ABYC Holds Marine Law Symposium

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC)’s Marine Law Symposium “Anatomy of an Accident” was held April 10 in Charleston, South Carolina.

ABYC was forced to postpone the event from the original date, January 9, due to the “bomb cyclone” winter storm, which shut down the Charleston airport for days.

The full day agenda included a review by a group of lawyers and expert witnesses of five accidents and lawsuits that had implications for dealers, manufacturers, surveyors, accident investigators, expert witnesses and attorneys. The panel presented details on recreating scenarios, gathering evidence, rebuilding components, and re-crashing boats to disprove plaintiff testimony to jury members. Information was also provided on how to protect against such accidents. Additionally, marine law enforcement shared information on types of accidents, reporting, what they provide if called into court, and what information attorneys have access to.