46 U.S.C. § 30706 — Defenses

(a) Due Diligence. If a carrier used due diligence to make its vessel seaworthy and to properly staff, equip, and supply it, then neither the carrier nor the vessel is liable for loss or damage caused by an error in navigating or managing the vessel. (b) Other Defenses. The carrier and vessel also aren't liable for loss or damage caused by: (1) dangers of the sea or other navigable waters; (2) acts of God; (3) public enemies; (4) seizure under legal process; (5) an inherent defect, quality, or flaw in the goods themselves; (6) packaging that wasn't good enough; (7) something the shipper, the goods' owner, or their agent did or failed to do; or (8) saving or trying to save life or property at sea — even if that means the ship goes off course to do it.