If you become sick or injured while working aboard a ship you have the right to expect to be treated free, and get help to recover until you can receive additional medical care. This right originates from a 1920 law known as the Jones Act. Another rule is the "obligation of maintenance." It allows you to be provided with everything you need to survive until you reach land. As passengers, you are entitled to a version of this law that applies the same set of rules and principles. Maritime injury claims can be filed with the applicable state and federal officials, as well as, various maritime lawyers.