USL&H and Jones Act

[keniz138]

What is the name of your state?
Rhode Island

Hello, my company is a 35 employee government contractor specializing in underwater sound analysis & testing and reporting on environmental impact. Many of the company's operations take employees on small vessels in waters off of Japan, Hawaii, Guam as well as various US coastal waters and lakes.

I am having trouble determining if my company is required to carry coverage under the US Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Act and/or the Jones Act.

Thoughts? Thanks!

 

[dhill]

Washington & Virginia

I don't have an answer but I do have a similar question. We are even smaller and usually only send myself of one other to projects in U.S. coastal waters. I want to argue that we are exempt from USL&H requirements because we are directly involved in navigating the vessel and thereby qualify as a member of the crew. This extends Jones Act coverage to us. We do seafloor mapping.

Curious to see what others think.