports.
If a tanker spills oil near Long Beach or a cruise ship fails a safety drill, the Coast Guard can detain the vessel until deficiencies are corrected, showcasing its direct enforcement power.
Other Key U.S. Agencies and Their Roles
While the Coast Guard leads, several additional entities help enforce maritime law:
Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
Screens cargo and passengers for contraband and immigration violations.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
Enforces fishery regulations and marine-sanctuary protections.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
Issues regulations on ballast-water discharge and air-emission standards.
Department of Justice (DOJ):
Prosecutes major maritime crimes—such as pollution conspiracies—through its Environmental Crimes Section. (DOJ explains maritime jurisdiction in its Criminal Resource Manual § 670.)
Together, these agencies create an enforcement network that spans harbors, coastal zones, and the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
International Enforcement: Flag States, Port States, and Global Treaties
Enforcement beyond 12 nautical miles depends on flag-state control, which means that a ship is subject to the laws of the country whose flag it flies.
Flag states must investigate deaths, certify crew members, and ensure that treaties such as SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Prevention of Pollution) are adhered to.
At the same time, port-state control allows coastal countries, such as the United States, to stop or detain foreign ships that may pose a risk to people or the environment.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) ensures that these inspections occur through regional memoranda of understanding. This lets people all over the world share information about ships that aren’t up to code.
Maritime Zones vs. Enforcement Authority
| Maritime Zone | Distance from Coast | Primary U.S. Enforcer | Key Powers |
| Territorial Sea | 0–12 nm | U.S. Coast Guard | Safety boardings, pollution response, criminal arrests |
| Contiguous Zone | 12–24 nm | Coast Guard & CBP | Customs, immigration, sanitary laws |
| Exclusive Economic Zone | 12–200 nm | Coast Guard & NOAA | Fisheries regulation, environmental enforcement |
| High Seas | 200 nm+ | Flag State / UNCLOS | Anti-piracy operations, drug interdiction with consent |
Maritime Law in Everyday Long Beach Scenarios
Long Beach residents and workers don’t just know about maritime law; they see it in action every day, from leisure cruises to busy port operations.
It’s essential to understand who enforces maritime law in real-life situations, particularly when accidents or disputes arise near the coast.
Cruise-Ship Passenger Injuries
Picture a passenger on a cruise ship leaving the Port of Long Beach who slips on a wet deck and gets hurt badly. In this case, the most critical question is who enforces maritime law to protect the rights of that passenger.
The flag state of the ship (the country where the vessel is registered) keeps an eye on safety rules. If a passenger is hurt, they usually have to go to U.S. federal courts, which use admiralty law.
These cases often involve deciphering complicated clauses in cruise ticket contracts that specify where the case should be heard. Most of the time, claims must be filed in specific U.S. federal courts, even if the incident occurred in international waters.
Our firm’s cruise-ship injury attorney page outlines how we use U.S. jurisdiction clauses in ticket contracts to file claims in Los Angeles federal court.
Jones Act Seaman Claims
A deckhand injured on a coastal tug can choose to sue in state or federal court under the Jones Act, seeking lost wages, medical care, and pain damages. Enforcement here comes from the judiciary: judges order vessel owners to pay “maintenance and cure” benefits promptly—or face punitive damages.
Pollution Violations in San Pedro Bay
If a container ship illegally discharges oily waste near Long Beach, the Coast Guard and DOJ investigate. Still, private parties (like waterfront businesses) may also sue under the Clean Water Act. Civil enforcement and criminal prosecution often proceed concurrently.
The Court System: Where Enforcement Meets Justice
When administrative fines or criminal penalties aren’t enough, maritime disputes land in court. Federal district courts have original admiralty jurisdiction, meaning they decide issues like:
- Collision liability
- Salvage and towage rights
- Cargo damage claims
- Wrongful-death suits under the Death on the High Seas Act
Long Beach litigants generally file in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, known for deep expertise in maritime cases.
Why a Maritime Lawyer Matters
When something happens on the water, the question of who enforces maritime law is only one part of a much larger puzzle, because maritime law is so complex.
In almost every admiralty case, international treaties, state exemptions, and a maze of federal laws all come into play. This makes these cases very different from land-based legal matters.
If you’ve been hurt, had a disagreement, or been in an accident on navigable waters, you need the help of an experienced maritime lawyer. They are well-equipped to handle this complex area of law.
International treaties, state exemptions, and federal statutes intertwine in admiralty disputes. A seasoned maritime lawyer:
Navigate Applicable Laws and Statutes
Determining which laws apply is one of the most immediate challenges in marine law cases.
This isn’t easy, though, because different laws cover different people and situations.
A skilled maritime lawyer knows how to figure out if your case falls under the Jones Act (for seafarers), the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) (for dockworkers and some other maritime workers), general maritime law principles (which cover a wide range of events and people, including passengers), or even complicated foreign laws if the event happened on a foreign-flagged ship or in international waters.
This initial legal analysis is crucial for building a strong case.
Preserve Crucial Evidence
After an incident occurs at sea, evidence can quickly disappear or be mishandled.
A maritime lawyer understands the strict rules governing reporting and record-keeping established by organizations such as the Coast Guard and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
They act quickly to protect evidence, such as accident reports, logbooks, sensor data, witness statements, and physical evidence from the ship or scene. This ensures that important information is kept safe before it can be lost or altered.
This proactive approach is crucial for establishing negligence and causation.
Work together with international groups
Because shipping is a global business, an incident can easily involve ships from different countries.
A maritime lawyer knows how to work with foreign flag states to get accident reports, crew manifests, and other vital documents that could be very important to your case.
This international liaison is a unique aspect of maritime law that is essential for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the incident and identifying all individuals who may be responsible.
At the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor, our about-us page details decades of courtroom wins, from tanker collisions to passenger assaults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is maritime law in simple terms?
It’s the body of laws governing navigation and commerce on navigable waters, covering everything from worker injuries to cargo disputes and environmental rules.
Do all ships have to follow U.S. maritime laws in American waters?
Yes. Any vessel in U.S. territorial seas must comply with applicable federal statutes and Coast Guard regulations.
Who enforces maritime law on the high seas?
Primarily the vessel’s flag state, though international coalitions combat crimes like piracy and trafficking.
Can I sue a foreign cruise line in U.S. court?
Often yes—ticket contracts frequently select U.S. jurisdiction, and U.S. courts accept maritime tort cases involving voyages that touch American ports.
How quickly should I call an attorney after a maritime injury?
Immediately. Evidence and witness memories fade fast, and statutes of limitation may be shorter under maritime law than under state personal-injury rules.
Injured at Sea in Long Beach? Get Expert Maritime Legal Help Today!
Maritime accidents demand rapid, informed action. Whether you’re a passenger injured on a cruise, a longshore worker hurt on the docks, or a seafarer facing unsafe conditions at sea, our Long Beach-based team understands who enforces maritime law and how to leverage those systems for your recovery. Call the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor, engage our 24/7 cruise-injury hotline, or request a free case review. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of admiralty law—and fight to secure the justice you deserve.
