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.