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
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…
May
11
The following advisory was issued by the Maritime Administration on May 11. U.S. MARITIME ADVISORY 2020-008 Threat Type: Vessel Attacks Geographic Area: Southern Gulf of Mexico 1. Reference: U.S. Maritime Alert 2020-004A 2. Issue: The U.S. government is aware of at least 20 fishing vessels and 35 oil platforms and…
May
08
The following video has been posted by the U.S. Department of Transportation: https://youtu.be/hb5IKU83_8U
May
06
U.S. Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) and Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) are reminding fellow members of Congress that the U.S. Merchant Marine is vital to national, economic and homeland security. Luria on May 5 hosted a press call featuring Hoyer along with American maritime industry leaders, including SIU Executive Vice President Augie…
May
05
During the course of this COVID-19 pandemic, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has relaxed certain time limits for COBRA coverage and for the submission of appeals for denied medical claims. For detailed information on these changes, you can contact the claims department or the membership assistance department at 800…
May
04
With the COVID-19 pandemic dominating the news cycle, it can be easy to forget that 2020 is an election year. (Okay, maybe not easy, but at least possible.) The following information (accurate as of May 4, 2020) outlines which states allow for some form of alternative voting. Absentee Voting Laws…