Houston Maritime Attorney : Types of Maritime and Act of Maritime in 2023

Table of Contents

Houston Maritime Accident Lawyers: Houston Maritime Attorney Lawyers
Houston Maritime Attorney: Different Types of Maritime Vessels
Some of the duties of a Houston maritime attorney lawyer
Common life-threatening accidents on board ships

Houston Maritime Accident Lawyers: Houston Maritime Attorney Lawyers

Houston Maritime Attorney: Working at sea and in the Gulf is dangerous business, but it's a job that's absolutely essential to Houston, Texas and the US economy. Despite the inherent dangers, risks can be mitigated. Workers must be careful, and employers must be careful. When maritime employers fail to take reasonable and adequate steps to protect their workers, Houston maritime attorneys can hold them liable for injuries under any number of applicable laws.

Knowing which laws apply to a particular accident and how to proceed to obtain maximum compensation for an injured worker is a complex matter. The Houston maritime accident attorneys at Livingston & Flowers combine decades of experience with personal injury knowledge and expertise to help fishermen, sailors, offshore oil workers and others recover valuable compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other applicable legal expenses. by doing Damage Houston Maritime Attorney

Houston Maritime Attorney: Different Types of Maritime Vessels

There are many different types of ships and the differences are mostly based on the type of cargo the ship carries. Knowing the different types can be really helpful as there are quite a few similarities between each ship. In this article, Porto Cargo will provide an overview of the most prominent types of sea vessels plying the seas today.

1. Ro-Ro Vessels

There are many different types of ships and the differences are mostly based on the type of cargo the ship carries. Porto Cargo will provide an overview of the foremost types of sea vessels plying the seas today. Houston Maritime Attorney International Freight Forwarding, Import and Export of Goods, International Trade Agreements, Export of Local Goods, Import of Local Goods

Roll-on-roll-off or ro-ro ships come in many forms, including vehicle ferries and cargo ships carrying truck trailers, but the main type used for road vehicle transport is the car carrier. These slab-sided vessels have multiple car decks with parking lanes, connected by internal ramps to shore access provided by one or more loading ramps.

2. Dry cargo ship

Dry cargo ships were the mainstay of the world's merchant fleets. Known as general cargo vessels, they would be "geared", one of many types of seagoing vessels equipped with their own cargo loading equipment, usually in the form of derricks. Such vessels sometimes operate a regular service between two or more ports as "liners", but may also operate in the "tramp trade" where the vessels may go wherever they are needed. Houston Maritime Attorney

3. General cargo vessels

Although largely replaced by bulk and container carriers, general cargo ships still operate around the world. There may be special handling facilities for this type of cargo, but loading and unloading is usually done using cranes and straps (for boxes) or slings (for bags). Cargo is usually in the form of pallets or bags and is known as breakbulk.

4. Bulk carriers

There are many different types of ships and the differences are mostly based on the type of cargo the ship carries. Porto Cargo will provide an overview of the foremost types of sea vessels plying the seas today. International Freight Transport, Import and Export of Goods, International Trade Agreements, Export of Local Goods, Import of Local Goods

For dry cargoes with high weight-to-cost ratios, such as coal, grain and ores, economies of scale have created the modern bulk carrier. Usually these large ships are divided into several separate holds covered by hatches. One of the various types of marine vessels, in this, cargo will usually be unloaded into hoppers and then transferred by conveyors to silos or open storage, smaller vessels may discharge directly to road vehicles. Houston Maritime Attorney

5. Reefer vessels

Reefer vessels are vessels designed to carry refrigerated cargo, usually including perishable goods such as fruit or meat. Cargo is held which is then sealed and temperature controlled. Nowadays, traditional reefer ships have largely been replaced by the use of reefer containers that can be carried on a container ship.

Keep learning all about the different types of marine vessels! Houston Maritime Attorney

6. Container vessels

There are many different types of ships and the differences are mostly based on the type of cargo the ship carries. PortoCargo will provide an overview of the most prominent types of sea vessels plying the seas today. International Freight Transport, Import and Export of Goods, International Trade Agreements, Export of Local Goods, Import of Local Goods

Container ships have become the main means of transporting manufactured goods around the world. A container can be transferred relatively easily between trucks, trains and ships and is an ideal size for ease of transport. Containers can accommodate everything from foodstuffs to electrical appliances to automobiles. Containers are also used to transport bagged and palletized products, liquids and refrigerated cargo. Container ships are mainly used on liner routes and are some of the largest ships afloat. Houston Maritime Attorney

7. Liquid cargo vessels

These vessels, collectively known as tankers, carry various liquid cargoes. Tankers were first developed in the mid-nineteenth century when the use of iron allowed large quantities of liquid to be carried economically and without leakage. In the case of bulk carriers, economies of scale have increased the size of tankers, and today the largest examples have a carrying capacity or "deadweight" of more than 400,000 tons.

