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Simple English definitions for legal terms
merchant seaman
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A quick definition of merchant seaman:
A merchant seaman is a person who works on a ship and helps it do its job. They are not the boss of the ship, but they are important members of the crew. If a merchant seaman gets hurt while working on the ship, they can get help from the law to make sure they are taken care of. There are different types of merchant seamen, like the able-bodied seaman who is really good at their job, and the ordinary seaman who is still learning.
A more thorough explanation:
A merchant seaman is a person who works on a private ship and helps it function properly. They are not officers, but they contribute to the ship's mission. This includes tasks like operating machinery, loading and unloading cargo, and maintaining the ship.
Merchant seamen are protected by laws like the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These laws provide compensation for injuries that occur while working on a ship.
Examples of merchant seamen include sailors on cargo ships, oil tankers, and cruise ships. They are not the same as military or public service seamen.
For example, a sailor who works on a cargo ship and helps load and unload cargo is a merchant seaman. They are not officers, but they are essential to the ship's operation.