In testimony this month before the House Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine, Maritime Administrator William Schubert reaffirmed the Bush Administration?s support of the Maritime Security Program.
In the wake of the IMO's decision not to fully enforce the International Convention for STCW 95 until July 31, 2002, and the U.S. Coast Guard?s determination that the vast majority of American merchant mariners must have been in compliance with the Convention by February 1, the Coast Guard called a meeting of seagoing maritime labor.
The STCW Subcommittee of the IMO meeting in London on Jan. 24, agreed to issue a circular letter to port state authorities to issue warnings to flag states not in compliance with the Feb. 1 STCW 95 requirements, however U.S. merchant mariners must be STCW certified by Feb. 1, 2002.
This month it was reported that Western intelligence has identified 20 merchant vessels believed to be linked to Osama bin Laden, which could now be subject to arrest at ports all over the world.
In a move to liberate the U.S. Merchant Marine from restrictive and damaging federal tax and regulatory burdens, Congressman James Oberstar introduced on November 8, the Merchant Marine Cost Parity Act of 2001.
In the aftermath of the events of September 11, Congress is beginning the legislative process to increase security in the nation?s ports and maritime borders.
In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President Bush has declared that the United States of America is at war.
Congress acted swiftly and with resolve on September 14, approving a $40 billion emergency spending bill to respond to the attacks and giving the president sweeping authority to retaliate against those responsible.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has implemented a draconian and invasive new rule regarding drug and alcohol testing records for merchant mariners.
The U.S. Customs Service has published a Final Rule that requires that equipment purchased foreign for repairs made by U.S.-flag vessels when they are outside of the U.S., including maintenance and repair while these vessels are on the high seas, are subject to declaration, entry and payment of a 50% ad valorem duty.
The SUP Committee on Constitution met at Headquarters to review, consider and make recommendations on the nine proposed amendments to the SUP Constitution and the ten proposed amendments to the SUP Shipping Rules.