Definition of “Seaman”

The term seaman, as used in the Jones Act, is intended to be taken in its broadest scope, having a much broader definition than is traditionally associated with the word “seaman”.  A Seaman is intended to include any person that furthers the mission of a vessel while assigned to that vessel or to a fleet of vessels under common ownership.

Even though the Jones Act is a law of the United States, a Jones Act seaman does not need to be serving on an American ship to make a claim.  Anyone whose duties are maritime in nature, and who performs those duties on a vessel, or in commerce, and in navigable waters, is classified as a seaman under the Jones Act.  This can be applicable even if the individual is not onboard a vessel at the time of injury.  Employees serving onboard restaurant boats, tankers, freighters, jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles, towboats, tugboats, supply boats, barges, special purpose vessels, fishing vessels, casino boats, and others.  Even workers assigned to boats moored in port can be classified as Seamen under the Jones Act, as long as the boat is in navigation during hours of operation.