Who is Covered?

The Jones Act covers not only the members of a crew, but the masters of that crew as well. That is, anyone who has a connection that is both substantial in nature and duration to a specific vessel, or to a fleet of vessels, and whose duties contribute to the function or mission of that vessel or fleet. Generally, anyone who spends more than 30% of their time on a vessel that is in navigation, will qualify as a Jones Act seaman. It is important to understand that the terms duration and nature, when talking about someone’s connection to a ship, are traditionally construed by the courts to be exceptionally broad when finding as to whether or not an employee qualifies for Jones Act coverage.

An employee that does not qualify as a Jones Act seaman, but instead works as a contract employee who moves back and forth between multiple vessels, that are not under common ownership, will generally be covered under Longshore or Maritime law, and not under the Jones Act.

Related Jones Act Lawyer Articles:

Jones Act Lawyers – Houston Maritime Attorneys
Jones Act Lawyer Houston – Houston Maritime Attorney