Seafarers Log
Big Wins for Maritime The most recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contains a number of key victories for the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I’m proud to say the SIU played an active role in helping secure many of the components. One of the particularly noteworthy developments is the…
Seafarers Log
The leading U.S. domestic maritime coalition recently honored a longtime backer of the industry. The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) on Nov. 16 presented U.S. Rep. Jenniffer González- Colón (R-Puerto Rico) with its American Maritime Champion Award. According to the coalition, “The award recognizes individuals or groups of individuals who have…
Seafarers Log
SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso & Son unanimously have ratified a three-year contract featuring substantial gains. The union represents 70 boatmen at Bisso, which is headquartered in New Orleans. They work as wheelmen, deckhands and engineers aboard a fleet of 14 tugs, providing ship docking and offshore towing services.…
Seafarers Log
SIU member Lindsey Austin takes notes during one of the discussions at COP27. She also addressed attendees, providing the perspective of an active mariner. The global maritime industry faces massive changes related to new fuels – and the SIU is helping make sure mariners’ voices are heard throughout what undoubtedly…
Seafarers Log
SIU members sailing aboard the American Phoenix were in the right place at the right time, and helped to rescue a raft full of Cuban migrants adrift in the Straits of Florida on Nov. 22. The SIU members sailing aboard the Seabulk-operated tanker included: Recertified Bosun Charles Hill; ABs Nicholas…
Seafarers Log
Pictured at the gathering are members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard along with (front, from left) Chief Cook Ronald Williams, AB Paul Clow, AB Josesimo Balerite, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman and ACU Mohamed Wasel. Pictured from right to left in the second row are SIU Port…
Seafarers Log
Bosun Robert O’Connell recently was moved to write to the staff of the Seafarers LOG, detailing his experiences while sailing aboard the cable ship Decisive late last year. The vessel, operated by Subcom, was tasked a cable-laying operation in the Mediterranean Sea, which lasted about 40 days. O’Connell embraced the…
Seafarers Log
In order to help prevent any misunderstandings that may affect your merchant mariner credential, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department offers the following brief review of a few of the federal rules related to drug test collections. You have up to three hours to provide an acceptable urine…
Seafarers Log
In many ways, 2022 represented a gradual return to normalcy for the SIU. With the pandemic largely in the past, the year saw new vessels, new construction, new contracts and wage reopeners, and multiple conventions with themes focused on the future. SIU members answered the call time and time again,…