Marine Employer’s Liability

Marine-related risks require specialist insurance advice

Accidents happen. Protect your business and your employees.

If your business operates in a marine environment, the insurance requirements can be overwhelming. We’re here to help! MHG’s insurance specialists have provided insurance advice and guidance to businesses in the marine industry for over 30 years. We understand the risks associated with a marine work environment. We will be sure that your business has the right amount of Marine Employer’s Liability coverage while also fulfilling your insurance obligations.

What does Marine Employer’s Liability cover?

Essential coverage for work-related injuries, illnesses, and legal defense.

Marine Employer's Liability, or MEL, is an insurance policy designed for US-based employers with employees covered under the Jones Act rather than the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. When a vessel has left the dock and is navigating under its own power the Jones Act applies and State Act Workers’ Compensation no longer applies. Marine Employer’s Liability covers tortious liability employers whose employees experience work-related injuries, illnesses, or occupational diseases in a marine setting where the Jones Act applies. It covers medical expenses, disability benefits, and lost wages for injured employees. Marine Employer’s Liability also includes coverage for legal costs if the employer is sued or legal action is taken against the employer due to the employee’s injuries.

Marine Employer’s Liability is a critical form of insurance protection as it satisfies the maritime employer’s obligations under the Jones Act rather than the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act to compensate injured seamen for transportation, wages, and maintenance & cure.

Who needs Marine Employer’s Liability?

Crucial coverage which satisfies obligations under The Jones Act.

Marine Employer’s Liability is typically required for employees who are not covered under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act in the US. Coverage can be tailored for all marine trades including:

  • Ship repairers
  • Marina operators
  • Stevedores
  • Terminal operators
  • Boat builders
  • Marine construction contractors

Marine-related risks require specialist insurance advice

Accidents happen. Protect your business and your employees.

If your business operates in a marine environment, the insurance requirements can be overwhelming. We’re here to help! MHG’s insurance specialists have provided insurance advice and guidance to businesses in the marine industry for over 30 years. We understand the risks associated with a marine work environment. We will be sure that your business has the right amount of Marine Employer’s Liability coverage while also fulfilling your insurance obligations.

Marine-related risks require specialist insurance advice
What

What does Marine Employer’s Liability cover?

Essential coverage for work-related injuries, illnesses, and legal defense.

Marine Employer's Liability, or MEL, is an insurance policy designed for US-based employers with employees covered under the Jones Act rather than the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. When a vessel has left the dock and is navigating under its own power the Jones Act applies and State Act Workers’ Compensation no longer applies. Marine Employer’s Liability covers tortious liability employers whose employees experience work-related injuries, illnesses, or occupational diseases in a marine setting where the Jones Act applies. It covers medical expenses, disability benefits, and lost wages for injured employees. Marine Employer’s Liability also includes coverage for legal costs if the employer is sued or legal action is taken against the employer due to the employee’s injuries.

Marine Employer’s Liability is a critical form of insurance protection as it satisfies the maritime employer’s obligations under the Jones Act rather than the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act to compensate injured seamen for transportation, wages, and maintenance & cure.

Who needs Marine Employer’s Liability?

Crucial coverage which satisfies obligations under The Jones Act.

Marine Employer’s Liability is typically required for employees who are not covered under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act in the US. Coverage can be tailored for all marine trades including:

  • Ship repairers
  • Marina operators
  • Stevedores
  • Terminal operators
  • Boat builders
  • Marine construction contractors
Who needs Marine Employer’s Liability?

Marine-related risks require specialist insurance advice

Accidents happen. Protect your business and your employees.

If your business operates in a marine environment, the insurance requirements can be overwhelming. We’re here to help! MHG’s insurance specialists have provided insurance advice and guidance to businesses in the marine industry for over 30 years. We understand the risks associated with a marine work environment. We will be sure that your business has the right amount of Marine Employer’s Liability coverage while also fulfilling your insurance obligations.

Marine-related risks require specialist insurance advice
What

What does Marine Employer’s Liability cover?

Essential coverage for work-related injuries, illnesses, and legal defense.

Marine Employer's Liability, or MEL, is an insurance policy designed for US-based employers with employees covered under the Jones Act rather than the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. When a vessel has left the dock and is navigating under its own power the Jones Act applies and State Act Workers’ Compensation no longer applies. Marine Employer’s Liability covers tortious liability employers whose employees experience work-related injuries, illnesses, or occupational diseases in a marine setting where the Jones Act applies. It covers medical expenses, disability benefits, and lost wages for injured employees. Marine Employer’s Liability also includes coverage for legal costs if the employer is sued or legal action is taken against the employer due to the employee’s injuries.

Marine Employer’s Liability is a critical form of insurance protection as it satisfies the maritime employer’s obligations under the Jones Act rather than the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act to compensate injured seamen for transportation, wages, and maintenance & cure.

Who needs Marine Employer’s Liability?

Crucial coverage which satisfies obligations under The Jones Act.

