Rule A – Authority, Scope, and Definitions

(a) Scope. The Rules set forth in this Part XII (Local Admiralty Rules) apply to civil actions that are governed by Rule A of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims and Asset Forfeiture Actions (Supplemental Rules). All other General and Civil Local Rules are applicable in these cases, but to the extent that another Local Rule is inconsistent with the applicable Local Admiralty Rule, the Local Admiralty Rule governs. (b) Definitions.

As used in the Local Admiralty Rules, “Rule,” followed by a numeral, e.g., Rule 12, means a Federal Rule of Civil Procedure; “Rule,” followed by a capital letter, e.g., Rule C, means a Supplemental Rule; “Judicial Officer” includes both District Judges and Magistrate Judges; “keeper” means any person or entity appointed by the Marshal to take physical custody of and maintain the vessel or other property under arrest or attachment; and “substitute custodian” means the individual who, or entity that, upon motion and order of the Court, assumes the duties of the Marshal or keeper with respect to the vessel or other property that is arrested or attached.