Subscribe to RSS FeedWe had to hove-to for engine repairs, kind of. I've been battling a case of bronchitis that left me disinclined to write. At any rate, we're underway and making way now.
I picked up a book the other day and it was about one-hundred things "they" don't want you to know about everyday life. I'm not sure who the "they" are, but it was mildly interesting with random facts about government and society. I think the concept of that book is something that resonates in this blog (without the conspiratorial element of the "they") which aims to convey interesting flotsam and jetsam pertaining to United States maritime law. To that end, I bring your attention to a pending Congressional bill.
The bill (introduced on June 29, 2009) is entitled the "United States Mariner and Vessel Protection Act of 2009." The bill's stated purpose is "to assist in the defense of United States-flag vessels against piracy and to ensure the traditional right of self-defense of those vessels against piracy." The gist of the bill is essentially a limitation of liability and the first group protected are the "owners, operators and masters" who would be protected from civil lawsuits arising out of force authorized under the regulations. Moreover, "vessel" is defined as a vessel for which a certificate of inspection has been issued and is operating in "high risk" waters. As far as I can tell, there's been no vote and the bill is currently pending before the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism. The bill is identified as HR 2984 IH for those who want to read its text.
Underway and making way.
--- JKF
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