The U.S. Coast Guard recently posted the following news item, which is available on the agency's Maritime Commons blog HERE. The first link below goes to a three-page Marine Safety Information Bulletin on the same subject. Update to mask requirement for persons aboard vessels On June 10, 2021, CDC announced…
Jun
14
Jun
14
From the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO: White House Announces Transparency Program for Jones Act Waivers In an effort to promote Made-in-America goods and services, the White House, through its newly created Made in America Office, released a 15-page guidance dealing with proposed waivers to federal departments and agencies. “Transparent reporting…
Jun
11
The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, rescued 15 people from a sinking commercial vessel off the coast of Somalia on June 8. Mariners from the distressed runaway-flag cargo ship Falcon Line (some are pictured above) boarded life rafts…
Jun
11
As of June 10, 2021, at least two-dozen countries have opened to U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The travel website AFAR is maintaining a one-page list of such nations at the following link: https://www.afar.com/magazine/travelers-with-covid-vaccines-can-visit-these-countries That post includes at least two other links, both for U.S. State Department…
Jun
09
From NOAA: Marine economy in 2019 outpaced U.S. economy overall American ‘blue economy’ accounted for nearly $397 billion America’s marine economy contributed about $397 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product in 2019 and grew faster than the nation’s economy as a whole, according to the most current results of…
Jun
02
U.S. Representative Chairs Maritime Safety Committee A longtime advocate of U.S. mariners recently made a splash on the international scene. Mayte Medina of the U.S. Coast Guard was unanimously elected as the committee chair during the first day the 103rd session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) on…
May
26
Earlier this month, the hiring hall in Houston hosted a free COVID-19 vaccination drive. The follow-up event has a new date: Thursday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Additionally, the clinic is not limited to those who got vaccinated at the hall earlier in May. Seafarers and their…
May
26
The U.S. Coast Guard issued the following bulletin on May 25. It includes the following excerpt: "Mariners with existing endorsements as Tankerman PIC Restricted to Fuel Transfers on Towing Vessels will be notified at renewal that the endorsement is no longer an option for serving as PIC of fuel transfers…
May
21
A Proclamation on National Maritime Day, 2021 May 21, 2021 • Presidential Actions Since the first days of our Republic, America has been a proud maritime Nation. To this day, the United States Merchant Marine is a pillar of our country’s prosperity, playing a vital role in the maintenance of…
May
21
Earlier this month, the hiring hall in Houston hosted a free COVID-19 vaccination drive. The follow-up event has a new date: Thursday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Additionally, the clinic is not limited to those who got vaccinated at the hall earlier in May. Seafarers and their…