Because the liability of ship owners is limited, classification societies have been considered as exempt from liability. This book analyses which actions of classification societies may give rise to claims and whether or not the societies can be held liable under English, German or American maritime law. In addition, it develops the fundamental aspects of an international convention on the limitation of the liability of classification societies.

With the worldwide upsurge of lawsuits against classification societies, their liability towards third parties has become one of the most contentious issues in contemporary maritime law. Against this background, the authors analyze potential third-party claims and examine to what extent classification societies may limit their liability. The study highlights the development in Australian, English, French, New Zealand, U.S. and German law.

The purpose of this book is to provide a clear guide to tort law, examining the main principles and areas of the subject. It includes text emphasizing the main issues of liability. The text incorporates relevant materials, extracts from leading judgments, articles and reports of review bodies on tort law. It should prove especially useful for those who do not have access to a law library, as for those whose library is under severe pressure from users. It will be useful to those participating in seminars and tutorials and will enable them to take part in a good level of discussion. This new edition of Sourcebook on Torts has been fully revised and incorporates the Human Rights Act 1998. The effect of the European Courts decision in Osman is now being felt, as is evident from the judgments of the House of Lords in Barrett v Enfield BC. The Law Commission's proposals on liability for psychiatric illness are included. Developments in the tort of nuisance, the defence of qualified privilege and damages are also scrutinized. Several Law Commission reports and the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997 are also extracted, as are other new pieces of legislation, such as the Damages Act 1996 and the Defamation Act 1996.

Because the liability of ship owners is limited, classification societies have been considered as exempt from liability. This book analyses which actions of classification societies may give rise to claims and whether or not the societies can be held liable under English, German or American maritime law. In addition, it develops the fundamental aspects of an international convention on the limitation of the liability of classification societies.

An examination of the role and responsibilities of classification societies which should be of interest to those involved in the international shipping and marine insurance industries. Classification societies are now regarded not only as monitors of the fitness and safety of vessels but also as promoters of international maritime regulations concerning safety of life, environment and property. Contributors from the UK, the US, Europe and the Far East representing the viewpoints of the societies, lawyers and underwriters cover such major issues as third party claims made against classification societies, balancing governmental obligations with economic temptations, major and subordinate obligations both implicit and explicit, immunity from liability and the ultimate liability and recent decisions and landmark cases.