MarEx Mailbag: Reader Response to Last Week's Editorial & More

MarEx readers weighed in on last week's editorial (And Then There Were Two… Benign Neglect: domestic energy & maritime interests brace for four more years of the same), as well as other issues.

In least week's edition of the MarEx e-newsletter, the lead editorial centered on the rapidly developing presidential sweepstakes and what that means for both the domestic maritime and energy industries. We asserted that little will change and that another four years of "benign neglect" are the most likely outcomes of this year's election season. At least one reader disagreed. Read last week's editorial to see why. Click HERE. Or, read on to see what a MarEx reader had to say on the subject:

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To MarEx:

Presidents have little or no effect on the U.S. shipping other than to deliver a stirring message every May, which is completely ignored, on the need for a strong Merchant Marine.

Our Merchant Marine was destroyed from within and no amount of presidential prodding will restore it.

Ours was the first industry to outsource jobs over 50 years ago in search of cheap labor.

Attempts to legislate cargo preferences to breathe life into our shipping and guarantee defense needs were savagely defeated by the agricultural lobby looking for cheap freight rates.

Every president has advocated a strong Merchant Marine. It's a given, part of their job. God, motherhood, apple pie and the Merchant Marine. I believe they even use the same speech every year.

Congress is never persuaded that a Merchant Marine is a necessity. Too many conflicting interests pounding on their doors with campaign funds in hand.

So, please, no more bewailing lack of presidential interest.

William T. Lyons

Editor's Remarks: The writer makes some valid points. But, I don't think it is out of line (naïve, perhaps) to expect some leadership from the executive branch. The concept of shortsea shipping, a perfect venue for a domestic merchant fleet, is a good example of where leadership is needed, and not just from the guy who reports to the Secretary of Transportation. A robust sealift capability is another such area. John McCain would have us hang around with tens of thousands of boots on the ground indefinitely in Iraq – and other places – but then eschews the very vehicle that will enable him to get that done, when our "friends" finally abandon us. So, yes, I will "bewail" the lack of presidential interest, thank you very much. A couple other writers also weighed in on the matter

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06/05/2008-1815

Sounds like you share my enthusiasm (or lack thereof) for the election "choices"... My Mom used the expression "Between the devil and the deep blue sea" a lot... Seems à propos now I suppose.

I enjoy the Newsletter being a fairly frequent sea traveler and dad of a Naval officer.

John Rice

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Dear Joe,

I have enjoyed your last two articles in particular because they sum up what I have been saying for years.

Unfortunately your prognostications with regards to energy needs and cabotage laws are probably correct. In 1973 we had a shot across the energy bow and we have failed to respond in 35 years!!!

Sincerely,

Dean Kalmukos

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Joe,

I guess that others have already sent you the following observation on the Liberty Ship going to Greece.

"Greeks will get the ship at cost, raise money, mostly from Americans, for converting it to a museum. After a year or so when no more funds are coming in for the museum, they will announce that the venture has failed for lack of interest. Then they will sell the ship for scrap at a huge profit. In the Greek business world, they will be heroes and gain enormous respect."

Let's keep track of who is pushing this deal. So that when and if the preceding forecast comes to pass, and the Greeks stick it to the US taxpayers again, we'll know who to hang.

Name withheld Upon Request

Editor's Remarks: Here's a letter that I didn't expect. I'm thinking that it has only been recently that the price of scrap steel has enabled MARAD to get rid of these ships in a more economical fashion, but I suppose it is possible that someone somewhere might make some money. But, the mandate is there to remove these rapidly decaying vessels and if this "friendship" accord allows MARAD to do just that, then why not? No one else seems to stepping up to start a "museum." The press release, which you can read by clicking HERE, does not specify the financial terms of the agreement that is apparently still being negotiated. That part of the deal would go more to the heart of the matter. Finally, the last letter this week deals with something near and dear to my heart: license renewal and STCW qualifications. Read on!

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Mr. Keefe,

I recently stumbled upon your article in Maritime Exec. Mag. while looking for STCW / USCG policy letter guideline info. over the internet. I enjoyed reading your article dated the beginning of April about your quest to renew your merchant mariner credentials. Especially so since I started the same process in the beginning of Feb. 2008. There are so many things I have wanted to say about the whole process. I graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1994 and have renewed since then but my credential did finally expire in 2006 and I was stupid not to renew for continuity (even the state sends you a driver's license renewal). Being a year beyond the grace period I knew I would have to take the complete examination over again but I did not mind since I will be examining under the new scheme. This will help refresh all my knowledge and when I complete the required sea time I can upgrade to Second Mate without having to re-examine again. But boy I cannot begin to express my frustration over the entire process. I have yet to find a single individual who knows the requirements for mariners like ourselves who wish to renew or update their credentials. I think for the sake of mariners like us your continued input for all to read is imperative. I have been aware since my earliest frustrations about the consultation offered by Mr. Hammond (and I spoke to him at length once back in Feb.) but I decided that going at it on my own would be more educational. I have spent many hours reading the CFR's and the STCW-95 amendments, talking with the Boston REC and the NMC in an effort to fully comprehend the Code, its requirements, and how it affects the merchant marine nationally and internationally. Last week I was approved by the Boston REC to sit for the Third's exam once again and after a few more weeks of studying I will take the 3 to 4 day test.

If there is anything I can do to help or enhance your efforts I would be happy to assist. I have run the mariner license and STCW renewal gauntlet and if I can make it less painful for a single fellow shipmate I will........it's almost over but I must not become complacent for somewhere out there, there is a little known STCW requirement waiting to strike.

Tally ho,

Richard T. Manning

Editor's Remarks: My own journey to STCW compliance is underway. I have at least one course completed (more on that in a soon-to-be-published article) and my BST course looming large in the front porthole. I'll keep you posted – and I may give Richard a call. Thanks for sharing, Richard.

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