Beginning this month (September 2020), the monthly membership meeting in Norfolk, Virginia, will take place on the Friday after the first Sunday of each month. The starting time of 10:30 a.m. remains the same. As a result of this modification, the next monthly membership meeting in Norfolk is now scheduled…
Sep
02
Sep
01
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,…
Aug
27
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,…
Aug
27
SIU-contracted NY Waterway has issued the following news item. The captain and deckhands are SIU members. NY Waterway Ferry Crew Rescues Man from Hudson River, Third Rescue in Three Years for Captain, Deckhands A NY Waterway ferry crew aboard the Empire State rescued a man from the Hudson River this…
Aug
25
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…
Aug
25
The International Transport Workers' Federation Seafarers' Trust issued the following news item on Aug. 25. The SIU is an ITF affiliate. ITF official David Heindel, quoted in the release, also serves as secretary-treasurer of the SIU. ITF Seafarers’ Trust launches “Still At Sea” seafarer photography competition. The ITFST has today…
Aug
24
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…
Aug
24
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…
Aug
21
The International Transport Workers' Federation, to which the SIU is affiliated, has issued the following news item. ITF Seafarers' Section Chairman David Heindel, quoted throughout the release, also serves as secretary-treasurer of the SIU. The release is available on the ITF website HERE ITF very concerned at Wakashio grounding, crew…
Aug
19
The U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center has issued the following announcement. A PDF copy is linked at the bottom. Reopening of RECs Honolulu & Houston and MU San Juan The National Maritime Center (NMC) is reopening Regional Examination Centers (RECs) Honolulu and Houston, and Monitoring Unit (MU) San Juan…