NTSB cites unknown electrical source in Texas towboat fire
30 Jul

NTSB cites unknown electrical source in Texas towboat fire

Professional Mariner StaffCasualty News, Uncategorized,
(WASHINGTON) — On April 22, 2025, about 1750 local time, the towing vessel William D was pushing two barges near mile 20 of the Victoria Barge Canal, about 15 miles from Port Lavaca, Texas, with six crewmembers on board, when a fire broke out in the towboat’s accommodation spaces. Crewmembers attempted but were unable to extinguish the fire. All crewmembers…
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Port of Galveston opens new 1,410-foot cargo berth
06 Jul

Port of Galveston opens new 1,410-foot cargo berth

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, Uncategorized,
(GALVESTON, Texas) — The Port of Galveston’s new cargo berth officially opened for business July 2 with a Wallenius Wilhelmsen cargo carrier delivering roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) cargo at the West Port Cargo Complex. The 656-foot-long MS Toledo offloaded hundreds of pieces of heavy construction equipment from Brazil and Asia to be transported by truck to destinations in Texas and Middle America.…
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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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Crowley crews receive AOTOS Awards for heroism, safety
20 Nov

Crowley crews receive AOTOS Awards for heroism, safety

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry News, Uncategorized,
(JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) — The United Seamen’s Service recognized Crowley mariners with honors at the 2025 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards. As one of the most prestigious ceremonies in the industry, the AOTOS awards spotlight outstanding maritime achievement and pay tribute to American seafarers whose courageous actions and commitment to safety have made a profound impact on the industry…
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Ocean research vessel sinks while docked in California
28 May

Ocean research vessel sinks while docked in California

Professional Mariner StaffCasualty News, Uncategorized
(ALAMEDA, Calif.) — A well-known environmental research vessel, the 150-foot Kaisei, sank Sunday evening while docked in the Oakland Estuary, SFist.com reported. No one was on board, and firefighters worked to contain the nearly 400 gallons of diesel on the ship. The double-masted replica vessel, operated by the Ocean Voyages Institute in Sausalito, began sinking about 6 p.m. near the…
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New leadership, new ‘bold blueprint’ for Coast Guard
22 May

New leadership, new ‘bold blueprint’ for Coast Guard

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, Uncategorized,
(NEW LONDON, Conn.) — Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced Force Design 2028 (FD2028) Wednesday during the Coast Guard Academy commencement ceremony. This initiative provides a blueprint to transform the Coast Guard into a stronger, more ready and capable fighting force. Speaking at the ceremony, Noem expressed respect for the service and committed to advocating for funding support. Noem’s…
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Schottel to supply components for new Coast Guard tenders
12 Nov

Schottel to supply components for new Coast Guard tenders

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry News, Uncategorized, ,
(SPAY, Germany) — Schottel has been selected by Birdon America to supply components for 27 vessels of the U.S. Coast Guard waterways commerce cutter (WCC) program. Birdon America is designing the cutters and is expected to construct 16 river buoy tenders (WLR) and 11 inland construction tenders (WLIC). The cutters will be built at Birdon’s recently acquired shipyard in Bayou…
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Barge strike temporarily shuts down Arkansas River bridge
03 Apr

Barge strike temporarily shuts down Arkansas River bridge

Professional Mariner StaffCasualty News, Uncategorized, ,
(SALLISAW, Okla.) — The Arkansas River bridge near U.S. Highway 59 and the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam was temporarily shut down Saturday after a barge struck it, 2 News Oklahoma reported. The bridge is located south of Sallisaw near the Sequoyah/LeFlore County line. Jonathan Teague, director of Sequoyah County Emergency Management, said officials are still determining what caused…
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