Topic starter
11/12/2007 4:50 pm
I have been trying for the last several months to return to work in the GOM on oil field supply boats. I have read and been told of an attempt by American flag Off Shore companies creating "crew shortages" in an attempt to not have to adhere to the requirments of the Jones Act, and be able to hire foreign non-American crews. American flag vessels are suppose to hire only American crews unless an "emergency" situation arises.
I was wondering if this is also the case on the river? Has anyone heard of this happening with towing companies?
I know several American river companies are now working boats in foreign countries. Are these boats crewed from the U. S. A. or are locals used on these boats?
Anyone have any information or insight about this subject?
11/12/2007 9:48 pm
I have heard that one of the lesser towing companies on the Ohio have hired some Mexicans on their deck crews, but have not heard of any "emergency" excuses for doing so. If I'm not mistaken, the Jones Act does allow some foriegn citizens to be employed on American flag vessels, just the majority of the crew has to American citizens.
I do know years ago when the equal oportunity people were requiring the hiring of nonwhites on the boats, a certain towing company based in Decatur, Ala....no longer in existence...hired all the American Indians they could recruit.
12/12/2007 12:30 pm
Fred, Jim & steamboating colleagues:
Fred, your initial question is a good one and Jim's 'follow' enlightening. I'm more than 'rusty' on some of the agreements/mode of operations involving U.S. owned vessels in/on foreign waters. The information could be sifted out, for sure. Such operations would depend on the foreign nation and if on their rivers or coastal waters. Such vessels, if registered under that nation--or another flag of convenience--would indicate they could be manned by those nationals. Current agreements, 'paper corporations,' management companies offices in places like Monaco, Liberia, Bahamas, Monrovia etc., would play a part. If Mr. Wilbur Dow were alive today he would know in an instant. It's a sign of the times. As I've railed in the past: 'Blink your eye for one instant and these corporate birds, with their political and legal lackeys, will sell you down the river in an instant.' I welcome more data and will do a seek and search here.
Cheers,
R. Dale Flick