The union and the American Maritime Association, in accordance with a recently announced arbitration decision, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for implementing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, effective October 1, 2021. The arbitrator’s decision was reported by the SIU HERE A related policy for the hiring halls, union headquarters…
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The following notice was issued by the U.S. State Department. UPDATED NOTICE TO MARINERS WITH INTERNATIONAL VOYAGES Effective August 25, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic continues to hamper Passport Services. To better serve mariners during this time we are updating our temporary provisions. These provisions are subject to change once operations…
Aug
25
From the U.S. Department of Defense: Secretary of Defense Austin Issues Guidance for Mandatory Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination of Department of Defense Service Members Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a memorandum for Mandatory Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination of Department of Defense Service Members. The memo directs…
Aug
24
The U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center posted the following information on Aug. 23: Merchant Mariner Credential Application Processing Time Update and Important Additional Information The National Maritime Center (NMC) continues to experience increased Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and medical certificate application processing times. Every effort is being made to…
Aug
23
Effective October 1, 2021, anyone entering a Seafarers hiring hall must provide either proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19; or a completed, signed exemption form along with a negative test result from within the last 48 hours. This policy was adopted by the trustees of the Seafarers Joint Employment…
Aug
23
From the FDA: Approval Signifies Key Achievement for Public Health For Immediate Release: August 23, 2021 Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of…
Aug
20
The AFL-CIO has issued the following news item. SIU President Michael Sacco, as the longest-serving member of the federation's executive council, chaired the election proceedings. Redmond Tapped as Secretary-Treasurer, Forming Historic Leadership Team (Washington, D.C., Aug. 20, 2021) — The AFL-CIO Executive Council today elected Liz Shuler, a visionary…
Aug
19
The following news release was issued by MARAD on August 19. U.S. Department of Transportation Announces a New Marine Highway Route and Six Marine Highway Designations The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced the designation of six new Marine Highway Projects and a new Marine Highway Route as part of the America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP). The AMHP encourages the use of…
Aug
19
Mariners aboard the SIU-crewed Golden State (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) recently saved two individuals who’d been adrift for four days with limited food and water –…
Aug
18
The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following announcement earlier this week. It's available on the DOJ website HERE. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, August 16, 2021 Virginia Beach Man Sentenced for Fraud Scheme Undermining Maritime Safety NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced today to 45 months in…