When fishing boat workers head out to sea, they face many challenges, including the risk of injury. In such cases, understanding maritime law becomes important. Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, deals with legal matters concerning activities on the water. This includes navigation, commerce and transportation. For fishing boat workers, it means there are specific rules in place to protect their rights and safety while working at sea. Jones Act If a worker sustains an injury while working on a fishing boat, they may obtain compensation under maritime law. However, they have to meet cert ..read more

Working at sea can be both thrilling and demanding. However, maritime workers encounter challenges that other people may often overlook. From the dangers of the open ocean to the complexities of maritime law, these individuals face many issues in their day-to-day lives. These are some of the distinctive challenges that maritime workers deal with regularly. Isolation and loneliness One of the most significant challenges faced by maritime workers is the sense of isolation and loneliness that accompanies life at sea. Spending extended periods away from friends and family can take a toll on mental ..read more

Engaging in maritime work presents unique challenges and risks. The fatal injury rate among maritime workers also surpasses that of other industries by quite a bit. This heightened risk is often due to the nature of maritime activities, where workers face a variety of dangers.  Vessel accidents and exposure to hazardous materials are among them. Exposure to asbestos, a mineral common in maritime settings, which can lead to the development of mesothelioma, is also a concern. Understanding these risks helps promote safety measures and improve the overall well-being of maritime workers. High ..read more

If you work on a ship, you need to know about the Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Senator Wesley Jones was the original sponsor of this act. This legislation regulates sea transport operations within or into the United States and other aspects of the marine industry. One of these aspects is to help injured seamen bring action against their employers. What types of claims are available under the Jones Act? There are two basic types of claims under the Jones Act. The first is a negligence claim against an employer. Under the Jones Act, a seaman, also known as a person w ..read more

Maritime environments have inherent dangers, though modern regulations have provided strides toward safety improvements. Despite that progress, injuries and accidents occur. Recognizing common hazards can make you more attentive to risks. There are a few frequent causes of maritime injuries. Environmental threats Severe weather and natural disasters pose significant safety threats in maritime environments. Debris, slippery surfaces and high winds increase the risk of injuries without proper precautions. Follow comprehensive weather reporting to recognize severe weather threats. Regulatory comp ..read more

Working in the maritime industry comes with inherent risks, and knowing how to respond if injured in a work accident is essential for your well-being and potential compensation. Here are the most important actions to take if you get an injury while on a crab fishing boat. Prioritize safety and seek immediate medical attention If you get injured while working on a crab fishing boat, assess the severity of your injury and seek immediate medical attention. Inform your fellow crew members or supervisor about the incident, ensuring someone is aware of your injury and can provide assistance. Prompt ..read more

In every occupation, employers must adhere to safety regulations, and maritime work is no exception. When shipowners fail to keep their vessels seaworthy, they may be liable for employee injuries under the Jones Act. Maintaining a seaworthy ship requires diligence in many areas. Maintaining equipment and parts On a seaworthy vessel, all parts and equipment must be “reasonably fit” for their purpose. The owner must provide safety equipment, first aid supplies and lifeboats and ensure that they are in good condition. This does not mean that all parts of the ship must be brand new or flawless; ho ..read more

Those working in the maritime industry face many potential risks and accidents. Certain hazards can lead to severe injury or even death. By understanding some of the most common work injuries, longshoremen and seamen can help mitigate the dangers and protect themselves and their colleagues. 1. Lifting injuries Dock workers often must lift heavy loads, which can put a lot of stress on their bodies. Improper lifting or overexerting oneself may lead to back injuries, hernias and other problems. Using proper lifting techniques and equipment such as forklifts, dollies and cranes to help with heavy ..read more

There are many risks involved in working at sea. A life-altering injury can occur in a matter of seconds. However, this is not always the case. Some injuries occur gradually, going unnoticed for years. Hearing loss is one such injury. Causes of hearing loss in maritime workers Exposure to loud noise is a common hazard of working on a ship or dock. Over time, noise exposure can damage the nerves in the inner ear, leading to permanent noise-induced hearing loss. Less commonly, a head injury can cause hearing loss. The severity and permanence of the hearing loss depend on the nature of the head i ..read more

Cruises, especially those focused on children, should be fun and safe excursions. When a child suffers an injury or worse, dies, it is devastating for the family. You may wonder if you have to file a lawsuit within a certain time. Federal law requires that you file within one year of an accident or fatality. Also, you must give the cruise ship notice that you intend to file suit. The deadline by which you must do this depends on the cruise line and the contract you signed. This is usually less than one year and could be as little as six months. Cruise ships must provide a safe passage Cruise l ..read more