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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
