COVID-19 Safety Updates

Important Notice to Seafarers Regarding Vaccines at CVS

Effective immediately, CVS retail stores are no longer in-network with Cigna for vaccine administration (including Covid-19 vaccines and boosters). This means that if you have any type of a vaccine at a CVS retail store, you will have a higher copayment. As confusing as it may sound, CVS MinuteClinics and CVS HealthHubs are still in-network. CVS MinuteClinics…

Updated COVID Policy for Paul Hall Center, Hiring Halls

Effective immediately, the COVID vaccine will no longer be a requirement to enter a hiring hall or to attend classes at the Paul Hall Center. Apprentices are, however, still required to be vaccinated in order to be assigned to apprentice positions. If anyone else is not fully vaccinated (meaning the original vaccines and any available…

Vaccination Records at Your Fingertips

The SIU has partnered with WellCheck to bring members a new way to keep your proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the ready - on your mobile device. By using the WellCheck app, SIU members can upload their vaccine cards using their smartphone, where the information listed will be verified by state medical databases. Once verified,…

MSIB: COVID-19 and Transportation

The following news release was issued by the Coast Guard on April 19. MSIB: COVID-19 Safety Requirements in the Maritime Transportation System: Change-5 The Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy has published Marine Safety Information Bulletin 02-21 Change 5 “COVID-19 Safety Requirements in the Maritime Transportation System”. UpdateOn April 18, 2022, the US District Court,…

Mask Policy Updated

Due to the decrease in COVID positivity rates and the new CDC guidance, the SIU’s COVID policy is being amended to remove the mask-wearing requirement at headquarters, the hiring halls and the Paul Hall Center for all employees and visitors who are fully vaccinated and have received booster shots (if they are eligible to get…

Update to Paul Hall Center Vaccination Requirements

Effective immediately, due to changing circumstances and the widely increased availability of COVID tests, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education will not require booster shots in order for students (upgraders and apprentices) to attend classes. The school still requires that students be vaccinated either with the two-shot regimen from Moderna or…

Updates on Free and Low-Cost COVID Test Kits

Feb. 14 update: Both Walgreens and Kinney Drugs have been added to the preferred COVID-19 test kit network providing point-of-sale (POS) adjudication for members with a $0 copay. These pharmacies are in addition to those communicated previously. Please keep in mind our direct to consumer option will continue to be the Optum Store. Feb. 3…

Jacksonville Hall Closing

For precautionary reasons, the hiring hall in Jacksonville is closed through Monday, January 10. The hall remains reachable by phone and email. It’ll reopen Tuesday morning unless otherwise reported on our website. ###

Hiring Hall Updates: Houston Closing; Baltimore Still Closed; Others Reopen

UPDATE: The Baltimore hall also is closed until further notice but remains reachable by phone and email. For precautionary reasons, the hiring in hall in Houston will be closed at least until this Thursday, January 6. Members can still reach the hall by phone and email. We’ll post an update when one is available. Two…

Union, Intrepid Announce MOU

Following is the text of a new memorandum of understanding between the SIU and Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning. For a PDF copy, click HERE. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEENINTREPID PERSONNEL & PROVISIONING (IPP)&SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION (SIU) Effective January 1, 2022, in an effort to accommodate the Seafarers working aboard commercial vessels owned and/or operated by Crowley/Intrepid…
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Wilmington Hall Update (July 13, 2020) (message HERE)

Message from Maritime Union Presidents (July 10, 2020) (message HERE)

Delay in Reopening of Houston Hall (July 9, 2020) (message HERE)

Regional Examination Center Closure Update (July 8, 2020) (message HERE)

Hiring Hall Updates and Reminders (July 8, 2020) (message HERE)

Wilmington Hall Closing (July 2, 2020) (message HERE)

Jersey Hall Reopening July 6 (message HERE)

Maersk Idaho Update (June 26, 2020) (message HERE)

Houston Hall Closing (June 26, 2020) (message HERE)

Important Message to Seafarers Concerning SIU Election (June 24, 2020) (message HERE)

Message to Seafarers Concerning Recent COVID-19 Cases, Ongoing Need for Vigilance (June 23, 2020) (message HERE)

Jersey City Hall Closing (June 22, 2020) (message HERE)

July Meetings Cancelled (message HERE)

Paul Hall Center Reopens August 1 (message HERE) (PHC Health Questionnaire/Acknowledgement form HERE)

COVID-19 Pre-Entry Questionnaire Posted (message HERE, direct link to questionnaire HERE)

Hiring Halls to Reopen June 15 (June 4, 2020) (message HERE)

USCG: Extension of MMC Endorsements, Certificates (June 4, 2020) (message HERE)

Unions Call for Immediate Assistance with Overseas Crew Changes (May 28, 2020) (message HERE)

Updates on Crew Changes, June Meetings and More (May 27, 2020) (message HERE)

USNS Grumman News Plus Other Updates (May 14, 2020) (message HERE)

SHBP Brief (May 5, 2020) (message HERE)

Message to Seafarers Concerning Larger-Scale Resumption of Crew Changes (April 30, 2020) (message HERE)

NMC: Renewal Exams by Email (April 23, 2020)

SIU Election Message to All Members (April 17) (message HERE)

Message to Seafarers Concerning Upcoming Crew Changes (April 16, 2020) (message HERE)

TWIC Expiration Dates Extended (April 16, 2020) (article HERE)

State Department Passport Notice (April 14, 2020)

Seafarers 401(K) Plan adopts changes to help participants (article HERE)

The SIU’s May membership meetings have been cancelled (brief announcement HERE)

USCG: COVID-19 TWIC Operations

For an update from Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (April 2), click HERE

USCG: Essential Maritime Workers

USCG: COVID-19 Drug Testing Compliance

National Maritime Center Update (March 30, 2020)

Important Mariner Credentials Update (March 30, 2020)

American Steamship Company’s restriction-to-ship communication is located HERE.

A message from SIU President Michael Sacco to Seafarers is available HERE

A detailed update (originally posted March 20) from the SIU is located HERE.

For the latest guidance and news from the U.S. Coast Guard, click here.