February 18, 2025
The Honorable Mike Ezell
Chair
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
U.S. House Of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Salud Carbajal
Ranking
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
U.S. House Of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Ezell and Ranking Member Carbajal:
Marine Safety is one of the eleven United States Coast Guard (USCG) missions. The USCG ensures the safety of commercial and recreational vessels through inspections, regulations, and investigations. Marine Safety has been a core mission of the USCG since its early history. To effectively execute this core mission, the USCG relies on input from USCG-credentialed mariners who work in the industry they regulate. This is all done through the nine Federal Advisory committees listed below:
- National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC): This committee advises the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard on maritime security matters.
- National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC): This committee provides advice to the DHS and U.S. Coast Guard on safety and environmental issues related to offshore mineral and energy operations.
- National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (NMERPAC): Offers recommendations on matters related to the training, qualification, licensing, certification, and fitness of seamen.
- National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (NMEDMAC): Advises on medical certification determinations and medical standards for merchant mariners.
- National Towing Safety Advisory Committee (NTSAC): Provides advice on shallow-draft inland and coastal waterway navigation and towing safety matters.
- Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC): This committee offers recommendations on the safe and secure transportation and handling of hazardous materials in bulk on U.S. waterways and related facilities.
- Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee (CFSAC): This committee advises on matters related to the safety of commercial fishing industry vessels.
- Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee (GLPAC): This committee provides advice on matters related to Great Lakes pilotage, including reviewing proposed regulations and policies.
- Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH): This committee advises the Secretary of Labor and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on issues relating to occupational safety and health in the maritime industries.
In a recent memo signed by Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Benjamin C. Huffman, the membership of these committees was abruptly terminated. This decision raises profound concerns, especially in light of incidents such as the tragic allision of the M/V Dali and the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which led to a tragic loss of life and billions of dollars in economic and infrastructure damage. The consequences of compromised maritime safety are devastating, underscoring the necessity of continued dialogue between regulators and the professionals who navigate our waters.
To ensure the continued safety of U.S. and global waterways, the voices of those who work in the industry must be heard. These committees, composed of individuals with decades of direct, hands-on experience, are essential in safeguarding the future of maritime safety. We urge you to take immediate action to reconvene these committees and restore the expertise they represent.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We sincerely appreciate all of the vital work that the Coast Guard and Marine Transportation Subcommittee continues to do to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s waters. Your leadership and commitment to maritime safety are invaluable, and we are grateful for your ongoing efforts to support the mariners who go down to the sea in ships.
Respectfully,
Willie Barrere, President, American Maritime Officers
Mark Clements, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO
David Heindel, President, Seafarers International Union
Don Josberger, President, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots
Greg Regan, President, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO
Adam Vokac, President, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association