Merchant Seamen Compensation Act

Eligibility:

The benefits apply to merchant seamen who are injured while their ship is on a "HOMETRADE" or "FOREIGN" voyage, as defined in the terms of the Canada Shipping Act, and who are not eligible to provincial workers' compensation benefits.

Description:

The objective of the Merchant Seamen Compensation Act is to provide compensation benefits for those seamen who are not eligible under any other federal or provincial act.

The Merchant Seamen Compensation Act is administered by the Merchant Seamen Compensation Board whose members are appointed by Order-In- Council. The Board reports to the federal Minister of Labour. The Board hears and decides claims arising under the Act.

Employers are liable to pay benefits awarded by the Board and the administrative expenses relating to its operations. Employers must maintain insurance against the risk of claims and report all accidents to the Board.

An employee who is injured in an accident arising out of and in the course of their employment should notify his/her supervisor as soon as possible. The employer must, within 60 days of the happening of the accident, notify the Merchant Seamen Compensation Board, in writing, of the details of the accident. The Report of Accident and Claim and pertinent medical documentation are received by the Secretary for consideration by the Board. If the claim is approved, the Board directs the employer to pay the benefits as awarded.

Contact:

Secretary, Merchant Seamen Compensation Board
Human Resources and Social Development Canada - Labour
Phase II, Place du Portage, 10th floor
Hull, Quebec
K1A 0J2

Tel.: (819) 953-8001
Fax: (819) 994-5368