What did the 1972 amendment to the Jones Act expand?

The 1972 amendment to the Jones Act expanded the status requirement for protection under the Act. This amendment clarified and broadened the definition of seamen, ensuring that more maritime workers were safeguarded under the provisions of the Jones Act. The intent was to better protect those who work on vessels and are engaged in maritime activities, thus enhancing their rights related to claims for injuries sustained in the course of their employment.

This amendment recognized that various types of maritime workers might not have been adequately covered before, allowing for more individuals to qualify for the protections and benefits afforded by the Act. As a result, it highlighted the importance of ensuring that workers in the maritime sector have access to remedies when injured due to negligence or unsafe conditions on the vessels they serve.

The other options do not reflect the primary focus of the amendment. The definition of vessel operators pertains more to regulatory aspects outside of the amendment's scope, while marine injuries and coverage duration continue to be integral parts of the Act but were not directly changed or expanded by this specific amendment.