In this episode of Alongside, the podcast from NorthStandard for the shipping industry, host Kait Borsay explores the Jones Act, a fundamental U.S. law regulating maritime commerce. With guests Emma Jones, Senior Associate at Blank Rome LLP, and Gina Venezia, President and Head of Commercial Americas for NorthStandard, the discussion delves into the cabotage laws enforced by the Act and its personal injury provisions unique to the U.S. maritime context. They examine the Act's historical roots, modern impacts on the shipping industry, including offshore activities, enforcement mechanisms by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the stringent penalties for violations. The episode provides valuable insights into how the Jones Act affects merchandise transportation, injury remedies for seamen, and the evolving challenges within maritime law.

00:13 Understanding the Jones Act

00:42 Key Issues and Implications

02:19 Detailed Discussion on Cabotage

02:59 Offshore Activities and the Jones Act

05:47 Waivers and Exceptions

07:21 Enforcement and Penalties

09:19 Challenges for Shipping Companies

13:22 Offshore Activities and Foreign Vessels

17:28 Jones Act and Injury Remedies

21:50 General Maritime Law and Additional Remedies

This episode of Alongside is an edited version of a longer conversation featuring Emma Jones and Gina Venezia. Therefore some answers are less detailed than they were originally.