The officers and crew members of the USNS Algol April 3 received the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal from the Maritime Administration for the ship's rapid delivery of Marine Corps cargo destined for Afghanistan and more than 50 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) destined for U.S. troops in Iraq.
American Maritime Officers is now in negotiations with an international owner/operator of liquefied natural gas carriers on a unique agreement to establish an LNG observation program that would allow AMO officers to earn the necessary sea time and endorsement to work in the LNG trades without prior experience.
American Maritime Officers has reached a tentative agreement with OSG America Inc. on a three-year contract covering all captains, chief engineers, mates and assistant engineers in the company's tug fleet.
The Maritime Administration will remain "aggressive" in pursuit of new opportunities for U.S.-flagged merchant vessel operators and U.S. merchant mariners in domestic and international markets, Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton vowed recently.
Top defense logistics planners have again acknowledged the wartime service of U.S.-flagged merchant ships and civilian American merchant mariners.
By Sept. 25, 2008, all U.S. Coast Guard credentialed mariners will be required to hold a TWIC in order for their license, MMD, COR or STCW endorsement to remain valid. Until then, if a vessel or facility has started TWIC compliance and enforcement, mariners may present an alternate identification (MMD or Coast Guard license and valid photo identification, or Coast Guard COR and valid photo identification) to be eligible for unescorted access to secure areas of the vessel or facility. Failure to obtain a TWIC may result in suspension or revocation of a mariner's credential under 46 U.S.C. 7702 and 7703.
