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Cruise ships offer a unique and exciting way to travel but also present a legal environment. When accidents or injuries occur on the high seas, a web of maritime laws and regulations comes into play. The Jones Act is one of the most significant legislation governing maritime commerce and safety. But how does this century-old law apply to modern cruise ships? At The Vucci Law Group, we understand the intricacies of maritime law and how it impacts the rights of cruise ship passengers and crew members.
Cruise ships occupy a unique legal space. Vessels beyond U.S. waters follow international treaties, conventions, and domestic laws. This body of law is known as admiralty or maritime law.
The flag state, meaning the state who’s flag the ship is sailed under, holds primary jurisdiction over legal matters under maritime law. The cruise industry register ships in countries with lenient regulations, known as “flying a flag of convenience”. In 2020, the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America became the first new U.S. flagged cruise ship in nearly five decades.
When cruise ships depart from or arrive at U.S. ports; however, they also fall under the jurisdiction of U.S. federal law, and that includes foreign ships. One of the most significant U.S. maritime laws is the Jones Act.
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act, regulates maritime commerce in the United States. The Jones Act protects U.S. shipping and maintains a strong merchant marine for defense.
Under the Jones Act, all ships that transport merchandise and goods by water between U.S. ports must be built, owned, and operated by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This requirement is known as “cabotage”.
In addition to its cabotage provisions, the Jones Act includes essential protections for seamen working on U.S. vessels. The law grants seamen the right to sue their employers for negligence in case of injury or illness.
While the Jones Act primarily focuses on seamen’s rights and cargo shipping regulation, it also has implications for cruise ship passengers. Under the Jones Act, cruise ships sailing only in the U.S. are required to be U.S.-flagged vessels.
This means that cruise ships sailing solely within the United States, such as riverboat casinos or cruise-to-nowhere trips, must comply with all U.S. labor, safety, and environmental regulations. The U.S. law fully protects passengers, allowing them to bring personal injury claims.
Most cruise ships from the United States stop at least once at a foreign port, such as the Bahamas or Mexico, however. This allows them to operate under foreign flags and avoid some U.S. regulations. Passengers on foreign-flagged vessels often face legal challenges due to differing flag state laws.
The Jones Act provides important legal protections for crew members who work on U.S.-flagged vessels, including cruise ships. Under the Jones Act, seamen who suffer injuries due to the negligence of their employer or a co-worker can bring a lawsuit for damages.
To qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act, a worker must spend a significant amount of time (generally at least 30%) working on a vessel in navigation. Seamen injured on the job can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. They can also sue for maintenance and cure, which requires the employer to provide daily living expenses and medical treatment until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement.
If a cruise ship passenger or crew member suffers injuries due to negligence or unsafe conditions, you may file a claim under the Jones Act or other maritime laws. Experienced legal guidance simplifies admiralty and maritime law.
At Vucci Law Group, our maritime attorneys thoroughly know the Jones Act and related statutes. We can help you understand your legal rights and options, whether you are a U.S. citizen or a foreign national working on a cruise ship.
To pursue a Jones Act claim, you will need to prove that your employer or a co-worker acted negligently and that this negligence caused your injuries. File your claim within the statute of limitations, which is shorter than for land-based claims.
Our attorneys investigate your case, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights in negotiations or court. We understand the unique challenges cruise ship workers and passengers face and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
While the Jones Act is the primary federal law governing maritime commerce and seamen's rights, it is not the only statute that applies to cruise ships. Another important law is the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) 1886.
The PVSA requires all vessels transporting passengers between U.S. ports to be U.S.-flagged ships built in the United States. This law applies to cruise ships, ferries, and other passenger vessels.
Unlike the Jones Act, however, the PVSA does not require that U.S.-flagged passenger vessels be owned and operated by U.S. citizens. Foreign cruise lines can operate U.S.-flagged ships if they comply with all relevant U.S. laws and regulations.
The PVSA also includes an exception for foreign-flagged cruise ships that visit U.S. ports as part of an international voyage. If the ship makes at least one stop at a foreign country, it can carry passengers between U.S. ports without violating the PVSA.
At Louis A. Vucci P.A., we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to help you in cruise ship injury claims. Whether you are a passenger or a crew member, we can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let a cruise ship accident derail your life. Contact Louis A. Vucci P.A. today at (786) 375-0344 for a free and confidential consultation. Let us use our experience to help you.
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