It goes without saying that the Seafarers International Union is deeply concerned about the mariners aboard the Maersk Alabama. Our thoughts and prayers are with the crew members, officers and their families.SIU officials are in virtually constant contact with the proper U.S. entities to stay on top of the situation and hopefully help bring it to a safe, satisfactory conclusion.
A toll-free phone number is being established for family members of the SIU crew and officers currently aboard the ship. Family members will be contacted as soon as possible with that number, the “Maersk Alabama Assistance Line.” Updated details and other forms of help will be available through that phone number.
The SIU represents 12 of the mariners aboard the vessel, which is enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and is carrying humanitarian aid cargo to Africa. Some of the officers are represented by the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), while the rest are represented by the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P).
The SIU members aboard the Maersk Alabama have undergone safety training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which is located in Piney Point, Md.
Among the school’s course offerings are an anti-terrorism briefing that is given to every student; security awareness; vessel security officer; basic and advanced fire fighting; chemical, biological and radiological defense; vessel familiarization; small-arms training; damage control, and dozens more classes.
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