{"id":18150,"date":"2021-04-07T10:54:39","date_gmt":"2021-04-07T14:54:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=18150"},"modified":"2025-09-10T15:47:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T19:47:42","slug":"merchant-marines","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/veterans\/navy\/ships\/merchant-marines\/","title":{"rendered":"Merchant Marines"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Did the Military Use Asbestos on Merchant Marine Ships?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-23204 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/merchant-marines-300x156.png\" alt=\"Merchant marine ship\" width=\"300\" height=\"156\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/merchant-marines-300x156.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/merchant-marines.png 670w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Yes<\/strong>, a wide range of asbestos products were used to build merchant marine ships, as well as most U.S. military vessels.<\/p>\n<p>Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber-like mineral that resists fire and water corrosion. Because of these qualities, it was heavily used in shipbuilding from the 1930s to the early 1980s.<\/p>\n<p>However, when asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed, they can lead cause diseases like <strong><a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a>, lung cancer, and asbestosis 10-50 years later.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/veterans\/\">U.S. veterans with mesothelioma<\/a> from asbestos on merchant marine ships can pursue benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), legal compensation, and treatment from top cancer doctors.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more in our <strong>Free Veterans Compensation Guide.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s1\"><div data-vqueid=\"18414\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default-alt image-left has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default-alt\">.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{background:#100134;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade{position:relative}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade img{position:relative;z-index:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade:after{content:\"\";background:#100134;background:linear-gradient(0deg, #100134 0%, rgba(16,1,52,0) 100%);filter:progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.gradient(startColorstr=\"#100134\",endColorstr=\"#100134\",GradientType=1);position:absolute;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;height:50px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0px;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div img{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:auto}}<\/style><a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\" title=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"236\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma veteran support guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png 236w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad-55x55.png 55w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"subheading\">Free Downloadable Guide<\/strong><strong class=\"heading\">Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>File for VA benefits<\/li>\n<li>Increase your disability rating<\/li>\n<li>Receive legal compensation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"list-show-more\">\n<h2>List of Merchant Marine Ships That Used Asbestos<\/h2>\n<p>Merchant marine ships included tankers, hospital ships, and other vessels that provided supplies to soldiers in times of war.<\/p>\n<p>The heavy use of asbestos on merchant marine ships built before the early 1980s kept these vessels solid and seaworthy, but it also posed a risk to those who lived and worked onboard.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The following U.S. merchant marine ships contained asbestos:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>S.S. Alcoa Cavalier<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Bay State<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Berkeley Victory<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Blue Grass State<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Borinquen<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Buckeye State<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Burco Trader<\/li>\n<li>S.S. C.H.M. Jones<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Cilco Logger<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Del Mar<\/li>\n<li>S.S. E.J. Block<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Elizabeth W. Moran<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Empire State<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Evergreen State<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Excalibur<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Gopher State<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Keystone State<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Little Butte<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Lurline (Matson Line)<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Mobilube<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Mormacdove<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Mormacsea<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Morris Hillquit<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Oakey L. Alexander (formerly the S.S. Laconia Victory)<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Oriente<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Pacific Victory<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Pan Massachusetts<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Pine Tree State<\/li>\n<li>S.S. President Cleveland<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Robin Gray<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Samuel Chase<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Sheldon Clark<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Simon Benson<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Socony 10<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Spencer Kellogg<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Steel Traveler<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Stonewall Jackson<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Thomas H. Barry<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Thomas Lynch<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Thomas Nelson<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Tydol Bayonne<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Uruguay<\/li>\n<li>S.S. William Hooper<\/li>\n<li>S.S. William J. Bryan<\/li>\n<li>S.S. William Mulholland<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Wilson B. Keene<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><button class=\"show-more-btn\">Show More<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In addition to the 46 merchant marine ships above, almost all <a href=\"\/veterans\/navy\/ships\/\">U.S. Navy ships<\/a> constructed during this time relied on asbestos products. <strong>See if a Navy ship you served on contained asbestos using our free search tool below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"information-search-box navy-ships-search\"><div class=\"information-search-inner\"><strong class=\"h2\" role=\"heading\">Find Out If Your Navy Ship Had Asbestos<\/strong><input id=\"navyShipSearchFilter\" type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search name of ship\" \/><\/div><div class=\"information-search-results\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-5\"><\/div><div class=\"col-7\"><ul><li class=\"navy-ships-search-name\"><\/li><li><strong>Type of Ship:<\/strong> <span class=\"navy-ships-search-type\"><\/span><\/li><li><strong>Asbestos Used:<\/strong> Yes<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"information-search-cta\"><div class=\"inner\"><p>Learn more about asbestos on Navy ships in our Free Veterans Guide.