Marina Liability
Marina Operator’s Duties
Marina operators are responsible for ensuring that all vessels can make a safe berth, that any boats moored or stored at the marina are kept safe from damage, and that there is no damage to a vessel during the refueling process. If the operator fails to address any deficiencies, dangers or hazards at the marina, the marina is liable for any damages or injuries that occur to a vessel or its occupants. However, marinas may obtain liability insurance in order to protect themselves from legal obligations after an accident.
Marina Liability Insurance
This insurance is called Marina Operators Legal Liability Insurance, which covers any damage that occurs to a vessel that was under the marina’s “care, custody and control.” The specific protections that the insurance provides will depend on the package that operator purchased. Some packages will include coverage for personal injury or death, but many packages do not. There can be other types of insurance coverage as well.
Kinds of Marina Liability Issues
- Personal injuries to invitees and guests including slips, trips and falls
- Injuries arising out of the hazards on the marina, its docks and premises
- Negligence and product liability claims
- Damage to vessels including flooding, sinking, fire, collision and allisions
- Failures to provide a safe berth
- Bailment and breach of contract issues
- Marine insurance issues
- Marina agreement issues
- Storage, dockage and wharfage claims
- Maritime liens
- Limitation of liability issues
- Claims for negligent or defective maintenance and repair
- Charter liabilities and disputes
- Wrecked, abandoned and derelict vessels
- Oil spill and pollution liabilities
Call Us for a Free Consultation Regarding Marina Claims
If you are an individual and you or your vessel have been injured or damaged or if you have a legal issue arising in the marina environment call us for a consultation regarding your legal rights.
If you are a marina or marina operator and are involved in a dispute regarding breach of contract or liability for an accident, our firm can consult with you regarding your legal rights and responsibilities.
Our firm can consult and help guide parties through the insurance claim process and provide legal representation in marina claims, in some instances.
