Questions for lawyers Found 20

I paid a freight forwarder to arrange shipment of goods overseas, and the consignment vanished somewhere along the route. The forwarder’s terms say its liability is capped at a very low amount. Can they really limit what I can claim?

I recently bought a small boat and plan to take friends fishing. I have heard that as skipper I am personally responsible for everyone on board. What are my legal duties, and what happens if something goes wrong?

We plan to charter a yacht for a family holiday and the operator has sent a long contract full of conditions. I am concerned about what happens if we have an accident, and how much we could be liable for. What should I look out for?

I have a few beers while fishing from my boat and I assumed that the drink-driving laws only apply on roads. A friend says that skippers can be prosecuted for boating drunk. What are the rules for alcohol on the water?

My company supplied fuel and repairs to a foreign vessel that then left port without paying. We hear it may return to New Zealand next month. Is it possible to have the ship arrested to secure payment?

A vessel dragged its anchor and damaged a private pier in our harbour, causing a large loss. The shipowner says its liability is limited to a fixed amount, which is far lower than our loss. Is that right?

My brother works as a crew member on a large cargo vessel that visits New Zealand ports, and he says he has not been paid for months and cannot leave. Do seafarers have special legal protections, and who can he contact?

I was out on a jet ski when a harbour officer told me that I was going too fast near the beach and gave me a warning. I did not realise there was a limit on the water. What are the rules? I would appreciate some clarity on what the law actually requires here.

I work as a crew member on a commercial fishing vessel and hurt my back badly when a winch failed. The skipper told me it was just an accident and there is nothing to claim. What protection do I have as a crew member?

My yacht lost its engine in bad weather and a passing fishing vessel towed us to safety. Now the owner is asking for a large salvage payment, and I do not know if that is legitimate. What are my obligations?