Current Edition

Job Well Done Seafarers may recall that it was only a few months ago when I began one of these columns by congratulating them for a great, typically professional response to a sudden flurry of vessel activations. Turns out those activations were just a warmup. As reported elsewhere in this edition, our members recently stepped…

When the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) called with an unprecedented assignment, the SIU answered in a big way. TRANSCOM in mid-September launched the largest-ever sealift readiness exercise as part of its “Turbo Activation” series, ordering dozens of ships to sea. The SIU crewed up all 33 vessels, filling every unlicensed job. “On one hand,…

On a morning set aside to welcome new tonnage into the American-flag fleet, U.S. Merchant Mariners also got plenty of recognition. The accolades were delivered Sept. 20 in Baltimore, during a pier-side ceremony hosted by Seafarers-contracted American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier (ARC). The company is adding three vessels to its fleet: the ARC Integrity, ARC Independence…

The newest additions to ARC’s fleet are replacing three older vessels in the U.S. Maritime Security Program, but the company is keeping two of the older ships in its commercial American-flag service – meaning it’s a net gain of two vessels for the SIU. Two of the new RO/ROs – the ARC Integrity and ARC…

  SIU mariners aboard the Maersk Montana recently sprang into action to save a boater whose vessel was sinking. While the Montana was en route to Antwerp, the ship diverted to answer a distress call. The doomed sailboat La Belle Vie was taking on water about 200 miles off the coast of Ireland, and the…

World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners are poised to receive a Congressional Gold Medal after the House recently voted to approve the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California). “The United States Merchant Marine was integral in providing the link between domestic production and the…

After a slight lull, Seafarers recently enjoyed the restart of a regular gathering at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington. Following the August membership meeting, the union hosted a barbeque for Seafarers and their families. Approximately 80 people attended, and the event was successful,…

As previously reported, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continues to offer Culinary 2.0 classes designed to help students boost their skills while complying with a new rule that takes effect next year. Completing the coursework also is intended to aid individual shipping opportunities. Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), which will go into…

  The SIU-crewed tanker American Pride on Sept. 18 rescued three individuals from a foundering boat near Tampa, Florida. Recertified Bosun Ronald Webb said the American Pride was headed to anchor when an alarm sounded. “The fishermen’s boat was sinking and they had gotten into a life raft,” Webb stated. “We deployed a rescue boat…