The long awaited expansion of the exemption for certain recreational marine employees under LONGSHORE might finally be in sight.
The Economic Stimulus bill recently passed by the U.S. House included a provision that would amend Section 2(3)(F) of the LONGSHORE and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (33U.S.C.902(#)(F) by
(1) Striking ", repair, or dismantle"; and
(2) By Striking the semicolon and inserting ", or individuals employed to repair any recreational vessel in connection with the repair of such vessel;"
The amendment, if passed in the Senate, would not limit the length of the recreational vessel being repaired or dismantled but retains the 65 ft limit for boat builders/manufacturers. (See page 129 of the bill) and thus drastically expand the exclusion for employees repairing recreational vessels >65 ft
The full bill can be read at http://www.ligmarine.com/file/HR1.pdf