Washington, DC – December 13, 2024 - The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) strongly objects to the recent remarks made calling for increased reliance on foreign mariners.
In recent years, almost every segment of the U.S. economy has struggled to find sufficient workers, however, a serious solution has never been to outsource U.S. jobs due to these challenges. For example, pilot unions have never advocated for the use of Chinese airline pilots, nor have teacher unions asked to place Russian teachers in our classrooms. Racing to the bottom of wages and foreign labor is not a solution. In fact, it only exacerbates the problem by driving qualified American labor away while simultaneously jeopardizing the entire industry and the nation's security.
In comparison, the U.S.-flagged offshore energy industryhas hired thousands of mariners in recent years. We have attracted these mariners by increasing wages and providing good living conditions.
Further, OMSA understands that there is too much unnecessary red tape that restricts American’s ability to access the family-supporting wages in the maritime industry. For this reason, OMSA has put forward thoughtful proposals to remove these barriers. We welcome the industry’s support for these truly helpful efforts.
"OMSA members understand that U.S. mariners are an asset not a liability and we firmly believe in the indispensable role of the U.S. maritime industry in national security, as it ensures the safe and efficient transport of goods, resources, and personnel for the defense and economic stability of our nation. We reject the notion of addressing this issue through the immigration of foreign mariners.Such a strategy undermines the hard work and commitment of American mariners, posing long-term threats to the industry's sustainability and effectiveness.
Outsourcing crewing needs to cheaper, foreign labor, though seemingly expedient, brings significant risks. Depending on foreign mariners lacking equivalent training, experience, and commitment compromises the safety and security of maritime operations and deprives the American workforce of opportunities and fair compensation.
As proud Americans that work in the offshore maritime industry, we advocate for the employment of American mariners, upholding values of fairness, integrity, and excellence. Supporting our fellow citizens not only sustains livelihoods but also ensures the strength and competitiveness of our maritime industry. American mariners, with their rigorous training and adherence to strict safety standards, stand as the optimal choice for safeguarding our national security interests.
It is essential to underscore that Mr. Norton's proposal is not a solution; rather, it is a pathway leading to the demise of the industry, loss of American jobs and revenue, and compromise of national security."
The Offshore Marine Service Association OMSA is the leading association of and spokesman and advocate for the offshore marine transportation service industry in the United States. The association represents 120-member companies and their 12,000 U.S. employees based throughout the U.S. For more information, please visit www.offshoremarine.org.