Overview

Since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 , pursuant to a directive of the Office of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard has undertaken a comprehensive program of boarding foreign flag-state vessels calling U.S. ports. As a result of the new heightened security measures, there has been a significant increase in the scrutiny to which vessels; her records and logs; and her crew are being inspected. Such scrutiny, rightly or wrongly, has led to a rash of vessel/crewmember detentions, as well as criminal charges and convictions of vessel owners, operators, officers and crew.

This concise legal guide provides a good outline of applicable laws and statutes which U.S. Federal prosecutors have at their disposal when charging a vessel owner, operator, officers and/or individual crew members for environmental related crimes.

The guide goes on to provide advice on how to work with the authorities in the U.S. and exposes some of the myths about whistleblower rewards. It is a must read for every seagoing Master and Chief Engineer trading their vessels to the U.S.

Content

An Introduction to Criminal Liability in the United States
How does the U.S.Government Operate?
What are the possible Criminal Sanctions?
What are the applicable laws and statutes available to U.S.Federal prosecutors?
The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS)
The Clean Water Act
The Rivers and Harbors Act
The False Statements Act
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Obstruction of Justice Section)
Responsible Corporate Officer Doctrine
Perjury/Providing False Information to Government Representatives
Witness Tampering
Conspiracy
How should you prepare for a U.S. Port State Control Inspections?
Pre-Arrival Check List (US Ports)
Working with the Authorities
Knowing how and when,"to take the Fifth", is crucial!
The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
The truth about Whistleblowers!
Notes
About the Author

27 pages - A6 Paperback

About The Author

George M.Chalos is a partner of U.S. law firm Chalos,O'Connor & Duffy, LLP.He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Vermont . Upon completion of his undergraduate degree,Mr. Chalos enjoyed a minor league ice hockey career before returning to academia and earning his Juris Doctor from St. John's University . Mr. Chalos is experienced in all facets of civil litigation, with primary emphasis on contract and insurance law, arbitration, mediation, and international admiralty and maritime law. Mr. Chalos has been lead counsel in numerous Federal and state court trials around the United States , and has assisted in presenting claims before the London High Court of Justice. Additionally,Mr. Chalos has a known specialty with respect to environmental and pollution matters, and specifically the ensuing complex third-party litigation arising out of a pollution incident. Mr.Chalos has been a published author with respect to the presentation of a claim to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, and has recovered over $100 million from the NPFC-OSLTF. Recently,Mr. Chalos obtained a landmark determination in the M/T ATHOS I oil spill matter with respect to the Owner's affirmative demonstration of limitation of liability, and received an award in excess of $77 million dollars for the vessel owner, operator and interested insurers. For further details or assistance please contact: George M Chalo s Chalos,O'Connor & Duffy, LLP 366 Main Street Port Washington, New York 11050 Telephone: (516)-767-3600 Facsimile: (516)-767-3605 Email - gmc@codus-law.com

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About Shiptalk Publishing

Shiptalk Publishing is wholly owned by Shiptalk Limited. We published our first pocket sized legal guide in partnership with leading maritime law firm Clyde & Co in July 2007.

Details of our first publication "SEACs and SOx - what you need to know!" can be viewed and purchased on the homepage of ShiptalkSHOP.

The second publication in the series "Oil and Water an Expensive Mix - what you need to know about U.S.Criminal Liability", has been penned by world renowned U.S. attorney George M Chalos and is now also available to buy from on our online shop at www.shiptalkshop.com

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