Looks like there is some hope after all. Was looking on USAJOBS today and saw where the USCG has numerous opening for civilian Marine Inspectors which is a step in the right direction. I had the opportunity about 20 years ago when they first tried this idea but then they weren't paying anything. Off...

Cash ‘not answer to crewing crisis’ 23 March 2007 Lloyds List PAYING “top dollar” seafarer salaries does not guarantee loyalty and is not the answer to the industry’s crewing crisis, according to a panel of experts, writes Rajesh Joshi. The way to redress the problem is to foster lifelong “contract...

Shell recruits US officers for LNGs Fairplay 01 May 2008 SHELL Ship Management is to hire US licensed officers for its 25 new internationally-flagged LNG tankers, with a pact signed yesterday with the American Maritime Officers (AMO) union. Both groups credited US Maritime Administrator Sean Connau...

Problems with the USCG in magic pipe cases is they are a bit over zealous in their tactics. Some untrained 3rd class petty officer storms aboard the ship with a 9mm on his hip and takes the Chief and engineers to task. The Commandant of the CG has promised a kinder and gentler staff exhibiting a bit...

Point I was trying to make is that the US unions and government officials have for years complained about flag of convenience shipping and the "dangerous" untrained crews they perceived to sail on these ships. Now they have forgot all about that and look to flag of convenience ships for tr...

My first berth was 3rd on a T-1 in the far east. I had to sign for a year and then had 6 weeks off. My last tour deep sea was 60/60 on a lightering tanker which was non stop action. Now I sit at the desk. Jobs abound here in the states but the new schoolship grads want Chiefs wages right out of scho...

Problem today Martin is that quite a few of those in the office have relatively little or no time at sea. Used to be to come ashore as a port engineer or superintendent required one to hold a Chief or Masters ticket. Today kids graduate from the schoolships and move right into the offices as port en...

www.dnvps.com It has some MARPOL info Also

http://www.imo.org/Conventions/contents ... c_id=647#6

Seems Shell has just made a deal to employ US Officers in their LNG FLeet.

Seems Maersk is about to replace about 200 Chief Stewards and ratings with third world crew. One of the benefits of sailing on a Scandinavian flag vessel has always been the excellent food. I don't think this will set well with Maersk European officers. They could go to US as US seaman are now comin...

Seems like Transport Canada is trying to stop the practice that has gone on for years in the US. Memorizing test questions/answers and prepping through schools that teach questions and answers not actual engineering knowledge.

Talk about a cushy job for an engineer. Crowley has just received a contract rom the state of Alaska to provide 35 "Ocean Rangers" who will ride passenger ships while in Alaskan waters and monitor the environmental and safety routines aboard the ships. Next they will be wanting to place a ...

Nice event from Lloyds List Informa - Yours truly will be doing a one day fuels workshop on day one of the event.

Know the PRIAM well. I was involbved with the survey and purchase of her for MSC and yes she is the CAPE HENRY At the time one of the finest in the RRF fleet. We bought a lot of RO/RO's in that period from Wilhlemsen starting with the smaller G-1 ScanCarrier vessels.

Hey Conrod did you ever know or hear of an ex Blue Flue Chief Peter Kay? Great engineer worked with him in Holland in the late 70's in the yard where they built the Clytonius and Cyclops.