Local Rule Rule F: ACTIONS TO LIMIT LIABILITY

Rule F. ACTIONS TO LIMIT LIABILITY

(1) Security. Upon filing a complaint, the plaintiff must deposit with the court a sum equal to the amount or value of the plaintiff's interest in the vessel and pending freight, if any (see Admiralty Form No. 22 on the courts' Websites), or approved security for that amount such as a Letter of Undertaking or an Ad Interim Stipulation for Value which substantially conforms to Admiralty Form No. 23 on the courts' Websites.

(2) Submission of Proposed Order and Enjoining of Suits. After the plaintiff complies with Supplemental Rule (F)(1), plaintiff may move for an injunction against further prosecution of all claims against the plaintiff or the plaintiff's property. The plaintiff must submit with the motion a proposed order that substantially conforms to Admiralty Form No. 24 on the courts' Websites.

(3) Publication of the Notice. After entry of an Order Approving Ad Interim Stipulation for and Enjoining Suits, plaintiff must ask the clerk to issue the notice contemplated by Supplemental Rule (F)(4), to be published as required by that Rule. Plaintiff must use diligence to make publication in a manner reasonably calculated to give notice to all known or reasonably anticipated claimants. (See Admiralty Form No. 25 on the courts' Websites.)

(4) Proof of Publication. Plaintiff may make proof of publication by filing a sworn statement by or on behalf of the publisher or editor indicating the dates of publication, along with a copy of the actual publication.