<\/p><a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\" class=\"button yellow arrow cte\" data-ce-category=\"Navy Ship Database Search\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free Guide (Navy Ships Button)\">Get Your Free Guide<\/a> <span>or call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.autocomplete-suggestions{background:#F6F6F6;border:1px solid #BDBDBD;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 10px 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);font-size:16px;overflow-y:scroll;padding:5px 15px;max-height:144px !important}.autocomplete-suggestions .autocomplete-suggestion{border-bottom:1px solid #D4D4D4;color:#166DF7;cursor:pointer;padding:10px 0px}.autocomplete-suggestions .autocomplete-suggestion 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li:last-child:after{font-family:\"mesohope\";color:#099C57;content:\"\\e935\";display:inline-block;margin-left:5px;position:relative;top:2px;font-weight:700}.information-search-results.hide-main-info>.row{display:none}.information-search-results.hide-main-info .information-search-cta>.inner{display:none}.information-search-cta{padding:0 5px 10px}.information-search-cta .inner{text-align:center}.information-search-cta .inner .h2{color:#100134;display:block;font-size:16px;margin-bottom:15px}.information-search-cta .inner .button{font-size:16px;margin:0 auto}.information-search-cta .inner span{display:block;margin-top:15px;font-size:21px}.information-search-cta .inner span a{color:inherit;font-weight:700}.information-search-cta .inner .row{margin-bottom:20px}.information-search-cta .inner .row>div{margin:0}@media screen and (min-width: 450px){.information-search-inner{padding-left:100px}.information-search-inner:before{width:80px;height:80px;font-size:48px;line-height:80px}.information-search-inner strong.h2{font-size:19px;padding-left:0;min-height:unset}.information-search-inner:after{left:113px}.information-search-inner,.information-search-cta .inner .button{font-size:17px}.information-search-inner:hover,.information-search-cta .inner .button:hover{font-size:17px}.information-search-cta .inner .h2{font-size:19px}}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.autocomplete-suggestions{max-height:237px !important}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.information-search-box{padding:30px}.information-search-inner{font-size:17px;padding-left:110px}.information-search-inner:after{left:121px}.information-search-cta .inner span{display:inline-block;margin-left:20px}.information-search-results{margin:30px -24px -24px;padding:25px}.sidebar .information-search-results{padding:20px}}.navy-ships-search .information-search-results{margin:20px 0 0;padding:10px}.navy-ships-search .information-search-results .information-search-cta p{font-size:16px}.information-search-results ul li:before{display:none}.information-search-results ul li.navy-ships-search-name{color:#222222;display:block;font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:7px}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.navy-ships-search .information-search-results{padding:30px 15px}.navy-ships-search .information-search-results .information-search-cta p{font-size:18px; padding: 0 20px;}.navy-ships-search .information-search-results .row>div{float:left}.navy-ships-search .information-search-results .row .col-5{padding:0 15px;width:41.455%}.navy-ships-search .information-search-results .row .col-7{width:57.33%;padding:0 15px}.navy-ships-search .information-search-results ul li.navy-ships-search-name{font-size:24px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.information-search-results ul li.navy-ships-search-name{font-size:24px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h2>Merchant Marines and Asbestos Exposure: Who Was at Risk?<\/h2>\n<p>Anyone who spent time on merchant marine vessels was at risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers could become airborne as asbestos-based products were installed, repaired, or maintained.<\/p>\n<p>However, merchant marine seamen and <a href=\"\/veterans\/navy\/\">U.S. Navy veterans<\/a> who performed certain tasks as part of their duties were especially at risk. These service members likely handled asbestos-based products or worked close to others who did.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Those at a high risk of exposure to asbestos on merchant marine ships included:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class='columns-2'>\n<li>Boiler room operators<\/li>\n<li>Electricians<\/li>\n<li>Engine room workers<\/li>\n<li>Mechanics<\/li>\n<li>Plumbers and pipefitters<\/li>\n<li>Welders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<p>Additionally, <a href=\"\/occupations\/shipyard-workers\/\">shipyard workers<\/a> who built merchant marine ships and U.S. naval ships were at risk of inhaling and swallowing asbestos fibers every day. Shipyards were filled with dust clouds as workers cut, drilled, and disturbed asbestos products.<\/p>\n<p>Call our team at <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> if you or a loved one has mesothelioma after serving on a merchant marine ship. We can help you access VA benefits, legal compensation, and medical treatment if you\u2019re eligible.<\/p>\n<h2>Where Was Asbestos on Merchant Marine Ships?<\/h2>\n<p>Asbestos-containing materials could be found from stem to stern on merchant marine vessels. Areas of ships that needed to be fireproof and well-insulated had the highest concentration of airborne asbestos. These included the engine room, pump room, and damage control room.<\/p>\n<p><strong>These high-risk areas often contained asbestos products like:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Boilers<\/strong>, which often used asbestos insulation and coverings to retain heat<\/li>\n<li><strong>Electrical wiring<\/strong>, which was lined with asbestos to keep it safe in case of a fire<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gaskets<\/strong>, which created a mechanical seal and had many applications<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insulation<\/strong>, which was used for soundproofing<\/li>\n<li><strong>Piping<\/strong> that moved water for various uses<\/li>\n<li><strong>Valves<\/strong> that helped control the movement of water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Merchant marines who worked directly with these products may have breathed in or swallowed asbestos fibers, putting them at risk of developing mesothelioma later in life.