Mariner Recruitment and Retention
Public Education and Awareness Working Group

The general public is not aware of the value of and critical need for the U. S. marine transportation system as a component of the U. S. intermodal national transportation system.  Mariners are often held in low esteem. The only media reports concerning marine transportation are those relating to negative issues – oil spills, accidents, etc.  From a recruiting standpoint, potential recruits are not aware of the opportunities for employment or are not motivated toward employment in the maritime industry because of the negative image of the industry and mariners. A National Maritime Advisor/Advocate to the Whitehouse was recommended.   The Public Education and Awareness Working Group was formed as a result of the Maritime Careers conference held at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York on 23-24 May 2001 to address issues in this area.

[Click here] to enter the Public Education and Awareness Discussion Board.

Objective:

In the broadest sense, the objective of the Working Group is to develop and promote a positive image and increase the awareness of the maritime industry for the general public and their elected officials, emphasizing the critical contribution of mariners to the safety of our ports and waterways, protection of the environment, as well as the economy and security of our nation.

Key Actions:

• Enhance partnerships with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other public agencies.
• Coordinate Working Group activities with those of the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC).
• Keep the Secretary of Transportation, as an advocate of the maritime industry, informed on the Working Group’s, objectives, progress and accomplishments.
• Participate in the next meeting of the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) that is scheduled to be held in Norfolk during 16-17 October 2001.
• Liaison with individuals and organizations representing other national and international maritime communities.
• Report back to the maritime industry at a 2^nd Mariner Career Conference in 2002.

Action Plan:

Goal – Develop a positive public awareness program of the maritime industry for the general public and elected officials which emphasizes the importance of mariners for the safety, environment, economy and security of our nation.

Steps--

• Immediate

• Conference press release.
• Report to internal organizations.
• Industry Fair on Capitol Hill on June 19, 2001.
• Meeting with Secretary Mineta.
• Coordinate with MTS Initiative.

• Short-Term

• Market perception survey - negative/positive.
• Information clearing house.
• Improve media relations – "brand" recognition and logo.
• Raise awareness of value of maritime careers.

• Long-Term

• Promote SEA – 21 Initiative.
• Funding MTS as well as enhancing partnerships with MARAD and other Public Agencies.

Presentation from the October 16-17, 2001, Mariner & Career Path Working Group (Mr. Charles Kurz, II)

[Click here] to review the Public Education and Awareness Working Group briefing from the October 16-17, 2001 SOCP Meeting.

[Click here] to view the Meeting Minutes of Public Education & Awareness Teleconference, on January 11, 2002, which was recorded by CAPT Bill Gibbs, American Automar.

[Click here] to view the Baltimore Sun article on "Shipping Crew Deficit Called Wartime Risk" and an interview with CAPT William G. Shubert, Maritime Administrator, speaking about the Shortage of Manpower in The U.S. Merchant Marine, which was published by Robert Little, Sun Staff, on January 13, 2002.

Minutes of Teleconference - Marine Recruitment and Retention-Working Group on Public Education and Awareness Teleconference which was conducted by Charles Kurz, II, on March 14, 2002.

The Co-Chairmen for the Public Education and Awareness Working Group are as follow:

Co-Chairman - Charles Kurz II, Keystone Shipping Co., Phone: 610-617-6836, Fax: 610-617-6833
Co-Chairman - Bill Gibbs, American Automar,  Phone: (410) 268-6208

Members of the Public Education and Awareness Working Group are as follow:

RADM Len Tyler, President, Maine Maritime Academy, (207) 326-2220, Fax: (207) 326-2110
CAPT George Sandberg, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Phone: 516-773-5447, Fax: 516-773-5529
Dave Connolly, Sailor's Union of the Pacific, Phone: 415-777-3400, Fax: 415-777-5088
CAPT Lee Kincaid, MEBA Engineering School, Phone: 410-822-5228, Fax: 410-822-5227
LCDR Luke Harden, USCG HQ (G-MSO-1), Phone: 202-267-1838, Fax: 202-267-4570
Jose Feminia, US Merchant Marine Academy, Phone: 516-773-5743, Fax: 516-773-5479
Edward V. Kelly, American Maritime Officers, Phone: 202-479-1166, Fax: 202-628-1077
Patricia M. Randall, MARAD/SOCP, Phone: 202-366-4125, Fax: 202-366-9580
CAPT Rejean Lanteigne, Canadian Shipowners Assoc., Phone: (613) 232-3539, Fax: (613) 232-6211
Robyn Boerstling, MARAD/Public Relations, Phone:  (202) 366-9963
Joeseph Cox, Chamber of Shipping of America, Phone:  (202) 775-4399, Fax (202) 659-3795
CAPT Ernest Fink, USCG, National Maritime Center, Phone (202) 493-1001, Fax (202) 493-1060
Jeffrey Hirsch, MARAD/North Atlantic Region, Phone:  (212) 668-3330, Fax (212) 668-3382
Steve Jackson, MARAD/South Atlantic Region, Phone:  (757) 444-3265, Fax (757) 440-0321
RADM (USCG Ret.) Robert North, North Star Maritime, Phone:  (410) 827-4054
Todd Ripley, MARAD/SOCP, Phone:  (202) 366-2625, Fax (202) 366-9580
David Sloane, Maersk Line, Limited, Phone:   (757) 852-3218, Fax 9757) 852-3232
CAPT Mike Watson, America Pilots' Association, Phone: (202) 484-0700, Fax: (202) 484-9320
Ms. Marge Holtz, Military Sealift Command, (202) 685-5055, Fax (202) 685-5067

Listed below are links to the five other Mariner Recruitment and Retention working group web pages:

• Regulatory Burden/STCW 95 & Training
• Criminal Liability
• Maritime Policy
• Lifestyle/Quality of Life
• Recruitment & Career Path

[Click here] to return to the Mariner Recruitment and Retention Web Page.

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