When your marina or marine service business provides essential services or supplies to boats and vessels, you may be entitled to a maritime lien – a powerful legal tool that secures payment for your work.
Maritime liens arise when you provide items or services essential to a vessel’s operation. For marinas, this includes dockage, hauling, fuel, electricity, and water services. Marine repair shops can establish liens for engine and hull repairs. Even specialized equipment ordered for specific vessels can create lien rights. Items sold over-the-counter won’t create lien rights. However, those same items supplied directly to the vessel on credit can establish a valid maritime lien.
The law strongly protects businesses that furnish these necessary services. To qualify for a maritime lien, your services or supplies must be essential to the vessel’s operation and provided specifically to that individual boat.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Maritime liens give you significant leverage in collecting payment. Unlike general creditors, lien holders have priority claims against the vessel itself. This means you’re not just hoping the boat owner pays – you have a legal claim against valuable collateral.
Don’t let unpaid invoices sink your marine business. Understanding your lien rights is the first step in protecting your company’s financial interests.
Contact LIEN ONIT today to learn how we can help you navigate the maritime lien process and secure the payments you’ve earned.