USMMA to resume training at sea

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Students at the US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) are expected to resume their training at sea with new safety measures in place after a temporary hiatus due to issues of sexual assault and harassment.

The United States Federal Maritime Academy’s Sea Year training program, which typically consists of a period of navigation during a cadet’s second year and a longer period of navigation during a cadet’s junior year, was suspended in early November as lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Maritime Administration (MARAD) grappled with reports of rape and other forms of sexual misconduct against cadets ‘training aboard commercial vessels. Sea Year training allows cadets to obtain the days of sea training necessary to become eligible for a United States Coast Guard Merchant Officer License exam.

On Thursday, DOT and MARAD announced that new policies and procedures will be implemented at USMMA to support cadets while they are at sea. With the implementation of these standards and policies, USMMA plans to lift the current Maritime Year break on 22 December. All six state maritime academies have confirmed their support for these standards, the DOT said.

“The plan we are launching today represents the collective commitment of DOT, MARAD, USMMA and the six State Maritime Academies to strengthen the safety of cadets aboard commercial vessels and to support an inclusive culture that prioritizes the prevention of sexual assault and harassment and the support of survivors. said Acting Marine Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “The plan is a first step, and all parties are committed to continuing to review this program frequently and to make improvements as needed to ensure the safety and success of the cadets. “

Since the break announcement, DOT, MARAD and USMMA have conducted a detailed review of the existing Maritime Year requirements for commercial carriers as well as the policies and procedures in place at USMMA to support cadets while at sea. DOT, MARAD and USMMA have also sought recommendations from a wide range of stakeholders including industry, unions, assault and harassment rights groups sex workers, Congress, and federal agencies, including the US Coast Guard, as well as USMMA aspirants and alumni. concerning actions aimed at improving safety at sea for cadets.

“Safety at sea requires teamwork both on board ships and between the ship and management ashore. Workplace climates that allow sexual offenses erode trust and teamwork and put the lives of seafarers at risk, ”said Rear Admiral John Mauger, Coast Guard deputy commander for policy. prevention. “Sexual assault is a crime. When they occur on board a US vessel, they must be reported to the Coast Guard. Coast Guard investigators will respond and we will hold offenders accountable. “

Two documents were released today. The Every Mariner Builds a Respectful Culture (EMBARC) program, administered by MARAD, which lists over 30 new safety measures that commercial carriers will need to adhere to before they can be enrolled in the EMBARC program and approved to transport cadets. The EMBARC program also defines a process and protocols to ensure continuous review and improvement.

The second document lists the new policies and procedures that will be implemented at USMMA to support the implementation of the EMBARC program and to increase the support provided to cadets while they are at sea. Among other new policies and procedures, USMMA will provide additional pre-Year at Sea training and a satellite phone that will allow cadets to have voice communication with family and friends as well as Academy staff and other support resources when embarked at sea. USMMA also recently implemented a new amnesty policy which ensures that survivors who report sexual assault, as well as bystanders and witnesses, will not be subject to disciplinary action for an alcohol or drug policy violation occurring at or around the time of the commission of the assault.

“We fully support the Mandatory Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention (SASH) Minimum Standards as set out in Every Mariner Builds a Respectful Culture (EMBARC Standards) for U.S. Flag Vessels of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) engaged in international trade, ”said RADM Bill Brennan, president of the Consortium of State Maritime Academies. “We believe these standards will help ensure a safe and healthy working environment for our cadets on board these ships. “


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