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J. Ryan Melogy
Maritime Attorney & Activist
Maritime Attorney & Activist.
In recent years Ryan has been involved in the most high profile and precedent-setting civil, criminal, and Suspension & Revocation actions affecting survivors of maritime sexual harassment & abuse, including U.S. Coast Guard vs. Stinziano, his representation of Elsie Dominguez—the courageous and pioneering Military Sealift Command Survivor, Hope Hicks, aka Midshipman-X, in her brave pursuit of justice, as well as representing fellow U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet “Midshipman-Y,” brave merchant mariner Ashley Codrington, sex trafficking and sexual abuse survivors Vanessa Treminio and Jane Doe #1, victims of accused serial-rapist Captain John Merrone, and many others. For nearly a decade, Ryan has worked tirelessly to expose the rampant culture of sexual harassment, abuse, and human rights violations plaguing the maritime industry, and he has fought to hold maritime perpetrators—and the institutions who support and enable their crimes and misconduct—accountable. Ryan was a driving force behind passage of historic maritime safety legislation “The Safer Seas Act” in December of 2022. And through years of tenacious investigative work into the operations of the U.S. Coast Guard, which included the filing of a federal lawsuit against the agency, Ryan was instrumental in helping CNN reporters Blake Ellis & Melanie Hicken break their story on the U.S. Coast Guard’s now-infamous Fouled Anchor scandal on June 30, 2023. Because of his activism, CNN has called Ryan “an outspoken advocate for reform,” and “a one man watchdog for the maritime industry.” Ryan graduated magna cum laude from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and earned a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. He also maintains an active U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner’s License—Chief Mate, Unlimited Tonnage.
Links to Ryan Melogy in the media:
Ryan Melogy’s Attorney Profile at Maritime Legal Solutions, PLLC
MLAA: Melogy vs. Maersk. The most influential maritime union grievance ever filed by an American merchant mariner, Melogy v. Maersk has been read by tens of thousands, and details the sexual abuse and gross abuses of power Melogy witnessed and experienced aboad the M/V Maersk Idaho in 2015, and his years-long struggle against the U.S. maritime industry to hold the perpetrator accountable.
MLAA: Melogy vs. Crowley Maritime Corporation. Melogy’s union grievance against the MEBA details the retaliatory shipboard domestic violence and psychological torture Melogy endured aboard the M/V Washington Express in 2015 and 2016—experiences that led Melogy to become an advocate for victims of the maritime industry and an activist for real change.
Maritime Post: Meet Ryan Melogy, the whistleblower who exposed the Midshipman-X case. “I’ve always tried to stay focused on the victims. The stories of the victims changed me, and I’m definitely not the same person I was 3 years ago. I hope that one day people will understand what I have been up against, and that they will realize that it was an epic struggle against incredibly powerful institutions and against some very corrupt people who tried to protect a culture of sexual abuse and tried to protect sexual predators.”
CNN: Ryan Melogy: The Accidental Advocate: “An academy graduate and merchant mariner himself, Ryan Melogy never imagined he would become a one-man watchdog for the maritime industry. But that’s what happened…”
WorkBoat Magazine (December 20, 2023): Sexual harassment in the maritime Industry: “Harassment is an enormous problem in the maritime industry and much more widespread than sexual misconduct. Mariners cannot depend on existing laws or company policies to protect them from harassment and bullying,” said attorney J. Ryan Melogy. “AWO wants to roll back protections for mariners.”
Tradewinds (December 4, 2023): ‘Hazing’ or sexual abuse? US Coast Guard court still grappling with case dating back nine years. “For Ryan Melogy, who reported the alleged abuse and harassment on the Maersk Idaho and who is now a maritime lawyer who represents seafarers in similar cases, the answer to whether the alleged groping and other actions against the deck cadet are abusive sexual contact is clear as day. “This has not been a legitimate process,” Melogy said. “This has been a coverup from the very beginning. There’s been layer after layer after layer of coverup.” He argued the Coast Guard’s goal in the process has been to protect the agency and its administrative law judge system. Melogy believes it would be better for such cases to go before an independent court system outside the agency. The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to TradeWinds’ request for comment on the allegations.”
gCaptain (November 29, 2023): US Navy Sued After Alleged Rape Of Senior US Merchant Marine Officer. “Ms. Dominguez and other US Merchant Mariners who live aboard U.S. government vessels should not have to live in fear. The United States owes a duty to protect crew members aboard its vessels, and it is failing to live up to that duty,” her attorney Ryan Melogy said. “Ms. Dominguez is courageously coming forward, at great personal and professional risk to herself, to protect others from similarly traumatic experiences.””
