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...
Commercial Seamen
Who’s to blame when a ship’s captain causes injuries while drunk?
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...
What is Stop Work Authority (SWA)?
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...
Personal safety equipment is key to maritime worker safety
Once you accept a maritime job, you know that there is risk involved. You may earn enough to justify the risk involved, and you may also trust that your employer will do everything in their power to keep you safe. While most companies operating maritime businesses do...
Can sleep inertia lead to a maritime collision?
No matter your job responsibilities, age or experience level, sleep is an equalizing factor for anyone aboard a maritime vessel. From those struggling with insomnia, broken sleep patterns or natural circadian lowness, being awake and alert is a key factor in...
Deck workers have high injury rates to wrists and hands
Over the years, people have become more and more aware that working at sea is very dangerous. This is in part because of the fatality rate in the commercial fishing industry, which makes it one of the most dangerous jobs that a person can have. However, most workers...
Do long hours increase the risk of injury?
If you work on a ship, you don't really leave your work behind the way that a traditional worker does. You may be at sea for days, weeks or even months. Workers in offices onshore come and go every day. You certainly have downtime when you get to rest, relax or sleep,...
How much do commercial seamen earn?
Being a merchant seaman in the United States can be a very lucrative career. It is also very risky, it is very demanding and you may have long hours that you have to be away from your family. Some workers are gone for weeks or months at a time. It is not an easy...
Common causes of falls in the maritime industry
Most people are exposed to some potential hazards in their workplace each day. However, seamen face a heightened threat of potentially deadly incidents simply because of the nature of the maritime industry. Falls are a particular source of injury among maritime...
Steps your employer must take to comply with the Jones Act
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...