Sean Pribyl Headshot
Sean T. Pribyl
+1.202.469.5203

Overview

Sean T. Pribyl is a business attorney in Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., office. Mr. Pribyl helps clients protect their business, operations and competitive edge in an increasingly complex maritime and international trade environment. As lead partner advising on U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) matters and global shipboard investigations, Mr. Pribyl delivers practical, business-focused counsel on regulatory compliance, Jones Act coastwise laws, International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and government investigations, enforcement defense, international trade, marine casualties, offshore energy and emerging technologies, including as co-lead of the Autonomous Transportation Team. Clients value his ability to cut through regulatory complexity and provide clear, actionable guidance when the stakes are high.

Mr. Pribyl's perspective is shaped by nearly 30 years of experience on both sides of the regulatory divide. Before becoming a trusted advisor to maritime and energy companies doing business in the U.S. and globally, he served as a USCG attorney (JAG), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Special Assistant U.S. attorney and senior claims executive with the world's largest protection and indemnity (P&I) club in Norway. He also spent eight years as a licensed merchant mariner and deck officer aboard container, break-bulk, offshore supply and cable-laying vessels – experience that informs every piece of advice he gives. This combination of operator insight and regulatory fluency allows him to anticipate enforcement risks, resolve disputes efficiently and help clients make confident decisions in fast-moving situations.

Mr. Pribyl regularly guides clients through significant matters before the USCG, U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other agencies with authority over shipping, trade and national security, such as the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Whether defending a worldwide shipboard investigation, structuring a complex charter party or advising on sanctions compliance, Mr. Pribyl brings a strategic, solutions-oriented approach that keeps business objectives front and center. He also supports cross-border transactions requiring sophisticated regulatory and national security due diligence and insight.

Recognized as a thought leader at the intersection of commercial shipping, international trade, emerging energy trends and national security, Mr. Pribyl is widely published and a sought-after speaker at industry conferences worldwide. A military veteran who served as both an active-duty USCG JAG and as a U.S. Navy reserve strategic sealift officer, he remains committed to giving back by representing veterans before the Board of Veterans' Appeals and defending merchant mariners' credentials in USCG proceedings on a pro bono basis.

