⚓ U.S. Merchant Marine Personnel Ranks and Asbestos Exposure Risk
The U.S. Merchant Marine was a backbone of military logistics during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. Merchant vessels were often constructed with large quantities of asbestos in engine rooms, bulkheads, cargo holds, and living quarters. Merchant Mariners frequently worked in confined shipboard environments with little ventilation, making asbestos exposure widespread across nearly every rank and duty.
Enlisted Personnel
🔧 Wiper / Oiler / Fireman
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Performed hands-on maintenance near boilers, pumps, and steam lines wrapped in asbestos insulation.
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Removed or replaced asbestos gaskets and lagging around engine systems without proper respiratory protection.
⚙️ Deckhands / Able Seamen (AB)
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Exposed while performing maintenance on ship decks, including scraping and repainting asbestos-coated surfaces.
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Removed crumbling asbestos tiles and insulation during repair and overhaul operations.
🔌 Electricians
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Rewired asbestos-insulated conduits and accessed electrical boxes lined with asbestos panels.
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Worked near switchboards and breaker compartments with fireproofing insulation containing asbestos fibers.
Petty Officers & Engineers
🛠️ Third, Second, and First Assistant Engineers
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Supervised repairs and overhauls of asbestos-lined propulsion systems and high-pressure valves.
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Frequently worked in engine rooms where airborne asbestos levels were highest.
🚢 Chief Engineer
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Oversaw entire engine department operations and directed crew during maintenance on asbestos-wrapped piping and exhaust stacks.
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Present during drydock refits where asbestos removal was improperly performed or not done at all.
Deck Officers
🧭 Third Mate / Second Mate / First Mate
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Navigated vessels while living and working in quarters built with asbestos ceiling panels, pipe insulation, and tile flooring.
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Managed emergency repairs in communication rooms and control stations often built with asbestos wallboards.
🧑✈️ Captain / Master
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Stationed in wheelhouses and cabins where asbestos materials were used in fireproofing.
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Led crews through ship inspections and drills in spaces containing friable asbestos.
Common Asbestos Exposure Sites on Merchant Ships
| Shipboard Area | Risk Level | Exposure Description |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Room | Very High | Boilers, turbines, valves, pumps—all wrapped in asbestos lagging |
| Crew Quarters | High | Asbestos floor tiles, pipe insulation, and overhead panels |
| Cargo Holds | Moderate | Asbestos brake linings in winches, ventilation ducts, and wiring |
| Navigation & Control | Moderate | Fireproof panels behind consoles, electrical wiring insulation |
| Galley & Mess Areas | Moderate | Asbestos-containing floor tiles, adhesives, and cooking equipment |
Mesothelioma Settlements
| Case Summary | Settlement Amount |
|---|---|
| Veteran diagnosed after replacing boiler insulation on AO vessel | $4.9 million |
| Fuel handler worked around degraded pump gaskets | $4.5 million |
| Pipefitter exposed during overhaul of insulated transfer lines | $4.1 million |
| Sailor slept near asbestos-tiled deck above engine compartment | $3.8 million |
Legal Help for Merchant Marine Veterans
Merchant Mariners exposed to asbestos—even in the 1940s or 1950s—may still qualify for compensation. Most cases are based on diagnosis date, not time of service.
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Over $30 billion available in asbestos trust funds
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Legal claims do not affect VA or MARAD benefits
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Free legal case reviews—no fees unless successful
📞 Call 800.291.0963 for your free legal case review today.