The U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center posted the following news item on July 8, 2020. It's available on the agency's website HERE Regional Examination Center Closure Update Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) and Monitoring Units (MUs) closed to the public on March 19, 2020.…
Jul
08
Jul
08
Note: There has been a delay in reopening the Houston hall. It is closed until further notice, for precautionary reasons. The original post below is from July 8. The decision to postpone reopening was made July 9. A few of the hiring halls recently closed to walk-ins for precautionary reasons.…
Jul
08
The following news release was issued by the Transportation Security Administration on July 8. Active TWIC® and HME holders can use their credentials to obtain TSA PreCheck™ The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expands TSA PreCheck™ eligibility to all active Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) and Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) holders who are U.S. citizens, U.S.…
Jul
06
The following news release was issued by SIU-contracted Matson on July 6. It can also be viewed here. Matson Christens 'Matsonia' Matson, Inc., a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, and General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard, christened the second of two Kanaloa Class vessels, the largest combination container / roll-on, roll-off…
Jul
02
The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, has posted the following news item: Acknowledging the work done collectively by maritime unions, companies, ports, shipyards, military and government, U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby saluted the work of the U.S.-flag maritime industry to keep commerce moving during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. Buzby addressed the…
Jul
02
The hiring hall in Wilmington, California, is closed until further notice as of July 2, 2020, for precautionary reasons. Members can still reach the hall by phone. ###
Jul
01
The hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, is scheduled to reopen on Monday, July 6, 2020. The hall has been closed for precautionary reasons since June 22. It has undergone a thorough sanitization, also for precautionary reasons. Members can reach the hall by phone prior to the reopening. #…
Jun
30
The Shipbuilders Council of America released the following news item on June 30: Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby Receives Shipbuilders Highest Honor - Maritime Leadership Award WASHINGTON – The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipyard industry, today honored Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator Mark H.…
Jun
29
Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters issued a statement for the centennial of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. The text of the statement appears below; a PDF copy is available HERE. I offer remarks to honor the men and women of the American maritime workforce, and to…
Jun
26
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…