Coast Guard updates guidelines for approved training
03 Jun

Coast Guard updates guidelines for approved training

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & Training, Uncategorized,
(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing has published Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-26, "Guidelines for Coast Guard Approved Training." This NVIC will streamline the process of obtaining Coast Guard approval of required training for a merchant mariner credential and will reduce the administrative burden on maritime training providers. This NVIC makes several changes to the…
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Crescent adding four more z-drive tugs from Blakeley BoatWorks
03 Jun

Crescent adding four more z-drive tugs from Blakeley BoatWorks

Professional Mariner StaffTugboats & Towing,
(MOBILE, Ala.) — Crescent Towing is continuing to strengthen its fleet with the upcoming addition of four 6,000-hp z-drive tugboats. The vessels, built at Blakeley BoatWorks, will further expand the company’s capabilities on the Mississippi River. Crescent Towing will take delivery of the first vessel in 2027, a second in 2028, and two more in 2029. Once delivered, Crescent Towing’s…
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Safety alert: Responding to an engine high temperature alarm
03 Jun

Safety alert: Responding to an engine high temperature alarm

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, ,
(WASHINGTON) — A fire aboard a small passenger vessel resulted in the death of one passenger, injuries to multiple passengers, and the total loss of the vessel. The investigation into the cause of the fire yielded several findings that warrant immediate review by all vessel operators. While underway, in response to a high jacket water-temperature alarm, the master shifted the…
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Loss of steering, valve misalignment cited in Vicksburg bridge strike
01 Jun

Loss of steering, valve misalignment cited in Vicksburg bridge strike

Professional Mariner StaffCasualty News, ,
(WASHINGTON) — On May 1, 2025, about 1454, the towing vessel Rickey Hughes was pushing 22 barges downbou​nd on the Lower Mississippi River at mile 435.8 near Vicksburg, Miss., when the two lead barges on the starboard side of the tow contacted a fixed pier of the Vicksburg Highway 80 Bridge. As a result of the contact, seven barges broke…
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Master Boat launches second tug in series for Maritime Partners
01 Jun

Master Boat launches second tug in series for Maritime Partners

Professional Mariner StaffTugboats & Towing,
(CODEN, Ala.) — Master Boat Builders recently launched Titan, the second of eight tugboats being built for Maritime Partners LLC. The launch represents another key milestone in the companies’ ongoing partnership and reflects sustained demand for high-performance tug capacity across the maritime and energy sectors. “The launch of Titan reflects what can be accomplished through strong industry partnerships and a…
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Port of Long Beach awards nearly $400,000 in scholarships
28 May

Port of Long Beach awards nearly $400,000 in scholarships

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & Training
(LONG BEACH, Calif.) — The Port of Long Beach presented a record of almost $400,000 in scholarships to 165 local high school and college students to study and train in port-related fields including engineering, environmental science, maritime law and technical trades. The scholarships were announced during Celebrating Education, an annual event that brings together students, educators, policymakers and business leaders…
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All American delivers innovative hybrid monohull tour boat
28 May

All American delivers innovative hybrid monohull tour boat

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, ,
(BELLINGHAM, Wash.) — All American Marine, in partnership with Harbor Breeze Cruises, has announced the delivery of a new 108-by-32.5-foot parallel hybrid passenger vessel after completion of sea trials. El Escudo will now enter deployment in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif. Purpose-built to serve harbor tours, whale watch cruises, and special event dining experiences throughout the…
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Port of Long Beach offers $1 million for first methanol bunkering
27 May

Port of Long Beach offers $1 million for first methanol bunkering

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, , ,
(LONG BEACH, Calif.) — The Port of Long Beach established an unprecedented $1 million award for the first oceangoing vessel to refill at its harbor with methanol on a commercial scale in an effort to jump-start the industry’s transition to cleaner, lower-carbon fuels like methanol. Approved Monday by the Long Beach Harbor Commission, the Clean Fuel Bunkering Challenge is expected…
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MarAd honors Crowley tanker crew for allision response
27 May

MarAd honors Crowley tanker crew for allision response

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, , ,
(JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) — Crowley mariners who served aboard the U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate were honored with the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MarAd) Gallant Ship Award during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Maritime Day observance in Washington, D.C. The award, one of the maritime industry’s highest distinctions, recognizes the 23-member crew’s extraordinary professionalism, courage and commitment to safety. The award recognizes…
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NMC update: Extension dates for MMCs, medical certificates
26 May

NMC update: Extension dates for MMCs, medical certificates

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & Training,
(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) is expanding the existing extension policy for merchant mariner credentials (MMCs) and medical certificates impacted by the 2026 lapse in appropriations and continued processing delays. Effective immediately, MMCs (national endorsements only) and medical certificates (national and pilot expiration dates only) that expire between Jan. 1, 2026, and July 31, 2026, will remain…
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