The Virginia Pilot (December 1, 2023): U.S. Navy Civilian Mariner Sues Service for Not Protecting Her. “When she did file a report in June, her attorney Ryan Melogy said he believes she remained on the job because she had hired an attorney. Following her report, Military Sealift Command returned the captain to the U.S., and ‘has protected the captain, shielded him from scrutiny, and continued to employ him,’ according to the lawsuit.”
MarineLog (November 30, 2023): Lawsuit alleges MSC civilian mariner was raped by captain: “Ms. Dominguez is represented by J. Ryan Melogy of the New York law firm Maritime Legal Solutions, PLLC…The complaint alleges that Ms. Dominguez left the ship while off duty on the evening of December 18, 2021, and that, while she was ashore, someone slipped a drug into her drink…the complaint also alleges that Ms. Dominguez awoke in the early morning of December 19, 2021, to find the captain of the ship raping her as she lay in her bed unconscious.”
Stars & Stripes (November 30, 2023): Civilian engineer says she was sexually assaulted on Navy ship, sues service for not protecting her. “Dominguez reported her assault to Naval Criminal Investigative Service in June and the case is now with the Department of Justice’s Office of Human Rights and Special Prosecutions to determine whether criminal charges will be filed against the captain, said Ryan Melogy, an attorney representing Dominguez for the criminal investigation.”
Tradewinds (November 13, 2023): Too much or too little? US rules ignite spat over the reporting of ‘harassment’ at sea. “Ryan Melogy, a lawyer who founded Maritime Legal Aid & Advocacy and who has spoken out about his own experience with harassment when he worked at sea, told TradeWinds that the answer to the Safer Seas Act’s failure to define harassment is not to roll back protections that have been granted to seafarers. Rather, he said the answer is to strengthen those protections. “Instead of removing the requirement to report harassment ... we need Congress to elaborate on this in the next round,” Melogy said, explaining that it is important to have the Coast Guard’s third-party check to ensure shipping companies do not sweep harassment allegations under the rug to protect its own interests. Melogy pointed to his own experience with harassment, and how it is different than on shore. The psychological impact of being harassed on a vessel when you are a crew member is not well understood,” he said. “You are trapped in a floating prison. You can’t go anywhere. You live with these people. There are enormous power imbalances.”
Tradewinds (September 7, 2023): How can seafarers be protected from sexual violence where impunity reigns? “Ryan Melogy, who has represented Hicks and other victims at sea, said sexual harassment on a merchant ship should be a federal crime, pointing to a law protecting National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration observers who board fishing vessels that could serve as a model. On US-flag ships, investigation of sexual assault and harassment cases falls to the US Coast Guard, which refers cases to the Department of Justice for prosecution, but Melogy has seen those referrals go to a variety of offices. He would like to see those referrals sent to one Justice Department office with expertise in prosecuting sexual crimes, so there is better collaboration with the Coast Guard Investigative Service. Seafarers have seen the Coast Guard suspend or revoke licences in sexual violence cases, but they have not seen an assailant prosecuted, at least not in recent years. “There’s got to be that prosecution,” Melogy said.”
National Law Review (June 30, 2023): Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment on Vessels: the Safer Seas Act and Legal Implications on Vessel Owners and Operators: Jones Walker LLP cites Ryan Melogy and Hope Hicks’ publication of Hope’s September 2021 “Midshipman-X” blog post with leading directly to the passage of historic maritime safety legislation known as the Safer Seas Act (SSA). Ryan Melogy had been fighting for specific changes to federal law contained in the SSA since 2018.
CNN (August 25, 2023): A mariner accused of raping college student loses ability to work at sea, but escapes criminal charges. “She has never looked back, and never, ever backed down," Hicks' attorney Ryan Melogy told CNN…Federal prosecutors had recently notified Hicks that that they wouldn’t be filing criminal charges against Sison, according to her attorney Melogy. The Department of Justice declined to comment on the agency’s decision not to prosecute Sison.”
