Chao to speak at conference on crewing

Chao to speak at conference on crewing Crewing issues will be the focus of a maritime industry forum, May 21 at The University Club of Washington D.C.
   Sponsored by the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA), the forum expects U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to begin the conference with her views on changes in the labor supply to meet current demand.
   “It is important that the pressures of crewing supply and demand be examined so that all parties are heard,” said Clay Maitland, a managing partner of International Registries Inc., who will chair the event.
   “At a time when the maritime industry is experiencing a massive expansion in the number and complexity of merchant ships, increasing environmental regulation and profound technological change, it is imperative that recruitment and education of seafarers stay ahead of demand,” Maitland said.
   Joining Chao will be U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton; Joe Cox of the Chamber of Shipping of America; “Augie” Tellez of the Seafarers International Union; Vice Adm. John W. Craine Jr. of SUNY Maritime College; Jeanne Grasso of Blank Rome LLP; and the Rev. James Von Dreele, vice president of NAMMA.
   For more information contact Rose Lambert at (203) 255-4686 or rosebudsalmon@msn.com.