This flowchart illustrates the dual-pathway dispute resolution mechanism under Indian law, demonstrating how maritime disputes can be resolved through either admiralty courts or arbitration, with important interactions between both systems.

Document & Key Takeaways

1. Carriage of Goods by Sea & Shipping Contracts — Bills of lading, charterparties (time, voyage, bareboat), shipping contract formation, and international conventions (Hague Rules, Hague-Visby Rules, Rotterdam Rules)​

2. Vessel Ownership, Registration & Mortgages — Ship registration requirements under Merchant Shipping Act 2025, transfer of ownership procedures, mortgage registration and priority, maritime liens, and secured financing​

3. Ship Arrests & Maritime Lien Enforcement — Jurisdictional framework under Admiralty Act 2017, arrestable maritime claims, arrest procedures, strategic considerations, and interaction with arbitration​

4. Maritime Dispute Resolution & Jurisdiction — Admiralty court jurisdiction, arbitration frameworks, the unique Indian dual-track system enabling both admiralty litigation and arbitration simultaneously, and key case law from Indian courts​

5. Salvage & General Average — Salvage law principles, award calculation under Article 13 criteria, voluntary service requirements, general average adjustments, York Antwerp Rules application, and insurance coverage​

6. Crew Rights, Employment & Maritime Labour — Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 protections, Seafarers' Employment Agreements (SEA), wage disputes, repatriation obligations, injury claims, and unseaworthiness doctrine​

7. Maritime Insurance — Hull & Machinery (H&M) insurance, cargo insurance, Protection & Indemnity (P&I) clubs mutual structure, cost models, and coverage areas​

8. Maritime Accidents, Collisions & Injuries — Collision liability determination, vessel unseaworthiness, seamen injury claims, passenger liability, and damages calculations​

9. Maritime Environmental Law — MARPOL Convention framework (6 annexes covering oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, air pollution), oil pollution liability regimes (CLC/IOPC), strict liability principles, and India's regulatory framework​

10. Vessel Recycling & Dismantling — Hong Kong International Convention 2009, recycling facility standards, worker protection, hazardous materials management, and India's position as global recycling hub

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Strategic Development:

Transaction work in ship mortgages and vessel financing 

Cargo claim disputes 

Crew wage/injury claims 

Ship arrest and maritime lien enforcement 

Arbitration representation 

Indian Legal:

Unique dual-track system allowing admiralty court remedies alongside arbitration (established in Altus Uber v. Siem Offshore Rederi AS, 2019)

Merchant Shipping Act 2025 modernization aligning with international standards

maritime arbitration  with LMAA and BIMCO institutions


Substantial P&I club activity for Indian shipowners

Content:

Case studies on ship arrests and settlement outcomes

MLC compliance guides for shipping companies

Cargo claim procedures and documentation requirements

General average adjustment processes

Environmental compliance under MARPOL