The presidents of six U.S. maritime unions have contacted the U.S. Secretary of State and the U.S. Secretary of Defense with an urgent call to facilitate overseas reliefs for American mariners. The full text of the letter, dated May 28, appears below. A PDF version is available HERE. Signing the…
May
28
May
27
As of this writing, the union has returned to approximately 70 percent of its normal volume of crew changes. For the most part, things are going well – but we know there are exceptions, especially with the overseas shuttle ships. The SIU is actively coordinating with the vessel operators, State…
May
27
The following news release was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard on May 26. Guidance on Waiver of Merchant Mariner Credential Application Fees for Active Duty Members of the Uniformed Services The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing has published CG-MMC Policy Letter 02-20 titled: Guidance on Waiver of Merchant Mariner Credential Application…
May
27
The AFL-CIO has issued the following news item: AFL-CIO Endorses Joe Biden for President Watch AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka’s Endorsement Video Here (Washington, D.C., May 26, 2020)—The General Board of the 12.5 million-member, 55 union AFL-CIO voted today to endorse Joe Biden for president of the United States. Over the…
May
26
The United States Coast Guard issued the following news release on May 22. Processing of Mariner Appeals During COVID -19 Pandemic The Director, Commercial Regulations and Standards (CG-5PS), in conjunction with the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC-2), continues to receive and process mariner appeals that are submitted in accordance…
May
22
The U.S. Maritime Administration has issued the following news item: Maritime Day Observance Also Recognizes Award of Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Merchant Mariners WASHINGTON – On this Maritime Day, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) are honoring the men and women who serve…
May
22
To access the proclamation on the White House website, click HERE Proclamation on National Maritime Day, 2020 Since the founding of our great Nation, we have relied on merchant mariners to deliver goods to market and strengthen our national security. On National Maritime Day, we recognize the United States Merchant…
May
18
The U.S. Maritime Administration has issued a media advisory inviting people to watch the agency's National Maritime Day ceremony, scheduled for this Friday, May 22, at 10:30 a.m. Here's the announcement (including the link): Maritime Administration to Host Virtual National Maritime Day Celebration The Event Will Feature Remarks from Transportation…
May
15
The Seafarers International Union (SIU), the largest shipboard labor union in North America, endorsed Congressman Steny Hoyer in his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the Fifth District of Maryland. “There are few members of Congress who have consistently and effectively advocated on behalf of the men and women of…
May
14
Update for SIU Members At least 22 mariners aboard the Military Sealift Command vessel USNS Leroy Grumman have tested positive for COVID-19. The vessel’s crew includes CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division. The Grumman has been in a Boston shipyard since January. All crew members recently were evacuated from…