TWIC deadlines draw near

The implementation phase of the Transportation Workers? Identification Credential, or TWIC, is imminent.

Major regulatory changes at international STCW meeting

IMO Sub-committee initiates new competences and seatime requirements for unlicensed mariners.

Transport Workers? ID Card Final Rule released by gov?t

In another development that will forever change the credentialing of the United States? maritime workforce, the Transportation Security Administration released an advance copy of the Final Rule in the rulemaking that will establish the Transportation Workers? Identification Card or TWIC.

Frisco ferry workers fight for jobs and justice on the Alcatraz Island run

A hole was blown in San Francisco?s formerly solid Union waterfront when the federal government recently awarded the contract for the ferry run to Alcatraz Island to a non-Union company.

GAO cites serious deficiencies in transport worker ID card

According to a recently released General Accountability Office (GAO) report to Congress, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must address and solve key challenges before implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program.

Port security legislation enacted

On September 30, the Senate passed and on October 13, President Bush signed into law the Security and Accountability for Every Port (SAFE Port) Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954)

APL returns to East Coast

After an absence of 29 years, SUP-contracted American President Lines resumed U.S.-flag liner service to the East Coast with the arrival of the C-10 class vessel President Adams at Port Newark Container Terminal, New Jersey, on August 27.

Legislation kills U.S. Customs ruling that taxed repair work at sea

Just prior to the Congress recessing for a month, Senator Trent Lott (R-Mississippi) added language to the pension reform bill that exempts U.S.-flag operators from paying the 50 percent ad valorem duty on equipment purchase abroad for repairs made in U.S.-flag vessels by U.S. mariners outside of the United States.

New Matson containership Maunalei delivered

Matson Navigation Company?s fourth new vessel in three years was delivered to the company from her builder, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, on July 12.

Sailors? Union responds to federal goverment?s proposal for new credentials for maritime workers

In response to the U.S. government?s proposal to issue Transportation Workers? Identification Credentials and the Coast Guard?s proposal to issue Merchant Mariners? Credentials to replace Merchant Mariner?s Documents, SUP Vice President Dave Connolly testified before representatives of the Department of Homeland Security?s Transportation Security Agency and the Coast Guard at a public hearing in Long Beach, California, on June 7, giving the Sailors? Union?s views on the regulatory changes.