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ARTICLE · 02 OCTOBER 2023

The Essential Guide To The Jones Act

K&L Gates
K&L Gates
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One of America's most consequential maritime laws is the Jones Act, a fundamental law that regulates American vessels on domestic voyages.

United StatesTransport
K&L Gates
K&L Gates

INTRODUCTION

One of America's most consequential maritime laws is the Jones Act, a fundamental law that regulates American vessels on domestic voyages. Adopted as Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and now codified in primary part at 46 U.S.C. § 55102,1 the Jones Act was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on 5 June 1920. Pub. L. 66-261. Named for its chief sponsor, Republican Senator Wesley Jones of the state of Washington, the law was enacted a century ago with relatively little fanfare given its far-reaching impact. Its purpose then remains its purpose today: to have for our nation's national defense and commercial needs in times of peace, war, or national emergency the "best equipped, safest and most suitable types of vessels" that are owned and operated by US citizens, crewed by skilled Americans, and built and repaired in the United States.

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