We just recieved this statement from MEBA Union: The allegations brought forward by a USMMA cadet are deeply troubling and should be taken seriously. M.E.B.A. believes sexual assault and sexual harassment is unacceptable in any context and will not be tolerated. M.E.B.A. fully supports a thorough, independent investigation into the matter and is cooperating with the Company regarding such investigation. M.E.B.A. is committed to working with its partners to ensure that our vessels are safe and respectful for all employees. Adam Vokac President Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association

[image] Chief_Seadog: All the ship’s engineers belong to the MEBA. Yes and the Captain (who Maersk also suspended) is MM&P.

Although late, these actions are certainly warranted. And there should certainly be an thorough investigation.

During my 39 years as a licensed commercial mariner I often observed that alcohol abuse was the common element in bad things that happened on a ship; fights, injuries, poor job performance, etc. Pre-OPA90 the abuse was often overlooked by Captains, Chiefs and even Office Staff but post OPA90 and with the current rules in effect there is NO excuse to allow or permit alcohol aboard. During the many years I sailed as Master I believe I had an open door for the crew to bring any issues, I fervently hope that my own perception about that was correct. Those two issues are fundamental to keeping everyone safe at sea.

When I sailed with Maersk as master, THERE WAS A CULTURE about alcohol on the ships. Although the corporate line was “no alcohol”, there was a knowing “smile & nod” about it. I’d hope in the intervening 20 years, that it would have dissipated and disappear. Apparently it hasn’t. Having a “dry” ship took balls. I was much happier leaving M & sailing at lower levels and just minding my own business.

I wasn’t going to post about this because I sailed only on one Maersk ship but the unwritten policy on that ship matched what you reported: ‘Don’t ask don’t tell’. One night, while we were moored in a South American port, the bosun was found cavorting in the cab of the big deck crane with a local woman and a bottle. He wasn’t fired. It was well known by all on board that both he and the electrician kept stashes of liquor in their rooms.

With regards to the MEBA, they don’t really have a dog in this fight .AFAIK It’s Maersk that selects the Chief and 1st A/E. I wouldn’t think that the union would have any obligation to help defend against federal charges. That’s one reason some unions reimburse for license insurance. The captain might be a different case as that would presumably would be failure to enforce company policy, Alleged of course, as required.

MM&P just released a statement.

I agree in that if the captain does not enforce company policies, or worse allows blatant and open disregard of those policies there will be problems.

Hey, how did this post devolve into alcohol being the problem? I’m voting on rape being the problem. Was alcohol a contributing factor in this assault? Yes. BUT…rapists are going to use anything to have power over their victims. If the Midshipman had not been drunk, it would have been another situation where he got her alone. He had keys to her room, people. He was her supervisor. Alcohol just made his job easier and the other engineers on hand, that did not speak up, they also made it easier. I’d love to see you folks spend as much time talking about the asshats you’ve sailed with that you have overhead speaking inappropriately, or demonstrating even worse behavior. Because I’m willing to bet that most of those statements or actions were “against policy”, too, and yet you don’t seem to be mentioning it. How are you ok with them representing our profession? Guys, we can’t do this without you. Start a real conversation, no matter how uncomfortable, if you are tired of sailing with misogynists, bullies, and yes, rapists.

I think alcohol was more than a contributing factor. I think it was the enabling factor. I am not convinced the 1st had already made up his mind to rape the cadet at some point during her time aboard.

Midshipman X Union Statements

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Midshipman X Union Statements

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