The Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act of 1890 is still applicable to Namibia, as far as maritime
matters are concerned. The provisions of the Admiralty Act are archaic and outdated. Namibia is the
only country in the world that still applies the limited jurisdiction conferred by the Colonial
Courts of Admiralty Act of 1890. There is an urgent need for reform and updating of our maritime
laws.
The current heads of jurisdiction in Namibia include claims related to: salvage, damage, bottomry
and respondentia bonds, seafarers’ wages, masters’ wages and disbursements, towage, necessaries,
pilotage, ownership, possession, cargo, mortgage and booty.
We can advise on a full rage of legal services as far as these matters are concerned.
Although Namibia after its independence in March 1990 acceded to various UN Conventions, which
requires that parties should enact domestic legislations that give effect to that Conventions, it is
unknown if and when the Admiralty Act will be repealed and replaced with modern legislation, in line
with the UN Conventions.