In the early years, the Maritime Law being used in the industry was lax and entirely different from the state and federal laws of the United States. However, during the 20th century, changes in the admiralty laws were created to make it easier to determine and understand the statutes and laws concerning the maritime industry. Today, the Supreme Court of the United States has the final say when it comes to admiralty cases. However, the elevation of maritime cases to the Supreme Court does not really happen very often.

In essence, Maritime Law was created in order to settle problems and disputes in the industry, promote commerce and trade, and also protect and help injured seafarers and mariners. In the past, such laws had limited coverage. In fact, only specific cases or incidents, including victims of maritime disasters, were protected by admiralty laws. In recent years, however, the law has embraced a wider scope and is now applicable to a much bigger field within the industry. Nowadays, admiralty statutes cover not only the people working in sea vessels but also those who are in other watercrafts that travel over other navigable waters like lakes and rivers. Moreover, the admiralty laws no longer cover seamen alone. Those who are working as engine utility personnel, harbor pilots, deck engineers, ferry workers, fishermen, and barge hands may be protected by certain maritime statutes.

Another important move on the part of the government is making admiralty laws less complicated and more universal. Since the United States is a huge player in maritime trading, the country has influenced the decision of other nations in upholding universally recognized statues, which are aimed at minimizing confusions in the interpretation of Maritime Law.

The three hallmarks of Maritime Law in the US include the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, the Jones Act, and the Death on the High Seas Act. The first one provides legal help and support for those who work in ships and vessels. Meanwhile, the Jones Act specifies the designations for sailors or seamen, as well as their rights and protection while performing their roles and duties. This law makes it easier for workers in water vessels to file damages against their employers in case of injuries caused by negligence of the employer. The Death on the High Seas Act offers compensation to the families of mariners and sailors who are lost in foreign or international waters.