https://youtu.be/HoPICE8hN1A In an our editorial last month titled Top 10 Reasons Why The US Merchant Marine Is Failing, I asserted that the US Maritime Administration ignores the media, doesn't share good news, and fails to advertise in trade publications like gCaptain. The article must have hit a nerve because it received thousands social media views and prompted … [Read more...]
Top US Naval Analyst Warns Of A Looming Naval Disaster With China
by Captain John Konrad (gCaptain) Early this month the House Committee on Intelligence held a panel to investigate China’s global plans for military expansion. Of particular interest to gCaptain readers are the comments by Captain James Fanell, a fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, who warns that a major naval disaster looms on the … [Read more...]
An Alarming Number Of Shipping Companies Are Banning Knives, Here’s How To Stop Them
by Capt. John Konrad (gCaptain) A disturbing and dangerous trend is growing offshore. Despite overwhelming evidence that knives are essential to the safety of life at sea, shipping companies are increasingly banning the use of knives aboard ship. Back in the days of tall ships, captains would break off the pointy tips of knives to prevent injuries and mutiny. Today’s … [Read more...]
What Can Merchant Mariners Learn From Volvo Ocean Race Sailors?
Last month gCaptain was invited by John Mangano, Key Account Manager - Coastal & Navy for International Paint, to Newport, Rhode Island to board the Volvo Ocean Race 65 boat and meet the crew of Team AkzoNobel. While there, I sat down for an interview with watch captain Chris Nicholson and boat captain Nikolai Sehested to discuss what some consider the most … [Read more...]
Search Begins For New USMMA Superintendent
by John Konrad (gCaptain) Today the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) has posted the position of USMMA Superintendent to USAjobs, the first step in replacing James Helis, the former Army Colonel who was removed from the position in May. 2011 was a year of change for the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. Then Superintendent Rear … [Read more...]