Representative Experience

  • Established comprehensive U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) testing and compliance framework for a European trader and bunker provider operating waterfront facilities handling hazardous products, achieving regulatory certification and operational authorization
  • Counseled a vessel owner on defense strategy against a civil penalty assessment exceeding $2 million related to bareboat charter compliance, developing comprehensive response strategy to substantially reduce liability exposure
  • Guided a new market entrant through USCG requirements and approval pathways for autonomous vessel prototyping, certification and commercial deployment to best enable market entry
  • Secured regulatory approval of alternative pressure-testing procedures for a waterfront facility handling liquified natural gas (LNG), achieving operational flexibility and cost efficiencies while maintaining full safety compliance
  • Successfully guided a prominent yacht club owner and vessel operator through complex USCG manning compliance issues during international voyages, securing regulatory approval and avoiding enforcement action
  • Defended a luxury yacht owner against a USCG captain of the port (COTP) order alleging improper passenger-for-hire operations, developed compliant bareboat charter structures enabling continued lawful operations
  • Secured a critical exemption from shipping articles requirements for a research vessel owner, obtaining formal concurrence from the USCG Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance
  • Successfully obtained a USCG Certificate of Documentation for a foreign-built diving vessel, navigating complex ownership and regulatory requirements
  • Pioneered regulatory pathway for novel design vessels operating as a private membership club, addressing first-impression issues involving passenger and guest carriage requirements
  • Represented a leading LNG exporter in high-stakes appeal to the USCG, challenging statutory and regulatory interpretations under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA)
  • Counseled a major cruise line operator on complex federal preemption issues involving state law versus USCG statutes and regulations
  • Obtained critical exemptions to shipping articles requirements for a research vessel owner, enabling streamlined operational compliance
  • Successfully appealed to the USCG to secure fleetwide exemptions from Subchapter M compliance and documentation waivers at the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) for a major shipowner/operator
  • Provided strategic counsel to a vessel owner on innovative fractional ownership structures for small passenger vessels in novel operational scenarios
  • Successfully appealed a COTP order on behalf of a foreign-flag vessel operator, defending against Crew Control Security Plan (CCSP) restrictions based on crewmember nationality
  • Prevailed in appeal of USCG COTP Notice of Arrival (NOA) requirements for a U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) vessel operator during COVID-19 protocols
  • Achieved complete dismissal of all USCG oil pollution allegations against a major cruise line brand; led comprehensive onboard investigation, evidence collection and crew interviews
  • Provided comprehensive regulatory guidance to an offshore vessel operator on USCG requirements for helicopter facility design, construction and equipage, including foreign-flag accommodation barge compliance
  • Counseled a Norwegian classification society on cybersecurity compliance and USCG icebreaker acquisition matters
  • Advised an international educational institution on the viability of establishing an international open flag registry in the U.S. Virgin Islands under existing legal frameworks
  • Guided an offshore energy company through cybersecurity compliance requirements under USCG and federal regulatory frameworks
  • Navigated complex regulatory requirements for an energy provider concerning lithium-ion carrying uninspected commercial barges
  • Defended vessel owner/operators in detention appeals and penalty mitigation involving ballast water management and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission standards under domestic and international environmental regimes
  • Secured carriage waiver for a charterer in hazardous bulk cargo trade under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) code
  • Successfully defended a merchant mariner against USCG credential revocation proceedings, preserving professional credentials and continued employment
  • Developed and delivered comprehensive legal training to fleet masters on regulatory responsibilities, liability exposure and operational risk assessment under USCG regulations

  • Achieved no-enforcement outcome for a U.S.-flag vessel owner following an oil discharge incident in U.S. waters, managing all reporting processes with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Defeated whistleblower allegations against a foreign-flag cruise line involving alleged MARPOL and Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) violations; led comprehensive onboard investigation resulting in no enforcement action by USCG or EPA
  • Resolved potential MARPOL enforcement action against a foreign-flag bulk carrier through strategic voluntary disclosure to the USCG, avoiding penalties for the vessel owner and technical manager
  • Eliminated penalty exposure for a foreign-flag oil tanker technical manager following accidental sludge discharge in U.S. waters; conducted onboard investigation and managed communications with USCG and flag state authorities
  • Defended a foreign-flag oil tanker technical manager against whistleblower allegations of MARPOL noncompliance; drafted strategic disclosure to USCG resulting in no penalties
  • Achieved no-penalty outcome for a foreign-flag bulk carrier owner defending against whistleblower allegations of improper bilge water discharge; led onboard investigation and prepared voluntary USCG disclosure
  • Successfully resolved allegations of APPS violations against a foreign-flag container vessel owner through voluntary disclosure and participation in USCG-expanded MARPOL examination, securing no enforcement action
  • Eliminated enforcement exposure for a foreign ship manager facing APPS violation allegations; prepared voluntary disclosure and assisted during USCG expanded MARPOL examination, resulting in no action taken
  • Led comprehensive onboard investigation of overboard discharge from a U.S.-based bunker barge, managing all crew interviews and USCG interactions to successfully mitigate penalties under state and federal environmental laws
  • Guided an international ship technical manager through MARPOL Annex VI compliance requirements and EPA/USCG enforcement protocols
  • Achieved no-enforcement outcome for an international offshore oil company following reported oil discharge from an offshore platform under OPA 90
  • Conducted six-day underway investigation for a foreign-flag cruise line operator responding to whistleblower allegations of International Safety Management (ISM) code recordkeeping non-compliance
  • Delivered comprehensive on-site MARPOL compliance training for a Greek ship management company, including fleet superintendents and more than 30 staff members
  • Designed and executed complex oil spill response scenario drill for a United Kingdom (U.K.)-based ship management company and international protection and indemnity (P&I) club as part of comprehensive risk mitigation strategy
  • Advised on rapid response to a potential lube-oil discharge for international vessel managers, ensuring Vessel General Permit (VGP) compliance and successfully minimizing enforcement risk through coordinated incident management
  • Defended a ship manager in detention and arrest warrant proceedings arising from a MARPOL incident, coordinating with U.S. and international authorities and developing a successful response strategy that resolved the matter favorably