<\/p>\n<h2>Compensation for Merchant Marines With Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Merchant mariners and U.S. Navy veterans who developed mesothelioma from asbestos on merchant marine ships <strong>may be eligible for financial compensation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/legal\/compensation\/\">Mesothelioma compensation<\/a> can help veterans afford potentially life-extending treatments and provide for their families.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Compensation options for veterans with mesothelioma include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/legal\/asbestos-trust-funds\/\">Asbestos trust funds<\/a>:<\/strong> Some asbestos companies facing lawsuits related to their products filed for bankruptcy to avoid taking responsibility. However, they were court-ordered to set aside money to pay victims. Today, there\u2019s <strong>more than $30 billion available<\/strong> in these trust funds.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/legal\/lawsuit\/\">Mesothelioma lawsuits<\/a>:<\/strong> These lawsuits award <strong>$1 million or more<\/strong> on average, and most veterans never have to appear in court. Mesothelioma claims are filed against negligent asbestos companies, not the U.S. military or government.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/\">VA benefits<\/a>:<\/strong> Veterans with mesothelioma typically qualify for <strong>$4,158.17\u00a0per month<\/strong> in disability payments, free or low-cost health care from VA mesothelioma specialists, survivor benefits for their loved ones, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You may be entitled to compensation from all three options. Mesothelioma Hope can help you take advantage of these avenues for financial assistance. Learn more by downloading our <strong>Free Veterans Compensation Guide.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"18414\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default-alt image-left has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default-alt\">.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{background:#100134;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade{position:relative}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade img{position:relative;z-index:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade:after{content:\"\";background:#100134;background:linear-gradient(0deg, #100134 0%, rgba(16,1,52,0) 100%);filter:progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.gradient(startColorstr=\"#100134\",endColorstr=\"#100134\",GradientType=1);position:absolute;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;height:50px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0px;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div img{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:auto}}<\/style><a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\" title=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"236\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma veteran support guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png 236w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad-55x55.png 55w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"subheading\">Free Downloadable Guide<\/strong><strong class=\"heading\">Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>File for VA benefits<\/li>\n<li>Increase your disability rating<\/li>\n<li>Receive legal compensation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>How Mesothelioma Hope Can Help Merchant Mariners With Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Those who served on merchant marine ships and later developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses deserve the best possible medical treatment, legal help, and financial assistance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mesothelioma Hope can help you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Apply for VA benefits or increase your current benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis<\/li>\n<li>Find top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers near you<\/li>\n<li>Pursue legal compensation typically worth <strong>over $1 million<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our team of nurses, Patient Advocates, and VA-accredited mesothelioma lawyers are standing by to answer your questions and start your claim for benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> or download our <a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\">Free Veterans Compensation Guide<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">Asbestos on Merchant Marine Ships FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">When did they stop using asbestos on ships?<\/h3><div><p>Asbestos was removed from most U.S. Navy ships in the 1980s through major renovation efforts. This included merchant marine vessels that were still in use.<\/p>\n<p>However, asbestos-containing products were left behind on some vessels if they were sturdy and posed a low risk to human health. As a result, a handful of Navy vessels contain asbestos even today.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is asbestos used for on ships?<\/h3><div><p>Asbestos was used on merchant marine vessels until the early 1980s to help with insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos-containing materials were phased out once the dangers were brought to light in the 1980s.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. Navy ships are no longer built with asbestos-based products. Only a few vessels contain these materials today.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Where is asbestos found on ships?<\/h3><div><p>Asbestos products were used throughout merchant marine and U.S. Navy ships. Boilers, wires, electrical components, and more all relied on the substance.<\/p>\n<p>Even though asbestos-containing products are no longer used to build ships, many veterans are diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma today because of their exposure decades ago.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\">Get our Free Veterans Compensation Guide<\/a> to find out if you can receive benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Were shipyard workers exposed to asbestos?<\/h3><div><p>Those who worked in American shipyards prior to the early 1980s building merchant marine and U.S. Navy ships were more likely than not exposed to asbestos.<\/p>\n<p>This is because the dangers of asbestos were not public knowledge at the time.<\/p>\n<p>Shipyard workers routinely cut and drilled asbestos-containing materials, creating asbestos dust that could be breathed in or swallowed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can you sue the Navy for asbestos-related diseases?<\/h3><div><p>You\u00a0cannot sue the U.S. Navy for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases from asbestos on merchant marine ships or naval vessels.