The following press release was issued by the National Maritime Center on March 17.
Since Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard’s online public access portal, Homeport, has been unavailable due to technical issues with no estimated time to repair. Listed below are the primary credentialing services that have been interrupted by this system downtime:
Merchant Mariner Application Status: To check on the status of an application for a merchant mariner credential or medical certificate, please contact the National Maritime Center (NMC) at 1-888-427-5662, , or via Live Chat. NMC customer service agents are available Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. EST. The NMC experiences its busiest times around midday. To avoid longer wait times, we recommend calling early in the morning when phone lines are less busy or using our Live Chat service, which will connect you with our support team during normal hours. Additionally, our Chatbot can assist with many inquiries, providing immediate answers without the need to wait for a representative.
Merchant Mariner Credential Verification: To verify the authenticity of a merchant mariner credential, please . To aid in providing a faster response, please indicate ‘Credential Verification’ in the subject line of your e-mail along with mariner name(s) and mariner reference number(s) in the body of the e-mail. Note, processing times at the NMC will vary based on e-mail volume.
Mariner Training and Assessment Data (MTAD): Course curricula and course certificate modification requests should be sent to . Please note, to prevent delays in mariner applications, course and program completions should be documented through the issuance of completion certificates. Completion certificate format and content should match that approved by the NMC during the approval process. For questions related to mariner training and assessment, please contact the NMC at 206-815-6893.
We will provide updates to the status of these services as they are reestablished. Thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,
Bradley W. Clare
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Commanding Officer
Crowley has raised the U.S. flag on and commenced operation of the American Energy, the first domestic liquified natural gas (LNG) carrier to transport U.S.-sourced natural gas to Puerto Rico. This milestone service will provide Puerto Rico with increased access to the reliable supply of U.S.-produced LNG, helping address the Commonwealth’s ongoing power needs.
In a multi-year agreement to transport LNG for energy company Naturgy to its LNG facility in Penuelas, Puerto Rico, Crowley’s American Energy has a capacity of 130,400 cubic meters (34.4 million gallons) per voyage.
American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers onboard the American Energy.
“AMO is proud of our role in helping to prepare this ship for service and operating it for Crowley now that the American Energy is underway,” said AMO National President Willie Barrere. “Our members have the recent experience and training to make this new U.S.-flag trade a reality.
“This historic partnership strengthens the energy supply for the people of Puerto Rico and the businesses of the Commonwealth, and expands the roles AMO and Crowley have been serving with distinction for many years,” Barrere said. “American citizens from Puerto Rico sail as U.S. merchant mariners in Jones Act trades and work in logistics, freight and terminal operations supporting the vessels that reliably deliver cargoes from the U.S. mainland, and have for decades. We’re excited to help build on this tradition of service.
“AMO officers have been operating LNG carriers of various classes for more than two decades,” Barrere added. “With our level of experience and STAR Center’s premier LNG training program, AMO is well-positioned to expand the presence of American mariners in LNG transportation, both here at home in domestic trades like this one, and in new trades as the Trump administration develops new agreements and markets for American energy.”
The LNG carrier, which will exclusively serve Puerto Rico in accordance with the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996, has a CAP 1 rating, certifying its high rating for safety, vessel condition and regulatory requirements.
“The arrival of American Energy marks a significant step in delivering energy reliability to Puerto Rico for the benefit of all its citizens,” said Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González Colón. “The partnership between Crowley and Naturgy offers a plentiful U.S. LNG source that will greatly enhance the vitality of our island and fuel greater opportunity for our businesses through a consistently reliable power to thrive and prosper.”
The 900-foot-long (274-meter) LNG carrier builds on Crowley’s greater than 70 years’ presence in Puerto Rico, where it currently operates a full-service marine terminal in San Juan for its vessels, including two LNG-fueled ships, and logistics services. Crowley also annually delivers more than 94 million gallons of small-scale LNG annually from its LNG Loading Terminal in Penuelas, as well as providing ocean delivery and land transportation using ISO tank containers.
LNG is a lower-carbon fuel which emits less greenhouse gas (GHG) compared with diesel and other traditional energy sources.
“We are proud and privileged to expand U.S. LNG availability in Puerto Rico in partnership with Naturgy,” said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Crowley Corporation. “LNG is an ample, reliable energy source available in the U.S. that provides a more resilient and lower-emission option as part of our nation’s energy portfolio for quickly serving the growing power needs of Puerto Rico while supporting American jobs, American energy production and U.S. national security.”
Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the American Energy, here in Port Arthur, Texas in February, included Chief Mate Boren Chambers, First Assistant Engineer Sean Sullivan, Third A.E. Jace Chouinard, Second Mate Adam Durrua, First A.E. Robert Mullarky, Captain Lane Frisbie, Captain Mike Gasior, Second A.E. Ben Richards, Chief Mate Chalmers Pierce, Chief Engineer Evan Park, Third Mate Nick Defuria, Third A.E. Chris Annino and Chief Mate Jack Tragert.
The Chairman and Ranking Member of the United States House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee have introduced the “American Cargo for American Ships Act,” a bill designed to strengthen U.S. Cargo preference laws and promote American economic growth while reducing the ongoing decline of U.S. flagged ships.
In 2022, the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) testified before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and highlighted the decline of U.S. flagged ships. Per MARAD, there were 106 ships in the foreign trade flying the U.S. flag in 2012. Four years later, there were just 77 vessels. Today, from that low point, it has grown back to 87.
“Ensuring that American cargo is transported on American ships with American crew is a matter of economic strength and domestic investment,” said Representative Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi), Chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. “This bill prioritizes U.S. vessels and American jobs, reinforcing our maritime industry and reducing dependence on foreign shipping. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to support our domestic fleet, protect our supply chains, and keep America strong on the seas.”
The “American Cargo for American Ships Act” would increase cargo preference for all U.S. Department of Transportation cargoes from 50 percent to 100 percent. The Cargo Preference Act of 1954 requires that 50 percent of civilian agencies cargo and agricultural cargo be carried on U.S.-flag vessels as part of the maritime industry’s “Buy America” law. MARAD is the lead federal agency that manages cargo preference activities and compliance.
“American cargo transported by American ships bolsters our economy, creates more jobs, and protects our supply chains,” said Representative Salud Carbajal (D-California), Ranking Member of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. “I’m proud to introduce the American Cargo for American Ships Act that will ensure that our maritime workforce remains strong and competitive, safeguards our national security by reducing dependence on foreign vessels, and reinforces America’s position as a global leader in trade and commerce.”
Organizations that support the act include the American Maritime Congress, American Maritime Officers, American Maritime Officers Service, American Roll-on Roll-off, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development, Sailors Union of the Pacific, Seafarers International Union, Transportation Institute, U.S. Ocean, Waterman Logistics, Hapag Lloyd USA, American President Lines LLC.
“American cargo should always be carried by American ships crewed by American mariners. The U.S. Merchant Marine and American maritime industry are key components of national security and national defense, as well as U.S. commerce and a robust domestic and international transportation and logistics network,” said Christian Spain, AMO Vice President of Government Relations. “Cargo preference helps ensure a strong U.S.-flag commercial fleet and a ready base of American mariners are available to reliably deliver for our nation in peace and war.”
American Maritime Officers members aboard the M/V Mariner, here in Richmond, California in February, included Chief Engineer Tanner Bond, Second Mate Gabrielle McCracken and Third Mate John Egger.
AMO member Third Mate John Alper Sayil performing safety inspections on the M/V Mariner in February.
The M/V Mariner is operated by Eco-Tankers Crew Management Inc. and is manned in all licensed positions by members of AMO.
Pictured with the Seafarers’ House Executive Director Launa Carbonell are TECH Apprentice Engineers (L to R): Demetrius Belizario, Celestino Bautista, John Cunnigham, Robert Eckel Jr., and Devin Cherry
STAR Center’s TECH Apprentice Engineers were recognized by Seafarers House Port Everglades at a dinner in March honoring outstanding volunteerism to the organization. Seafarers’ House Executive Director Launa Carbonell presented the TECH class 115 with the award for “Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year” in recognition of all the TECH program students who contribute through the year.
Seafarers’ House recognized the outstanding and selfless contributions of the STAR TECH volunteers for their invaluable assistance and support without which they would not be able to carry out their mission, Carbonell said.
Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades is a non-profit organization that offers support and services to seafarers and port workers. For the last 10 years, STAR Center TECH students volunteer and assist with the organization’s regular events and activities as well as with needed assistance around the Seafarers’ House located within Port Everglades.
The TECH Program, a one-of-its-kind pathway that started in 2014, provides selected candidates with the opportunity to proceed on a marine engineering career path and help fill the shortage of marine engineers.
The program targets those with an interest in the Merchant Marine and mentors them during intense training onboard ship and ashore.
The TECH program takes approximately two years to complete and alternates between classroom training and sea phases. Upon successful completion of the program, the individual commences career employment as a marine engineer with American Maritime Officers.
American Maritime Officers members aboard the USNS Nelson V. Brittin, here in Portland in February, included Third Mate Levi Coleman, Chief Mate Conor Nimmo, First Assistant Engineer Craig Knorr and Third A.E. Steven Benavides, Jr. The USNS Brittin is an LMSR operated by Pasha Hawaii for the United States Maritime Administration and is a part of the Ready Reserve Force.
