As we know in the very lucrative business of marine construction, there are many different facets of this industry that require unique knowledge and expertise. Common marine construction projects include submarine cable installation and repair, bridge construction, and dock construction. Marine construction may also include the erection of coastal structures such as seawalls and submarine tunnels, off-shore structures such as mooring systems and artificial islands, and deep ocean structures such as cofferdams and underwater mining platforms.
Marine construction can also take the form of environmental conservation and geological infrastructure projects such as erosion control and flood control and wetlands preservation.
Just as with general construction projects, marine construction raises typical issues of contract negotiation and interpretation, supply chain and delay disputes, payment disputes, and defective construction claims. Marine construction also contemplates unique permitting requirements and regulations, local, state, and federal, depending upon the particular body of water involved.
In addition to contract management and contract disputes, marine construction also presents unique safety concerns, as the risks inherent in construction are compounded by the risks associated with working offshore. Accordingly, there is a unique body of law governing safety measures required to be provided to marine construction workers, together with litigation throughout the United States regarding injuries to marine construction workers and the remedies available to them. To provide one example, the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act was created by federal law, and provides payment and compensation, medical care, and other support services to maritime workers. This law covers ship repairs, ship builders, harbor construction workers, and more. Nevertheless, the law contains includes exclusions that are not limited to seamen, United States government employees, and employees injured due to intoxication, among other exceptions. The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act applies to workers on docks, moored ships, and situations not in navigable waters, and its counterpart, the Jones Acts, applies to worker injuries taking place on ships in navigable waters.
Long Island and Florida host large communities of marine contractors and subcontractors who work hard to provide workmanship of the highest quality to be found anywhere, but even the most seasoned professional can benefit from the assistance of our firm’s strong history of providing for the needs of Long Island and Florida contractors and subcontractors on both private and public projects. Whether preparing airtight contracts to protect your interests, vigorously pursuing recovery for unpaid services through arbitration and litigation, or providing advice to minimize the risk of worker injury, this firm serves the needs of marine contractors and subcontractors at each stage of their projects.
To learn more about DLHWC, please click here.
To learn more about NYS Maritime Laws, please click here.
To learn more about FLS Maritime Laws, please click here.
John Caravella Esq., is a construction attorney and formerly practicing project architect at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration across New York and Florida. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached by email: John@LIConstructionLaw.com or (631) 608-1346.
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