The coalition USA Maritime, to which the SIU is affiliated, has expressed strong opposition to a misguided attempt to turn over the transportation of U.S.-government financed cargoes to foreign-flag, foreign-crewed shipping interests. Such a move would, according to USA maritime, severely weaken the U.S.-flag merchant marine, cost thousands of American…
May
05
May
04
The SIU joins the rest of the nation in mourning the passing of Norman Y. Mineta, who died May 3 at the age of 90. Secretary Norman Mineta at the MTD Executive Board Meeting in 2005. Mineta, serving as U.S. Secretary of Transportation during the George W. Bush administration, addressed…
May
04
The union has learned that the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) reportedly is denying some mariners who have submitted ROS time for renewal of Basic Training (BT). For the purpose of the recency requirement, ROS seatime counts day for day for renewal of BT, Advance Fire Fighting, Personal…
May
03
The Virginia General Assembly earlier this year passed a resolution supporting the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Text of the resolution follows. WHEREAS, Virginia's rich history of shipbuilding and maritime trade makes the Commonwealth a critical hub in the nation’s transportation system and essential in the growth of offshore…
May
03
Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes Dredge & Dock has issued the following news item, dated May 2. It's available on the company's website HERE. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Awarded Large-Scale U.S. Offshore Wind Rock Installation Project PDF Version First offshore wind rock installation contract awarded to a U.S. company HOUSTON,…
May
02
Due to the turnaround times for merchant mariner credential (MMC) renewals, Seafarers are encouraged to start the process up to eight months before their respective documents expire. Starting the process early will not shorten the “life” of the original document. This is due to a postdating option that the Coast…