Friday, March 20, 2020 In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the SIU and Seafarers Plans have taken or will take the following steps. Please keep in mind that – without exception – all of these measures are being done with your safety and well-being at the forefront. Like practically every…
Mar
20
Mar
19
The following press release was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Novel Coronovirus – Mariner Credentials Extension of Merchant Mariner Credential Endorsements and Medical Certificates This MSIB provides guidance concerning mariner credentials and medical certificates and the action being taken by the Coast Guard due to the novel coronavirus and…
Mar
19
The heads of nine maritime-oriented labor organizations fired a letter to the chairs and ranking members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Armed Services committees to preserve the nation’s freight cabotage law (the Jones Act) as they craft legislation to help American workers and businesses caught in…
Mar
18
The hiring hall in Tacoma will be open on Thursday, March 19. For precautionary reasons, the hall was closed on March 18. ###
Mar
17
The American Maritime Partnership, to which the SIU is affiliated, has issued the following news release. The official announcement from the White House is available HERE. The SIU actively supported this legislation. Thousands of SIU members sailed during World War II; more than 1,200 lost their lives in service. President…
Mar
17
The United States Coast Guard has issued the following news release. Novel Coronavirus – Update (Change 3) An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) may affect mariners and maritime commerce. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their Interim Guidance for Ships on…
Mar
13
The American Maritime Partnership, to which the SIU is affiliated, has issued the following news item: American Maritime Partnership Responds to Jones Act Waiver Request WASHINGTON — The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), the voice of the domestic maritime industry, today released the following statement in response to an unsubstantiated request…
Mar
13
The U.S. Coast Guard has posted the following update (also available on the agency's website HERE): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Mariner Credentialing Program Impacts The National Maritime Center (NMC) is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and, as the situation evolves, is prepared to adjust operations accordingly. First and foremost,…
Mar
13
The White House has posted the following announcement. It's available on their website HERE On Friday, March 13, 2020, the President signed into law: H.R. 5671, the “Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020,” which provides for the award of a Congressional gold medal collectively,…
Mar
13
Please be advised that classes have been postponed at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for the next two weeks. Students due to arrive between March 13 and March 27 will be rescheduled in the future. If you know of anyone who has plans to travel to the school during this period,…