COVID-19 Safety Updates

Reminder About MMC Renewals

According to the latest pandemic-era guidance on merchant mariner credentials (MMC) from the U.S. Coast Guard, those documents “may only be extended for up to one year from their date of expiration. Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) (National Endorsements only) that expire between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 are extended until the EARLIER of…

USCG: Masks No Longer Required Outdoors on Vessels

The U.S. Coast Guard recently posted the following news item, which is available on the agency's Maritime Commons blog HERE. The first link below goes to a three-page Marine Safety Information Bulletin on the same subject. Update to mask requirement for persons aboard vessels On June 10, 2021, CDC announced that, until it can amend…

Additional Nations Open to Vaccinated Travelers

As of June 10, 2021, at least two-dozen countries have opened to U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The travel website AFAR is maintaining a one-page list of such nations at the following link: https://www.afar.com/magazine/travelers-with-covid-vaccines-can-visit-these-countries That post includes at least two other links, both for U.S. State Department pages, that Seafarers may want…

Vaccinations Available May 27 at Houston Hall

Earlier this month, the hiring hall in Houston hosted a free COVID-19 vaccination drive. The follow-up event has a new date: Thursday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Additionally, the clinic is not limited to those who got vaccinated at the hall earlier in May. Seafarers and their families can take their respective…

Important Updates for Second Vaccination Event in Houston

Earlier this month, the hiring hall in Houston hosted a free COVID-19 vaccination drive. The follow-up event has a new date: Thursday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Additionally, the clinic is not limited to those who got vaccinated at the hall earlier in May. Seafarers and their families can take their respective…

COVID-19: Spotlight on the Mental Health of Mariners

The U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center recently issued the following Marine Safety Information Bulletin. It's available on the agency's website HERE. Mariners are encouraged to give it a close read and take advantage of any resources that may seem useful. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have significant impacts on the U.S. Marine Transportation System,…

ITF Ramps Up Efforts for Crew Changes

From the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, quoted in the release and pictured below, also serves as an ITF official. No more excuses for global brands as new tool launched in fight to resolve crew change crisis 06 May 2021 Press Release The world’s seafarers’…

Update on Annual Physicals

Beginning July 1, 2021, an annual physical through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan will be required prior to shipping out. The SIU and the American Maritime Association (AMA, representing companies that are signatory to the standard freightship and tanker agreements) last year had dropped the requirement for a union physical, due to pandemic-related considerations.…

State Department: Notice to Mariners with International Voyages

The following news release was issued by the U.S. Department of State Passport Services office on May 3. NOTICE TO MARINERS WITH INTERNATIONAL VOYAGES Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, Passport Services continues to have limited operations at our passport agencies and centers. We will assist mariners who urgently need…

MSIB: Exemptions to TWIC Requirements Related to COVID-19

The following news release was issued by the Coast Guard on May 4, 2021. The entire Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) is available here, but the excerpt below pertains to Merchant Mariner Credentials. Merchant Mariners Credentials The Coast Guard is providing flexibility with regard to requirements to have a TWIC when applying for a credential…

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.