Federal workers compensation law applies to maritime employees who work on or over navigable waters that are in or adjacent to the United States. The Act specifically excludes sailors, seamen, masters, and crews of any ship, vessel, or watercraft because they are eligible for coverage under the Jones Act and the Merchant Marine Act.
The workers subject to these Acts are also not eligible for state workers compensation benefits because they work on or over navigable waters. The USL&HWC fills this gap.