Some of our retired Seafarers recall that during World War II, they had to pass a very strict physical exam in order to qualify for a merchant mariner credential.They had to walk through the door to the doctor’s office. Then, depending on who was giving the exam, they usually had to show evidence of breathing.
An exaggeration? Barely, from what I’ve heard over the years. Despite the loose entry requirements, somehow the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II—including thousands of SIU members—pulled off arguably the most important sealift mission in history. They were all volunteers and they all have my utmost respect, especially the many thousands who made the ultimate sacrifice. When it came to seamanship, they were second-to-none.
From a paperwork standpoint, things are slightly more complicated nowadays, as mariners have to jump through many hoops long before climbing the gangway. It probably won’t become any easier with the TWIC and proposed new physical exam guidelines right on the horizon.
In any case, the SIU continues to push for fair treatment not only for our members but for all mariners as these new regulations and guidelines are formulated. We will maintain those efforts however long it takes, working cooperatively with the rest of maritime labor and with the Department of Homeland Security, including the U.S. Coast Guard, to the greatest possible extent.
The bottom line is that we always have been proponents of strong shipboard security and safety, including appropriate requirements for the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine. But those rules must be reasonable for everyone, from mariners to port workers to ship operators to the people who enforce them.
There’s too much at stake for our government to rush finalizing any regulations or guidelines just for the sake of meeting a deadline. It has to be done right. At the same time, legitimate security enhancements are important for America’s safety, and they should be put into place in timely fashion.
Finding the middle ground in that scenario is a challenge for government and industry alike.
Success in 2006
The SIU met with much success throughout the previous year, a fair amount of which is detailed elsewhere in this edition of the LOG.
We did it in part by sticking with a tried and true formula—one that first and foremost features the world’s safest, best-trained, most reliable unlicensed crews. It’s because of the outstanding work done by you, the rank-and-file Seafarer, that this administration can build on our foundation and continue securing new shipboard jobs and better contracts.
I particularly want to thank and recognize those members who in 2006 sailed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as well as in hurricane relief missions along the Gulf Coast. Also, thanks to those members, including our brothers and sisters in the Government Services Division, who mobilized for humanitarian missions around the world. You all did a great job maintaining the U.S. Merchant Marine’s traditional role as America’s fourth arm of defense.
Of course, as Seafarers know well, political action also remains essential to maintaining a strong U.S.-flag fleet. The SIU continued supporting pro-maritime candidates in 2006, many of whom were elected or re-elected in November. I believe the makeup of the next Congress is positive for our industry, and I remain optimistic about future opportunities for the SIU. Here again, our members deserve credit for their grassroots political support and their voluntary donations to SPAD.
As we move forward in 2007, the SIU remains dedicated to providing more new opportunities and protecting Seafarers’ jobs. We remain committed to meeting our manpower obligations in every segment of the industry. We remain steadfast in working with our affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland to help ensure that the school always offers state-of-the-art training.
With your continued support, I’m excited about 2007 and what it will bring for our union. On that note, I wish every Seafarer and retiree and SIU family a safe, healthy, productive Happy New Year.
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