# data[].attributes.headline
NTSB Urges Vessel Owners to Provide Personal Locator Devices for Their Crews

# data[].attributes.subject
NTSB Urges Vessel Owners to Provide Personal Locator Devices for Their Crews

# data[].attributes.body
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urges vessel owners to equip their crews with personal locator devices. Lives can depend on it!

Don't wait for regulations – take action now to ensure the safety of your crew. Equip them with Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) or Satellite Emergency Notification Devices (SENDs) to transmit their location in emergencies.

The experienced team at Latti & Anderson, LLP helps mariners and their families recover the compensation they deserve after they suffer harm caused by owners and operators. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

https://www.lattianderson.com/articles/ntsb-urges-vessel-owners-to-provide-personal-locator-devices-for-their-crews/

#SafetyFirst #NTSBAlert #MaritimeSafety #ProtectOurCrews #TakeActionNow

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Citing numerous instances where the use of personal locator devices could have potentially prevented casualties at sea, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a new safety alert recommending that the owners and operators of vessels equip crew members with personal locator devices.

While the U.S. Coast Guard does not yet require the provision of these devices, the NTSB has been recommending that they do so since 2017. The longstanding government recommendation and ready availability of the technology could suggest that owners and operators who do not supply this equipment might be failing to meet reasonable safety standards and therefore liable for injuries that result.

How Personal Locator Devices Work

A personal locator device transmits a signal that can be used to pinpoint the location of a mariner in the water so that rescue crews can reach them quickly. Two of the most common types of personal locator devices are personal locator beacons (PLBs) and satellite emergency notification devices (SENDs.) Many of these devices transmit a signal that is picked up by the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking system (SARSAT) which is a cooperative system involving over 40 countries who work together to monitor emergency signals. Some devices transmit to a commercial satellite system in a low earth orbit. There are also personal locator devices that transmit on terrestrial frequencies.

A traditional PLB transmits a one-way distress signal calling for help with no details and no potential for two-way communication. SEND devices may send one-way signals or allow for two-way satellite transmissions.

These devices are designed to transmit the location of an individual needing assistance, as opposed to the location of a vessel in distress. Laws require many commercial vessels to carry emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), but these devices do not help to locate mariners in the water who may have drifted away from the vessel. The NTSB found that commonly available devices report an individual's position with an accuracy range of about 300 feet and that the search and rescue notification is nearly instant when the device is activated.

Situations Where Personal Locator Devices Could Have or Did Make a Difference

Investigations by the NTSB revealed that in situations where crewmembers were forced to abandon a vessel without a way to effectively communicate their locations to search and rescue operations, PLBs or other personal locator devices could have or did make a significant difference in the success of rescue efforts.

In the safety alert, the NTSB described four instances where personal locator devices could have prevented casualties and two situations where the use of personal safety locator devices helped rescuers reach crew members in time to save them. One such incident was the capsizing of the fishing vessel Scandies Rose in 2019. The vessel's EPIRB signal could not be received and due to miscommunication about the vessel's location, when rescuers were sent out, many went to the wrong area. The crewmembers were forced to abandon the vessel and enter the water and no crewmembers had means of communicating. Only two of the seven crewmembers were eventually rescued. The NTSB concluded that if the crew had personal locator devices providing updated and correct location information, search and rescue operations would have been much more effective.

They contrast these and other tragic deaths at sea with situations such as a sinking of the fishing vessel Ambition in 2016. In that case, the Coast Guard did not receive the captain's Mayday call. However, a crewmember used a SEND that triggered a quick response from the commercial response coordination center. All crewmembers were rescued safely.

Recommendations from the NTSB

The NTSB recommends that all owners and operators of vessels supplement their EPIRBs by equipping each crewmember with a personal locator device such as a PLB or SEND. Each device must be registered through either the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the private network associated with the manufacturer, depending on the type of device.

Owners and operators are urged to ensure that crewmembers carry these devices by having them zipped into a pocket, attached to a belt, or attached to a personal floatation device. In addition, vessel operators should help crewmembers understand how the devices work and the limitations of the devices.

