The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has unveiled the comprehensive agenda for its sixth Marine Law Symposium, scheduled to start on Feb. 29, 2024. This event, available in-person in Annapolis, Md., or online, offers a hybrid participation format.

Developed for marine industry professionals such as surveyors, manufacturers, insurance agents, lawyers, and compliance officers, this year’s symposium covers a broad spectrum of pertinent topics. Key agenda items include:

• Boat Explosion Case Study: MG+M The Law Firm defended two manufacturers in a Lake Charles boat explosion case, upholding ABYC electrical standards. The plaintiffs sought $150 million in damages. Learn the strategy behind the defense’s successful verdict in this case study.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for Small Vessel Mishaps: Dave Hollaway will introduce the ABS Marine Root Cause Analysis Technique (MaRCAT™) and the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) for investigating small vessel incidents.
• “Boat Cops Talk Shop”: A session with marine law enforcement officers from Texas, Florida, and Wisconsin. Lt. Col. Majors will lead a discussion on the challenges faced during patrols and investigations.
• Marine Fire & Explosion: Nick Harken and Jason Karasinski will discuss the investigation and litigation of marine fires, focusing on the differences between maritime and non-maritime law and investigations.
• Setting Your Expert Up for Success: This presentation will cover a boating accident case study, discussing navigation rules, boat captain responsibilities, and the use of technology like drones and matterport cameras in evidence collection.
• Hydraulic Steering Malfunction and Multivessel Collision: Learn about a significant collision on Grand Cailou Bayou involving a steering malfunction. Part 1 covers the perspectives of Raymond Perez, Michael Harowski, and defense expert Robert Taylor. Part 2 features Wendy Sanders’ defense argument on steering system integrity and adequate warnings.

Participants can earn up to six continuing education units. For more information and registration, click here.