To find out what rules and regulations are applicable when aboard a vessel in the open ocean, one may reference the book written by Thomas J. Schoenbaum. Admiralty and maritime law is clearly stated with all its applicable notes and amendments and could prove useful to some with little to no knowledge of maritime laws. Admiralty and maritime laws differ from territory to territory but one thing remains the same, every state has their own set of rules and regulations. With that being said, possibly consulting a lawyer prior to any venture out to sea is a wise choice.