  • Successfully defended an automotive industry importer in a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) fraud investigation involving allegations of import misclassification and Section 301 tariff violations; resolved favorably through offer in compromise without fraud charges
  • Prevailed in defending an international battery manufacturer against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seizure and forfeiture proceedings
  • Represented a railway operator in challenging a CBP trade notice with significant adverse economic impact on rail transportation operations

  • Served as expert witness in United Kingdom (U.K.) arbitration concerning Jones Act coastwise laws and the Salvage Statute; authored comprehensive expert reports on customs ruling letters, jurisdictional issues, risk management strategies and legal precedents
  • Structured comprehensive Jones Act-compliant transportation arrangements for an offshore wind original equipment manufacturer (OEM), addressing construction component logistics and foreign-flag vessel operations to support large-scale project execution
  • Drafted and advised on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ruling request for a Northern European vessel operator authorizing use of non-coastwise qualified foreign-flag vessels for transporting and installing jackets and topsides on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), enabling project commencement
  • Drafted and advised on CBP ruling approval for a foreign-flag vessel operator regarding decommissioning and removal transportation for an offshore platform on the OCS, clearing regulatory pathway for project execution
  • Advised foreign-flag vessel operator/manager engaged in offshore lightering and port-discharge compliance protocol, drafted CBP ruling request for authorized operations
  • Evaluated and quantified Jones Act liability exposure for an international insurer arising from alleged violations in a vessel sale and purchase agreement (SPA), providing analysis that directly informed coverage and claims decisions
  • Advised European client on comprehensive Jones Act compliance advice, including application of the Third Proviso
  • Obtained U.S. Letter of Non-Applicability (LOA) for a European offshore support vessel owner, resolving coastwise trade considerations and enabling compliant U.S. market participation
  • Successfully expanded U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Jones Act waiver coverage for a European biofuel producer and trader, securing approval for additional commodities and establishing documentation and operational compliance protocols that ensured ongoing waiver validity
  • Mitigated coastwise trade risks for a European vessel owner/operator transporting well-stimulation equipment and materials offshore, designing and implementing routing and operational safeguards that ensured Jones Act compliance
  • Successfully obtained a small vessel waiver from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) for the owner and operator of a foreign-built yacht
  • Provided strategic counsel to a European time charterer on citizenship requirements for ship managers under the Jones Act and Maritime Security Program (MSP)
  • Facilitated expedited and safe removal of a stranded vessel by advising vessel owner on foreign-flagged salvage operations at a U.S. St. Lawrence River wreck site in compliance with the Salvage Statute
  • Secured manning exemption approvals for an offshore operator, ensuring full regulatory compliance for an offshore project
  • Provided comprehensive Jones Act and Salvage Statute guidance to an international energy company for a major Gulf of Mexico decommissioning project involving foreign-flag vessels and equipment/personnel transportation
  • Guided a North American energy company through complex Jones Act compliance requirements for cargo transportation and U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas operations, including crewing, pipeline and cable laying, and environmental matters
  • Obtained expedited letter of nonapplicability in under one week for a Northern European vessel owner regarding OCS crewing exemptions and mariner visas for Gulf of Mexico decommissioning activities
  • Secured expedited letter of nonapplicability within one week for a European vessel owner regarding OCS crewing exemptions and mariner visas for Gulf of Mexico decommissioning activities
  • Achieved expedited reflagging of a foreign-flag vessel to U.S. registry under the MSP, coordinating with U.S. Transportation Command (US TRANSCOM) for accelerated approval
  • Obtained a small vessel waiver from MARAD for the owner and operator of a foreign-built yacht
  • Provided comprehensive Jones Act and Salvage Act counsel to a leading salvage operator on compliance and litigation matters arising from a major Gulf of Mexico marine casualty
  • Counseled a U.S. shipyard on strategic modifications to foreign-built vessels to achieve coastwise qualification under the Jones Act
  • Advised a foreign shipowner on structuring Jones Act-compliant vessel ownership and financing arrangements, including OCS manning exemptions
  • Represented an energy exploration company in administrative challenge to federal agency Jones Act cabotage rulings and offshore sector manning requirements
  • Provided comprehensive Jones Act compliance counsel to a shipyard, oil tanker operator and an energy company on operational and crewing matters

