The maritime industry provides a sustainable source of employment for workers across the state of California. While the industry brings multiple benefits, it’s no secret that operating on the waterways can be hazardous.
For this reason, the maritime community has been advocating for safety-focussed legislation for several years. Their efforts have finally come to fruition with the implementation of Subchapter M.
What Subchapter M means for maritime workers
As of July 19th, 2022, all commercial vessels must obtain the Subchapter M certificate of inspection (COI). These specifications had previously only applied to domestic vessels, but commercial operators now have a legal duty to meet these standards too.
Tackling commercial boating injuries and deaths
It is the hope of the maritime community and politicians alike that the legislation reduces the number of commercial boating injuries and fatalities, which still stands at thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities every year.
Senator. Bob Casey expressed his gratitude to commercial seamen, as well as his optimism for the effectiveness of the new laws, “Without the men and women who operate towing vessels, our Nation’s waterways, and much of our economy, would come to a standstill. Congratulations to the tugboat, towboat and barge industry for hitting this safety milestone. By prioritizing safety on the job, you’ll keep moving our Nation forward for decades to come.”
Commercial boating safety
If you’re employed in the maritime sector, then safety will be your top priority. If you’ve been injured while on the job, make sure you explore your legal options in further detail.