Help When Vessel Owners and Operators Fail to Take the Right Safety Precautions

The safety recommendations of the NTSB cause responsible owners and operators of commercial vessels to take the right steps to ensure the safety of crew and passengers. Owners and operators who put profits ahead of safety often ignore the recommendations despite the fact that the recommendations could prevent injuries and save lives of the mariners.

Over the years, Latti & Anderson LLP has many represented many families who have lost loved ones when a vessel sinks and the USCG is unable to locate the crew members in the water. If a personal locator device such as a PLB or SEND was required on the vessels, lives might have been saved. The recent NTSB's safety alert is a step in the right direction of protecting the mariner's life out at sea. Hopefully, owners and operators will start providing personal locator devices for crew members.

The experienced team at Latti & Anderson, LLP helps mariners and their families recover the compensation they deserve after they suffer harm caused by owners and operators. If you have an incident you'd like to discuss, contact us for a free confidential case evaluation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NTSB Urges Vessel Owners to Provide Personal Locator Devices for Their Crews - Maritime Attorneys for Injuries at Sea

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Citing numerous instances where the use of personal locator devices could have potentially prevented casualties at sea, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a new safety alert recommending that the owners and operators of vessels equip crew members with personal locator devices. While the U.S.

# data[].attributes.headline
[Blog post]: What Is a Claim and Answer For Petition For Limitation Of Liability? - Ad posted 05/09/2024

# data[].attributes.subject
[Blog post]: What Is a Claim and Answer For Petition For Limitation Of Liability? - Ad posted 05/09/2024

# data[].attributes.body
Important Alert for Maritime Accident Victims

Received a Petition for Limitation of Liability after a water-related accident?

This legal notice aims to limit your compensation based on the vessel's value, not the full extent of your injuries or insurance coverage.

What You Need to Do:

Act Fast: Deadlines to challenge the petition are strict.

Seek Legal Advice: Contact an experienced maritime attorney to file a proper response.

Protect Your Rights: Filing your claim by the deadline is crucial to avoid losing your right to further compensation.

At Latti & Anderson LLP, we've successfully combated these petitions for over 60 years, helping countless victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Contact Us if you've received such a notice or need more information on how to respond.

Call Us: (800) 392-6072

Text Us: (617) 797-2203

#MaritimeLaw #LegalHelp #LattiAndersonLLP

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Is a Claim and Answer For Petition For Limitation Of Liability? - Maritime Attorneys for Injuries at Sea

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you’ve been injured in an accident on the water, whether in a collision between two vessels, an allision where one vessel hits a stationary object, or any injury while you’re a passenger on a boat, you might receive a certified letter in the mail that a Petition for Limitation of Liability has been filed.…

# data[].attributes.headline
Leaders of the Law: Top #1 Settlement in Massachusetts for 2023

# data[].attributes.subject
Leaders of the Law: Top #1 Settlement in Massachusetts for 2023

# data[].attributes.body
We are grateful to announce that Latti & Anderson, LLP has been recognized as Leaders of the Law in Massachusetts.

It is a honor to be named the #1 Top Settlement Firm in Massachusetts for 2023. Our commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients remains unwavering.

Thank you to everyone who has placed their trust in us.

https://www.lattianderson.com

#MaritimeLaw #LegalHelp #LattiAndersonLLP

# data[].attributes.headline
[Post - MARCH] Injured in a Fishing Accident?

# data[].attributes.subject
[Post - MARCH] Injured in a Fishing Accident?

# data[].attributes.body
If you’ve been hurt while working on any type of fishing vessel, from draggers to lobster boats, our experienced attorneys are here to help. 🛥️

Whether it's equipment failure, safety lapses, or employer negligence, you shouldn't pay the price for someone else’s mistake.

We fight for lost wages, pain and suffering, and all the compensation you deserve.

