Laws of Oleron

Laws Of OleronThe ‘laws of Oleron’ which, according to tradition, were adopted in Castile by ALPHONSO X in the 13th Century, and were introduced into England by RICHARD I. They were a code for western seafaring nations mostly containing articles of war.

Also contained in them is a section on Piloting that did not err on the side of leniency

Laws Oleron 12th century

XXII

If a pilot undertake the conduct of a

vessel, to bring her to St Malo, or any other

port, and fail in his duty therein, so as the

vessel miscarry by reason of his ignorance in

what he undertook, and the merchants sustain

damage thereby, he shall be obliged to make

full satisfaction for the same, if he hath

wherewithal: and if not, lose his head.

XXIV

And if the Master, or any one of the

merchants, cut off his head, they shall not be

bound to answer for it: but before they do it,

they must be sure he had not he wherewithal

to make satisfaction.