Enforcing the Vessel's Obligations: Recent Trends in Maritime Lien Law

This course will provide an overview of maritime lien law, including the Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens Act, 46 U.S.C. §§ 31301 et seq, its predecessors, amendments, and common law clarifications. The presenter will discuss recent caselaw trends that have focused on defining what it means for a person to "provide necessaries" to a vessel under CIMLA, and how shipowners and suppliers have adapted their contracting practices to better protect themselves.

1. Provide an overview of the history and purpose of the maritime lien, and methods of enforcement

2. Identify the requirements for a necessaries liens under CIMLA

3. Discuss recent events that have required courts to reexamine the parameters of those requirements

4. Discuss steps that stakeholders have taken to protect their interests in light of recent changes