  • Counseled a vessel manager on the full scope of requirements under the Maritime Security Program (MSP)
  • Advised transmission project operators on power agreement structuring and compliance with the Cargo Preference Act and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Transmission Facilitation Program (TFP)
  • Advised U.S.-based space industry company on innovative construction and financing arrangements for a vessel supporting space launch and reentry operations, navigating unique regulatory requirements for project financing and operational authorization
  • Defended a merchant mariner against MARAD and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reimbursement demands exceeding $285,000 for alleged post-graduate service agreement violations, drafted appeal

  • Prepared expert report for an international shipper in support of substantial detention and demurrage damages claim
  • Represented a port trade association before the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) on proposed legislation and antitrust investigations
  • Advised a U.S. port operator in FMC investigations, developing and executing procedural strategy that achieved timely, compliant responses
  • Counseled U.S. port operator on FMC tariff and charge frameworks, strengthening regulatory compliance posture and substantially reducing operational and enforcement risk.

  • Provided comprehensive regulatory counsel to a luxury cruise brand for a global "around the world" voyage, drafting ticket contract, contract of carriage, option agreement and booking terms while ensuring Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) bond compliance
  • Advised a leading cruise line on Jones Act coastwise trade compliance for passenger tender operations in Alaskan waters
  • Advised a Northern European cruise brand on passenger accessibility and disability compliance obligations, including policies, contracting and construction requirements that ensured Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and international standards compliance
  • Managed Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) compliance and crew discipline matters for a passenger vessel owner/operator, establishing protocols that ensured regulatory adherence, crew welfare and operational continuity
  • Structured a novel luxury residential time charter arrangement for a major cruise line, drafting bespoke time charter and management agreements
  • Navigated complex international sourcing and distribution requirements for a prominent cruise line brand involving controlled substances shipment through Free Trade Zone (FTZ) warehouses to foreign port agents
  • Resolved federal maritime law preemption issues for a small passenger vessel operator, clarifying application of licensing requirements
  • Represented a cruise line trade association in challenging state COVID-19 protocol laws, raising federal preemption arguments
  • Advised a leading cruise line brand on environmental compliance strategies and evaluated legal recourse options against proposed local spill response ordinances
  • Counseled a prominent cruise line brand on regulatory compliance for navigational channel docking and adherence to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) captain of the port (COTP) directives
  • Negotiated favorable contractual terms for a charterer of a foreign-flag cruise vessel for an exclusive chartered event
  • Advised a leading cruise line brand on environmental compliance and developed strategic recourse options against proposed local spill response ordinances
  • Advised a leading foreign-flag cruise brand on passenger-liability risk framework and contracting structure for onboard childcare services, achieving risk transfer and operational clarity

