Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit June 11, 1986, No. 85-3148 (Smith v. Odom Offshore Surveys, Inc.)

EDITH HOLLAN JONES, Circuit Judge:

The crucial issue in this case is the status of Roger Dale Smith, the original plaintiff, when he was employed by Odom Offshore Surveys, Inc. (Odom). If Smith was “scientific personnel” aboard an “oceanographic research vessel” (ORV), he is precluded from recovering as a seaman under the Jones Act.