COVID-19 Safety Updates

Jun26

Maersk Idaho Update

Ten mariners, including five SIU members, recently tested positive for COVID-19 aboard the Maersk Idaho. One crew member was hospitalized but is doing well and is being discharged today. The others are quarantined aboard the ship, which is anchored off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Thankfully, those mariners have not experienced any symptoms. The…
Jun26

Houston Hall Closing

For precautionary reasons, the hiring hall in Houston is closing today – Friday, June 26, 2020 – until further notice. An employee who is based at the hall is being tested for COVID-19. It may take a few days to get the test results. If those results are negative, the hall will reopen the next…
Jun24

Important Message to Seafarers Concerning SIU Election

As you probably know, 2020 is an election year for the SIU. Due to the pandemic, the union has relaxed a requirement to run for office. Specifically, and, as you may have seen in prior communications, the union’s executive board has approved lenience for prospective candidates who are unable to pay their dues on time for…
Jun23

Message to Seafarers Concerning Recent COVID-19 Cases, Ongoing Need for Vigilance

Dear SIU Members: While we’ve all been dealing with pandemic-related adjustments for months, COVID-19 has hit home especially hard within the last week or so. As you may know, several SIU members from a cargo ship recently were diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, as were at least four members from our inland division. Previously, a…
Jun22

Jersey Hall Closing for Two Weeks

For precautionary reasons, the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, is closing for the next two weeks, with a tentative reopening date of Monday, July 6. We will post an update before then, and may reopen sooner. The decision to close the hall was made in an abundance of caution, consistent with all other…
Jun17

July Meetings Cancelled

The union’s executive board is announcing that the July membership meetings have been cancelled, for precautionary reasons. No decisions have been made concerning the August meetings. Also, for anyone who missed these recent announcements, the hiring halls have reopened, and classes will resume at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in early August. Keep an eye…
Jun15

Paul Hall Center Reopening August 1

Click HERE for the one-page, PDF Paul Hall Center Health Questionnaire/Acknowledgement Form The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, in Piney Point, Maryland, is scheduled to reopen Aug. 1. An array of safety-related modifications are being implemented. Initially, the school will offer a limited number of upgrading courses, with reduced class sizes.…
Jun08

USCG: Extension of MMC Endorsements, Certificates

The following news release was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard on June 4. COVID-19 – Mariner Credentials Extension of Merchant Mariner Credential Endorsements, Medical Certificates and Course Approvals This MSIB updates guidance concerning mariner credentials, medical certificates and course approvals, and the action being taken by the Coast Guard due to the novel coronavirus…
Jun08

COVID-19 Pre-Entry Questionnaire Posted

Last week, the union announced that the hiring halls will reopen on June 15, with numerous safeguards. One of those precautions is pre-entry questionnaire that’s now available in PDF format HERE. Members should bring the completed questionnaire with them when arriving at a hall. ###
Jun04

Hiring Halls Reopen June 15, With Safeguards

Editor's note: The questionnaire mentioned in the original post below is now available HERE, in PDF format Safety remains at the forefront as the SIU announces the reope​ning of its hiring halls beginning June 15 (a Monday). Pandemic-related modifications have been made at the halls, including extensive cleanings, installation of dividers, shipments of PPE for…
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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.