What do the terms “maintenance” and “cure” mean?
A crew member is entitled to maintenance and cure when injured or taken ill while in the service of a vessel. This right is broader than under most workers compensation laws in that the injury or illness need not necessarily be work related. It is sufficient if the illness manifests itself during the time that the crew member was in the service of the vessel. For example, a crew member who has appendicitis is entitled to have his medical bills paid until he reaches Maximum Medical Improvement following surgery even though the appendicitis was in no way caused by his work nor was it a condition that is traditionally considered “work related” as in most workers compensation laws. MAINTENANCE is designed to provide the ill or injured crew member with compensation sufficient to pay for food and lodging expenses.
A seaman is entitled to maintenance and cure when injured or taken ill while in the service of a vessel. This right is broader than under most workers compensation schemes in that the injury or illness need not necessarily be work related under the general maritime law. It is sufficient if the illness manifests itself during the time that the seaman was in the service of the vessel. For example, a seaman who has appendicitis is entitled to have both his medical bills and maintenance paid until he reaches Maximum Medical Improvement following surgery even though the appendicitis was in no way caused by his work conditions nor was it a condition that is traditionally considered “work related” under most workers compensation schemes. MAINTENANCE is designed to provide the ill or injured seaman with compensation sufficient to pay for care, including lodging expenses.
