Posted By Arnold & Itkin LLP
There is a high level of dedication and risk involved in the life of a seaman working on offshore excursions. As such, laws such as the Jones Act and the Merchant Marine Act have been created to protect the brave souls that honorably choose this lifestyle as a career. Unfortunately, as a result of the dangers involved in offshore accidents , it sometimes becomes necessary for a seaman to protect ...
Continue Reading
On vessels, seamen operate within different ranks. Offshore worker classifications help further the mission of the vessel by giving crewmembers specific duties and responsibilities. Crewmembers are primarily placed into four different departments: the deck department, the engineering department, the steward's department, and other. Below, we explain the classification of crewmembers within each ...
Continue Reading
One of the most overlooked dangers for maritime workers is actually one they face at the beginning of their hitch : boarding the vessel. The transferring of personnel to and from a vessel while at sea can be hazardous, especially when handled incorrectly. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) states that before a personnel transfer occurs, all parties involved should be briefed ...
Continue Reading
Tragedies at sea over the last few years have shed light on a recurring problem: captain negligence and the disaster that can result. From ferries to cruise ships, captain negligence can cost the lives of passengers. Capsized South Korean Ferry On April 16, 2015, a South Korean ferry capsized—leaving more than 300 people dead or missing, many of whom were school children. It was found that the ...
Continue Reading
Vessel owners are responsible for ensuring that their boats, barges, or rigs are seaworthy and safe work environments. That means when they’re not—and someone is hurt as a result—they’re liable to pay for that worker’s medical care and other costs associated with the injury. When negligence is involved in these cases (and that’s too often the case) workers are entitled to other forms of ...
Continue Reading
