Seafarers are asked to consider participating in an anonymous survey (“Mariner Mental Health Needs during COVID-19”) conducted by the University of Washington. As noted on the landing page: “Results from this survey will be used by federal agencies, vessel owners/operators, mariner unions, maritime training institutions, seafarer welfare organizations and MTS…
Jan
29
Jan
28
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted the following information. For a PDF version, click HERE. To access the COVID-19 section of the CDC website, click HERE You can help stop the pandemic by getting a COVID-19 vaccine. To stop this pandemic, we need to use all…
Jan
20
The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center recently circulated multiple Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) that are relevant to many SIU members. Updates from those bulletins follow. TWIC Extension As laid out in Maritime Safety Information Bulletin number 13-20, “For mariners already holding a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC), if their…
Jan
18
U.S. Maritime Alert 2021-002A Threat Type: Upcoming Mariner Travel Requirements Change Geographic Area: Worldwide (for all air passengers entering the United States) Retransmittal of State Department COVID-19 Traveler Information dated January 12, 2021: “Effective January 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all air passengers arriving…
Jan
13
The following letter, dated January 8 and signed by eight presidents of U.S. seagoing labor unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco, was sent to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Chairman of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Dr. Jose Romero. U.S. seagoing labor: Access…
Jan
08
The hiring hall in Algonac, Michigan, has been closed for precautionary reasons. The hall will reopen Monday morning, Jan. 11. ###
Jan
03
The hiring hall in Algonac, Michigan, will be closed for (at minimum) the work week beginning January 4, but members can still conduct business with the hall via phone. The hall’s telephone number is (810) 794-4988. We’ll post an update when more information is available. ###
Dec
28
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued the following Marine Safety Information Bulletin. To open a PDF copy, click HERE 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…
Nov
23
Seafarers are reminded that the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot in the union’s 2020 election was extended. Requests must be received at headquarters by Dec. 1, 2020. Contact your port agent for more information. ###
Nov
12
The hiring hall in Anchorage, Alaska, is closed until further notice, for precautionary reasons. SIU members who want to vote at the hall and who need a ballot are asked to contact the office of SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel at (301) 899-0675. Arrangements will be made to help you secure…