While a typical commuter in New York might drive, take the subway or call for a ride-share driver, as a person who works at an offshore jobsite, your trip might necessarily be by boat. Just like the roads, the waters have lanes and routes that should be traveled, and a captain or crew member who is distracted or careless about following them may put you and your co-workers in danger. We at Tabak Mellusi & Shisha LLP have counseled many maritime workers who have suffered an injury as a result of an accident at sea.
The Offshore Wind Journal reports that captains of crew transfer vessels are typically highly trained, particularly when it comes to ensuring your safety as you board or leave the boat. Although this may be seen as the moment when you are in danger, your life may be at risk at any time while you are on the water. This may come from rocks and other hazards in your path, or from vessels that are using incorrect protocol.
Technology has made it easier to pilot vessels safely, but some investigations seem to imply that the captains and crew members may be relying on these too much, and becoming careless when it comes to traffic regulations on the water. Any company sending you to a location via a crew transfer vessel should put just as much emphasis on your safety in transit, as it does on your welfare upon arrival to and departure from the offshore jobsite. More information about vessel operations is available on our web page.
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