Page 8: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Sep/Oct 2022)

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LEGAL BEAT THE JONES ACT © daryakomarova/AdobeStock

JONES ACT

CIRCA 1563

A common misconception regarding the U.S. domestic trading restriction known as the “Jones Act” is that it appeared out of nowhere in 1920. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jones Act seeds were planted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1563.

By Charlie Papavizas, Partner, Chair, Maritime Practice, Winston & Strawn LLP ngland’s frst maritime trading law – was known in the American Colonies centuries later. John known as a “navigation act” – is gener- Adams, for example, wrote to Thomas Jefferson in 1785 ally regarded to be a 1381 act adopted urging individual states to adopt similar laws.

by King Richard II, son of Edward the The law also had a mercantile purpose in that it prohib-

Black Prince. The avowed purpose was ited the export of gold and silver. It was determined that “to increase the Navy of England, which such exports would lead to the “Destruction of the same

E is now greatly diminished.” That law Realm, which God prohibit.” 8 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM