The U.S. Coast Guard has published a final rule amending the requirements for renewal of a radar observer endorsement, making refresher courses no longer required for mariners who meet certain criteria. The final rule, titled "Amendments to the Marine Radar Observer Refresher Training Regulations", amends the requirements for renewal of a radar observer endorsement for … [Read more...]
On National Maritime Day, Where is the U.S. Merchant Marine?
May 22 is National Maritime Day in the United States. Initiated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1933, it commemorates the sailing of the American steamship Savannah across the Atlantic to England in 1819. Since 1933, the date has been celebrated as a recognition for all those merchant mariners who have sailed in the past and the present, and honor those … [Read more...]
Editorial: Admiral, I Am NOT Ready For War
"It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war." -John F Kennedy by Captain John Konrad (gCaptain) As has been the case before every major world conflict a majority of citizens believe that peace will persist indefinitely and, as a civilian myself, I tend to agree that a large scale war with a major superpower like China or Russia is unlikely. … [Read more...]
Why the United States Needs a Merchant Marine – A Historical Basis
By Salvatore R. Mercogliano, Ph.D. (Editorial) In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress and delivered a war message. In this speech he highlighted the main issue the United States faced with the Imperial German government, “Because submarines are in effect outlaws when used as the German submarines have been used against merchant shipping, it is impossible … [Read more...]
GAO: DOT Needs to Finalize Require Maritime Strategy for Sustaining the U.S.-Flag Fleet ASAP
The U.S. Department of Transportation needs to expeditiously finalize a national maritime strategy for sustaining the U.S.-flag fleet and ensuring the availability of American mariners, the Government Accountability Office said in a report. In a crisis, the United States' government relies on oceangoing, U.S.-flag ships and U.S.-citizen crews to help the military transport … [Read more...]