Late in the year 2000, many of us stood in a downpour on Capitol Hill warning of the problems raining on our country because of runaway-flag shipping.Last month, the runoff from that protest finally drained into a Congressional hearing room. Because of these actions as well as many more involving the SIU and other maritime unions - and the war on terrorism - the light of publicity is finally shining through the dark clouds that have veiled the ugly truth behind flag-of-convenience shipping.
On June 13, the Merchant Marine Panel of the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing about flags of convenience and the risks they pose to United States national security.
The hearing has generated interest far beyond the Capitol. It has gained attention in many parts of the U.S. and overseas, with news reports appearing almost daily from mid-June when the hearing took place.
U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) did an outstanding job in chairing the hearing. Anyone who supports a strong U.S.-flag fleet - for that matter, anyone who's concerned about national security - should join me in thanking the congressman for his firm, fair and intelligent handling of the proceedings, which took nearly a full day. Credit also goes to U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) and the other panel members in attendance for drawing out significant answers from the people who submitted testimony.
U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (D-Va.), the first to testify, immediately set the tone with his convincing accounts of atrocities committed in Liberia - a nation whose cruel dictator benefits from FOC shipping. Later, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Dave Heindel, on behalf of our union and the International Transport Workers' Federation, provided insightful facts about runaway flags and strong recommendations on how to reduce their threat to America's security. Others who testified also delivered valuable information.
Overall, the hearing potentially served as a vital first step toward consistently revealing true ownership throughout the shipping industry. In the meantime, the SIU and the ITF continue to urge Congress to pass a bill permitting the U.S. Coast Guard to deny entry to any foreign-flag ship that fails to accurately provide the identity of its beneficial owner. Given the constant threats being made against the U.S., it seems that's the very least that must be done.
Coast Guard Strength
Speaking of the Coast Guard, the agency already has taken a lot of important actions to improve security aboard the vessels entering and operating in the U.S. and in the ports themselves. As I've said before, it's a gigantic job and it necessarily will take time to fully implement the safeguards. The Coast Guard's efforts to date are commendable.
When faced with such a large task, you obviously need the right tools. And the agency last month took a giant step in the right direction with the announcement of a milestone contract worth more than $11 billion for a fleet of new vessels and aircraft, along with improved "command and control" systems. The ships and planes and other high-tech equipment will help the Coast Guard fulfill its homeland security duties.
The contract's value reflects the magnitude of those responsibilities, and the SIU as always - in our role as part of the nation's fourth arm of defense - will do our part to assist the Coast Guard in this most critical mission.
SIU Job Opportunities
Just as our union is committed to helping the United States meet its sealift and security requirements, we never stop working to obtain good shipboard jobs for the membership. On that front, there is plenty of good news, as reported throughout this issue of the LOG.
After a tumultuous period that followed September 11, the Delta Queen boats are under contract. Seafarers are sailing aboard Intrepid's new Sea Reliance, and more of those ATBs are on the way. A new TOTE ship is due in October, and construction has begun on a second vessel. Matson has ordered two new vessels under construction at Philadelphia's Kvaerner Shipyard. The Government Services Division is crewing up a former Navy ship for the Military Sealift Command. And American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier late last month planned to announce the addition of a fifth U.S.-flag RO/RO to its fleet.
Our future is bright. With the continued strong support of the membership, we will never stop working to ensure that it stays that way.
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