Masoud Jahani

I am Captain Masoud Jahani, leading Jahani Law P.C. in Long Beach, CA. My firm is dedicated to maritime law, civil litigation, and immigration law. As an attorney and a Master Mariner with a background in international vessel trading, I provide customized legal services to both individuals and businesses. At Jahani Law, we handle maritime disputes, business litigation, and offer a full range of immigration services. We are recognized for our client-centered approach and our commitment to securing favorable outcomes. Our firm upholds the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and personalized legal solutions, serving clients throughout California and beyond.

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California

State Bar of California

ID Number: 315638

Since 2017

Attorney

Jahani Law

2017 - Current

My practice areas are Immigration law, and Maritime Law

Master and Nautical officer

Shipping companies

1983 - 2002

Master and officer of Ocean Going Vessels

California Western School of Law

J.D. (2014) | Juris Doctor

2010 - 2014

University of London

LL.B. (2005) | Law

2000 - 2005

Strathclyde University, Southampton, U.K

B.Tech Higher National Diploma In Nautical Science (1986) | Nautical Science

1979 - 1986

California State Bar  # 315638

2017 - Current

Attorney at Law

California State Bar

2017

Juris Doctor

California School of Law

2014

Bachelor of Laws Degree

University of London England

2005

Master Mariner

Transport Canada Marine Safet and Security

2003

Master Mariner

Marine Safety Agency United Kingdom

1990

Q. How can you recover your boat if someone is holding it for payment of work done in S.C. ?

December 23, 2024

A: Under California law, merchant’s lien is on the agreed amount of repairs or the value of services provided whichever is less.

The verbal initial agreement and any subsequent modification agreement is also enforceable, but your consent to additional costs are key, although the merchant cannot really know the extent of repairs and damages until they open the equipment up, your discussion with the merchant plays a major role, and the facts from both sides has to be examined.

Therefore the merchant can enforce a lien for the agreed upon amount. The rest in dispute does not come under the said lien if it was not agreed to. I advise to pay particular attention to what was the repair, did the merchant make a firm commitment on price or just gave an estimate. Ask for a detailed work report to include parts, their price and Labour from which a reasonable assessment of the bill can be made.

I’ll be happy to reply to follow up questions on this issue. ... Read More

Q. Do seafarers accrue annual leave whilst on paid leave (holiday) under Cayman Islands Flag State law?

December 16, 2024

A: Under Cayman Islands flag state law, seafarers do not accrue annual leave while on paid leave (holiday). According to the provisions outlined in "Benedict on Admiralty," justified absences from work, such as holidays, are not considered as annual leave DOC. No. 9-1A MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION, 2006 (“MLC 2006”) INCLUDING THE MARITIME LABOUR REGULATIONS AND CODE, 2006. This indicates that the period during which a seafarer is on paid leave does not contribute to the accrual of additional annual leave.

Q. How are sales regulated on cruise ships? do the onboard shops/stores follow the laws of the ship's flag state?

November 12, 2024

A: In summary, onboard shops and stores on cruise ships typically follow the laws of the ship's flag state, but U.S. laws apply when the ship is within U.S. territorial waters or under specific international agreements.

Sales on cruise ships are primarily regulated by the laws of the ship's flag state. This principle is well-established in international maritime law, which dictates that the internal affairs of a ship, including commercial transactions, are governed by the law of the country whose flag the ship. This rule is known as the "law of the flag" and is recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts as a fundamental aspect of maritime law.

However, when a ship is within the territorial waters of the United States, U.S. law applies. This includes regulations related to sales and other commercial activities conducted on board. For instance, U.S. law would govern the sale of alcohol on a cruise ship while it is in U.S. territorial waters, but once the ship leaves these waters, the law of the flag state would generally take precedence.

Additionally, specific agreements between the United States and the flag state of a vessel can also influence the application of U.S. jurisdiction. For example, under certain conditions, foreign vessels calling at U.S. ports may be subject to U.S. jurisdiction if there is an agreement recognizing such jurisdiction. This means that while the law of the flag state generally governs, there can be exceptions based on international agreements and specific circumstances. ... Read More