Vessel Services

National Maritime Services, Inc. (NMS) has successfully served as substitute custodian in thousands of cases throughout the United States and internationally. On receipt of arrest instructions, we obtain detailed information on the case, prepare an estimate of arrest and custody charges and obtain a signed “Vessel Arrest Authorization” confirming payment responsibility. All case and client information submitted to National remains confidential.

SECURITY

Professional Security Watch: U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains and/or other experienced shipping personnel are placed on watch duty during the period of custody.

Additional Security: Arranged as necessary.

VESSEL MAINTENANCE

Maintenance and Repairs:

• Provided by licensed marine engineers and technicians on arrested vessels under our care
• Work performed in accordance with court orders or international standards, as appropriate.

CREW PAYROLL AND OTHER EXPENSES

Most expenses are advanced by NMS and approved by the court as an administrative expense.

• Crew Management:
  NMS will administer all aspects of crewing and payroll.
• Repatriation of Foreign Crew:
  Expertly handled and negotiated with Immigration/ Customs Service.
• Other Vessel Expenses:
  Negotiated, evaluated and paid on behalf of vessel by NMS.
  
  

PERIODIC BUDGETING AND EXPENSE STATEMENTS

Report of Expenditures: Certain court districts require the custodian to submit a report of expenditures on a vessel every two weeks, especially when crew expenses or other extraordinary costs are incurred.

VESSEL ARREST SUPPORT SERVICES

National's seasoned in-house professionals can assist with:

• Vessel tracking
• Tracing ownership
• Negotiating settlements by assisting counsel, lienholders and vessel owners, thus reducing the costs of arrest

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS:

• A deposit equal to estimated arrest and custodial charges for 7-10 days must be received in our account prior to arrest
• Additional deposit funds may be required on larger vessels or high-dollar claims
• Deposit requirement may be waived if the case involves a crew issue or a financially burdened party

LENDER & INSURANCE SERVICES

Liability Coverage: is carried by NMS in the minimum amount of $5 million per incident on each vessel arrested and under our care. Additional insurance may be obtained and/or required by National depending on the level of risk.

Port Risk Coverage: Equal to stated or surveyed value of vessel is also offered. In many cases,

• Port risk coverage is required by certain federal court districts
• Port risk or increased liability coverage can be placed on your or client's behalf with our carrier, usually within 24 hours. Interim insurance is also available and can be quickly arranged subject to a 60-day minimum premium.
• Verification of port risk coverage must be provided prior to execution of arrest warrant
• If ship owner does not have coverage in place, NMS will place port risk coverage on owner's behalf