Does the Jones Act apply in Georgia?

No — it is an American statute; in Georgia a crew injury claim rests on Articles 339 and 350 of the Maritime Code.

Can the shipowner limit his liability towards the crew?

No — such claims are not subject to the limitation of liability.

In what order is the crew's injury satisfied?

First, before all other claims, including pledge-secured ones; after full satisfaction, social insurance claims follow in the same rank.

Where does a seafarer's claim begin?

From the labour legislation, the Law on Seafarers' Labour, the disciplinary charter and the employment contract — exactly as determined by Article 62 of the Code.

Jones Act Claims in Georgia

Jones Act Claims and Their Georgian Counterpart

In the United States, lawsuits by seafarers injured in navigation are known by the name of the Jones Act — an institution of American legislation governing the shipowner's liability for injury to a crew member. No law of that name exists in Georgia, but the same function is performed by three norms of the Maritime Code of Georgia: Article 62, which determines the foundations of the seafarer's employment relationship; Article 339, which removes crew injury claims from the shipowner's limitation of liability; and Article 350, which places those claims ahead of all others — first in the queue. This page explains how the mechanism works under the Georgian Code and how an injured seafarer can enforce these rights.