Representatives from Congress, the administration, the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the U.S. Coast Guard and maritime labor had plenty to say about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s tremendous importance as they spoke during the SIUNA convention Sept. 13-14 in Piney Point, Md. They also didn’t shy away from addressing some of the key challenges facing the industry during this time of unprecedented and evolving regulation.Among those focusing the bulk of their respective comments on the U.S.-flag industry were U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.); Rear Adm. Robert Reilly Jr., commander, MSC; U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton; Capt. David Stalfort, commanding officer of the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center; Dick Myers, representing the office of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.); Capt. Glen Banks, international secretary-treasurer of the International Association of Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Bill Van Loo, secretary-treasurer of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association.
Cummings chairs the House Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He reviewed some of the subcommittee’s key accomplishments during the past nine months, including passage of the Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act and the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act.
Concerning the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program—a complex, controversial subject—Cummings stated, “Like all of the new security measures instituted after 9/11, the introduction of TWIC requires the government to strike a delicate balance. We must ensure that we put all needed security measures in place throughout our maritime installations, but that these measures do not place an undue burden on the maritime industry or lead to the unfair treatment of workers. Right now, too many questions about TWIC remain unanswered. For that reason, I will be convening the subcommittee again in the fall to receive an update from the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration regarding the steps that will be taken to ensure the effective and predictable roll-out of the TWIC.”
He said that when it comes to off-shore LNG projects in and near the U.S., “I will continue to take every available opportunity to promote the placement of LNG operations off-shore—and the use of vessels that fly the U.S. flag and employ U.S. crew members to serve those terminals.”
Cummings stated that when he became subcommittee chairman, “I dedicated myself to two objectives. The first objective is to promote the growth and success of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The second objective is to oversee the effective operation of the Coast Guard. Importantly, these two goals are also complementary.
“The posture of the Coast Guard toward the maritime industry is a concern that has been repeatedly raised to me by mariners, port officials, shipowners, and indeed all members of the maritime community since I assumed the chairmanship of the subcommittee. I want you to know I have heard these concerns and I am working diligently to address them.”
Cummings concluded by thanking mariners for their vital contributions to U.S. security, and in particular noted the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role in evacuating citizens on September 11, 2001; providing aid and emergency assistance along the Gulf Coast to victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and providing the sealift capacity that keeps our armed forces equipped to fight the global war on terrorism. “I know that without these highly trained men and women, we would simply be unable to equip our armed forces with the supplies they need to defend our nation,” he said.
Mikulski could not attend the convention but sent a letter stating, “You know that I am on your side. Working men and women are the backbone of our great nation. Unions play a vital role in ensuring safe and fair working conditions. I’m proud to stand with the labor movement.”
Reilly recalled the heroic efforts of the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II—in particular the Murmansk Run—and stated, “If you think about our U.S. Merchant Mariners and you recognize the fact that they have always been there to support us, you will recognize the fact that they still have the courage and the conviction to support this nation in time of defense, no matter what the threat is.”
He said that relying on civilian mariners is a good value for the government “because we can take advantage of the efficiencies that have been learned in the civilian sector to not have a lot of overhead.”
Reilly said America is “still a maritime nation and we always will be. It ultimately ties us to the American fleet.”
The MSC commander mentioned that several of his family members have belonged to unions, so he understands and appreciates the value of such organizations.
He concluded, “I appreciate your support. I appreciate the ongoing relationship we have with you. Keep fueling that maritime engine that supports that bell of freedom.”
Connaughton thanked the union for its support since he took office a year ago. He noted that during that time, MarAd reorganized. He said there are current and future opportunities for the marine highway system and shipbuilding.
Concerning LNG, Connaughton said, “I think we’ve been very successful taking a step-by-step approach, first to get some agreements to put American mariners on board.” He noted the recent commitment by Woodside Natural Gas to the U.S.-flag and U.S. crews on the West Coast and added, “I am very happy to say we’re very, very close to another commitment from another company to operate U.S.-flag LNGs here on the East Coast.”
He asserted that MarAd must protect the Jones Act and be “very vigilant with our other government agencies with respect to government-impelled cargoes” to ensure the appropriate use of U.S.-flag vessels and U.S. crews. Connaughton also vowed to continue pushing to “lift some of the burden that will help mariners and ship operators alike to grow the U.S.-flag fleet. I look forward to working with you.... We have a great partnership, great collaboration because there’s one key element. It’s all about making sure we support American jobs and support American businesses.”
Stalfort offered detailed descriptions of changes happening at the National Maritime Center (NMC) and improvements to the mariner licensing and documentation program.
“The Coast Guard is committed to drastically improving all aspects of the credentialing process and we take this job seriously,” he said. “We certainly understand past and current frustration and we accept that our past performance does not warrant giving us the benefit of the doubt just yet. However, we continue to focus on the future and strive for issuing credentials to competent mariners in the most efficient, customer-centric manner possible. We thank you for challenging us to improve; we ask for your patience and support as we do.”
Both Banks and Van Loo stressed the ongoing need for American maritime labor to work together, especially in the political arena.
“If we have learned anything over the years it is that our likelihood of success in Congress is directly related to our ability and willingness to work together,” Banks said. “All of our officers are totally committed to this proposition and we’re extremely pleased and proud that our D.C. operation and yours are able to closely work together on the Hill. There should be little doubt that if the unions had not decided to work in sync with one another we very likely would not have been able to enact the Maritime Security Program or have it re-authorized two years ago for another 10-year period. I can honestly say I don’t think this would have happened at all if it hadn’t been for the leadership of Mike Sacco.”
Van Loo said, “In maritime labor, solidarity is more than just a buzzword. It’s a practice. One needs only to look at the history of cooperation between the MEBA and the SIU to see examples. Our members serve together on nearly every vessel we crew.”
He added, “This industry, despite our best efforts, has been slowly shrinking over the past 50 years. Larger ships, newer technology and tougher competition have reduced the number of jobs available but we have proven we can overcome these obstacles when we cooperate. When we work together there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
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