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Maritime Protests
Professional Notarial Services in New York


  At Birch Hill Chambers, our Notaries Public are highly experienced in the preparation, execution, and authentication of maritime protests—a critical legal instrument used to protect shipowners, charterers, and maritime insurers from liability arising from perils encountered at sea.

Large container ship at port
Workers inspect stacked cargo containers
Cargo ship sailing on calm blue ocean waters

  A maritime protest is a formal, sworn statement made by the master of a vessel following an incident such as severe weather, collision, grounding, or cargo loss.

 

  These events may give rise to claims or disputes, and the maritime protest serves to record the circumstances in a legally recognized format. In many cases, the lodging of a protest is required to preserve insurance coverage or satisfy reporting obligations under charter parties or marine contracts.

Why Choose Birch Hill Chambers?

 

  Based in New York, a global center of maritime commerce and litigation, Birch Hill Chambers provides prompt, precise, and discreet notarial services to vessel masters, shipping agents, and maritime law firms. Our notaries:

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  • Draft and notarize initial and extended maritime protests

  • Ensure compliance with U.S. admiralty standards and local legal requirements

  • Coordinate with ship agents, P&I Clubs, and surveyors where necessary

  • Provide certified copies and translations upon request

 

  We understand the urgency and precision maritime matters demand. Our notaries are available on-call, including for port-side attendance when time is critical.

When Is a Maritime Protest Needed?

 

  A maritime protest is typically executed when a vessel:

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  • Encounters rough weather or perils of the sea

  • Suffers damage to hull or cargo during a voyage

  • Is involved in a collision, grounding, or delay beyond the master’s control

  • Experiences crew injuries or other extraordinary events at sea

 

  Timely execution of a protest helps protect legal and financial interests and may be a condition precedent for pursuing or defending claims in arbitration or court proceedings.

Cargo ship near city skyline

Schedule a Maritime Protest Appointment

 

  Whether your vessel is berthing in New York Harbor, Port Newark, or another East Coast terminal, our team at Birch Hill Chambers is ready to assist. We offer both in-office appointments and dockside notarization by arrangement. If an urgent attendance is needed, then please call our Emergency Maritime Services Desk at es     +1.212.444.2670.

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