  • Achieved favorable settlement for a U.S. tank vessel bareboat owner in charterparty dispute involving redelivery and quiet enjoyment breaches through strategic U.S. litigation filing
  • Counseled a foreign government on litigation strategies to recover compensation for significant environmental and economic damages caused by a foreign-flag vessel bunkers oil spill
  • Successfully litigated cargo damage claims under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) for a cargo owner, including vessel arrest (Rule C) proceedings
  • Advised a consumer goods importer on General Average claims arising from ship fire, developing comprehensive mitigation strategies
  • Developed litigation strategy for a consumer goods importer to recover excessive surcharges imposed by a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)
  • Negotiated favorable resolution of vessel extension and redelivery disputes for a charterer under bareboat charter arrangements
  • Prevailed in United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) arbitration for a ship charterer in contested laytime and demurrage dispute; arbitration tribunal awarded all costs to client
  • Defended an international energy industry parts supplier in oil field personal injury litigation involving gross negligence claims; developed discovery strategy and expert witness analysis
  • Resolved numerous contractual disputes (demurrage, detention, force majeure) between charterers and owners, and buyers and sellers under petroleum purchase/sales and charterparty contracts
  • Led onboard investigation for an international protection and indemnity (P&I) club following ship pilot fatality
  • Prevailed in Administrative Procedure Act (APA) litigation for a vessel owner, successfully challenging a federal agency's arbitrary and capricious determination; district court remanded with instructions to apply correct legal standards
  • Achieved complete withdrawal of more than $230,000 in reimbursement demands from U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of a merchant mariner in post-graduate service agreement dispute

  • Counseled a salvor in responding to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) subpoena following a major marine casualty allision
  • Represented a pipeline owner in U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) marine casualty investigation, managing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests related to anchor dragging and pipeline damage
  • Defended a foreign-flag containership owner in USCG marine casualty investigation following major grounding in U.S. navigable waters
  • Represented a dock owner in collision litigation, asserting negligence claims against vessel
  • Represented an owner/operator in limitation of liability action arising from marine casualty collision with U.S. Navy vessel
  • Defended a ship operator in dock allision matter involving maritime attachment (Rule B) and vessel arrest (Rule C) proceedings
  • Defended a ship pilot against negligence claims in marine casualty investigation; prepared trial motions
  • Defended a shipowner in mass casualty/total loss claims, managing subsequent investigation and root cause hearing
  • Defended a shipowner and operator against National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) civil penalty enforcement action for alleged National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) violations

  • Developed comprehensive California Air Resources Board (CARB) marine emissions compliance advice for a U.S.-flag vessel owner/operator, converting complex regulatory mandates into clear operational protocols that ensured compliance
  • Advised U.S. waterfront facility on liquified natural gas (LNG) bunkering operations and procedures that guided the client through federal and state regulatory testing to achieve full operational authorization
  • Advised on complex multijurisdictional ship recycling and scrap transactions, ensuring full compliance with Basel Convention notice, consent and documentation requirements across multiple jurisdictions while achieving commercial objectives
  • Developed and implemented hazardous-waste shipment compliance protocols for a shipper under applicable international conventions, including basel-related classification and movement controls that enabled lawful cross-border transport
  • Navigated complex U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California environmental and drinking water compliance requirements for a European cruise line operator, achieving multijurisdictional regulatory alignment and enabling uninterrupted U.S. port operations
  • Provided comprehensive guidance to a leading oil and commodity trader on U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulatory compliance, facility response plans, and vessel crew and facility vetting processes
  • Developed strategic cap and trade compliance protocols for a Northern European ship operator to meet environmental regulations
  • Achieved no-enforcement outcome for a U.S.-based client through strategic voluntary disclosure to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding at-sea discharge reporting requirements
  • Successfully resolved compliance issues for a foreign-flag bulk carrier technical manager concerning ballast water treatment systems and U.S. waters discharges, avoiding enforcement action
  • Achieved no-enforcement outcome for a vessel owner and operator following apparent oil discharge in U.S. waters, managing all USCG reporting processes
  • Represented a cruise line trade association in challenging state laws related to onboard COVID-19 protocols on federal preemption grounds
  • Counseled a leading cruise line brand on environmental compliance strategies and developed legal recourse options against proposed local spill response ordinances
  • Advised a leading cruise line brand on regulatory compliance for navigational channel docking and USCG captain of the port (COTP) directives

