US Bill offers aid to future seafarers

Rajesh Joshi - Monday 8 June 2009

A POWERFUL congressman in the US has introduced a Bill that would earmark $60m over six years for student loans to candidates wishing to pursue maritime education.

Elijah Cummings, who represents Maryland in the US House of Representatives and chairs the sub-committee on the coastguard and maritime transportation, says the Bill is an important tool to facilitate the future supply of US mariners.

"Many of the men and women who comprise our maritime industry will soon be retiring, and it is important that we bring in the next generation of mariners," he said.

US Maritime Administration figures from 2007 showed that the average age of a US master mariner was 51, and that of a chief engineer was 50. Nearly 30% the inland towing industry workforce was nearing retirement.

The Maritime Workforce Development Act introduced by Mr Cummings seeks to address a disparity between generic student loan programmes, which cater to conventional two- or four-year courses, and maritime education.

"[Mariners take] frequent, multi-week courses that certify them for specific qualifications. This unique structure is not easily served by existing loans, leaving many unable to afford the costly tuition," Mr Cummings said.

If passed, the new Bill would allow maritime candidates to receive up to $15,000 a year and $60,000 overall to defray post-secondary tuition costs.

The candidates would have to display satisfactory progress to remain eligible, commit to at least 18 months on a US ship after graduation, and repay the loan in 10 years.

The programme is restricted to US citizens or permanent residents.

"The maritime industry is an essential component of our nation's commerce and economy, and we cannot allow the growing shortage of qualified labour to continue because of individuals denied access to maritime training due to income levels," Mr Cummings said.

The Bill would authorise an additional $60m over six years for the US Department of Transportation to award grants to maritime training institutions for mariner recruitment, training, and retention, Mr Cummings' office added.

Steve Gordon
http://www.offshoreinjuries.com