Shipin.ai (August 1, 2023): Safer Seas Act: Enhancing Maritime Safety and Compliance for US Ship Owners and Operators: “According to J. Ryan Melogy, Maritime Attorney, the Senate and House versions of the bills are, “as much about holding the US Coast Guard accountable for doing their job to protect mariners at sea as they are about holding predators and shipping companies accountable.””
Maritime Executive (August 24, 2023): Engineer in Midshipman-X Case Voluntarily Surrenders License to USCG “Surrendering their licenses has been a common technique used by the accused in many USCG cases to avoid the hearing and potential further penalties. Ryan Melogy, a lawyer for Hicks, told a local New York newspaper Newsday that it was the best outcome they could hope for at this point in the case. It ensures that Sison will never work again on a ship with his U.S. license…Hicks and her lawyer had continued to advocate for action by the FBI, Department of Justice, and the U.S. Coast Guard.”
Newsday (August 25, 2023): Mariner Surrenders License After Sex Abuse Charge. Coast Guard accused him of assaulting cadet at sea: “J. Ryan Melogy, Hicks’ attorney, said the outcome is the “best we could hope for” at this point in the case.“ “This is extremely important given how high-profile this case has become,” said Melogy, who, along with Hicks, attended a recent meeting with federal prosecutors where they were told Sison would not be charged. Messages left with Sison were not returned.”
gCaptain (August 23, 2023): Midshipman X: Mariner Relinquishes USCG License Prior to Coast Guard Rape Hearing: “Ryan Melogy, Hicks’ attorney, voiced his frustration with the Justice Department’s inaction, accentuated by the lengthy resolution timeline and overarching procedures. In a recent statement to gCaptain, Melogy remarked, “This individual has been at sea the whole time. He might opt to surrender his license to halt the procedure, but we’re hoping against that outcome. We’re advocating for a public hearing.” Given Sison’s voluntary license surrender, the chances for such a public hearing appear slim for Hicks and her legal counsel.
Times Standard (July 26, 2023): Crowley, the offshore wind terminal operator, accused of sex trafficking “I think the cases and the information that has come out in the discovery process in Vanessa’s case demonstrate a top-down, company-wide cultural problem with the way Crowley handles accusations of sexual misconduct within its company,” Melogy said.”
Shipping Watch (May 19, 2023): Fired chief engineer sues Maersk in Hope Hicks-case: “ShippingWatch has asked Hope Hicks and her legal counsel to respond to the allegations brought forward by Maersk’s former chief engineer in his lawsuit. “Gaylan’s allegations about me contained in his lawsuit are disgusting, obviously self-serving, and completely false. Sadly, it doesn’t surprise me that he would launch malicious attacks against a sexual assault survivor in an attempt to protect his friend and his own job. I will have no further comment about his lawsuit,” writes Hopes Hicks via her lawyer, J. Ryan Melogy. The lawyer then adds that “this is the classic scenario that happens in the shipping industry: someone is victimized at sea, and the crew subsequently collude to protect the perpetrator and discredit and isolate the victim. His lawsuit will fail because it is not based in truth.”
Newsday (May 10, 2023): Mariner Accused of Sexually Harassing Teen USMMA Cadet during Sea Year Banned from Industry: “J. Ryan Melogy, the attorney for both women, said: “We don't know how many people have left the academy because of these horrible Sea Year experiences, but it's a lot.” Melogy has filed a federal administrative tort claim against the U.S. Maritime Administration, or MARAD, on behalf of Midshipman-Y, citing the “negligent” operations of the Sea Year program. Midshipman-Y said the Sea Year program, which was temporarily suspended after Hope Hicks' disclosure but has since resumed, is irreparably broken. “The system isn't designed to protect you,” she said. “It's not designed to put you on safe ships and to know what to do in unsafe situations.”
