Fishing in Alaska is one of the state’s biggest industries but it is open to anyone, which makes regulation for worker’s compensation tricky. Commercial fishermen are explicitly not covered by standard Alaskan statutes. This is why the Fisherman’s Fund was established in 1951. Injuries on the job impact your future and it is vital to get the medical care and compensation needed to get back in the action after an incident.
Commercial fishermen are just as at risk of employment injury as anyone else on the job. If you possess a permit or are commercially-licensed, this fund is designed to assist you. But there are limitations and knowing them now can mean the difference between a smooth process or losing out on necessary help.
If you have been injured in the last year, were treated in the first sixty days of the injury, and the injury occurred on-shore or on Alaskan waters, you qualify for this aid. That last part might be confusing considering how everywhere water is around Alaska. Bordered by the Pacific and Arctic ocean, it is important to note that the term “Alaskan waters” may often refer to its territorial sea which, as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is 12 nautical miles from shore. A rare exception to this is through the Bering Strait where Russian territorial sea borders Alaska’s. Beyond that, it is important to double check whether you are covered on a case-by-case basis.
Whether you are out at sea or on-shore for repairs, your unexpected injuries may be covered. It is best to know your options and resources before you need them.
