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While maritime law covers issues that happen at sea, it also covers land-based commercial activities that are maritime in character. For example, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act provides federal compensation protection for those who work in harbors, ports, and shipyards.

Anyone involved in maritime activities in the U.S. or aboard a U.S. ship is protected by maritime law and has the right to seek damages in the case of injury, loss of property, damage to property, death, and other instances.

The United States has 51 different legal systems - the federal system and one for each of the 50 states. These systems mostly fall within the common law tradition except Louisiana, which is based on Napoleonic civil code. The federal and state legislatures are the law-making bodies of the government.

Maritime laws help maintain safety and security at sea. They set forth regulations for vessel construction, equipment, and operation, aiming to prevent accidents, protect human life, and safeguard the marine environment.

Maritime law deals with shipping vessels and maritime trade and commerce issues. In most cases, maritime law often deals with disputes involving the ownership of shipping vessels and their cargo. Common law is applicable in many legal fields, both on land and water.

It arises out of Article 3 - Section 2 of the United States Constitution. Therefore, maritime cases are primarily heard in the federal courts, and the federal maritime law applies. Maritime law in the United States developed from English maritime law and the maritime laws of other / older seafaring nations.