Who would not receive coverage under the Jones Act?

The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, primarily provides protections and benefits for seamen and maritime workers. It is specifically designed to cover personnel who have a substantial connection to a vessel in navigation and spend a significant amount of their working time on the vessel.

Individuals such as crew members working on a shipping vessel, maritime workers on dock, and commercial fishermen are all engaged in activities that fall within the scope of the Jones Act, making them eligible for its provisions. These roles involve direct participation in maritime work and typically meet the criteria of being considered seamen.

In contrast, tourists on a cruise ship do not have a work-related connection to the vessel. They are passengers enjoying leisure travel, which does not entitle them to the protections provided under the Jones Act. This distinction is crucial, as the Act is intended to safeguard the rights and welfare of those who work in the maritime industry, not those who are simply traveling for recreation. Hence, tourists on a cruise ship are excluded from coverage under the Jones Act.