The vital roles of U.S. food-aid programs in national and economic security rapidly rose to front and center after an executive order was signed by the President January 20 implementing a 90-day suspension of U.S. foreign assistance programs.
The executive order was followed by a waiver applying to existing U.S. food-aid cargoes, among other things, allowing commodities that had already been contracted for, transferred to shipping terminals or loaded on vessels to be delivered. Under the waiver, only existing contracts can be fulfilled and no new tenders will be forthcoming from USAID.
American Maritime Officers and American Maritime Officers Service directly engaged on this development on Capitol Hill when the executive order was signed, working with maritime and agricultural interests to elevate awareness of the importance of U.S. food-aid programs.
Recognizing the threat to these programs that are critical to national interests, and to their constituents in particular, lawmakers have introduced companion legislation in the Senate and House of Representatives to remove U.S. food aid from the jurisdiction of USAID. The bills are sponsored by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS) – S. 525 and H.R. 1207, respectively – and would “transfer the functions, duties, responsibilities, assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, licenses, and privileges of the United States Agency for International Development relating to implementing and administering the Food for Peace Act to the Department of Agriculture.”
U.S. food-aid programs, including Food for Peace and Food for Progress, place commodities grown by American farmers on trucks and trains within the U.S. to be transported to our ports. Much of this food is loaded on U.S.-flagged merchant vessels of several types and delivered to nations in need around the world. In addition to relief for famine and emergency food shortages of all sorts, U.S. food-aid programs provide global markets for American farmers and cargoes for U.S. domestic ground transportation providers, as well as for American vessels manned by U.S. merchant mariners. American mariners are needed to operate active and reserve military support vessels in regular sealift operations and in times of contingency and conflict.
In signing the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower stated: “It will lay the basis for a permanent expansion of our exports of agricultural products, with lasting benefits to ourselves and peoples in other lands.”
Under the Cargo Preference Act of 1954, “at least 50 percent of any equipment, materials or commodities procured, contracted for or otherwise obtained with funds granted, guaranteed, loaned, or advanced by the U.S. Government under this agreement, and which may be transported by ocean vessel, shall be transported on privately owned United States-flag commercial vessels, if available.”
These cargoes, including those generated by American farmers through Food for Peace Title II and Food for Progress, help ensure U.S. merchant vessels remain in active service and American merchant mariners remain actively employed and current on their skills and certifications.
Testifying February 5, 2025 during a hearing of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Chairman of the industry-labor coalition USA Maritime Brian Schoeneman stated: “Let me be clear – there is no more ‘America First’ set of foreign aid programs out there than the Title II PL 480 Food for Peace program and the Food for Progress program. These are programs, which have been around for more than 70 years, where American food is purchased and shipped on American ships to help feed hungry people and expand demand for American commodities. These programs are some of our best diplomatic tools, and they work. The Philippines were long one of America’s main recipients of Food for Peace shipments, and today they are our third largest market for American wheat. When these programs work, they are not simply giveaways to foreign countries – they are programs that support American farmers and merchant mariners, and they should be continued, regardless of what happens to USAID.”
Addressing witnesses during a Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee hearing February 6, Sen. Moran – sponsor of the Senate bill that would transfer U.S. food-aid programs to the Department of Agriculture – said: “While there is certainly a moral component to food aid, I thought it might be valuable for you to remind me if there’s a value to farmers.”
Responses from farming industry representatives during the hearing emphasized this and other valuable aspects of U.S. food-aid programs.
“The food aid programs that do buy American commodities are critically important and we want to make sure those continue to function. Unfortunately, we have seen a temporary pause on programs like Food for Progress that is stopping more than 200,000 metric tons of wheat valued at over $65 million to our producers from being purchased from this country,” said National Association of Wheat Growers President Keeff Felty.
“Our members certainly recognize both the humanitarian need for that food aid but also the impact that it can have in terms of bringing stability to our own markets. And particularly now with a lot of pressure on a lot of those commodities, some of those commodities are at risk should there be major disruptions here from falling even further,” said National Farmers Union President Rob Larew.
President of the American Farm Bureau Federation Zippy Duvall described a conversation he had with a retired military officer relating to U.S. food aid. “We also got to think about the stability of our world,” Duvall said, adding the retired general told him: “what you do brings more stability to this world than anything else because when people get hungry, they get mean and mad and they get jealous of our country that has everything available to them because of the food system.”
The following letter was sent on February 18 to Congressmen Mike Ezell and Salud Carbajal, chair and ranking member on the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Dear Chairman Ezell and Ranking Member Carbajal:
Marine Safety is one of the eleven United States Coast Guard (USCG) missions. The USCG ensures the safety of commercial and recreational vessels through inspections, regulations, and investigations.
