The Jones Act, which is officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a set of laws that offer protections to individuals who work on vessels that are in navigation. These workers are known as seamen.
It’s important to note that not all maritime workers are considered seamen. Instead, the worker must meet very specific criteria to fall under this classification.
Employment relationship to a vessel
The individual must work on a vessel that’s in navigation. This includes ships, barges, fishing boats and even certain floating platforms, as long as they are capable of moving and are used for transportation on navigable waters. A dry-docked vessel or one under construction usually doesn’t count.
Contribution to the vessel’s function or mission
It’s not enough to simply be on board. A seaman must contribute to the vessel’s purpose. This could include crew members, deckhands, engineers and others whose work directly impacts the operation or navigation of the vessel.
Substantial connection to the vessel
A worker must spend a significant amount of time—generally at least 30% of their work hours—aboard a vessel or fleet of vessels under common ownership. This requirement ensures that the Jones Act covers those who are truly part of the maritime crew rather than workers who occasionally board ships.
The Jones Act becomes a critical matter if the seaman suffers an injury while working. This act provides them with a way to receive compensation for those injuries because seamen typically aren’t covered under workers’ compensation. Working with someone familiar with these matters is critical because these cases can be so complex.