The SIU helped spearhead inclusion of two potentially crucial pro-maritime components of the newly enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
One of those statutes will reduce – by 50 percent – the sea-time requirements for qualifying for an AB endorsement. This change took effect immediately upon President Biden signing the bill Dec. 22.
Depending on the specific kind of AB endorsement, sea-time requirements have decreased to 18 months (from 36), 12 months (from 24), and six months (from 12). The latter standard is for Great Lakes ABs.
For now, those reductions are scheduled to remain in place for three years, but the union and others will work to make them permanent.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman played key roles in securing the seatime modifications, and they both also credited Coast Guard Rear Adm. Wayne R. Arguin Jr. for his vital support.
The NDAA also strengthens U.S.-flag requirements for cargo preference shipments. Through new reporting mandates and a change that gives the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) final determinative authority regarding American-flag vessel availability, the bill aims to help ensure that U.S.-flag ships aren’t bypassed in favor of foreign bottoms.
There are several other maritime components within the bill, including ones that authorize monies for the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program; require MARAD to publish briefings on its national maritime strategy; and form a new maritime workforce group that includes two slots for representatives from labor.
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