Marine Safety has been a core mission of the USCG since its early history. To effectively execute this core mission, the USCG relies on input from USCG-credentialed mariners who work in the industry they regulate. This is all done through the nine Federal Advisory committees listed below:
* National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC): This committee advises the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard on maritime security matters.
* National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC): This committee provides advice to the DHS and U.S. Coast Guard on safety and environmental issues related to offshore mineral and energy operations.
* National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (NMERPAC): Offers recommendations on matters related to the training, qualification, licensing, certification, and fitness of seamen.
* National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (NMEDMAC): Advises on medical certification determinations and medical standards for merchant mariners.
* National Towing Safety Advisory Committee (NTSAC): Provides advice on shallow-draft inland and coastal waterway navigation and towing safety matters.
* Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC): This committee offers recommendations on the safe and secure transportation and handling of hazardous materials in bulk on U.S. waterways and related facilities.
* Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee (CFSAC): This committee advises on matters related to the safety of commercial fishing industry vessels.
* Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee (GLPAC): This committee provides advice on matters related to Great Lakes pilotage, including reviewing proposed regulations and policies.
* Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH): This committee advises the Secretary of Labor and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on issues relating to occupational safety and health in the maritime industries.
In a recent memo signed by Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Benjamin C. Huffman, the membership of these committees was abruptly terminated. This decision raises profound concerns, especially in light of incidents such as the tragic allision of the M/V Dali and the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which led to a tragic loss of life and billions of dollars in economic and infrastructure damage.
The consequences of compromised maritime safety are devastating, underscoring the necessity of continued dialogue between regulators and the professionals who navigate our waters.
To ensure the continued safety of U.S. and global waterways, the voices of those who work in the industry must be heard. These committees, composed of individuals with decades of direct, hands-on experience, are essential in safeguarding the future of maritime safety. We urge you to take immediate action to reconvene these committees and restore the expertise they represent.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We sincerely appreciate all of the vital work that the Coast Guard and Marine Transportation Subcommittee continues to do to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s waters. Your leadership and commitment to maritime safety are invaluable, and we are grateful for your ongoing efforts to support the mariners who go down to the sea in ships.
Respectfully,
Willie Barrere, President, American Maritime Officers
Brittanie Potter, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO
David Heindel, President, Seafarers International Union
Don Josberger, President, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots
Greg Regan, President, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO
Adam Vokac, President, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
American Maritime Officers members onboard USNS Wheeler on Lake Union in Seattle on January 24 included Chief Mate Hannah MacDonald, Captain Ashley Wetzel (relieving for one month), Third Assistant Engineer Erik Osinski, Second Assistant Engineer Royce Dudley and Captain Russell Horton.
Schuyler Line Navigation Company has successfully reflagged the cargo vessel M/V SL Midway into the United States registry, bringing new job opportunities to the members of American Maritime Officers.
The SL Midway recently passed U.S. Coast Guard inspection in Texas and is expected to work in international trade, likely delivering military cargo on charters with the Defense Department. The 450-foot-long vessel boasts a load capacity of 9,700 tons.
Through an agreement with Argent Marine, AMO will represent all licensed positions on the seven-year-old general cargo vessel. AMO also represents the officers on two other Schuyler Navigation vessels: the SLNC Severn and the SLNC York.
The SL Midway adds to the increasing number of new vessels under the AMO umbrella in recent months, including heavy lift vessels, cargo ships and tankers.
“I appreciate Argent following through with the SL Midway by giving AMO and the U.S. government another option of employment and cargo carriage,” AMO National President Willie Barrere said. “We look forward to expanding the partnership between Argent and AMO as we continue throughout the year and beyond.”
Schuyler Line CEO and Argent President Dion Nicely adds, “We are pleased to bring the SL MIDWAY to the U.S. Flagged fleet. She is the most modern and fuel-efficient Multi-Purpose Vessel in the U.S. Flag today and we look forward to supporting DOD, USG, and other global partners through our worldwide logistics network. We value our longstanding partnership with AMO and look forward to continuing to grow the SLNC fleet in the near future.”
American Maritime Officers members aboard the M/V SL Midway, here in Houston in February, included Master Michael Wallace, Chief Engineer Matthew Fuss, Second Assistant Engineer Chester Brown, Second Mate Christopher Cudney, Third Mate Eric Gerow and Third A.E. Dawson Jones. Not Pictured: Chief Mate Cameron Dyer and First A.E. Richard Sachar. With them is AMO National President Willie Barrere and AMO Deep Sea Vice President Jeff Richards.
AMO members work on the bridge of the SL Midway to get the vessel ready for Coast Guard inspection.