  • Advised a leading U.S. defense contractor on U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulatory requirements and Jones Act coastwise trade compliance for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations
  • Successfully obtained U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) export licenses and governmental authorizations for an AUV owner/operator conducting ocean data collection activities across multiple foreign jurisdictions and the high seas
  • Guided an AUV owner/operator through compliance requirements for survey operations in foreign exclusive economic zones (EEZ)
  • Provided comprehensive counsel to a prominent uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) owner/operator on civil liability, remote operations, International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) compliance, product liability and vicarious liability considerations for autonomous maritime operations
  • Developed strategic and legal framework for a leading U.S. vessel management and logistics company for deployment of vessel autonomy in emerging commercial and government markets
  • Counseled an advanced navigation intelligence data provider on USCG regulatory requirements for advanced autonomy systems on vessels
  • Advised an autonomous vessel owner on USCG passenger vessel regulatory requirements and product liability exposure
  • Counseled a wing-in-ground craft owner/operator on corporate structuring and USCG vessel regulatory compliance for autonomous operations
  • Guided an autonomous unmanned submersible and underwater vehicle company through domestic and international compliance requirements for data collection and ocean mapping services
  • Negotiated and drafted services agreement for a commercial vessel autonomous technology client to conduct on-the-water testing in the U.S. and Europe
  • Advised vessel owner/operators and naval architects on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) operational, regulatory and insurance matters

  • Advised a Northern European-flag vessel owner on a short-term time charter to transport Venezuelan cargo pursuant to an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license, implementing robust charterparty risk allocation and compliance controls that protected against sanctions exposure
  • Delivered comprehensive on-site sanctions and maritime contract training to an African flag state and its ministry of transport, ensuring thorough understanding of international compliance standards
  • Successfully defended a foreign government-owned commodity trader against allegations of sanctions violations in a claim exceeding $100 million
  • Advised a European protection and indemnity (P&I) club on U.S. and Venezuela sanctions compliance in connection with oil spill response following vessel collision in Chinese waters
  • Counseled a U.S.-based airline on passenger carriage and transaction compliance under Russian sanctions
  • Guided a charter airline through wire transfer transaction compliance involving a Russian joint-stock company (JSC)
  • Advised a European-based fertilizer exporter on sanctions compliance for cost and freight (CFR) term shipments and Russian-flagged vessel charters
  • Counseled a vessel owner on structuring sale-leaseback transactions in compliance with Russian sanctions
  • Advised an oil trader on sanctions implications for energy trading and chartering operations involving Russian-related entities
  • Defended a vessel owner and operator against U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) denial of Russian-flag vessel entry to U.S. ports
  • Advised a cargo owner on sanctions compliance for loading cargo from Russian ports, including OFAC interpretation of petroleum origin and classification
  • Counseled a media broadcasting company on sanctions compliance for operations involving Russia
  • Advised a pharmaceutical company and vaccine developer on sanctions compliance for export of COVID-19 vaccines from Russia involving Russian financial institutions
  • Secured Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) licenses for a charity organization to export military protective gear to Ukraine
  • Counseled a voyage charterer on sanctions clause interpretation in charterparty related to Venezuela sanctions compliance
  • Advised on numerous buyer-side mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and representations and warranties insurance (RWI) matters on international trade compliance and due diligence involving economic sanctions, global export/import controls, anti-boycott/bribery/corruption, customs laws and regulations, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), EAR, ITAR, compliance and enforcement defense

