Category:Jones Act

The Jones Act, when used in reference to the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, prohibits the transportation of goods or people between U.S. ports by vessels built outside of the U.S. The Act also requires that these vessels be owned, operated, and manned by U.S. citizens. While the Jones Act has been credited with improving national security and nurturing the domestic commercial shipping market, it has fallen under much criticism for creating uncompetitive markets and high prices.

The Jones Act is a law passed by Congress in the 1920's to protect the rights of injured seamen. People who are injured in work accidents on land are generally protected under the Workers Compensation laws in their state. However, seamen working on U.S. flag vessels have special statutes that protect their rights. Under the Jones Act, a seaman who is injured while working on a U.S. flag vessel may be able to seek compensation from his employer for injuries he suffered while working on the vessel.