Contact us for a consultation:

📞 (800) 392-6072
🌐 www.lattianderson.com/maritime-accidents/fishing-accidents

#fishingaccident #maritimeinjury #jonesact #fishinglawyer #safetyfirst #boataccidents #legalhelp #personalinjury

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
01.22.25 - Latti Associates - Injured in a  Fishing Accident

# data[].attributes.headline
[Reel Post - MARCH] What are the Most Common Cargo Ship Accident Injuries?

# data[].attributes.subject
[Reel Post - MARCH] What are the Most Common Cargo Ship Accident Injuries?

# data[].attributes.body
Cargo ships pose unique dangers, especially when safety protocols are neglected. Here are some of the most common injuries caused by sliding cargo and poor ship maintenance:

🔹 Spinal cord injuries (fractured vertebrae, paralysis)
🔹 Traumatic brain injuries 🧠
🔹 Amputations 🦾
🔹 Broken bones 🦴
🔹 Muscle & nerve damage 💪

🔹 Burn injuries 🔥
🔹 Wrongful death 💔

These injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities and prevent you from returning to work, we can help ⚖️

📞 (800) 392-6072
🌐 https://www.lattianderson.com/maritime-accidents/cargo-ship-accidents

#cargoshipaccidents #injuryprevention #spinalcordinjury #traumaticbraininjury #maritimelaw #jonesact #seafarersafety #shipaccidents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
01.22.25 - Latti Associates - What are the Most Common Cargo Ship Accident Injuries

# data[].attributes.headline
[Blog Post - MARCH] Trial Report Forms: Lisfranc Fracture Foot

# data[].attributes.subject
[Blog Post - MARCH] Trial Report Forms: Lisfranc Fracture Foot

# data[].attributes.body
Despite claims that a fishing vessel crew member was at fault for his own injuries, the team at Latti & Anderson secured a $1,751,450 settlement. The crew member sustained permanent foot injuries in an accident at the stern of the vessel.

In accident cases, proving negligence can be tricky, so it's crucial to act fast and gather solid evidence to make sure you're fairly compensated. Our team’s knowledge and thorough investigation helped secure a substantial settlement, even when liability wasn’t immediately clear.

👉 Want to learn more about how we win tough cases? Check out our blog:

https://www.lattianderson.com/offshore-accidents/trial-report-forms-lisfranc-fracture-foot

#fishingaccident #personalinjury #accidentlawyer #settlementwin #negligence #compensation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Trial Report Forms: Lisfranc Fracture Foot - Maritime Attorneys for Injuries at Sea

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Despite attempts to prove that the crew member of a fishing vessel was responsible for his own injuries because he had been standing in a dangerous area, the team at Latti & Anderson prevailed in negotiations. It succeeded in obtaining a settlement of $1,751,450. The crew member suffered permanent injuries to his foot due to…

# data[].attributes.headline
[Blog Post - MARCH] The Value of Pain and Suffering: Latti & Anderson Secures $1.1 Million Settlement After Air Horn Blast Causes Ear Damage to Crew Member

# data[].attributes.subject
[Blog Post - MARCH] The Value of Pain and Suffering: Latti & Anderson Secures $1.1 Million Settlement After Air Horn Blast Causes Ear Damage to Crew Member

# data[].attributes.body
When injuries leave no visible scars, the damage can still be profound. A crew member on a Caribbean schooner suffered permanent ear damage from an air horn blast.

Thanks to Latti & Anderson, she secured a $1.1 million settlement for the pain and suffering caused by this hidden injury. Even without disability, we proved she deserved compensation for the emotional and mental toll of her permanent condition.

👉 Read our blog and learn more about how we fight for justice, even when the harm isn’t visible. 💼⚖️

https://www.lattianderson.com/cruise-ship-accidents/the-value-of-pain-and-suffering

#personalinjury #settlement #justice #maritimeinjury

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Value of Pain and Suffering: Latti & Anderson Secures $1.1 Million Settlement After Air Horn Blast Causes Ear Damage to Crew Member - Maritime Attorneys for Injuries at Sea

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sometimes, life-changing injuries leave visible scars or obvious indications that the victim’s body has been damaged. But other times, the signs of irreparable harm can’t be seen at all. That was the case for an injured crew member who suffered permanent damage to her ears while working on a passenger schooner in the Caribbean. The…