The vast expanse of the sea can be both exhilarating and unforgiving. Unfortunately, accidents do happen afloat, leaving injured individuals wondering where to turn. If you've been injured on a cruise ship, fishing boat, pleasure boat, or any vessel while on a...
Admiralty & Maritime Law
Should You Register Your Yacht in the U.S.?
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. If you are considering buying a yacht, your next decision is where to register it. Choosing the right country is important, as your choice brings with it...
Civil Liability From Wake Damage
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2022. If you own a boat, whether you use it on a lake, river or ocean, you know vessels in motion can cause a significant wake that can impact people, structures, and...
What is the Difference Between Admiralty Law and Maritime Law?
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. By Peter Regan, Esq.Sayer, Regan & Thayer, LLP Admiralty law and maritime law essentially mean the same thing. A unique area of the law, admiralty and...
The Jones Act: An Overview
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, March 23 , 2022. By Peter Regan, Esq.Sayer, Regan & Thayer, LLP Rewind to about a century ago, when then-President Woodrow Wilson enacted the Jones Act, a law designed to...
Why You Should Set Up an LLC When Purchasing a Yacht
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, February 16 , 2022. While owning a yacht may be something you have always wanted to do, it’s important to be smart about how you go about it. In many cases, it’s wise to set up...
Defining the Line Between Federal and State Waters
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. It’s difficult to imagine boundaries when you’re in open waters. It all looks the same, wave after wave, with very few visual indicators of...
Liability Issues for Boaters
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. A day on the water can be fun and relaxing. But any experienced boater can tell you that safety is a priority. Still, no matter how many hours you...
What You Need to Know About Changes to Flood Insurance
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. By Mark Thayer Sayer, Regan & Thayer, LLP Rhode Island – the Ocean State - is defined by its relationship to the water. Many of our residents enjoy seaside homes...
Hurt at sea? Maritime laws apply to your case
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Maritime law refers to the laws that govern nautical matters and maritime businesses. Essentially, these are the laws of the ocean. Maritime laws are kept up to date...
How to prevent a collision with another boat
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, April 5, 2018. With such a wide open sea, the thought of two boats colliding with one another seems unlikely. However, it does happen. In many cases, the collision is a result...
Tips for staying safe while boating this season
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Everyone who lives by the ocean enjoys spending time there, whether it's on or near the water. Many people in Newport have boats or know people who do, so they...
Offshore workers stay safer with emergency preparedness
On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted in Admiralty And Maritime Law on Thursday, February 22, 2018. When you work offshore, there are dozens of things that could go wrong in an instant. Unlike those...
4 steps to take immediately after a boating accident
Boating accidents occur all the time off the coast. According to data from the United States Department of Homeland Security, a majority of these accidents in 2016 were a result of two boats colliding with one another. Regardless of how the accident...
Workers’ compensation: Not the same for maritime workers
Unlike traditional personal injury or workplace accident laws, maritime injury laws have their own rules and regulations. Workers in this field don't qualify for traditional workers' compensation if they're hurt. Instead, they have to seek compensation through a...
Boating under the influence
When most people think of DUI offenses, boats do not always come to mind. Yet a boat is also a vehicle that can cause substantial damage and injuries if operated improperly. In Rhode Island, operating a boat while intoxicated is a crime that can result in a...
What can you do after falling overboard?
When you go out on your boat, you are there to enjoy friends and the freedom of the open water. One of the last things you or other Rhode Island boaters would expect is to fall overboard. Unfortunately, many people fall off boats or ships each year, resulting in one...
Avoid boating accidents with these 2 reminders
The summer is a great time to go boating, but only if you know how to stay safe. You should never go out onto the water without knowing how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Most boating accidents can be avoided with a few simple tips. Here are a...
What is admiralty law, and who hears maritime cases?
If you're new to law or just starting to understand your rights as someone injured or working on the open ocean, admiralty law is important to you. This field of law applies only to navigable waters, and it helps keep people safe while offshore. What is Admiralty Law?...
Boating requirements: Certification matters in Rhode Island
When you're out on the water, it's time to enjoy being with your friends and family. As the fall and winter approach, it's an important time to talk about boating safety. Waters can get rough quickly, so you need to understand the laws, what to do in an emergency and...
Buying and selling yachts from outside the U.S.
If you own a yacht that was built and/or purchased outside of the U.S., it's essential to be in compliance with federal laws if you're going to sell the vessel to a U.S. citizen. It's also important to know what the requirements are if the yacht was made in the U.S....