388
Stevens, J., concurring in judgment
ity's concern might have substance. But in this case, the majority's concern—and its test for seaman status—is completely misplaced.
III
In my opinion every member of the crew of a vessel is entitled to the protection of the Jones Act during a voyage on the high seas, even if he was not a part of the crew before the ship left port, and even if he abandoned the ship the moment it arrived at its destination. This view is consistent with every Jones Act case this Court has ever decided, and it is faithful to the statutory purpose to provide special protection to those who must encounter the perils of the sea while earning their livelihood. Whether a sailor voluntarily signs on for a single voyage, as Jim Hawkins did,11 or, like
Billy Budd, is impressed into duty against his will,12 he is
surely a seaman when his ship sails, whatever fate might await him at the end of the voyage.
11 R. Stevenson, Treasure Island (1883).
12 H. Melville, Billy Budd (1924).
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