Workers aboard commercial fishing vessels off the Pacific coastline face dangers that many of their counterparts in warmer waters do not. Perhaps the deadliest hazard aboard most West Coast vessels is the water temperature. It is fairly common for fishing crew members...
The weather can put you at risk faster than you expect in California waters. You might start with clear skies, then lose visibility or control within minutes, which forces quick action. As conditions shift, your decisions affect your crew and your vessel at the same...
You know the physical demands of working a deck in the Port of Oakland or navigating the waters of the Pacific basin. While you take pride in your strength and self-sufficiency, a single heavy lift can change your life in an instant. It is common to feel like you...
You know the heavy weight of a 20-hour shift when the coffee stops working and the deck begins to blur. Exhaustion is a constant companion for many fishermen and merchant mariners working the California coast. While you pride yourself on your grit, there is a point...
Medical experts note that amputation injuries are often life-changing events. Many amputation injuries create permanent disabilities. In some cases, people may have to deal with conditions like phantom limb syndrome, which can lead to long-term pain and discomfort,...
Offshore oil and gas professionals are often away from home for weeks at a time. Their jobs put them at risk of severe injuries and premature mortality. They generally receive very competitive wages for the time that they work and are subject to numerous laws intended...
Working as a deckhand aboard a maritime vessel is an arduous physical job. Deckhands are exposed to the elements for long periods. They are at constant risk of injury. Certain hazards are more prominent than others when looking at federal workplace safety data. The...
After your spouse, parent or child gets hurt on the water, you may feel confused. Their job title sounds simple. However, legal labels often feel like a foreign language. If you pick the wrong category, you might face delays in getting help. You deserve clear answers...
Since Congress enacted the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) in 1920, the surviving family members of deceased maritime professionals have had the option to take legal action after a tragedy. Traditional workers’ compensation protections do not apply to offshore work...
Harbor workers and longshoremen deal with many hazards at work on a daily basis. They share space with massive vessels and heavy equipment. Their jobs are physically demanding, putting them at risk of traumatic injuries and repetitive strain injuries. They are also...
