[QUOTE=c.captain;82343]and make more than an equivalent American mariner plus also get any taxes due to the US Treasury paid by their employer so then take a credit against their national taxes owed for tax they don’t actually pay themselves! They there’s the issue of travel costs etc,
Why on earth with the fact that a Norwegian costs so much more do so many companies want them versus us? One is that Norwegians take care of themselves and don’t care if it costs them more. Norwegian vessel owners also look down on us Americans and think we’re all amateurs. In their eyes, they are the only true seafarers! There is also the Jones Act liability issue that has been discussed previously, but I don’t see US companies going out of business because of unseaworthiness claims American mariners have come to appreciate our jobs and don’t want to file frivolous suits. Those who do don’t last long in the business!
You would think that it is a no brainer to hire the American but there are plenty of companies (Maersk Drilling) who will tell you they are committed to going 100% US but always find some excuse why they can’t. I was there and know of what I speak. Veolia is the same way. There is one member of gCaptain who was a token American on the KINGFISHER who has posted here before in the past on this subject who finally had enough of their BS and left. I hope he is still here reading this thread.[/QUOTE]
I don’t know about all Norwegians but the ones I’m working with do not make as much as what the US boat companies (I generalize here) are paying. At least not the Licensed Officers.