A maritime lien is a legal claim against a vessel for services or supplies provided, a type of mortgage on a vessel, and a right to seize and sell a vessel to satisfy a debt.

There are three types of maritime liens: preferred maritime liens, non-preferred maritime liens, and general maritime liens.

Preferred maritime liens include liens for wages of crew members, liens for salvage services, and liens for general average contributions.

Non-preferred maritime liens include liens for repairs and supplies, liens for towage services, and liens for pilotage services.

General maritime liens include liens for breach of contract, liens for tort claims, and liens for unjust enrichment.

Maritime liens are enforced by filing a lawsuit in admiralty court or by seizing and selling the vessel.

The purpose of a maritime lien is to protect the rights of those who provide services or supplies to vessels, to ensure that vessels are properly maintained and operated, and to facilitate the smooth operation of maritime commerce.

A maritime lien is a legal claim against a vessel, while a mortgage is a type of loan secured by a vessel. A maritime lien can be enforced by seizing and selling the vessel, while a mortgage cannot. A maritime lien has priority over a mortgage, while a mortgage has priority over a maritime lien.

The statute of limitations for filing a maritime lien is two years.

A maritime lien remains in effect even if the vessel is sold.

The procedure for enforcing a maritime lien includes filing a complaint in admiralty court, seizing the vessel, and selling the vessel.

The defenses to a maritime lien include payment, accord and satisfaction, and statute of limitations.

Preferred maritime liens have priority over non-preferred maritime liens, which in turn have priority over general maritime liens.

A maritime lien prevents the vessel from being sold, operated, or mortgaged.

The purpose of a maritime lien is to protect the rights of those who provide services or supplies to vessels, to ensure that vessels are properly maintained and operated, and to facilitate the smooth operation of maritime commerce.