COVID-19 Safety Updates

Roundup of Updates on Credentials, Passports, TWICs, Medical Certs.

LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 Editor’s note: The following is a recap of pandemic-related communications from the Coast Guard, National Maritime Center, and State Department that remain relevant to SIU members. Links to the original announcements are included. MMCs in Relation to TWIC From Marine Safety Information Bulletin Number 13-20, issued Aug. 31, 2020 “For…

Coast Guard Posts Updates, Reminders About TWICs and MMCs

The U.S. Coast Guard recently posted the following Marine Safety Information Bulletin, available on the agency's website HERE. Seafarers are encouraged to read the section titled "Merchant Mariner Credentials." The key points from that section include the following: "For mariners already holding a MMC, if their TWIC expires, and their credential remains valid, then no…

NMC: REC Memphis, Miami, Long Beach, Toledo Reopening

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, RECs Boston, Honolulu, Houston, and…

USCG Waives Some Revalidation Requirements

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, 2020 and June 30, 2021,…

NMC: Reopening of REC Boston

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 MU Ketchikan are open for…

ITF Announces Photo Contest

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 launched the Still At Sea…

Coast Guard Posts Update on MMC Exams

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 Centers (REC) and Monitoring Units…

USCG: Mariner Credential Extension

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 the Coast Guard due to…

Citing ‘Increasingly Grave Concerns,’ Unions Urge MSC to Assist CIVMARS

The presidents of three maritime unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco, recently sent the following communication to the commanding officer of the U.S. Military Sealift Command. For a PDF copy of the letter, click HERE. Dear Admiral Wettlaufer: We are writing to you today to communicate our ongoing and increasingly grave concerns regarding the mental…

Message of Sympathy from SIU President

Editor's note: The following message from SIU President Michael Sacco concerns the recent passing of a rank-and-file Seafarer. Dear SIU Brothers and Sisters: On behalf of the union’s executive board, I extend our deepest and most sincere sympathies to the family, friends and shipmates of our fallen brother, GUDE Michael Vaughan. Many of you have…

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.