Port Fourchon offshore seamen: Jones Act claims for AFFF exposure at sea

The AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) contains synthetic chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to suppress fuel fires aboard deepwater vessels. These chemicals are known as "forever chemicals" since they persist for years in the environment and in the body. Workers exposed to PFAS products are associated with a higher risk of cancer, immune system effects, and metabolic changes, according to the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Offshore supply vessel crews are exposed to PFAS in several ways. Deckhands, engineers, and mates are exposed to AFFF when maintaining and testing fire extinguishing systems on ships. In emergency response drills, AFFF equipment is handled directly, and fuel transfer operations involve firefighting readiness protocols. Contaminated work clothing and protective gear can transfer residue to living quarters on vessels, causing low-level exposure to PFAS.

Port Fourchon's role in offshore vessel operations

More than 400 large supply vessels pass through Port Fourchon's channels daily, supporting approximately 95 percent of the Gulf's deepwater oil production. Over 250 companies provide offshore support services from the port, including vessel operators that employ seamen, deckhands, engineers, and boat crew members. They check in at the Port Fourchon facilities before boarding vessels for extended rotations offshore, but their Jones Act coverage depends on the time they spend working aboard the vessels, not where they are located.

When vessel time qualifies for Jones Act claims

The Jones Act provides compensation rights to seamen who develop illnesses or injuries due to employer negligence during their work aboard vessels. To qualify, workers must spend a substantial portion of their employment on a vessel in navigation. Crew members on offshore supply vessels departing from Port Fourchon typically include deckhands, engineers maintaining crew boat systems, mates operating platform supply vessels, and personnel aboard workboats connecting rigs with platforms.

The Jones Act requires employers to maintain safe working conditions, provide workers with adequate protective equipment, and warn them about occupational hazards. When handling AFFF, employers are required to provide respirators and chemical-resistant gear, implement decontamination procedures after deployment, train crews about PFAS health risks and how to use protective equipment, and replace foams containing PFOS with compliant alternatives as part of the International Maritime Organization's 2026 ban.

Employer liability for PFAS exposure failures

Employers become liable under the Jones Act when they fail to protect seamen from known chemical hazards. A vessel may be negligent if it continues to use PFOS-based foams after regulatory deadlines, if workers handle AFFF without self-contained breathing apparatus or supplied air respirators, if contaminated equipment is stored near crew quarters without proper decontamination, or if employers fail to document foam applications and exposure incidents despite being aware of PFAS health hazards.

PFAS-related illnesses often emerge years or decades after exposure, complicating the connection between workplace conditions and diagnosis. Seamen who develop testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, following offshore rotations may qualify for compensation if medical evidence links their condition to occupational PFAS exposure. The connection between PFAS toxicity and exposure history requires detailed documentation, a medical history showing disease progression, and expert testimony.

ELG Law represents offshore workers with PFAS claims

If you develop cancer after handling AFFF or working around firefighting systems aboard a vessel departing Port Fourchon, you may be eligible to file a Jones Act claim. When employers fail to enforce decontamination protocols, fail to provide adequate breathing protection, or fail to warn crew members of the risks, exposure to PFAS can lead to health problems. We have been representing toxic exposure victims for more than 35 years at Environmental Litigation Group. Contact us today if you are interested in filing a Jones Act claim related to PFAS exposure.