The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) earlier this month awarded the operating contract for seven oceanographic survey ships to SIU-contracted Horizon Lines. The vessels covered by the agreement are the USNS Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch, USNS Sumner, USNS Henson, USNS Bruce Heezen, USNS Mary Sears and USNS John McDonnell.The ships currently are operated by Seafarers-contracted Dyn Marine Services. Turnover operations are expected to take place in early October.
In a mid-June letter to ships’ chairmen in the seven-vessel fleet, SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez pointed out that when the ships transfer to the new operating company, unlicensed personnel will have the opportunity to continue their employment aboard the vessels. Tellez also noted that the new contract improves medical benefits (under the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s top level) and increases the Seafarers Vacation Plan benefit. Additionally, starting in the third year of the contract, SIU members will receive Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan benefits of 3 percent of the daily base wage per man, per day.
“To those who opt to continue with Horizon Lines, we expect the company to benefit from the same professionalism and performance you consistently deliver,” Tellez wrote.
According to MSC, oceanographic survey ships “study the world’s oceans using multi-beam, wide-angle, precision hydrographic sonar systems to collect bathymetric data. One coastal survey ship, USNS John McDonnell, surveys the sea bottom and collects data in the littorals areas along coastlines. Information gathered is used to develop accurate maritime charts.”
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