Licensing and training – Page 3 – Professional Mariner

26 Feb

Polar Star handles fast ice, wraps up Antarctic mission

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsIcebreaking, Licensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(SOUTHERN OCEAN) — The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) and crew departed McMurdo Station, Antarctica, on Feb. 12 after operating for 51 days below the Antarctic Circle in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2024. Polar Star and crew broke a 38-mile channel through fast ice to create a navigable route for vessels to reach McMurdo Station and…

21 Feb

New format coming for merchant mariner credentials

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, UncategorizedLicensing and training

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — On March 1, the U.S. Coast Guard will begin issuing merchant mariner credentials (MMCs) in a new format. This new mariner credential will replace the legacy passport-style red book and associated endorsement labels. The complexity and degraded reliability of the custom printers used to print the MMC books necessitated a change to the credential printing process. The…

14 Feb

Philly Shipyard cuts steel for Cal Maritime training vessel

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipbuilding

(PHILADELPHIA) — TOTE Services, Philly Shipyard and California State University Maritime Academy on Friday celebrated the cutting of steel for the fifth national security multi-mission vessel (NSMV), which is destined for Cal Maritime in Vallejo, Calif. This ceremonial event signifies the start of construction for the ship and occurred at Philly Shipyard’s plasma-cutting machine as the button was pressed to…

09 Feb

Metal Shark adds third Louisiana facility, seeks workers

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipbuilding

(JEANERETTE, La.) — Following the recent divestiture of its Alabama-based ship refit and repair business, Metal Shark is expanding its presence in its home state of Louisiana with the addition of a third manufacturing facility and an aggressive recruitment effort. “Last year, Birdon America Inc. approached Metal Shark about acquiring our Alabama operations,” said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard. “They…

31 Dec

MarAd’s Phillips praises dedication of U.S. mariners

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, MarAd

(WASHINGTON) — The following is a message released Thursday by retired Navy Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, U.S. maritime administrator: "As we find ourselves in the home stretch of another trip around the sun, I want to pause and take the time to reflect on how your efforts make MarAd (U.S. Maritime Administration) incredibly successful year in and year out. Thank…

14 Dec

Crews of four U.S.-flagged vessels honored for heroism

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, safety

(NEW YORK) — The officers and crew of four American-flag vessels were recognized for heroism at sea at the 54th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards hosted by the United Seamen’s Service on Dec. 1. The plaques honored the mariners aboard the following vessels: M/V Midnight Sun, Port of Tacoma Harbor In September 2022, an electrical fire broke…

06 Dec

Fagan cites ‘broken trust’ in Coast Guard, mandates changes

Professional MarinerMaritime NewsLicensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday published an Accountability and Transparency Review (ATR) report on the service’s workforce culture and organizational climate. The report was accompanied by a memorandum from Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan, which directed 33 initial actions to address recommendations in the report. Fagan’s directed actions are designed to ensure that every member of…

05 Dec

United Seamen’s Service honors Barker, Pasha, Vokac

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsGreat Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System, Licensing and training, shipping

(NEW YORK) — The United Seamen’s Service (USS) presented its 54th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards on Dec. 1 to Mark Barker, president of Interlake Maritime Services; George Pasha IV, president and CEO of The Pasha Group; and Adam Vokac, district and national president of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA). The traditional silver statuette of Christopher…

09 Nov

Coast Guard adjusts planning amid workforce shortage

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

(WASHINGTON) — Coast Guard mission demands are growing while the service faces a significant workforce shortage. The Coast Guard is short nearly 10 percent of the entire enlisted workforce and cannot continue to operate as it has historically with fewer people. To mitigate the workforce challenge risk in a deliberative and strategic fashion, Vice Commandant Adm. Steven Poulin has provided…

07 Nov

Texas Salutes the Coast Guard to be held Nov. 8 in Houston

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

(STONINGTON, Conn.) — The Coast Guard Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, will hold Texas Salutes the Coast Guard on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the Marriott Marquis Houston on 1777 Walker St. The event, which includes a reception and dinner, will begin at 6 p.m. The annual Texas…