Regulations for amended Longshore Act to take effect this month

WASHINGTON—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.

In a statement last week, the U.S. Department of Labor said final regulations regarding the recreational vessel exclusion will take effect Jan. 30. The new regulations will include an updated definition of "recreational vessel" and standards for determining the effective date of a worker's injury.

The Longshore Act requires compensation and medical care for employees injured on the navigable waters of the United States, or in adjoining areas used in loading, unloading, repairing or building a vessel.