(a) Cause of Action.— 
A seaman injured in the course of employment or, if the seaman dies from the injury, the personal representative of the seaman may elect to bring a civil action at law, with the right of trial by jury, against the employer. Laws of the United States regulating recovery for personal injury to, or death of, a railway employee apply to an action under this section.

(b) Venue.— 
An action under this section shall be brought in the judicial district in which the employer resides or the employers principal office is located.