Although I’ve never pretended to be impartial on the subject, I’ve always been very sincere in my belief that SIU members are the best-trained, safest and most productive unlicensed mariners in the world.I’m equally truthful in saying that when it comes to reliability, qualifications and a proven track record, I believe you simply can’t do better than the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole.
We in the SIU have a well-earned reputation of making sure our members have received state-of-the-art training as well as the latest information before climbing the gangway. Whether it’s STCW training or tankerman courses or background checks or some other requirement, it seems we’re constantly being tested, both literally and figuratively.
It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve met every challenge. Our rank-and-file members have delivered. Our affiliated school, the Paul Hall Center, has been nothing short of vital in helping ensure that SIU members don’t just meet the minimum requirements, but instead have access to the absolute “latest and greatest” training tools and techniques. Our contracted companies, of course, are key partners in this effort, too. They have a lot at stake, and they are willing to invest in vessel and mariner safety by supporting cutting-edge SIU and Paul Hall Center training initiatives. Many times, our members receive training before it is government-mandated.
As the saying goes, we’re ready, willing and able to deliver the goods, anytime, anywhere. And we happen to believe we can do it better and safer than anyone else.
With that in mind, it was heartening to read last month about strong support for using American crews in conjunction with new U.S.-based LNG projects that are right on the horizon. Specifically, U.S. Representative Edward Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce and Homeland Security Committees, and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick both spoke out in favor of utilizing U.S. mariners aboard all ships calling on new LNG terminals in their state.
Congressman Markey said, “While tougher screening and security measures were put in place for these (LNG) vessels following 9-11, I do believe that use of U.S. crews would help increase confidence in the safety and security of LNG shipments into the Commonwealth. In the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks, we found out those LNG tankers docking at the Everett terminal had been used to smuggle aliens into the U.S. and that one of them was later implicated in the Millennium bombing plot.”
Governor Patrick stated, “The safe and secure transportation of liquefied natural gas is critical to the wellbeing of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The use of U.S. citizen crews will help to accomplish this critical obligation…. The use of U.S. citizen crew members on these vessels will help to best serve the Commonwealth.”
As you probably know, Massachusetts isn’t the only state pursuing possible new opportunities involving LNG terminals. But it is welcome news, to say the least, to see their elected officials taking such a strong stand in favor of U.S. crews.
I’m sure our entire industry appreciates the vote of confidence. Meanwhile, SIU members should know that this union is ready to take advantage of new openings aboard LNG ships. Among other efforts, we are updating our LNG training program, including installation of an LNG simulator at the Paul Hall Center. Stay tuned.
Remembering Peter Finnerty
Our industry suffered a big loss last month when Peter Finnerty, a great advocate for the U.S.-flag fleet, died unexpectedly at age 64.
Peter spent most of his career with SIU-contracted Sea-Land, where he worked for 30 years advancing not just the interests of his company but those of the whole U.S. Merchant Marine. He was a respected, recognized figure when it came to promoting U.S. maritime policy. He was a great American—a hard worker and someone you could trust.
On behalf of the entire SIU, I extend our condolences to Peter’s family, along with our thanks and admiration for his lifetime of dedicated work. He was a friend and he will be missed.
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