Photo and Copyright by Dick Nootenboom
SL7 EXPO uses the iconic SL-7 T-AKR (FSS) as a floating platform and center for awareness, education, and recruitment. It highlights opportunities across the U.S. maritime industry, including careers for civilian and military mariners, logistics management, intermodal transport, port and terminal operations, shipbuilding, and future maritime innovations.
Updates
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From MaritimeTrades.org: Maritime Unions Issue Joint Statement Following Attack on U.S.-Flag Vessel Amid Rising Gulf Tension
Seven major maritime unions (AMO, ARA, MEBA, MFOW, MM&P, SIU, and SUP) released a joint statement addressing the escalating threats to U.S.-flag vessels in the Persian Gulf and Middle East.
The unions are collaborating with the U.S. military, government, and vessel management to protect civilian crews in high-risk zones.
They emphasize that mariners perform missions vital to U.S. economic and security interests, as they have for over 250 years, calling for the strongest possible protections and robust security measures until the safety of American crews can be fully guaranteed. -
From gCaptain.com: MARAD Opens Workforce Centers of Excellence Applications Amid U.S. Shipbuilding Push
MARAD has opened applications for its Centers of Excellence (CoE) program to train the next generation of U.S. maritime workers, addressing a shrinking workforce and declining shipbuilding capacity.
Authorized by the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, the program currently includes 32 institutions, aiming to boost maritime industry’s competitiveness by supporting the training, education, and development of personnel required to maintain national security and economic interests with innovation.
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From gCaptain.com: Trump Unveils White House Maritime Action Plan to Restore U.S. Seapower
The Trump administration’s Maritime Action Plan (MAP) is a 35-page strategy aiming to rebuild the U.S. shipbuilding industry from its current state of less than one percent global output. The plan, presented as a national security issue rather than transportation policy, proposes several key initiatives including fees on foreign vessels to fund a Maritime Security Trust Fund, the creation of Maritime Prosperity Zones for tax-advantaged investment, a “Bridge Strategy” involving allied shipbuilders, and significant tax and regulatory reforms. The success of the MAP, however, hinges on Congressional action to authorize funding mechanisms and overcome challenges like agency staffing and the long timeline required to rebuild industrial capacity.
Delivering on this vision requires more than investment. By coordinating educational and workforce innovation (USCMI), streamlining regulatory processes, strengthening interagency coordination, and providing reliable long-term funding and demand for U.S.-built ships, shipyards, and mariners, America will rebuild maritime strength at the speed and scale required to meet the challenges of today and the future.
The marine industry is incredibly diverse with an extremely wide range of commercial and career opportunities.
The SL7EXPO concept is supported by all stake holders in the marine industry including the organizations below:
