News | MEBA Union

Pacific Partnership: 100 Days on USNS Mercy

Aug 14, 2015 09:41 AM

On the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), I am part of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) civilian mariners (CIVMAR). You might be surprised to know that MSC is part of the Department of the Navy. The CIVMARs are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Mercy, everything from watch standing, navigation, deck work and engine room operations. As cadet CIVMARs, we are required to do 100 days at sea as part of our training.

New Rules Proposed for Maritime Security Program

Aug 07, 2015 12:51 PM

On August 5, 2015, the U.S. Maritime Administration proposed new rules for the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). MSP secures the services of 60 privately owned U.S.-flag vessels for the U.S. Government in exchange for an annual stipend currently set at $3.1 million. The largest participant in the Program is Maersk Line, Limited.

Six Quick Facts About the New Suez Canal

Aug 07, 2015 12:50 PM

Egypt on Thursday opens the New Suez Canal, an extension which flanks the existing 145-year-old waterway and part of a larger undertaking to expand trade.

NOL Sale a Bargain with Modern Fleet

Aug 07, 2015 09:48 AM

Singapore’s Temasek Holdings' sale of Neptune Orient Lines offers potential buyers a modern fleet at a bargain — around $2 billion, according to industry and banking sources.

Shipbreaking Deaths Continue

Aug 07, 2015 09:48 AM

The NGO Shipbreaking Platform published its sixth South Asia Quarterly Update stating that a spate of recent deaths indicates that there is still a lack of safety equipment being used in the industry.

Jones Act Challenge Fails

Aug 07, 2015 09:47 AM

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit turned away a challenge to the Jones Act on July 30, 2015. The case, brought in Hawaii by certain shipper interests, argued that the Jones Act impaired interstate trade and therefore violated the United States Constitution.

U.S. Coast Guard Celebrates 225th Anniversary

Aug 07, 2015 09:46 AM

The U.S. Coast Guard celebrates 225 years of service on Tuesday.

Talking Point: Beyond Foolhardy for (Australia) to Lose Maritime Skills

PUBLIC interest has been drawn to the continued decline of the Australian merchant shipping fleet with the events surrounding the Alexander Spirit and its delayed departure from Devonport as it heads overseas to engage new, apparently more internationally competitive, crew.

U.S. Representative Seeks To Honor Merchant Mariners

Jul 31, 2015 12:56 PM

U.S. Representative Susan W. Brooks (R- Ind.) wants to grant World War II Merchant Mariners with the highest civilian honor. Brooks has introduced the Merchant Marine of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (HR 2992) to Congress. If passed, the bill would collectively award a Congressional Gold Medal to merchant mariners who served during World War II.

U.S. Coast Guard Revises Casualty Reporting Rules

Jul 31, 2015 12:54 PM

TITLE 46, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR), PART 4 MARINE CASUALTY REPORTING PROCEDURES GUIDE WITH ASSOCIATED STANDARD INTERPRETATIONS