It was established in 1936, with the preamble stating: Having decided upon the adoption of certain proposals with regard to the liability of the shipowner in case of sickness, injury or death of seamen,...The convention was ratified by the United States Senate and made effective by proclamation of the President on 29 October 1939, 54 Stat.
In Warren v. United States, 340 U.S. 523 (1951), the Supreme Court considered the application and interpretation of Article 2 of the Convention in a seaman's case against his employer, the United States, in its capacity as owner of the merchant ship S. S. Anna Howard Shaw.
An adjoining room overlooking the ocean had French doors that opened to an unprotected ledge.
Reversing, the Supreme Court noted: "The Convention was a product of the International Labor Organization.
That international system was aimed at providing a reasonable average which could be applied in any country.