PROPOSED CHANGES TO JONES ACT ALREADY IMPACTING SEAFARERS

The impact of proposed changes to the Jones Act regarding the use of foreign-flagged vessels in the US offshore sector is already being felt by seafarers according to international shipping recruitment agency Faststream with companies rushing to replace their non-US crews.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) first issued its proposal to revoke the foreign-flag exemption in July 2009. The proposal, if passed, would radically change the implementation of rules for vessels transporting specialized equipment used by the offshore oil and gas industry and revoke foreign-flag exemptions to the Jones Act including pipe and cable-laying, diving support work.

“Some of our offshore services clients are already making moves to re-man their vessels with US crews in anticipation of the proposed changes,” said Craig Johnson, President of Faststream’s US operations based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “We believe about 70 vessels will be impacted by the proposals. However, a great deal remains unclear about just how far the revocation of the foreign worker exemption will go. Additionally, we have not witnessed an increase in salary expectations for crews, which have remained relatively stable.”

Johnson added, “If the CBP proposal becomes a reality, there are enough qualified US mariners available to man the vessels. While there is a limited pool of qualified offshore services personnel, Faststream has approximately 4,000 qualified U.S. mariners on our books, which can meet the demands of this ruling. ”

The CBP deadline for comments and submissions passed on 17 August, and a decision is expected soon.

To get more information regarding the CBP ruling and impact, you may contact Craig Johnson via telephone ar (954) 467-9611 or via email at [email protected]
You may also visti the Faststream website at www.faststream.us