For some people, securing the training necessary to use self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) gear or diving equipment is part of the prep work for a dream vacation. For others, it is a pathway toward a challenging and rewarding profession....
Wherever there’s underground oil drilling, oil spills are an unfortunate – and often preventable -- fact of life. While the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico is the largest in U.S. history, we’ve had our fair share off the Pacific Coast. Less than two...
Those who work in the maritime industry often receive generous wages because they have dangerous jobs that may involve spending days or weeks away from home. Maritime employees depend on their competitive income to provide a reasonable standard of living for their...
Fuel costs can easily become a point of conflict between two companies that are parties to a contract related to maritime goods or services. Perhaps a maritime transportation company signed a fuel contract with a provider that now insists it will not uphold the...
Seafood processing is among the most dangerous maritime occupations you can have – even if it never involves setting foot on a vessel. Those who work in onshore and offshore factories have high rates of job-related injury and illness. After fish are caught (harvested)...
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) was first passed in 1920. This federal law provides a legal remedy for the families of individuals who have died due to negligence or misconduct on the high seas. The DOHSA was enacted in response to a growing need for legal...
Pretty much every legal claim has a time restriction within which the plaintiff can file a lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations period. With a few exceptions, your claim will be declined if you do not act within the statute of limitations...
Commercial fishermen have physically demanding jobs that are associated with some very specific dangers. It’s largely up to the captains and vessel owners to ensure that these hard-working individuals benefit from a safe working environment. Understanding some of the...
The maritime industry, like any other industry, has its share of occupational risks and hazards. If you or someone you love is hurt while working on a barge, boat or drilling rig, you may be entitled to compensation through the Jones Act. Also known as the Merchant...
Everyone who works on a ship knows that it is dangerous to fall overboard. This is one of the main hazards in many maritime industries. However, not everyone fully understands exactly why this risk is so problematic. People sometimes neglect to wear life preservers,...
