05/23/2026
Marquette v. Strandja came down to one important question: Is heaving anchor considered “work” under the Inland Navigation Rules?
This case is a good reminder that maritime law is incredibly specific.
One side argued the vessel should receive special navigational protections because it was “restricted in its ability to maneuver.”
But the court disagreed. Why?
Because simply heaving anchors was considered an ordinary vessel operation — not specialized “work” under the Inland Navigation Rules.
That distinction mattered enough for the court to strike an expert’s opinions and grant summary judgment.
The takeaway?
Maritime cases often come down to details most people would never think about.
That’s why it matters to work with people who actually understand the maritime industry, navigation rules, and how these cases really work.
Maritime law is technical — make sure you have people who understand it.
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