The Jones Act- Seaman Status

Posted by: rzehl
January 31, 2008
Topic: The Jones Act

In order to be eligible for seaman status under the Jones Act, three requirements must be met.

First, the vessel must be "in navigation". This does not necessarily mean, however, that the vessel must be moving.

Next, the person must have an employment connection to the vessel that is substantial both in terms of its nature and its duration. Employees working on barges, casino boats, crew boats, cruise ships, dredges, fishing vessels, freighters, jack-up rigs, semi-submersible rigs, tankers, tow boats, tug boats or any other similar vessels may be considered seamen under the Jones Act.

Third, the person's employment must contribute to the "work of the vessel" on which he is employed. Early cases required that seamen "reef and steer" or directly contribute to the vessel's navigation. The Courts eventually broadened this definition to include miscellaneous shipboard workers who go to sea with a vessel like fishermen on fishing boats, bartenders on cruise ships, and divers on diving support vessels.

Contact the experienced Louisiana Jones Act Attorneys of the Fitts Zehl Law Firm by email at info@gulfcoastmaritimelawyer.com or by phone at (800) 993-4887. We represent clients in cities throughout the gulf coast region including: Houston, New Orleans, Cameron and Houma.

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