Legal Definitions - maritime employment

Maritime employment refers to specific types of jobs that are directly connected to the operations of ships, boats, and other vessels. Under a federal law known as the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA), this term defines work that involves the loading, unloading, construction, or repair of a vessel.

This classification is crucial because it determines eligibility for a particular federal workers' compensation program, rather than state-level programs, for workers injured in these roles. Essentially, if your job involves these activities related to a vessel, it's considered maritime employment for the purpose of receiving specific federal benefits if you get hurt on the job.

Here are some examples to illustrate:

• Example 1: Loading a Cargo Ship

  Imagine a crane operator working at a busy port, using a large crane to lift shipping containers from the dock and carefully place them into the cargo hold of an ocean-going vessel. This operator's primary duty is the "loading" of a vessel.

  Explanation: The crane operator's job directly involves moving goods onto a ship, which is a core activity of maritime employment. If this worker were to sustain an injury while performing this task, their claim for compensation would likely fall under the federal LHWCA because their role is classified as maritime employment.

• Example 2: Repairing a Fishing Trawler

  Consider a welder employed by a shipyard to fix a damaged hull section on a commercial fishing trawler that is in dry dock for maintenance. The welder spends their days cutting out old metal and welding new plates onto the vessel's exterior.

  Explanation: This welder's work is focused on the "repair" of a vessel. Even though welding is a general trade, the context of performing that work directly on a ship for its upkeep and functionality means their role is considered maritime employment under federal law, granting them access to specific federal workers' compensation benefits if injured.

• Example 3: Constructing a New Ferry

  Picture a team of electricians installing complex wiring systems and control panels inside a brand-new passenger ferry being built at a large shipbuilding facility. They are connecting various components that will allow the ferry to operate once completed.

  Explanation: The electricians' tasks are integral to the "construction" of a vessel. Their work directly contributes to the creation of the new ferry. Therefore, their employment is classified as maritime employment, ensuring they are covered by the federal LHWCA for any work-related injuries during the shipbuilding process.