  • Guided an international hospital ship operator through compliance with applicable international conventions, master authority protocols, and International Safety Management (ISM) code requirements, establishing operational frameworks that ensured mission readiness.
  • Advised on a 2012 vessel sale documentation for an international transaction, addressing flag-state considerations, ISM code implications and related compliance requirements to achieve successful closing

  • Advised an international vessel owner/operator on ownership arrangements with Chinese bareboat charterers, strategically minimizing U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) fee exposure and protecting commercial viability of fleet operations
  • Delivered comprehensive analysis of operational and commercial implications of proposed USTR fees for a European vehicle-carrier owner/operator, developing strategic recommendations that safeguarded business continuity and competitive positioning
  • Developed and executed a multi-pronged government-affairs strategy for a Northern European vessel owner/operator, addressing USTR fees and the Maritime Action Plan (MAP) through targeted stakeholder engagement and advocacy
  • Negotiated and drafted USTR fee risk allocation and reciprocity provisions in charterparties and purchase-and-sale documentation for a Houston-based vessel operator, achieving balanced contractual protections
  • Conducted detailed analysis of bareboat (demise), time and voyage charter treatment under the USTR fee framework for a Geneva-based trader/operator, enabling informed decision-making for China-owned/operated tonnage management
  • Counseled a Norwegian shipping company on USTR-related trade, port fee and tariff matters, identifying and implementing risk mitigation strategies that protected fleet economics
  • Developed and implemented compliance protocols for a Greek shipping company under the USTR fee framework, establishing procedures that ensured ongoing regulatory adherence across fleet operations
  • Provided authoritative interpretation of the USTR fee framework for a Hong Kong-based technical management company, clarifying the definition of "Operator" under Annex I and enabling strategic operational restructuring
  • Clarified critical USTR fee interpretations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 1300 implications for bareboat charterers and registered owners, enabling compliant U.S. cargo discharge operations and avoiding regulatory penalties

Credentials

Education
  • Georgetown University Law Center, LL.M., International Business and Economic Law
  • United States Naval War College, M.A., National Security and Strategic Studies
  • Washburn University School of Law, J.D., Certificate of Concentration in International and Comparative Law
  • United States Merchant Marine Academy, B.S.
Bar Admissions/Licenses
  • District of Columbia
  • Kansas
Court Admissions
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
Memberships
  • American Bar Association (ABA)
    • Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS), Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee (AMLC), Chair, 2024-2025; Vice Chair, 2016-2018, 2021-2024
    • Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division (GPSolo), Military Lawyers Committee Co-Chair, 2015-2016
  • Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, Policy Workstream, Lead, 2024-2025
  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Marine Board, Member, 2018-2024
  • Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLAUS), Proctor in Admiralty; Chair, Regulation of Vessel Operations, Safety, Security and Navigation: Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, 2021-2024
  • Comité Maritime International, MASS International Workgroup, 2018-Present
  • International Bar Association, Maritime and Transport Law Committee, 2024-Present
  • Propeller Club of Washington, D.C., 2017-Present
  • World Maritime University-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute, Senior Advisor, 2021-2024
  • BIMCO, Drafting Committee on Russian Oil Price Cap Scheme Clause 2023, Member, 2022-2024
Honors & Awards
  • The Legal 500 USA, Transport: Shipping – Litigation and Regulation, 2022, 2024; Next Generation Partner, Transport: Shipping – Litigation and Regulation, 2025
  • Lexology: Transport – Shipping, 2025
  • Top Author, JD Supra Readers' Choice Awards (Transportation), 2022
  • Holland & Knight Pro Bono All-Star, 2021
  • Outstanding Young Military Lawyer Award, American Bar Association and Judge Advocates Association, 2015
  • Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces National Award, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Commendation Medal, U.S. Coast Guard
  • Judge Advocate General (JAG) Excellence in Field Regulations, U.S. Coast Guard
  • Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, U.S. Coast Guard
  • Meritorious Team Award, U.S. Coast Guard
  • Special Operations Service, U.S. Coast Guard

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