Working at sea can be exciting, varied and financially rewarding. Any seagoing vessel, whether private or commercial, needs people with diverse skill sets and aptitudes for its crew. Each seaman plays their own role in keeping the ship functional and contributing to the goals of every voyage.
In a previous post, we discussed some of the steps that seamen can take to avoid injury while aboard a ship. At sea, as at land, however, it is essential that any worker receives the proper instruction on how to fulfill their role efficiently, effectively and safely. Your employer is responsible for providing sufficient training on the duties of your job and the safety precautions and instructions that you should follow. All too often, a lack of training leads to injuries that could easily have been prevented.
A ship can be a dangerous working environment, full of hazards and potential safety risks. With proper training, these risks can be minimized. With insufficient training, however, a seaman is not only at greater risk of injuring themselves, but also of injuring other crew members.
Under the Jones Act, maritime employers are required to provide a safe working environment for the seamen that work for them. As such, a failure to provide adequate training could constitute negligence. Whether you were injured as a result of another seaman’s lack of training, because you were not adequately prepared to carry out your own duties or because you were not made aware of the necessary safety precautions, you may be able to make a claim against your employer.
Taking care to follow correct procedures and safety guidelines can help you to avoid accidents while working aboard a seagoing vessel. If you have been injured because your employer failed to provide training on those procedures, however, a dedicated maritime law firm can help you to assess whether you have a valid claim.