Legal Definitions - allision

In maritime law, an allision occurs when a moving vessel strikes a stationary object, such as a dock, pier, or an anchored ship. While historically distinct from a collision (which involves two moving vessels), the term "collision" is now often used to cover both scenarios in modern practice.

In maritime law, an allision occurs when a moving vessel strikes a stationary object.

Historically, this term was used to distinguish such an incident from a "collision," which traditionally referred to two moving vessels striking each other. However, in contemporary legal and common usage, the term "collision" is often used more broadly to encompass both scenarios.

Here are some examples illustrating an allision:

• Example 1: A large container ship, while maneuvering into its designated berth at a busy port, miscalculates its approach and scrapes its hull against the concrete pier.
  Explanation: This is an allision because the container ship (a moving vessel) made contact with the pier (a stationary object).
• Example 2: During a sudden squall, a fishing trawler drags its anchor and drifts uncontrollably until it impacts a securely anchored oil rig platform.
  Explanation: This situation describes an allision because the fishing trawler (a moving vessel, even if drifting) struck the oil rig platform (a stationary object).
• Example 3: A recreational speedboat, navigating a river at night, fails to see a navigational buoy and strikes it, causing damage to both the boat and the buoy.
  Explanation: This is an allision because the speedboat (a moving vessel) collided with the navigational buoy (a stationary object).