Stone v. International Marine Carriers, Inc.

OPINION

RABINOWITZ, Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

This appeal requires us to determine whether the Suits in Admiralty Act (SAA), 46 U.S.C. §§ 741-52, or the Public Vessels Act (PVA), 46 U.S.C. §§ 781-90, precludes an injured seaman’s claims against a private contractor for willful failure to pay maintenance and cure. This appeal also involves the superior court’s rulings on several motions relating to discovery and discovery sanctions.

II. FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Thomas Stone was hired by International Marine Carriers, Inc. (IMC) to work as an able-bodied seaman aboard the U.S.N.S. SEALIFT ANTARCTIC.…