On April 15, 1912, more than 1,500 passengers perished when the luxury ocean liner the Titanic crashed into an iceberg in the frigid North Atlantic waters and sank. While today's sea vessels are outfitted with state-of-the-art navigation and technology systems,...
Ship owners have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to the safety of their vessel. Owners are required to make sure their vessel is fit and safe. This includes not just their vessel but the equipment and supplies on board as well. When equipment or supplies...
More than ever before, the economies of countries around the world are interdependent upon one another through the buying and selling of goods. From cars and the oil that fuels them to seafood and toys, according to the United States Department of Transportation, the...
Cruises provide passengers with the opportunity to enjoy luxurious surroundings while traveling to famous ports and destinations around the world. Today, more people than ever are taking cruises with the Cruise Lines International Association estimating that more than...
In 2013 the U.S. Census Bureau reported that New York City was home to an estimated 8.4 million people. The most significant increases to the city's population have occurred in the outlying boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. While NYC's subway system is among the most...
Individuals who work aboard commercial fishing vessels face many daily hazards. Quarters are cramped and, to avoid malfunction and injury, equipment used aboard fishing vessels must be properly maintained and stored. Additionally, seamen must often attempt to perform...
In a recent blog post, we discussed the Jones Act and how its provisions provide compensation for seamen who are injured while aboard a sea vessel. While many individuals who work aboard barges, commercial fishing boats and cruise ships may be aware of the Jones Act,...
The U.S. Maritime Industry encompasses some 400,000 sea vessels. While hundreds of thousands of men and women work aboard these vessels, hundreds of thousands more work from shore to support the operations of sea vessels. For the individuals who are employed as...
Anyone who works aboard a sea vessel faces certain inherent risks and dangers. Seamen are often forced to perform work-related duties while battling inclement weather and rough sea conditions. Even in calm conditions; equipment may malfunction, slippery conditions...
THE SEAMAN'S PROTECTION ACT There are currently 25 federal statutes protecting employees engaged in protected workplace activity from employer retaliatory acts. These are commonly known as "Whistleblower Laws",...