maintenance, cure, and wages
A concept within general maritime law that spells out the duties owed by
the owner of a vessel to the crew. The terms are defined as follows.
- maintenance—The proper rehabilitation and working environment that should
be available to the seaman including but not limited to the provision of lodging
and food over the course of recovery.
- cure—Medical treatment toward recovery, at least as far as medical science
is able to provide. Also termed "maximum medical cure," this obligation is owed
a seaman for accidents as well as sicknesses, such as appendicitis, which generally
do not fall within the provisions of state compensation acts. Medical care is
provided free of charge, or at low cost, in those areas where the public health
service has facilities.
- wages—A sailor's usual wages during illness, but not extending beyond the
end of the voyage. On ships operating year-round, on inland waterways, wages
may not extend beyond: a period of a year, the end of the contract, or the period
of illness, whichever is shortest. For impairment of future earnings, the seaman
must bring suit. See also General maritime
law.
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IWC VII.B,
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