Shipping Watch (April 26, 2023): Maersk hired captain previously fired for sexual harassment: “Shortly after being hired at Maersk, the captain was involved in a new sexual harassment case. The carrier states it was not aware of his past, and there is no requirement that this information be made available to subsequent employers,” Maersk told Shipping Watch. This highlights “one of the primary challenges faced by US Flag companies when addressing mariner conduct and shipboard culture,” the company adds. The case revolves around the former Maersk captain whom harassed Michigan’s chief cook Ashley Codrington. MLL then entered a confidential settlement with the former chief cook in January of this year. This is confirmed by court documents and by attorney J. Ryan Melogy from New York-based law firm Maritime Legal Solutions who leads the case of former chief cook at Maersk Ashley Codrington.”
Newsday (April 25, 2023): Coast Guard Accuses Captain of Sexually Harassing USMMA Cadet & Merchant Mariner Ashley Codrington: “J. Ryan Melogy, a maritime employment attorney, said he believed the complaint regarding the USMMA cadet is the first by the Coast Guard under the Safer Seas Act, which became law in late December making sexual harassment grounds for suspension and revocation…“This shows how the system works," said Melogy, Codrington's Manhattan-based attorney. "Even when somebody gets fired, they just move to the next ship. And then the guy gets promoted from chief mate to captain and now he's doing the same thing … It really shows a broken system where these offenders are able to just simply move around from company to company, even after getting fired."
First Coast News (NBC/ABC JAX) (April 5, 2023): Second woman files federal sex trafficking lawsuit against Crowley Maritime: “The legal team says both lawsuits allege "terrifyingly similar fact patterns" in which the women were brought to Jacksonville and assaulted…The client in the latest lawsuit filed under the name 'Jane Doe.' Her legal team says it follows a closely-related and still-ongoing sex trafficking and forced labor lawsuit filed against Crowley by former employee Vanessa Treminio. Jane Doe and Vanessa Treminio are both represented by Ryan Melogy of Maritime Legal Solutions (MLS), PLLC…”
TradeWinds (April 5, 2023): Crowley Maritime faces fresh legal claim over office ‘sexual predator’: “Woman claims her former boss abused his power to terrorize female workers at El Salvador subsidiary…Lawyers for the woman say the attack was part of a pattern of abuse by her boss, identified as Juan Emilio Blanco, who is accused of raping another woman during a similar trip from their office to the US two months earlier…The woman is represented by lawyer Ryan Melogy, who also acts for Hope Hicks, better known as Midshipman-X, whose account of being raped at sea highlighted sexual abuse within the shipping industry…”
LLoyd’s List (April 5, 2023): Second sex trafficking lawsuit filed against Crowley: “Complaint names the same offender, Juan Emilio Blanco, in a related lawsuit that was filed last year by former employee Vanessa Treminio.” Ryan represents both Vanessa Treminio and Jane Doe #1 in their federal sex trafficking lawsuits against Crowley.
Energy Watch (April 5, 2023): Esvagt partner in US charged in New Sex Trafficking Case
CNN (March 16, 2023): Failed oversight, lax punishments: How the Coast Guard has allowed sexual assault at sea to go unchecked: “Two years after her time at sea, Hicks decided she needed to do something. Sitting at a desk in the barracks one night, she typed out the details of her alleged assault and sent it to Ryan Melogy, a former mariner who became an attorney and outspoken advocate for reform in the industry after allegedly experiencing sexual misconduct himself. He ran a blog and Instagram account that had been attracting increasing attention in the maritime industry, and she told him he could publish her story.”
CNN (March 22, 2023): The Coast Guard renewed a mariner’s ability to work at sea after he was accused of rape. Now, the agency is trying to keep him off ships 1.5 years after Hope Hicks told her story to the CGIS, her rapist was charged with an alcohol violation by the U.S. Coast Guard. Ryan is representing Hope as she seeks justice through the criminal and Suspension & Revocation processes.
ShippingWatch (March 10, 2023): Criminal case against Hicks's assailant aboard Maersk ship still undecided — “As far as we know, the criminal case is still being evaluated by the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (DOJ). They have been evaluating the case for more than one year. The delay and lack of communication from the DOJ to the victim is ridiculous, and I feel that the prosecutorial decision-making process by the DOJ has become politicized.” John Ryan Melogy, attorney at Maritime Legal Solutions, tells ShippingWatch.
