The Jones Act was first passed in 1920 and it was developed to protect seamen, but also to protect the country by providing a robust, modern, and military-ready maritime industry. Also known as the Merchant Marine Act, this law contains many components that apply to employers, ship owners, and individuals.
The Jones Act Protects Seamen
The law defines a seaman as anyone working in the maritime industry who spends the majority of his or her working time aboard a seagoing vessel. In other words, anyone working on a ship or boat for most of their hours is considered a seaman. This could be a captain of a container ship, a commercial fisherman, or even a deckhand on a cruise ship. The law allows these workers to seek damages from their employers if they are injured on the job and negligence can be found to play even a small role in the injury.
The Jones Act and the Military
The law provides seamen with a safe working environment by holding employers and ship owners accountable for safety. The Jones Act also plays a role in protecting the entire country. It ensures that the entire maritime industry operating within the U.S., including foreign-flagged ships, follow the laws and maintain safe workspaces. This means that the industry is safe, efficient, and modern and that the U.S. military can rely on ships, ports, and maritime technology if it needs to use any of it during wartime.
At the MaritimeInjuryCenter.com they provide detailed information about the Jones Act and other maritime laws that affect workers in this industry. They offer this comprehensive resource free of cost for maritime workers and their families to use when they need answers.
