1198 Pacific Coast Hwy, D347, Seal Beach, CA 90740
Phone:  562-592-9350 / Fax: 562-684-4459
NEW Email:  mikevaughn1997@gmail.com
 

We provide legal and marine consulting services in the fields below:

General Maritime Matters

Everyone involved in the maritime market understands that there is a large variety of laws, regulations and issues with which they must comply in order to succeed in this very competitive arena. We assist the business owner or individual seeking to acquire a business to evaluate and comply with the necessary requirements.

Many issues arise which require only a short conference and general direction from an attorney. We provide a wide range of general maritime information on a telephone or e-mail basis. This provides the individual owner or business operator access to experienced maritime counsel without tremendous financial investment.

In areas in which we do not practice we can assist in locating competent counsel both through the United States and most of the major ports of the world who will provide local knowledge and representation.

The term “General  Counsel” is associated with the concept that it is important to have an individual who is competent to understand and advise you on the general legal and ethical issues you will face. We provide this type of service to the small and medium sized company on an "as-needed basis". We generally require a modest retainer that will give you immediate access to information when you need it.

Commercial Ship and Yacht Acquisition and Sale

The investment in a ship or large yacht is similar to the purchase of a home or business. There are a variety of pitfalls that must be avoided to assure that the whole process goes smoothly. We counsel buyers, sellers and brokers so that the transaction is completed quickly and safely for all concerned.

We provide the following services:

• Draft Purchase and Sale Offers and Contracts.
• Provide Abstracts of Title and Title Opinions.
• Resolve Liens and Mortgages.
• Assist in both U.S. and Foreign documentation and titles.
• Assemble surveyors, inspection teams and qualified feasibility experts to assist you in making a well-founded decision.
• Recommend brokers and experts in most major ports of the world.
• We counsel with your bankers and finance officers to provide security for their investments.

Maritime Business Acquisition & Sale

The decision to either sell or purchase a business requires a full and complete analysis of the project.

We can assist you in:

• Preparing a business prospectus or sales document
• Reviewing current and future liabilities
• Drafting sales documents
• Supervising the closing and transition arrangements
• Counseling with your financial officers and bankers
• Retaining market and feasibility experts
• Retaining financial experts
• Obtaining Title XI financing
• Supervision and assisting in the sale of the business

 Mortgages and Financing

We provide counsel and assistance to banks, financing institutions and individuals involved in providing funds to ship owners and shipping companies.

We provide the following services:

• Title Opinions
• Abstract of Titles
• Drafting of Ship's Mortgage
• Counseling as to requirements and regulations involving vessel financing, liens and mortgages
• Supervision and assisting in closings

We also may assist institutions in setting up a maritime financing program by providing forms, checklists and general counsel.

Closings and Escrow Services

We provide assistance in the closing of vessel purchases by reviewing all documentation and legal documents and supervision of your escrow service.

The general issue that arises between buyers and sellers who do not know each other is the timing of the transfer of funds and transfer of title. We can provide a service that will assist the buyer in obtaining a good title and assure the seller that he will be paid.

We are not an escrow service. However, with consent of all parties, we will provide funding transfers through our attorney trust accounts or assist licensed and bonded escrow companies in understanding the transaction.

We can provide these services regardless of where the vessel may be.

Vessel Liens

A maritime lien is a very strong tool in assuring that a supplier or crew member will be paid for his service. We assist clients in filing and collecting liens for their services or equipment that qualify for maritime lien process.

Liens may be filed for:

• Wages
• Maintenance and cure
• Salvage
• Torts
• Necessaries
• Mortgages
• Taxes
• Attachments for debt

Vessel Foreclosures, Arrest & Seizure

In maritime law the vessel may itself become the subject of a claim or lawsuit. We can assist you in arresting a vessel and assisting you in making it liable to you for the debt of the owner, whether from foreclosure of a mortgage, liens or for wages or goods supplied to the ship.

We also assist banks, financial institutions and private mortgage holders in arresting and selling the ship to secure the debt owed.

Due to the very transient nature of ships, we may assist you in locating counsel in foreign countries, including the Panama Canal, to find and recover ships that are attempting to avoid your debt. We have been successful in foreclosures in the United States and foreign countries.

 Maritime Problems in Foreign Countries

NEGOTIATION AND LITIGATION

Shipping and boating problems may occur at any port in which a vessel calls. We have developed a network of attorneys and other experts around the world that can provide local knowledge and experience that will assist you in resolving your problems.

We serve as a supervising attorney and client’s representative when problems arise in foreign countries.

 Marketing Analysis and Feasibility Studies

We have several companies with whom we work to provide our clients with marketing and feasibility studies relating to new business, changes in business, or the acquisition of a business.

We have a strong relationship with The Maritime Group in Seattle, Washington and have worked with this very knowledgeable group to provide our clients with the type of information required to make good decisions.

We work with the consulting group to tailor a program that exactly fits the needs of our clients and then continue to work with the consulting group until the project is completed.

We can also provide ship inspection teams and technical experts that are required when evaluating large commercial ships. These teams are created on an as-needed basis including the technical experts required for that particular project.

We also provide evaluation services for yacht buyers by assisting and consulting with qualified yacht surveyors and shipyards.

Vessel Evaluations

We assist lenders and other financial services in ascertaining the true value of commercial vessels and maritime businesses. We work with surveyors, economists and accountants to make a realistic appraisal of the market value of individual ships and companies.

We make personal inspections and consult with surveyors and other parties in determining real value.