The AFL-CIO Jan. 18 said it will fight a Senate attempt to combine expanded trade adjustment benefits and fast-track trade negotiating authority.
The International Trade Commission's forthcoming analysis of the 1920 Jones Act must not rely upon the flawed data that marred its previous studies of the domestic shipping law, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force advised Jan. 10.
On Jan. 22, 2002, I successfully tested for my Chief Mate's license, and I can honestly tell you that, if it weren't for the STAR Center, it wouldn't have happened. Everyone from the department heads to the galley team and housekeeping were exceptional. I put on eight pounds while I was there--the food was great.
Maritime Administrator William Schubert in January proposed a U.S. merchant marine manpower reserve to help address the growing shortage of skilled civilian seafaring labor for strategic sealift and other defense missions.
American Maritime Officers in January welcomed the new heavy-lift ship Industrial Challenger as a sign of hope for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet in commercial foreign trade.
Maritime security legislation similar to a Senate measure approved in December was introduced in the House of Representatives, indicating that new security mandates for the U.S. shipping industry may become law in 2002.
The deadline for certification under the 1995 Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping expired Feb. 1. However, the International Maritime Organization recently granted port state control some latitude in enforcement of STCW '95 through July 31, 2002.
Totem Ocean Trailer Express will name its new roll-on/roll-off ships Midnight Sun and North Star.
U.S.-flag interests will continue to oppose World Trade Organization jurisdiction over maritime services.
