Take a look:
http://www.americanmaritime.org/merchant/](http://www.maritimetv.com/FeaturedContent/FeaturedVideos.aspx?VID=maritime/130313_MaritimeTV_Interview_Munoz_Krepp_1.flv#anchor)
Thanks for the link. This is the first I’ve even heard of the website. I’m glad to see that a platform does exist to support advocates of our industry. Interesting interviews. I do make it a habit to write my congressman, but I can see I am overdue. Love to stay and chat, but I have letter to go write.
From MarExec - Denise Krepp’s original column - make a point to read all the comments and add your 2 cents. http://bit.ly/YM1iO7
Those Gulf jobs and inland work may be all that’s left in a few years.
The problem that the US Merchant Marine is facing, is the very same as for all the said civilized countries of the world. For the sake of Maximization of Profits and to avoid taxes contribution, ships are flagged out to Lagos Nigeria, manned by Indian officers and crewed by Bangladesh. The only vessels that will escape this outrageous legal fiscal racket, are the ones subject to Home Trade Law, Military, Coast Guards and for the maritime pilots who conn vessels subject to compulsory pilotage. If you succeed in reversing that worldwide tragic tsunamis, you are the very best, but you will be the first !
It is sickening to hear that every time something comes up with the current administration in relation to the Maritime Industry the noose gets tighter. Every. Single. Time. Jones Act waivers, cutting ship building subsidies, cargo preference, the list goes on. I have not yet heard one single iota of good news for our business come out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue since before January 2009. I would defy any person to make a case in favor of this administration’s relationship to the Maritime Industry as a whole. Just try, go ahead… It cannot be done.
[QUOTE=PaddyWest2012;103068]It is sickening to hear that every time something comes up with the current administration in relation to the Maritime Industry the noose gets tighter. Every. Single. Time. Jones Act waivers, cutting ship building subsidies, cargo preference, the list goes on. I have not yet heard one single iota of good news for our business come out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue since before January 2009. I would defy any person to make a case in favor of this administration’s relationship to the Maritime Industry as a whole. Just try, go ahead… It cannot be done.[/QUOTE]
Paddy, we are not only in the same church, we are in the same pew. It goes much further than 2009.
Keep an eye on the funding of the Maritime Security Program. If that starts getting cut, it’s pretty much over. That is the only thing that saved the USMM at the end of the 90’s. Once deep sea starts to disappear, the rest isn’t far behind.
Pay attention to us Old Timers, We do know what we are talking about.
[QUOTE=Sweat-n-Grease;103043]Take a look:
http://www.americanmaritime.org/merchant/](http://www.maritimetv.com/FeaturedContent/FeaturedVideos.aspx?VID=maritime/130313_MaritimeTV_Interview_Munoz_Krepp_1.flv#anchor) [/QUOTE]
Thanks, S-n-G. I’ve bookmarked this site and will go back explore it when I have a faster connection.
I appreciate your posts.
[QUOTE=Topsail;103061]The problem that the US Merchant Marine is facing, is the very same as for all the said civilized countries of the world. For the sake of Maximization of Profits and to avoid taxes contribution, ships are flagged out to Lagos Nigeria, manned by Indian officers and crewed by Bangladesh. The only vessels that will escape this outrageous legal fiscal racket, are the ones subject to Home Trade Law, Military, Coast Guards and for the maritime pilots who conn vessels subject to compulsory pilotage. If you succeed in reversing that worldwide tragic tsunamis, you are the very best, but you will be the first ![/QUOTE]
Excellent post ~
Of course I’m angry, and I ask why then does the United States maintain a U. S. Merchant Marine Academy? The answer, in my mind, may seem simple. There is no reason to keep Kings Point other than to satisfy the almost overwhelming force of it’s graduates, most of whom never sailed. Brown Water and Off Shore does not cut it. The United States is no longer a Maritime Nation, once we were. Yup, I’m angry, and I am a graduate.
What can we do? What action can we take? What recourse does a concerned and and discontented citizen have in this case? I am not content to just wait until 2016 so that “maybe” we can cause some change, but then maybe not. Votes cannot be the only recourse available. Are there any really dedicated “maritime” lobbyists on the hill? I know every hates lobbyists but they’re not such bad guys when they’re working for you… What does John, Lord of gCaptain have to say about this? He must now a lobbyist or two.
I can’t write to my Congressmen and Senators, I mean all politicians are basically useless but mine are worse than useless. I might just as well have Lenin, Marx, and Jimmy Carter representing me. Seriously. I feel trapped, like I have no way out. I wasn’t kidding before when I said every time the president opens his mouth I feel the noose get tighter…
BROTHER MARINERS: WHERE DO WE TURN?
[QUOTE=PaddyWest2012;103166]BROTHER MARINERS: WHERE DO WE TURN?[/QUOTE]
Paddy, it’s not the fault of our current Administration nor the previous, it’s Free Enterprise. We, U. S. Merchant Seamen, were always tossed away, until THAT day.
See Post #4.
I feel your pain.