If you are a lower level mariner who works aboard towing vessels your life is about to change forever. The American Waterways Operators (AWO) is an industry-funded organization. AWO’s mission is to promote rules and regulations that protect their member’s best interest. Last year AWO announced that they have placed three full time lobbyists in DC. Since its formation AWO has spent a great deal of time and money to improve the industries safety image. By creating alternative systems designed around self-regulation concepts AWO defers physical inspection of towing vessels and manning work hour requirements. AWO’s Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) and Crew Endurance Management (CEM) are examples of AWO efforts.
Today’s mariner must continually adjust to a changing industry with little input or representation in its evolution. We use terms and acronyms now the old timers could never have imagined. SMS, MSDS, BMI, Medical NVIC, STCW, Risk Based Management, RCP, CEM, MOPS, Federal Register TOAR, Apprentice Steersman. CFR, Towing Vessel Inspection, Security Officer, MERSAC, TWIC; and the list gets longer every day while a new cottage industry cuts deeper into our pay check.
Today mariners need a voice on capital hill as much as industry does. Unfortunately while the hawserpipe closes our labor organizations do little if anything at all to address the new deal coming out of Coast Guard Head Quarters and the National Maritime Center. My name is Joseph Dady and I have been recently appointed to the position of President of the National Mariners Association. As president my goal is to place a full time lobbyist in DC who specifically addresses and understands the Lower Level Mariner issue. I do not share in the mind set that Crew Endurance Management is a safe alternative to proper rest or that a safety management system by itself can replace proper manning requirements or a qualified engineer. AWO’s three full time lobbyist are telling our representatives that they can.
Help me help you by providing a voice from vessel side. Now more then ever we need representation. NMA is not a labor union and never intends to become one. That is not its mission. We are a Lower Level Mariner Advocacy group. Our mission is to assist mariners with changing regulation, engage the political process on the side of the mariner, report to USCG and Congress (among other) and promote a safe, healthy and socially secure maritime working environment. I urge you to visit our web site at www.nationalmariners.org , fill out a membership form and join our cause.
Captain Joseph Dady
President of the National Mariners Association
www.nationalmariners.org