Commercial fishing has been ranked by the CDC as the deadliest occupation in the United States. Approximately 58 fishermen a year leave home and don’t come back. In about half of these cases, the fishing vessel suffers a disaster such as a fire, capsizing or sinking. Many of these disasters are related to poor weather or poor ship maintenance.
It is the owner or operator’s responsibility to ensure that the ship is safe before embarking on a fishing trip. The owner should know the qualifications of the captain and crew and ensure they are adequately trained. He should check that all safety gear is on board and in good condition. And, a vessel should never leave port if any of the following conditions exist:
1. Storm forecast
2. Hull integrity problems
3. Expired or damaged or missing safety/survival equipment
4. Power plants and machinery not fully operational
5. Insufficient food, fuel or other necessary supplies
An owner who sends a vessel out in bad weather, without an adequately trained crew or without adequate supplies and safety equipment is guilty of negligence.
Offshore works that are injured due to negligence are entitled to compensation under
Jones Act Law. To learn more about Jones Act Law and your rights under U.S. maritime law, contact the Louisiana maritime attorneys at The Young Firm, 1-866-938-6113.
Category: Jones Act Law
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