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Jetsam, Flotsam, and Ligan: Key Concepts in Maritime Law
Definition & meaning
The terms jetsam, flotsam, and ligan refer to different types of marine debris. Each term has a specific meaning:
Jetsam: Goods that are deliberately thrown overboard from a ship, often during emergencies.
Flotsam: Items that are floating in the water, typically as a result of a shipwreck or accident, but not intentionally discarded.
Ligan: Goods that are sunk in the sea with a buoy or marker attached, indicating ownership so the owner can retrieve them later.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial in maritime law and marine salvage practices.
Table of content
Legal use & context
Jetsam, flotsam, and ligan are important terms in maritime law, which governs navigable waters and shipping activities. These terms are relevant in various legal contexts, including:
Property rights regarding lost or abandoned goods.
Salvage operations and claims for recovery of property.
Liabilities and responsibilities of ship crews during emergencies.
Users can manage some related legal issues themselves using legal templates available from US Legal Forms, especially for claims related to salvage or ownership disputes.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples to illustrate these terms:
Jetsam: A ship's crew throws cargo overboard during a storm to lighten the load. This cargo is now considered jetsam.
Flotsam: After a shipwreck, various items float on the water. These items are classified as flotsam.
Ligan: A fisherman sinks a crate of tools with a buoy attached to it. This crate is ligan, as it can be retrieved later by the owner.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Ownership Status
Jetsam
Goods thrown overboard intentionally.
Typically abandoned unless claimed by the owner.
Flotsam
Goods floating in the water, not thrown in deliberately.
Ownership may still exist; claims can be made.
Ligan
Goods sunk with a buoy attached for later retrieval.
Ownership is marked and should be returned to the owner.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you encounter jetsam, flotsam, or ligan, consider the following steps:
Identify the type of debris and its ownership status.
If you find flotsam or jetsam, check if the owner makes a claim.
If you find ligan, return it to the owner if possible.
For legal claims or disputes, explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in filing claims or responding to ownership inquiries.
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