Seafarers Log
October 2017 The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) wrapped up the first segment of a series of informational conferences late last month. The most recent gatherings took place Aug. 28 at the SIU hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Aug. 30 at the hall in Norfolk, Virginia. The…
Seafarers Log
October 2017 A new study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) underscores the need for the United States to further invest in its sealift capacity. The GAO released its report Aug. 22, outlining the need for the Navy’s long-term sealift recapitalization plan in order to protect the continued utility…
Seafarers Log
October 2017 Editor’s note: This article was written in early September for the print edition of the Seafarers LOG. We’re posting it here to reflect the efforts of Seafarers up to that point. Future editions will include additional reporting on the relief operations, not only for Harvey but also for…
Seafarers Log
October 2017 More jobs for SIU Government Services Division mariners are on the way following the U.S. Navy’s recent launch of the expeditionary sea base (ESB) USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams. The launch, taking place at General Dynamics NASSCO’s shipyard in San Diego on Aug. 19, involved slowly flooding the launching…
Seafarers Log
October 2017 As reported in a previous edition of the LOG, U.S. citizen seamen working on board a U.S.-flag vessel are eligible to receive a no-fee U.S. passport. The regular fee to obtain a passport is $110. This no-fee passport may only be used for travel related to your job…
Seafarers Log
October 2017 The Jones Act fleet will soon grow by two new vessels, thanks to Pasha Hawaii’s latest investment in the Hawaii-mainland trade. On Aug. 23, the SIU-contracted company signed an order with Keppel AmFELS – a Texas-based subsidiary of Keppel Offshore and Marine – for two new, state-of-the-art liquefied…
Seafarers Log
October 2017 The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) has named U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) the 2017 Great Lakes Legislator of the Year. The award is presented annually to a legislator who has helped advance waterborne commerce on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. This year’s award ceremony…
Seafarers Log
October 2017 Seafarers-contracted TOTE in mid-August announced that it is planning to establish a new domestic shipping service to Hawaii. The company is working with Philly Shipyard to construct four new, environmentally advanced containerships, custom-built for the trade. In the Aug. 18 news release, TOTE noted, “This week began conversations…
Seafarers Log
October 2017 Editor’s note: This article was submitted by the United Seamen’s Service, which has an office within the SIU hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. The year was 1942. “Casablanca” was the Oscar-winning film, Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” was the top song, and the Dow bottomed out at 92.…
Seafarers Log
October 2017 As reported in a previous edition of the LOG, U.S. citizen seamen working on board a U.S.-flag vessel are eligible to receive a no-fee U.S. passport. The regular fee to obtain a passport is $110. This no-fee passport may only be used for travel related to your job…