The Rules of Procedure for Admiralty Cases

Section 1

Where a ship against which an action in rem is brought is under arrest, a person who has a legal interest in the ship, cargo, or freight, or in the success of either of the parties, or an interest against both, or is so situated as to be adversely affected by a distribution or other disposition of the ship, but who is not a party to the action may, with leave of court, file a motion to intervene in the action at any time before submission of the case for decision by the court. A copy of the pleading in intervention shall be attached to the Motion for Intervention with leave of court. A complaint-in-intervention must be supported by judicial affidavits and other supporting evidence, showing the interest of the intervenor in the ship within the court's custody. The court may consider whether or not the intervention will unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication of the rights of the original parties, and whether or not the intervenor's rights may be fully protected in a separate proceeding. The time for filing responsive pleadings in intervention shall conform with the time limits in these Rules.

Section 2

A person granted leave to intervene must enter an appearance in the action within the period specified by the court, but in no case after the case has been submitted for decision.