Sea History 084 - Spring 1998

Page 11

"The issue, therefore, is not American wage levels, but subsidized foreign invasion of US markets." labor laws that are the heart of the US economy ... . The Coaliti on is out to create a who le new li st of economic preferences, in effect subsidies, fo r foreign fl ag vessels to 'compete' in our domestic commerce." The issue, therefore, is not America n wage leve ls, but subsidi zed fo reign in vas ion of US markets.

* * * * *

The facts of the case underline the impo rtance of th e American me rchant marin e to the national economy while a lso revealing the va lue our EU alli es place on their respective merchant fl eets. It is tim e for all American s to rea li ze th at we are letting a vital nation al asset-a safe, we ll -reg ul ated merchant fl eet providing employment and tax revenues and ready in timeofnationa l emergency-to slip from our hand s, all for very short-sighted goals.

The Cap ta in H.A. Dow nin g, here on sea trials in t/ie C11/f of Mexico off New Orleans in September 1996. is the first commercial selj~propelled. do11hle-h11ll 1an/.:.er h11ilt in the US to conform with the Oil Poll111ion Act of 1990 and the Jones Act. Th e 680}i-long carrier is the first offourdo11hle-hul/ 1ankers builtfor tlie AHL Shipping Companv hyA 1•011dale Industries, Inc. , and is crewed !Op 10 bottom by members of the International Organi:ation of Masters, Mates and Pilors. ILA-AFL/CIO.

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Call, wri te or fax inquiries to

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Fax: 803 763-4270

Dr. Trntne.ff is research director to the International Organi:ation of Ma sters, Mates & Pilots ILA-AFLICIO. A licensed deck officer, Navy veteran and fo rmer educatorlresearcherfor MARAD , he has 50 years background in maritime affairs.

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SEA HISTORY 84, SPRING 1998

9


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