Protection of Pilots: The Fifth Circuit Rejects Application of Maritime Law Preemption in Upholding Louisiana’s Heightened Pilot Negligence Standard

Abstract

The United States Supreme Court once described Louisiana river pilots as “indispensable cogs in the transportation system of every maritime economy” whose work “affects the safety of lives and cargo.” Those words highlight the crucial role that pilots play in navigating the nation’s lakes, rivers, and ports. Unfortunately, collisions and allisions are inevitable for piloted vessels, and pilots will inevitably find themselves involved in the resulting lawsuits against the vessels, their owners, and sometimes, the pilots themselves.