U.S. Government Needs to Support Maritime Sector

Don Marcus, President, International Organization of Master, Mates & Pilots, addresses the challenges facing the maritime industry because the White House and many members of Congress do not recognize its vital importance to the economic and strategic well-being of the nation. Many of its vital programs such as the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and cargo preference are in jeopardy due to a lack of funding and political will.

Domestically, the Obama Administration has given more waivers of the Jones Act than all of the previous administrations put together. While Title XI remains unfunded and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund monies unspent, the U.S. does not have a national maritime policy.

Marcus reminds us that the U.S. Merchant Marine and the Jones Act create jobs and an importance economic base, which could be lost if the industry is not vigilant.