David Weil has been the proud author of the “Ask a Maritime Attorney” column in The Southern California Log Newspaper and Sea Magazine since 2006, with over 300 installments of the column. We have provided links in this section to those articles, covering a wide range of topics of interest to the California maritime and boating communities.

Do I need workers compensation insurance?

April 12, 2014
I own a construction company that is performing seismic upgrades and electrical work on a fuel dock at a marina in the Bay area.  I have workers compensation insurance for my employees but my insurance broker now tells me...

The Difference between a Loan and a Mortgage

March 13, 2014
 I purchased a Vessel and originated a loan with an institutional lender in 2003.  At the time of the purchase the lender recorded a “Preferred Ship Mortgage” with the Coast Guard.  Unfortunately the boat sank several...

Hire Reputable Boat Surveyors

March 2, 2014
I was horrified to learn last month that my boat had sunk while it was tied up in its slip. Now I am having a dispute with my insurance company because they are refusing to pay the claim.   Apparently the boat sank after a...

Can You Recommend an Escrow Agency?

February 13, 2014
I am seeking an escrow service for a yacht purchase but the services that I have contacted are not interested in working with the parties in a yachting transaction. I know yacht brokers are authorized to hold funds in trust...