Assessing the Shortage of United States Mariners and Recruitment and Retention in the United States Coast Guard

On May 11, 2023, United States Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips addressed the growing shortage of U.S. mariners. The statement outlined the Maritime Administration's initiatives and dedication to addressing the shortage and noted the shortage is a national security threat that needs improvement in order to enhance the country's economic success. Among many challenges addressed, the issues of retention and mariner readiness training were discussed. Read the full statement below to see the recommended actionable steps MARAD, USCG, and Congress could put into play to help improve U.S. mariner recruitment and retention.

MARAD: Mariner Workforce Strategic Plan FY 2023 to FY 2027

Last August MARAD released a strategic plan to “identify options to help grow our Nation’s mariner workforce.” That’s part of the introductory message from Ann C. Phillips, Maritime Administrator, who comments further that “while some segments of our industry have sufficient personnel to safely crew their vessels, other segments are facing shortages, both acute and chronic.”

The plan has six core goals:

1. Strengthen mariner workforce development programs.
2. Support mariner education and training institutions.
3. Improve mariner workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion.
4. Ensure the availability of sufficient skilled mariners for national security.
5. Support maritime innovation.
6. Ensure superior policy execution and stewardship of resources.

MAPONY/NJ applauds the efforts of MARAD and fully supports these efforts. One of MAPONY/NJ's pillars is to promote educational programs and workforce development initiatives that cultivate a skilled and diverse maritime workforce. We strive to advocate for policies and resources that support the training and professional development of individuals pursuing entry level careers and upskilling in the maritime sector.

Maritime Association of the Port of NY & NJ participated in a Roundtable Discussion on Maritime Services and Workforce Solutions for Offshore Wind hosted by NJEDA

Atlantic City, N.J. (May 23, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) hosted a Maritime Roundtable forum to convene leading figures from the maritime service industry and maritime-related businesses to address pressing opportunities and challenges in offshore wind. Held in Atlantic City on National Maritime Day, discussions focused on the development of training programs for qualified mariners, maritime career pathways including the importance of considering veterans for positions, and the necessity of building networks and dialogue among various stakeholders.

May 2024 Vessel Stats

Public Notices

USACE Published a Pre-Construction Notification

Permit Application to perform geotechnical, chemical and biological surveying activities in

proximity to the Lower New York Bay Lateral (LNYBL) crossing of the Ambrose Channel along approximately 1.5 miles.

IV2 Rockland Logistics Center LLC, has requested Department of the Army authorization for the discharge of fill material into approximately 2.341 acres of waters of the United States, for the construction of a warehouse development, in the Town of Ramapo, Rockland County, New York.

Comments are due by July 5, 2024.

The applicant, Anthony Diaco, has requested Department of the Army authorization to conduct dredging and upland disposal. The project is located at 97 Buena Vista Avenue, within Shrewsbury River, in the Borough of Rumson, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Comments are due by July 6, 2024.

The New York District Corps of Engineers has received an application for a Department of the Army permit pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. 403) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). The permit is for the installation of stormwater outfalls and pilings and the discharge of fill material.

Comments are due by July 12, 2024.

The permit applicant, T-Port, LLC, has requested Department of the Army authorization to conduct dredging, with upland disposal, along with the construction of a new berth area at an existing port facility at 50 South Front Street, within the Arthur Kill, in the City of Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey.

Comments are due by July 14, 2024.

On-Call Ports, Waterfront, and Transportation Planning and Policy Consultant Services RFP.

Responses are due by July 24, 2024.

On April 26th the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced amendments to its Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection (AQI) program user fees going into effect on October 1, 2024.