<\/p>\n<p>However, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the companies responsible for making you sick.<\/p>\n<p>Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed against negligent asbestos companies that knew of the health risks related to their products but failed to warn the general public.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"\/legal\/mesothelioma-law-firm\/\">mesothelioma law firm<\/a> can help eligible veterans take legal action and pursue compensation for their injuries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"6\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can you get VA benefits for asbestos exposure on merchant marine ships?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Yes<\/strong>, veterans who developed mesothelioma or a related illness from asbestos on merchant marine ships may qualify for VA benefits.<\/p>\n<p>To do so, you must file a VA claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.<\/p>\n<p>Our team can help you file for VA benefits or increase the amount you already receive if you\u2019re eligible. <strong>Call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> right now<\/strong> to get started.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"When did they stop using asbestos on ships?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Asbestos was removed from most U.S. Navy ships in the 1980s through major renovation efforts. This included merchant marine vessels that were still in use.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;However, asbestos-containing products were left behind on some vessels if they were sturdy and posed a low risk to human health. As a result, a handful of Navy vessels contain asbestos even today.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What is asbestos used for on ships?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Asbestos was used on merchant marine vessels until the early 1980s to help with insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos-containing materials were phased out once the dangers were brought to light in the 1980s.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;U.S. Navy ships are no longer built with asbestos-based products. 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Boilers, wires, electrical components, and more all relied on the substance.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Even though asbestos-containing products are no longer used to build ships, many veterans are diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma today because of their exposure decades ago.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Get our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to find out if you can receive benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Were shipyard workers exposed to asbestos?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Those who worked in American shipyards prior to the early 1980s building merchant marine and U.S. Navy ships were more likely than not exposed to asbestos.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;This is because the dangers of asbestos were not public knowledge at the time.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Shipyard workers routinely cut and drilled asbestos-containing materials, creating asbestos dust that could be breathed in or swallowed.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Can you sue the Navy for asbestos-related diseases?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;You\u00a0cannot sue the U.S. Navy for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases from asbestos on merchant marine ships or naval vessels.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;However, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the companies responsible for making you sick.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed against negligent asbestos companies that knew of the health risks related to their products but failed to warn the general public.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;A mesothelioma law firm can help eligible veterans take legal action and pursue compensation for their injuries.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Can you get VA benefits for asbestos exposure on merchant marine ships?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Yes&lt;\/strong&gt;, veterans who developed mesothelioma or a related illness from asbestos on merchant marine ships may qualify for VA benefits.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;To do so, you must file a VA claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Our team can help you file for VA benefits or increase the amount you already receive if you\u2019re eligible. &lt;strong&gt;Call (866) 608-8933 right now&lt;\/strong&gt; to get started.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}}]}<\/script><style type=\"text\/css\">.faq-wrap{background:#E4F4F6;padding:20px 15px;margin:40px -15px}.faq-wrap:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq{background:#fff;padding:15px;border-radius:10px;box-shadow:0px 20px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.03);margin:15px 0 0 0}.faq-wrap .faq:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap .faq .faq-heading{color:#100134;font-size:21px;margin-bottom:15px}.faq-wrap .faq p{margin-bottom:20px;line-height:1.5}.faq-wrap .faq p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more{color:#248AFF;display:block;padding-right:17px;text-align:right;position:relative;line-height:1}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited{color:#248AFF}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited:hover,.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:hover{color:#34d}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:after{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e905\";position:absolute;right:0;top:3px}h2.faq-wrap-heading{margin-bottom:25px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.faq-wrap{padding:25px 15px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.faq-wrap{border-radius:10px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding:25px}.faq-wrap .faq{padding:25px}.faq-heading{font-size:24px}}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did the Military Use Asbestos on Merchant Marine Ships? Yes, a wide range of asbestos products were used to build merchant marine ships, as well as most U.S. military vessels. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber-like mineral that resists fire and water corrosion. Because of these qualities, it was heavily used in shipbuilding from the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":0,"parent":906,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-18150","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18150","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18150"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18150\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/906"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18150"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}