According to the latest pandemic-era guidance on merchant mariner credentials (MMC) from the U.S. Coast Guard, those documents “may only be extended for up to one year from their date of expiration. Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) (National Endorsements only) that expire between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 are…
Jun
14
Jun
14
The U.S. Coast Guard recently posted the following news item, which is available on the agency's Maritime Commons blog HERE. The first link below goes to a three-page Marine Safety Information Bulletin on the same subject. Update to mask requirement for persons aboard vessels On June 10, 2021, CDC announced…
Jun
11
As of June 10, 2021, at least two-dozen countries have opened to U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The travel website AFAR is maintaining a one-page list of such nations at the following link: https://www.afar.com/magazine/travelers-with-covid-vaccines-can-visit-these-countries That post includes at least two other links, both for U.S. State Department…
May
26
Earlier this month, the hiring hall in Houston hosted a free COVID-19 vaccination drive. The follow-up event has a new date: Thursday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Additionally, the clinic is not limited to those who got vaccinated at the hall earlier in May. Seafarers and their…
May
21
Earlier this month, the hiring hall in Houston hosted a free COVID-19 vaccination drive. The follow-up event has a new date: Thursday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Additionally, the clinic is not limited to those who got vaccinated at the hall earlier in May. Seafarers and their…
May
20
The U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center recently issued the following Marine Safety Information Bulletin. It's available on the agency's website HERE. Mariners are encouraged to give it a close read and take advantage of any resources that may seem useful. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have significant impacts on…
May
07
From the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, quoted in the release and pictured below, also serves as an ITF official. No more excuses for global brands as new tool launched in fight to resolve crew change crisis 06 May 2021…
May
06
Beginning July 1, 2021, an annual physical through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan will be required prior to shipping out. The SIU and the American Maritime Association (AMA, representing companies that are signatory to the standard freightship and tanker agreements) last year had dropped the requirement for a union…
May
05
The following news release was issued by the U.S. Department of State Passport Services office on May 3. NOTICE TO MARINERS WITH INTERNATIONAL VOYAGES Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, Passport Services continues to have limited operations at our passport agencies and centers. We will…
May
05
The following news release was issued by the Coast Guard on May 4, 2021. The entire Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) is available here, but the excerpt below pertains to Merchant Mariner Credentials. Merchant Mariners Credentials The Coast Guard is providing flexibility with regard to requirements to have a TWIC…