Marine Employer’s Liability is typically required for employees who are not covered under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act in the US. Coverage can be tailored for all marine trades including:

  • Ship repairers
  • Marina operators
  • Stevedores
  • Terminal operators
  • Boat builders
  • Marine construction contractors
Who needs Marine Employer’s Liability?

Common questions about Marine Employer's Liability insurance.

What is the difference between Marine Employer’s Liability and Worker’s Comp insurance?

The Jones Act and USL&H insurance are both used for those who work on the water, but they have different coverage. The Jones Act is a federal statute that authorizes negligence claims for people injured in maritime employment, and it covers seamen who are currently stationary on a US-flagged vessel. USL&H insurance, on the other hand, is for when a worker is on navigable waters. The USL&H Act provides Workers’ Compensation coverage to land-based maritime employees, while the Jones Act provides tort remedies to sea-based maritime workers.

Is Marine Employer’s Liability insurance mandatory?

Marine Employer’s Liability insurance isn’t required at the state or federal level; however, it still provides valuable coverage and can satisfy other business requirements and obligations.

How much does Marine Employer’s Liability cost?

The cost of a Marine Employer’s Liability policy is determined by the company’s payroll, activities and operations, and claims history.

Can I add additional coverage options or endorsements to my Marine Employer’s Liability policy?

Yes, it’s possible to add additional coverage options and endorsements to a Marine Employer’s Liability policy. Coverage for Third-Party Liability, legal defense, waiver of subrogation, voluntary compensation endorsement, and foreign jurisdiction coverage can be added.

Can I bundle Marine Employer’s Liability insurance with other insurance policies?

Yes! For example, depending on your business needs, it’s possible to bundle Marine Employer’s Liability with Commercial General Liability, Professional Liability, and Commercial Auto.

What is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?

The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act is a federal law in the US that provides a fixed scale of benefits to employees working in a marine environment who are not considered seamen who become sick or injured on the job.

  • Maximum weekly disability and death benefits equal to two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to a maximum of 200 percent of the national average weekly wage

  • Loss of wage-earning capacity of injured workers with certain non-scheduled permanent partial disabilities

  • Elimination of the three-day waiting period if disability exceeds 14 days

  • Weekly allowance payment to those undergoing approved rehabilitation programs

  • Benefits paid to those who are totally and permanently disabled, to a surviving spouse until death or remarriage, and to other eligible survivors who can prove dependency, subject to certain limits

  • Attorneys’ fees for claimants who successfully challenge a denial of benefits

Common questions about Marine Employer's Liability insurance.

What is the difference between Marine Employer’s Liability and Worker’s Comp insurance?

The Jones Act and USL&H insurance are both used for those who work on the water, but they have different coverage. The Jones Act is a federal statute that authorizes negligence claims for people injured in maritime employment, and it covers seamen who are currently stationary on a US-flagged vessel. USL&H insurance, on the other hand, is for when a worker is on navigable waters. The USL&H Act provides Workers’ Compensation coverage to land-based maritime employees, while the Jones Act provides tort remedies to sea-based maritime workers.

Is Marine Employer’s Liability insurance mandatory?

Marine Employer’s Liability insurance isn’t required at the state or federal level; however, it still provides valuable coverage and can satisfy other business requirements and obligations.

How much does Marine Employer’s Liability cost?

The cost of a Marine Employer’s Liability policy is determined by the company’s payroll, activities and operations, and claims history.

Can I add additional coverage options or endorsements to my Marine Employer’s Liability policy?

Yes, it’s possible to add additional coverage options and endorsements to a Marine Employer’s Liability policy. Coverage for Third-Party Liability, legal defense, waiver of subrogation, voluntary compensation endorsement, and foreign jurisdiction coverage can be added.

Can I bundle Marine Employer’s Liability insurance with other insurance policies?

Yes! For example, depending on your business needs, it’s possible to bundle Marine Employer’s Liability with Commercial General Liability, Professional Liability, and Commercial Auto.

What is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?

The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act is a federal law in the US that provides a fixed scale of benefits to employees working in a marine environment who are not considered seamen who become sick or injured on the job.

  • Maximum weekly disability and death benefits equal to two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to a maximum of 200 percent of the national average weekly wage

  • Loss of wage-earning capacity of injured workers with certain non-scheduled permanent partial disabilities

  • Elimination of the three-day waiting period if disability exceeds 14 days

  • Weekly allowance payment to those undergoing approved rehabilitation programs

  • Benefits paid to those who are totally and permanently disabled, to a surviving spouse until death or remarriage, and to other eligible survivors who can prove dependency, subject to certain limits

  • Attorneys’ fees for claimants who successfully challenge a denial of benefits

Too many options?

Our Insurance Specialists can guide you to the best plan for your needs, and your budget.

Contact Us Today!

Too many options?

Our Insurance Specialists can guide you to the best plan for your needs, and your budget.

Contact Us Today!

Too many options?

Our Insurance Specialists can guide you to the best plan for your needs, and your budget.

Contact Us Today!