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A Jones Act vessel is a type of ship or boat that is used to transport people, cargo, or equipment across navigable waters. To be considered a Jones Act vessel, the structure must have a purpose of transportation and its crew members must qualify as seamen under the Jones Act. This type of vessel is important in maritime law, but there is no settled definition of the term. Other types of vessels include foreign vessels, public vessels, seagoing vessels, and seaworthy vessels. When property is conferred upon a person, it is said to be vested.
A Jones Act vessel is a type of vessel that is used for transporting passengers, cargo, or equipment across navigable waters. To qualify as a Jones Act vessel, the structure's purpose must be to some reasonable degree for transportation.
For example, a cargo ship, a ferry, or a tugboat can be considered a Jones Act vessel. However, a pleasure yacht or a fishing boat that does not carry passengers for hire would not be considered a Jones Act vessel.
The crew members of a Jones Act vessel can qualify as seamen under the Jones Act. This means that if a worker is injured while working on a Jones Act vessel, they may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act.
Overall, a Jones Act vessel is an important concept in maritime law, as it determines the legal rights and responsibilities of the vessel's crew members and owners.