The North American Maritime Ministry Association has issued the following news release:SECRETARY OF LABOR CHAO EXPECTED TO KEYNOTE
NAMMA’S NATIONAL MARITIME FORUM:
CREWING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
May 8, 2007—Identifying and discussing issues surrounding “Crewing in the 21st Century” will be the focus of an important maritime industry forum being held on Monday, May 21st at The University Club of Washington DC. Sponsored by the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA), the forum expects Secretary of Labor Chao to begin the conference with her views on changes in the labor supply to meet current demand. Other key industry leaders, and government and education/training officials, will examine areas of challenge in today’s ship personnel arena.
“It is important that the pressures of crewing supply and demand be examined so that all parties are heard,” stated Dr. Clay Maitland, who will be chairing the Forum. “At a time when the maritime industry is experiencing a massive expansion in the number and complexity of merchant ships, increasing environmental regulation and profound technological change, it is imperative that recruitment and education of seafarers stay ahead of demand.”
Joining Secretary Chao will be MARAD Administrator Sean Connaughton, Joe Cox of the Chamber of Shipping of America, “Augie” Tellez of the Seafarers International Union, Vice Admiral John W. Craine Jr. of SUNY Maritime College, Jeanne Grasso of Blank Rome LLP and the Reverend James Von Dreele, Vice President of NAMMA.
The Forum will be held at The University Club of Washington DC (1135 16th St. NW) at 3:00PM. Sponsors of the event include American Maritime Officers, Blank Rome, Chamber of Shipping of America, Dr. Clay Maitland, Masters Mates & Pilots, MEBA, and the Seafarers International Union. The Forum will conclude with a reception at The University Club.
This marks the third annual “Securing Seafarer Welfare” forum held by NAMMA. It is part of National Maritime Day observances which will continue on May 22nd with MARAD’s service at the FDR Memorial at 1000 featuring Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters. The Propeller Club/Kings Point Alumni lunch follows at the Navy Yard beginning at 1145, with the MSC Wreath-laying ceremony to follow at 1400hrs.
Seating at the Forum is limited and must be reserved. To attend the Forum, please contact Rose Lambert at 203 255 4686 or rosebudsalmon@msn.com.
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