As a worker in the maritime industry, there's a strong likelihood that you're familiar with the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, more commonly known as the Jones Act. Most individuals in this industry readily associate the Jones Act with the federal government's...
Year: 2021
Lost wages after a loved one dies in the fishing industry
If you lose a loved one while they’re working in the fishing industry, lost wages are certainly not your first concern. You want to be there for your family and work through a very difficult emotional situation, and everything else takes a back seat. If you are...
There is no excuse for drowning in the maritime industry
There are many safety risks that people in the maritime industry face. Among them are the risks of slipping and falling, burning themselves, chemical exposure, puncture wounds and others. Of all the risks, the one that has to be taken most seriously is the risk of...
The dangers of underwater welding
Underwater welding is a career that requires extensive training, specialized skills and a sense of adventure. It can be a lot more dangerous than most welding jobs, but underwater welders – particularly those who work offshore, are typically well-compensated for their...
What dangers do fishing boat winches pose?
Statistically speaking, commercial fishing is the most dangerous occupation in America. The fatality rate for those working in the commercial fishing industry is 35 times higher than the average profession here in the U.S. Data highlighting the dangers that winches...
Bringing justice for those lost at sea
Deaths of those lost at sea are perhaps the hardest of all for families and loved ones to accept because there is no resolution. There is no way to know with 100% certainty that the overboard crewmember is deceased and not alive and adrift in the vast, treacherous...
Is my employer responsible for hearing loss on a ship?
Sailors often write about the silence of the oceans. That may be true for a lone around-the-world yachtsman, yet if you work on a commercial vessel, silence is rare. Commercial boats are noisy places, and as a result, you may suffer hearing loss over time. Until it...
Who is eligible for protection under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law enacted to provide compensation for workers injured on jobs in United States navigable waters. Compensation for those disabled includes both medical care and vocational rehabilitation. It...
Negligent boaters are a serious threat to professional divers
Professional divers are among the most satisfied professionals in the country. They generally report high levels of personal satisfaction and fulfillment from their jobs while also earning a pretty decent wage. In California, the average salary for professional divers...
Deck safety must be a priority for commercial fishermen
People who work on the deck of a commercial fishing vessel face many hazards. It’s up to the vessel owner to ensure that those are minimized so the worker has a safe workplace. For the men and women who work on the deck, the dangers are often obvious, but some might...