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The maritime industry is booming, and becoming a maritime worker can be a highly-rewarding career choice, with countless opportunities for both professional and personal growth. 

However, it’s not an easy field to simply jump into, and you should be as well-prepared as possible before diving in. 

In this blog, our team of maritime injury attorneys at The Maritime Injury Law Firm willto discuss the various factors you should be sure you consider before becoming a maritime worker.

Where Are Maritime Workers Employed?

The maritime industry is a very wide-reaching industry that encompasses many different sectors of business that are related to shipping, port, offshore, and manufacturing. 

Industry plays a critical role in global trade and the economies of many nations, transporting the vast majority of worldwide goods. 

Individuals entering the maritime industry can find opportunities in areas such as:

  • Cargo shipping
  • Offshore drilling and mining
  • Fishing and aquaculture
  • Shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair
  • Port operations
  • Cruise lines and maritime entertainers

Understandably, these types of jobs can be located in many different places across the U.S., including right here in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

What Training & Qualifications Do Maritime Workers Need?

To become a maritime worker or enter the maritime industry in general, you will often need specific training and qualifications, depending on the job you’re seeking. 

Some of the common requirements for maritime workers include:

  • Maritime training programs: positions like deck officers and engineers will generally require specialized training at a maritime academy or similar training institution.
  • Certificates and licenses: workers may be required to obtain special certifications to operate, such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) or a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
  • Experience: many jobs in the maritime industry are not entry-level jobs, and they will require a level of experience. Others will offer OTJ training.

What happens if I get injured as a maritime worker?

If you’re injured on the job as a maritime worker, that’s where attorneys like our team at The Maritime Injury Law Firm come in.

If you get injured while working at sea, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. This can include payment for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

However, the process for obtaining compensation can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side to help you navigate the legal system. Additionally, there are specific laws and regulations that apply to maritime workers, which is why it is crucial to work with an attorney who understands these laws and how they apply to your situation.

What Maritime Laws & Regulations Protect Maritime Workers?

Maritime workers are protected by various laws and regulations, which include:

  • The Jones Act: The Jones Act gives injured maritime workers the right to sue their employers for negligence.
  • Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act: The LHWCA ensures compensation and medical benefits for workers injured in ship repair or port operations, or who aren’t covered by The Jones Act.

Partner With The Maritime Injury Law Firm For Your Maritime Legal Action

Even though there can be a lot involved with entering the maritime industry, it can be very rewarding work in a highly dynamic and increasingly tech-driven field. Just make sure you understand what laws cover you in the event of injury or illness related to your work since normal workers’ compensation laws just don’t apply in maritime situations. Reach out to The Maritime Injury Law Firm today if you’ve been injured while working to discuss the details of your case.

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