Licensing and training – Professional Mariner

08 May

Trump nominates former Maersk exec to lead MarAd

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, MarAd, shipping

(WASHINGTON) — The Trump administration has nominated Stephen Carmel, a former executive with Maersk Line Ltd., to head the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), FreightWaves reported. Carmel replaces Capt. Brent Sadler, a Navy veteran who had been tapped in March to lead the agency but had yet to undergo a nomination hearing in the Senate. No reason was given as to…

10 Apr

Trump order aims to boost USMMA, American shipbuilding

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, MarAd, shipbuilding

(WASHINGTON) — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Wednesday applauded President Trump’s executive order to restore America’s maritime dominance. As part of the executive order, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) will coordinate with various stakeholders to create a Maritime Action Plan (MAP). The MAP will include key initiatives like revitalizing the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), incentivizing domestic shipbuilding, enhancing infrastructure…

07 Apr

Coast Guard urges proper registration, disposal of EPIRBs

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(PORTSMOUTH, Va.) — In recognition of 406 Day on April 6, a national campaign led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to spread awareness of the importance of emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), the U.S. Coast Guard is urging mariners to properly register and dispose of their emergency beacons. EPIRBs transmit a globally recognized distress signal via…

26 Mar

Illegal charter terminated; owner violated COTP order

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(MIAMI) — Coast Guard Sector Miami law enforcement officers, along with federal and state law enforcement partners, terminated the voyage of an illegal passenger-for-hire vessel Sunday near Indian Creek. The 88-foot motor yacht, The Round, was reportedly operating as an illegal charter with numerous violations and 12 passengers for hire on the vessel. During the investigation, it was found that…

10 Mar

Polar Star finishes frigid duties, departs Antarctica

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(SOUTHERN OCEAN) — Accomplishing its missions, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) and crew departed the Antarctic region Tuesday after 65 days south of the Antarctic Circle in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2025. Operation Deep Freeze is an annual event, led by the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) in conjunction with the Department of Defense, to support…

06 Mar

Hanwha Philly lays keel for Cal Maritime training ship

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipbuilding

(PHILADELPHIA) — TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard on Wednesday celebrated a shipbuilding milestone with the keel laying of the fifth and final vessel in the national security multi-mission vessel (NSMV) program. Upon completion, the ship will serve California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime). Commissioned by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), the NSMV program is designed to provide world-class…

25 Feb

Coast Guard, partners halt 12 illegal charters in Miami

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(MIAMI) — Coast Guard Sector Miami law enforcement officers, along with federal and state law enforcement partners, terminated 12 illegal charter voyages Friday through Sunday on Biscayne Bay and Miami River. The owners of the motor yacht Indigo and cabin cruiser Second Wind were reportedly in federal violation of active captain of the port (COTP) orders. Ten out of the…

13 Feb

Legal at sea: Charting the new maritime regulatory landscape

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsEnvironment, Licensing and training, Regulation, shipping

(ARENDAL, Norway) — Reflecting the ongoing emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable maritime operations, this year sees the implementation of crucial regulations across various domains, from emissions control and fuel efficiency to ship recycling and safety standards. These changes underscore the industry's continuous evolution towards a more environmentally responsible and sustainable future. Below, maritime insurer Gard looks at several of…

28 Jan

Fourth NSMV launched for Texas A&M Maritime Academy

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipbuilding

(PHILADELPHIA) — Hanwha Philly Shipyard on Friday launched Lone Star State, the fourth of five national security multi-mission vessels (NSMVs) ordered by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). The 524-foot training ship will be operated by Texas A&M Maritime Academy and is slated for delivery in late 2025. The first NSMV, Empire State, was delivered to SUNY Maritime College in New…

22 Jan

Fagan removed as commandant of Coast Guard

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(WASHINGTON) — The acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has removed the Coast Guard commandant, Adm. Linda Fagan, from her position, USNI News reported. An ALCOAST, which is a message to all members of the Coast Guard, announced the relief of Fagan to the service. The message did not give a reason for Fagan’s removal. “Under my…