8. Crude carrier

There are many different types of ships and the differences are mostly based on the type of cargo the ship carries. Portocargo will provide an overview of the most prominent types of sea vessels plying the seas today. Houston Maritime Attorney International Freight Forwarding, Import and Export of Goods, International Trade Agreements, Export of Local Goods, Import of Local Goods

Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs) are the largest vessels. These types of ocean vessels are designed to load crude oil and transport it to refineries around the world where it can be processed into petroleum products. The largest crude carriers often load and unload at offshore buoys and terminals because they are too large to enter most ports. Houston Maritime Attorney

9. Carrier of goods

Cargo ships, which are typically smaller than crude carriers, transport refined products from major terminals to smaller ports around the world. Products carried may include petroleum, jet fuel, diesel, asphalt, lubricating oil and tar. Smaller tankers are also used to transport non-petroleum bulk liquids such as molasses and palm oil.

10. Chemical carriers

Chemical carriers typically have a deadweight of 5,000-40,000 tons and often have specialized cargo systems suitable for carrying cargo. These systems may include heating or cooling devices and advanced cleaning systems to maintain the purity of merchandise when loaded into a tank that may have previously carried something else.

11. Liquefied gas carriers

There are many different types of ships and the differences are mostly based on the type of cargo the ship carries. PortoCargo will provide an overview of the most prominent types of sea vessels plying the seas today. International Freight Transportation, Import and Export of Goods, International Trade Agreements, Export of Local Goods, Import of Local Goods Houston Maritime Attorney.

Another of the various types of marine vessels, liquefied gas carriers began as converted oil tankers but have evolved into highly specialized purpose-built vessels. Designed to carry liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) under pressure, cargo tanks are usually round for strength. LNG carriers are generally larger than LPG carriers, the largest LNG carriers being 'Q-Flex' vessels with gas capacities of up to 266,000 cubic metres.

12. Specialized Cargo

Most types of cargo can be considered special cargo due to the need for specific loading, unloading or storage arrangements. Many such cargoes, however, are moved with such regularity and ease that the word 'specialized' takes on a new meaning.

13. Passenger ships

There are many different types of ships and the differences are mostly based on the type of cargo the ship carries. Portocargo will provide an overview of the most prominent types of sea vessels plying the seas today. International Freight Transport, Import and Export of Goods, International Trade Agreements, Export of Local Goods, Import of Local Goods

The passenger vessel category includes everything from 10-foot ferries to cruise ships capable of carrying more than 6,000 passengers. Nowadays, cruise passengers demand and expect a wide range of amenities, including casinos, gymnasiums, shops, theaters, cinemas, pools, restaurants and bars. Houston Maritime Attorney

14. Tugs

Modern tug vessels are highly maneuverable with a towing capacity (bollard pull) sometimes exceeding 100 tonnes, although harbor tugs are generally much less powerful. Such vessels are also used to assist the most manoeuvrable vessels during bad weather or when carrying hazardous or polluting cargo.

15. Livestock carriers

Livestock carriers are often converted from other types of seagoing vessels and equipped with pens for large numbers of animals. The main considerations when transporting livestock are adequate ventilation, feed and water, but also the capacity of reception facilities at the port of destination to handle the goods.

16. Heavy-lift/project cargo vessels

These are, mostly purpose-built, ships specializing in the transport of extremely heavy or heavy objects such as other ships and large industrial components. Some heavy-lift ships are equipped with high-capacity cranes for port loading without heavy-lift capacity.

Some of the duties of a Houston maritime attorney lawyer

Jones's Act

Also known as the Merchant Seaman Protection and Relief Act, the Jones Act covers health care expenses and wage replacement for seamen and longshoremen who are injured while they work on a seagoing vessel. Additional compensation, including damages for pain and suffering, if the worker can prove that the employer's negligence caused the accident or injury.

