"A Medium in Which I Seek Relief": Manuscripts of American Sailors 1919-1940Main MenuIntroductionPublication IntroductionTranscriptionsThe SailorsBeginning of PathThe ShipsBeginning of PathContext & AnalysisBeginning of PathSources / CitationsBeginning of PathAnnie Tummino3ab49bb2dc491ebce8f162f5757538b6789c8434
Seamen's Act
12020-04-05T13:16:47-07:00Annie Tummino3ab49bb2dc491ebce8f162f5757538b6789c8434331956Noteplain2020-05-05T17:54:08-07:00Annie Tummino3ab49bb2dc491ebce8f162f5757538b6789c8434Thanks to the Seamen's Act, which became law in 1915. The legislation decriminalized desertion, combatted crimping, and formally abolished flogging and other forms of corporal punishment. It also specified workplace and safety improvements, such as limiting working hours and minimal requirements for shipboard diet, sleeping space, and toilet facilities (Fink 94).