A: In an seaworthiness claim arises when a seaman is injured or killed in the service of the vessel. This is a claim that is brought against the owner of the vessel for the failure of the owner or operator of the vessel to equip the boat properly, man the boat properly, have the proper gear aboard the vessel. If such failure contributes to the injury or death of the seaman, then the operator or owner of the vessel can be responsible for such unseaworthy condition.