TradeWinds (March 9, 2023): Abuse survivor Hope Hicks ‘sickened’ that her attacker can still work at sea —“Her lawyer, Ryan Melogy, who also runs MLAA, said that coast guard investigators had conducted a four-month investigation into her allegations that was completed by February 2022. They then passed their findings to the DOJ in Florida to decide if it would accept a case for potential criminal prosecution. But Melogy said the DOJ has yet to make a decision. Until that happens, he said, the process to potentially revoke the man’s licence to work at sea would not start. Melogy said he had received information that the man had been able to work at sea — but not for Maersk Line — and had received reports from women who had served alongside him without being aware of the US investigation. “The coast guard policy is they cannot initiate a suspension and revocation action … until the DoJ says, ‘Yes we are going to prosecute’ or ‘No we are not,’ said Melogy. “So the guy is just sailing, getting on ships, we’re getting reports from people, women, that they’re getting on ships with him not knowing who he is … I mean, it’s insane.”
ShippingWatch (Jan. 26, 2023): Maersk settles in sexual harassment case between captain and cook
Shipping Watch (Jan. 13, 2023): Esvagt's US partner Crowley met with sex trafficking and forced labor charges
TradeWinds (Jan. 12, 2023): US federal judge OKs sex trafficking lawsuit against Crowley Maritime Corporation
Lloyd's List (Jan. 12, 2023): “The lawsuit has encouraged more former Crowley employees to come forward according to J. Ryan Melogy who represents Mrs. Treminio…”
MSN: (Jan. 10, 2023): Sex trafficking, forced labor lawsuit against Crowley Maritime will move forward
gCaptain (Jan. 12, 2023): Judge Rules Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Against Crowley Can Move Forward—“…The lawsuit was filed last year by plaintiff Vanessa Treminio…she is represented by Ryan Melogy of Maritime Legal Solutions, PLLC, who also represented represented Hope Hicks, aka “Midshipman-X“, and a second U.S. Merchant Marine Academy student in their sexual assault civil cases against Maersk. Melogy runs the website MaritimeLegalAid.com, which first published Midshipman X’s essay that set off a “me too” movement of sorts in the maritime industry.”
Jacksonville Business Journal (Jan. 10, 2023): Judge allows sex trafficking lawsuit against Crowley to proceed
First Coast News (Jan. 10, 2023): Sex trafficking, forced labor lawsuit against Crowley Maritime will move forward—“In Crowley's motion to dismiss, the company said that the claim for infliction of emotional distress must meet the "outrageous conduct" requirement and failed to do so. Crowley says that the alleged withholding of the plaintiff's paycheck, alleged coercion of the plaintiff to stay silent and the alleged threats regarding her termination "do not rise to the level of being 'outrageous behavior.''”
MLS: Lloyd’s List Asks Ryan Melogy About Newly Enacted “Safer Seas Act.”
Lloyd’s List (Dec. 22, 2022): US lawmakers pass seafarer safety protections to combat sexual violence at sea “The penalty for noncompliance [in this bill] is a joke,” said J. Ryan Melogy, who was also part of Midshipman-X’s legal team. “Not reporting an oil spill into the marine environment is a criminal offense, and rape should be treated as seriously as spilling oil.”
Shipping Watch (Dec. 9, 2022): MLS Client Ashley Codrington Was Sexually Harassed by Her Maersk Captain. Now the U.S. Coast Guard is Seeking to Revoke his License.
Tradewinds (Nov. 23, 2022): MLS Client “Midshipman-Y” and Maersk Line, Limited reach confidential resolution to her litigation against the company.