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act

Through the LHWCA, dockworkers who are not covered as seamen under the Jones Act can still receive compensation for injuries sustained while working on docks, piers, and other facilities in U.S. navigable waters. These workers may not be eligible for benefits under Texas workers' compensation, so the LHWCA may be important to cover medical expenses and wage loss. Houston Maritime Attorney

Doctrine of seaworthiness

Federal law requires that all vessels operated in the United States must be seaworthy and safe for their intended purpose. Shipowners are strictly liable for injury to an unseaworthy vessel. Under strict liability, the injured worker only needs to prove that the injury occurred on an unsafe vessel and does not have to prove that the boat owner was negligent. Houston Maritime Attorney

The following are some examples of conditions that could possibly make a vessel unsanitary:

The ship was defectively designed
Sailing is ignored
Crew members are inadequately trained or supervised
Safety equipment is missing or defective
Other tools or equipment missing or defective
The decks are absurdly slippery
Barrier on deck
Death on the High Seas Act
When a seafarer is killed in international waters, this federal admiralty law allows for the recovery of compensation for a surviving spouse, child, or other dependent family member.
Wrongful death that was caused by either negligence or wantonness.

Common life-threatening accidents on board ships

1. Man overboard

Man overboard situation is a common and one of the most dangerous situations where a person falls into the water while working or as a result of an accident.

Although sailors are trained to deal with such situations, bad weather and heavy seas can spoil rescue operations. Areas with extreme water temperatures can cause hypothermia or other dangerous health problems and even death. Several people have lost their lives in such accidents in the past.

2. Confined Space Accidents

It is one of the most common types of ship accidents, resulting in several casualties and severe injuries. Such accidents mainly occur when ship crews enter a confined space that is not properly gas-free and contains several pockets of toxic/flammable gas. Many officers still neglect confined space entry procedures, risking their lives and those of other crew members. Sailors must exercise extreme caution when entering enclosed spaces.

3. Electric shock accidents

As on land, electric shock also claimed several lives on board. Many unfortunate incidents occur due to missing electrical connections, exposed wires, and failure to take basic precautions while handling electrical equipment.

4. Equipment explosion – generator, compressor, boiler explosion etc.

Improperly maintained machinery and systems sometimes lead to major explosions/explosions, destroying ship property and killing people working around them. Accidents like compressor explosion, crankcase explosion, boiler explosion etc. have caused serious injuries and even death in many cases in the past.

5. Mooring operations

Another common cause of serious injury and death on board ships, mooring operations are considered a very dangerous job that requires proper skills and knowledge. Several officers and crew members lose their lives each year due to accidents related to mooring operations.

6. Fall from height

Onboard ships, sailors are often required to work at heights wearing safety harnesses and other important safety equipment. However, despite taking all necessary precautions, many crew members have lost their lives or been permanently injured due to falls/slips from heights, failure of safety devices, falling inside cargo holds during inspection and sheer. negligence

7. Pirate attacks

Although this is not an actual type of accident on board ships, it is a situation that is extremely lethal. The pirates use lethal weapons like RPGs and guns on the ship's crew while trying to hijack the ship. There have also been accidents where pirates have boarded ships, killed crew members and looted the ship. They are the least bothered about anyone's life and can shoot without a second thought. Houston Maritime Attorney

8. Lifeboat testing accidents

It is said that lifeboats take more lives than they save. Checking lifeboats during drills is an important routine on board. However, several sailors lost their lives while doing such tests. Although new regulations were introduced to ensure maximum safety while operating lifeboats, lifeboats resulted in serious injuries and deaths.

9. Hot Work Accidents

Hot work can cause accidents for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is when hot work is being done in an area surrounded by flammable gas, when surrounding tanks contain flammable materials, resulting in pockets of flammable gas, etc. It is also seen that sailors often fail to follow it. Basic hot work methods when carrying out such processes, which unfortunately, lead to fatal accidents. Houston Maritime Attorney

10. Gangway fruit

Many shipwrecks have occurred when the ship's gangway fails while the ship's crew members or visitors are using it. Gangway failure usually results from lack of maintenance and gangway wire rope failure.

Accidents can occur on board ships for various reasons. The above mentioned are some of the common life-threatening accidents/situations that occur on board ships that seafarers must be aware of and alert to. Houston Maritime Attorney