The course of a young sailor's life is forever changed when, in a moment of weakness, he, along with the ship's crew, abandons his distressed ship and its passengers. Now deserted by his fellow crewmembers, Jim is left to face the consequences of their actions alone, and loses his sailing accreditation and ability to make a living as a result. Through the support of Charles Marlow, a sea captain, Jim is able to re-establish his life, and is eventually offered the redemption he so desperately desires.