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The United States Admiralty and Maritime law presides over navigation and shipping, including waters; commerce; seamen; piracy; towage; wharves, piers, and docks; insurance; maritime liens; canals; and recreation. The laws that apply to vessel accidents on and off-shore are complex and encompass federal and state regulations, and may also be impacted by international treaties and conventions including:

    * The Jones Act protects ill or injured "seamen who are in the service of the ship".

      A seaman who suffers injury or illness in the performance of their job may be entitled to compensation for food, lodging, medical care and unearned wages.

    * Individuals or passengers on a vessel are entitled to a certain standard of care. If the ship owners fail to exercise reasonable care for guests or visitors on the vessel, they may be held liable for negligence. Boat owners can also be held liable for injuries and death involving assaults, mechanical failures, piloting error and intoxication at sea.