There are many dangers on commercial fishing boats. Workers can be injured through traumatic accidents, such as getting their hand caught in a line or being struck by an object. They can suffer from climate-related issues, such as hypothermia during a storm when the temperatures drop. There are clear risks if workers fall overboard, as it can be difficult to recover someone from the ocean, even if the crew is immediately aware that they have gone overboard.
But what happens to a worker who suffers such serious injuries? Is there a doctor on the boat who can offer them treatment?
The crew has limited training
As a general rule, no, there will not be a designated doctor on a commercial fishing boat. There are exceptions, of course, but most boats simply rely on training for the crew members.
For example, crew members may take a wilderness medicine course. They may be trained in first aid. They may have certain types of equipment on the boat that can aid them in these scenarios. This may go well beyond a basic first aid kit.
But no matter how much training the crew has, this is much different than getting treatment from a professional doctor, and it is very far from being admitted to a hospital. A worker who suffers a significant injury on a commercial fishing boat may not actually be treated by a medical professional for hours. This is one of the main hazards and the reason why there are so many serious and even fatal incidents in this industry.
Legal options for family members
Do you have a loved one who was seriously injured or who lost their life while working on a commercial fishing boat? It is important for family members to understand exactly what legal options they have at this time.