Regulations are set to take effect this month for a rule under the U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act that excludes most workers who maintain or repair recreational boats and watercraft.
An amendment under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 excluded laborers who repair or dismantle any recreational water vessel from coverage under the Longshore Act, so long as they are covered under a state’s workers comp law. Previously, the Longshore Act only excluded workers who repair recreational watercraft under 65 feet in length.