Legal Definitions - active-operations duty

Definition: Active-operations duty is a legal obligation of shipowners to provide safe working conditions for longshoremen who are loading or unloading the ship in the areas that the shipowner controls. This duty is also known as active-control-of-vessel duty.

Examples:

• A shipowner must ensure that the cargo is properly secured and that the longshoremen have the necessary equipment to perform their work safely.
• If a longshoreman is injured due to unsafe working conditions, the shipowner may be held liable for failing to fulfill their active-operations duty.

These examples illustrate how shipowners have a legal responsibility to provide a safe working environment for longshoremen. If they fail to do so, they may be held accountable for any injuries or accidents that occur.