02 May

TWIC deadline extended until April 2009

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security: (WASHINGTON) -- The U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced that the final compliance date for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program will be April 15, 2009, which reflects a realignment of the Sept. 25, 2008 compliance date set in the final…
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01 May

AMO strikes deal with Shell on U.S. crewing of LNG tankers

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is the text of a press release issued April 30 by Shell Ship Management Ltd.:   (HOUSTON) -- Shell Ship Management Limited (Shell) and the American Maritime Officers (AMO) union today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the addition of U.S. seafarers to Shell’s officer cadre.  A signing ceremony at the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD)…
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30 Apr

Mexico’s Costa Azul LNG terminal receives first gas shipment

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is a statement from Sempra Energy:   The first liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment for Sempra LNG’s Energía Costa Azul LNG receipt terminal arrived April 18.  The cargo’s arrival represented the beginning of the project’s commissioning process.  Energía Costa Azul is expected to complete the commissioning process and become commercially operational in May.  The first ship, called the…
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25 Apr

House approves new Coast Guard role in LNG, cruiseship security

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(WASHINGTON) -- The House of Representatives passed a bill that would require the Coast Guard to staff security zones around liquified natural gas facilities, the Associated Press reported. The bill also would establish new rules for cruise-ship security, double hulls around ship fuel tanks and fighting invasive species. President Bush has threated to veto the bill.   Click here to view…
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25 Apr

Towing vessel crew who rescued fallen deckhand honored for valor

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(GRANITE CITY, Ill.) -- Three crewmen from a Lewis and Clark Marine towing vessel have received the Coast Guard Certificate of Valor for their 2007 rescue of a deckhand who had fallen into the Mississippi River, the News-Democrat newspaper of Belleville, Ill., reported. After the fallen deckhard was swept under barges, the captain positioned the tug's propeller wash to push…
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25 Apr

Great Lakes maritime group urges adoption of invasive species law

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is a press release issued by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force:   (WASHINGTON) -- The House of Representatives today passed the world’s toughest invasive species control measures. The bipartisan legislation, which was endorsed by a broad cross section of Great Lakes organizations, creates a historic opportunity to address one of the most vexing issues facing the Great Lakes,…
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24 Apr

Commandant Allen’s statement on Coast Guard bill

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is a statement from Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen:   (WASHINGTON) -- "I am deeply concerned about a number of provisions contained in H.R. 2830 (Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008) that I believe would have a detrimental effect on the Coast Guard's ability to carry out our many vital maritime safety, security and environmental protection missions. …
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