http://gcaptain.disqus.com/A blog about ships!enThu, 25 Oct 2007 12:01:27 -0000http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/us-congress-seeks-to-attract-and-retain-professional-mariners/#comment-1342000Just recently, on October 17, a hearing on crewing shortages was called by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Coast Guard Subcommittee at the Capitol.<br><br>Specifically, the hearing considered the possible impact of various factors on workforce shortage, including wage levels; lifestyle challenges associated with employment in the maritime industry; and training requirements imposed by the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (“STCW”) Convention.<br><br>The testimonies from leaders in the maritime industry can be found at this link:<br><br><a href="http://transportation.house.gov/hearings/hearingdetail.aspx?NewsID=304" rel="nofollow">http://transportation.house.gov/hearings/hearin...</a><br><br>Additional hearings will be called by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Coast Guard Subcommittee on November 17th .<br><br>The participants will include maritime associations, including OMSA, as well as labor groups and educators on maritime crewing and training issues.<br><br>Mariners now have a voice through their industry leaders. Theres still time to hear your input for constructive solutions.watermonThu, 25 Oct 2007 12:01:27 -0000