Washington Post (Nov. 18, 2022): Merchant Marine cadet resolves sex assault lawsuit against shipping line Maersk (Ryan’s Client Hope Hicks)
gCaptain: Midshipman X2 – US Ship Captain Is Accused Of Rape
DR.DK: Maersk After Several MeToo Cases: “We Have a Problem”
DR.DK: Ashley received inappropriate messages from her Maersk captain. Now she is calling out the company
CNN: Two students sue shipping giant Maersk, alleging sexual assault and harassment
Hakai Magazine: With Little Oversight, Ships Continue to Breed Toxic Behavior
Federal News Network: A nonprofit law group is trying to help maritime midshipmen facing assault at sea
Washington Post: U.S. cadets suing shipping company, alleging rape and harassment at sea
El País 8-23-22: Lawsuits filed against shipping giant Maersk for sexual assault of US Merchant Marine cadets
TradeWinds 8-26-22: Captain fired by Maersk Line Ltd after 'hazing' suspension
ShippingWatch: Maersk changes procedure in offence cases after legal struggle in US
ShippingWatch: Maersk captain was convicted for offences on ship – authority demands stronger sentence
TradeWinds 9-8-22: Maersk in Settlement Talks with Hope Hicks and Midshipman-Y
ShippingWatch: Sexual offences on Maersk ship investigated as criminal case
ShippingWatch 8-23-22: Maersk fires captain due to harassment case from 2015
Shipping Watch 9-23-22: US aims to tighten shipping law – could lead to major penalties in harassment cases
Newsday: USMMA cadet suits: Women assaulted, abused on training ships during year at sea
ShippingWatch 9-22-22: Maersk CEO to 70,000 employees: “Tell me about inappropriate behavior”
ShippingWatch 6-15-22: Maersk accused of having known of harassment cases back in 2016
gCaptain: ‘Midshipman-X’ Identity Revealed as Lawsuits Are Filed Against Maersk Line, Limited
MarineLog: No longer anonymous, “Midshipman X” files suit against Maersk Line
TradeWinds: Midshipman X revealed: USMMA student heartened by response to essay detailing sex assault at sea
The Maritime Executive: "Midshipman-X" Reveals Her Identity in Suit Against Maersk Line Ltd.
Tradewinds: Hope Hicks files suit against AP Moller-Maersk unit over 2019 sexual assault at sea
Shipping Watch 8-23-22: Number of maritime sexual offenses growing in the US
Marine Link: 'Midshipman-X' Revealed, Files Suit Against Maersk
Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP: Investigation Into Cadet Shipping Sexual Assaults
Regulations.gov: The Long, Tragic History of 46 USC 10104, AKA “The Federal Shipboard Sexual Assault Allegation Reporting Law
WABI5 Bangor, Maine: Maine Maritime Academy leaders address claims of sexual assault, harassment on campus
WABI5 Bangor, Maine: MMA graduate shares personal story of being assaulted on campus 14 years ago
Tradewinds: Maersk captain suspended after ‘hazing’, not molesting, deck cadet
MLAA: U.S. Coast Guard vs. Stinziano. Part One: “The Initial Report, February 3, 2015”
U.S. Senate Commerce Committee: Cantwell Demands Accountability From USMMA, Coast Guard, DOT Leaders Following Sexual Assault Allegations
Fox5 New York: Merchant Marine Academy member claims sexual assault
Washington Post: A Merchant Marine cadet said she was assaulted at sea. Her account has Washington looking for answers
Washington Post: Federal sailors academy halts at-sea training as it reckons with sexual assault accounts
Professional Mariner: Cadet’s rape allegation brings fresh scrutiny to Sea Year program
N.A.P.A.: Organizational Assessment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: A Path Forward
Washington Post: Transportation Department issues rules to protect maritime cadets from sexual assaults at sea
Tradewinds: USMMA Sea Year under fire after rape allegations surface
Wall Street Journal: Maersk Suspends Five Officers Over Alleged Rape of Cadet Aboard Ship
National Post: Maersk shipping firm suspends five for alleged rape of sole female student aboard ship
Human Rights at Sea: Confronting the sexual abuse narrative pervading an indifferent shipping industry
Lloyd’s List: Maersk suspends crew after rape allegation involving cadet
Shipping Watch: Maersk continues investigation into sexual assault claims
Reuters: U.S. lawmakers press for action on maritime sexual assault allegations
Maritime Executive: AP Møller-Maersk Takes Action on Sea Year Sexual Assault Case
Berlingske: Creepy Rape Shocks Maersk: "We are deeply shaken by this"
Berlingske: Maersk continues to investigate rape case
Berlingske: Maersk fires five after case of possible rape
gCaptain: Maersk Fires 5 in Midshipman-X Case
Ekstra Bladet: 19-year-old: I was raped on a Maersk Ship
Marine Link: Maersk Suspends Five Crew Members as it Investigates Alleged Sexual Assault
Shipping Watch: Maersk naval officers suspended following rape accusation
The Hill: US Merchant Marine Academy students sue over alleged sexual misconduct