The President's proposed fiscal 2008 budget for the Maritime Administration includes $154.45 million for the Maritime Security Program.
Budget initiatives floated by the President Feb. 6 would cost U.S.-flagged merchant ship operators business generated by cargo preference requirements.
American Maritime Officers remains "strong, vibrant and stable" under new leadership, AMO National President Thomas J. Bethel told top maritime labor officials Feb. 28.
Over the past several weeks, I have received many phone calls and e-mails from AMO members who supported me in my bid for election as national secretary-treasurer. Some of those supporters have also let me know that they think I should be national president of the union today. What has become very clear to me is that, while many are pleased, not all members are satisfied with the progression of events.
American Maritime Officers and RTM STAR Center joined other maritime interests, individuals and labor organizations in responding to a request from the Maritime Administration for input on the employment of U.S. vessels and mariners in the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the nation's offshore deepwater ports.
RTM Simulation, Training, Assessment and Research Center now offers a five-day liquid cargo simulator course for officers preparing to work aboard liquefied natural gas tank ships.
Daniel Smith has been appointed national executive vice president of American Maritime Officers, effective March 1.
American Maritime Officers members in March voted 93 to 22 during a total of three membership meetings to accept a report finding no merit in the challenge to the 2006 AMO Election of National Officers and National Executive Board Members.
The American Maritime Officers Safety & Education Plan has established a new position at RTM STAR Center -- director of AMO member training requirements and officer development. AMO member Capt. Jerry Pannell has been hired for the position at STAR Center and will report to work at the Dania Beach, Fla., facility in mid-March.
American Maritime Officers members in March began working at sea with Teekay Shipping Corporation--one of the world's leading tanker companies, which now has a significant presence in the LNG sector.
The USNS Watkins will be featured in an upcoming History Channel program, Modern Marvels: Military Movers 2. The program is scheduled to air the evening of April 18.
