COVID

For precautionary reasons, the following hiring halls are closed until further notice: Philadelphia; Baltimore; and Jersey City, New Jersey. Those halls will be reachable by phone during normal business hours, and members can still conduct business with them. We will post an update as soon as possible, but anticipate the…

LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 Editor’s note: The following is a recap of pandemic-related communications from the Coast Guard, National Maritime Center, and State Department that remain relevant to SIU members. Links to the original announcements are included. MMCs in Relation to TWIC From Marine Safety Information Bulletin Number 13-20,…

The U.S. Coast Guard recently posted the following Marine Safety Information Bulletin, available on the agency's website HERE. Seafarers are encouraged to read the section titled "Merchant Mariner Credentials." The key points from that section include the following: "For mariners already holding a MMC, if their TWIC expires, and their…

The following news release was issued by the National Maritime Center on September 1. Reopening of RECs Memphis, Miami, Long Beach, and Toledo The National Maritime Center (NMC) is reopening Regional Examination Centers (RECs) Memphis, Miami, Long Beach, and Toledo for limited examination services beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Additionally,…

The U.S. Coast Guard recently announced numerous modifications pertaining to credentialing, course approvals and more. These changes are being implemented because of the pandemic. One of the most potentially significant developments for SIU members is as follows: If your current MMC with STCW endorsements expired or expires between March 1,…

The following news release was issued by the National Maritime Center on August 25. Reopening of REC Boston The National Maritime Center (NMC) is reopening Regional Examination Center (REC) Boston for limited examination services beginning Monday, August 31, 2020. Additionally, REC Houston, REC Honolulu, REC Juneau, MU San Juan, and…

The U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center has posted the following news item: Merchant Mariner Credential Examinations Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Update The Coast Guard is aware of the need to restart the examination process to allow mariners to obtain or upgrade credentials. We know the closure of our Regional Exam…

The following news release was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard on August 20. COVID-19 – Mariner Credentials Extension of Merchant Mariner Credential Endorsements, Medical Certificates and Course Approvals This update to MSIB 08-20 provides guidance concerning mariner credentials, medical certificates and course approvals, and the action being taken by…

The presidents of three maritime unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco, recently sent the following communication to the commanding officer of the U.S. Military Sealift Command. For a PDF copy of the letter, click HERE. Dear Admiral Wettlaufer: We are writing to you today to communicate our ongoing and increasingly…