Legal Definitions - bluewater seaman

A bluewater seaman refers to an experienced and qualified mariner who primarily works on vessels that operate in the open ocean, far from coastal waters or inland waterways. This term distinguishes them from seamen who work exclusively on ships navigating rivers, lakes, or within harbors. Bluewater seamen typically undertake long voyages across seas and oceans, performing various duties related to the operation and maintenance of the ship.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A merchant marine officer serves as a First Mate on a large container ship that regularly transports goods between major ports in Asia and North America.

  Explanation: This officer's work involves extended periods at sea, crossing vast stretches of the Pacific Ocean. Their duties are performed far from any coast, navigating the deep waters characteristic of a "bluewater" environment, thus qualifying them as a bluewater seaman.

• Example 2: A deckhand is employed on an oil tanker that travels from the Persian Gulf to European ports, navigating through the Suez Canal and across the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

  Explanation: This individual's role involves long-haul international voyages across multiple seas and an ocean. The extensive open-water travel and the nature of their duties on such a vessel clearly place them in the category of a bluewater seaman.

• Example 3: An engineer is responsible for maintaining the propulsion systems on a scientific research vessel conducting deep-sea exploration in the South Atlantic for several months.

  Explanation: The engineer's work takes place on a vessel operating far offshore for an extended duration, engaged in activities characteristic of deep-sea operations. This scenario perfectly illustrates the nature of a bluewater seaman's duties and the environment in which they operate.