Title: CREWING THE MERCHANT MARINE FOR MOBILIZATION. FINAL REPORT
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine methods of achieving adequate manning of merchant vessels for national security needs during a mobilization. Previous merchant marine manning studies and the efforts of working groups trying to solve the seafarer shortage problem are reviewed. Seafarer availability is compared against mobilization requirements for the years 1990, 1995, and 2000 to determine manpower shortages. The general nature of the U.S. maritime problem is reviewed with a recognition of the different requirements for short-term (surge phase) and long-term (sustainment phase) mobilization scenarios. Mobilization manning solutions that reduce mariner requirements are developed. These include reduced Ready Reserve Force (RRF) manning, RRF caretaker crews, U.S. Naval Reserve manning, and the change of government regulations made with shipping company and union cooperation. Various solutions to increase seafarer availability are determined. Four different U.S. Maritime Service Reserve alternatives are developed. The conversion of domestic waterways, general industrial, and former military/maritime personnel to the oceangoing profession is investigated. Accelerated training of maritime school personnel and a mariner tracking system are examined. Other miscellaneous methods of increasing seafarer availability that include changing government regulations, instituting a merchant marine draft, and providing the Maritime Administration the authority to crew priority vessels are developed.
Publication Year: 1991
Publication Date: 1991-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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