Working on ships can be bad for your ears. It does not matter whether you work on them at sea or on the dock – they are always noisy. Many work environments are noisy at times, but ships can be louder than most, and the noise can be more constant than most. Combined,...
If you work on a ship, it’s crucially important that the boat has all of the different safety systems and devices that you need in the event of an accident or some other sort of maritime incident. Without these in place, workers could face far too great of risks. For...
In many ways, the risks that workers face on a ship are similar to the ones that they would face in any other profession. A worker could fall from a ladder while climbing on a construction site or climbing up to the next level of a freighter. A worker could be injured...
Most anyone who has gone scuba diving knows about decompression sickness. It can happen when a person ascends too quickly to the water’s surface. That’s because there’s a rapid pressure decrease that has a noticeable effect on the body. Namely, it causes gas bubbles...
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...
Working on a ship can be a dangerous job – many people don’t realize the dangers that can happen on open seas. Maritime workers can be seriously injured, causing major changes in their life and work. If you’re expected to be out on the sea for some time, the chances...
The maritime industry employs thousands of Americans. If you are a seaman, you have probably heard about the Jones Act. Also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act is a federal statute that requires companies to use US-built and registered ships when...
The handling and managing of bulk freight aboard a cargo ship occur largely via automation. However, commercial seamen must still work with and near cargo as part of their job duties. Unfortunately, working around dry bulk freight can expose these seamen to many...
Serving as the captain of a ship is as safety-critical as being the pilot of an airplane. Captains need to sometimes make split-second decisions that can affect the safety of everyone on board. Their experience and education will help them decide how to protect their...
When you’re working on or around vessels, one of the things to consider is if you have and can use Stop Work Authority (SWA). Stop Work Authority is a program that provides contracted workers and employees with a right to stop working if they perceive behaviors or...
