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Maritime AccidentsWhat are maritime accidents? Maritime accidents are incidents connected with shipping or navigation that cause damage or injury. This can include accidents that occur: · During recreational boating · On large commercial vessels · On an offshore structure, such as a drilling platform · On docks, wharves, or piers · In a shipyard What are the different types of maritime accidents? Accidents on large vessels typically involve fires, explosions, a land or reef collision, or a collision with another vessel. These accidents have the potential to cause damage to one or more vessels (or other property) or the environment. In addition, persons aboard or on land can sustain injury or die, or simply disappear. Accidents that occur on shipping vessels or other free-floating structures may be subject to the Jones Act. This law benefits seamen, giving them a means of filing suit against the owner of the vessel should injury occur as a result of negligence. A key point of maritime law is whether or not the Jones Act applies; if not, the seamen may have to resort to other legal recourse such as worker’s compensation. Some of the highest profile accidents in nautical history have occurred within the oil industry. Fortunately, there have only been a few major spills from oil tankers, although each one was responsible for incredible damage to the environment. More common than tanker spills – but usually less severe – are drilling accidents. These almost always occur due to blowouts of liquid or gases when drillers unexpectedly strike areas of increased pressure. Accidents in recreational boating may involve collision, capsizing, flooding, sinking, explosion, fire, electrocution, or mishaps during activities such as waterskiing. These accidents, though typically of a much smaller scale than shipping accidents, can result in the same tragedy. Those who manufacture and repair ships face a wholly different set of hazards. Welding, electrical work, and handling large steel fixtures are just some of the tasks that make working in a shipyard one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Rates of injury in the early nineties reached almost four times that of the general population and over three times that of the manufacturing sector as a whole. The most frequent injuries were to the eyes, back, and knees. |
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