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NMA Mission Statement
The National Mariners Association (NMA), is a “lower-level”, “limited tonnage” merchant mariner advocacy and watchdog group that engages the political process, primarily at the national level, to improve the safety, health and social stability of our mariners.
NMA is not a union, does not organize workers within companies, or engage in collective bargaining.
NMA is a non-profit maritime organization that
welcomes all professional mariners whether military,
commercial, or recreational.
Founded by a group of dedicated and
credentialed limited tonnage mariners, our aim is to
provide a central forum for communication and
information where every mariner who owns, operates,
or serves on a vessel can access maritime-related
information and benefit from the shared experiences
of fellow seamen through our web page at
www.nationalmariners.org ,
NMA addresses issues important to the safety, health
and social stability of our mariners including
marine safety, recruiting and advancement of
qualified mariners, and the protection of the marine
environment.
NMA will engage with all concerned to promote the
maritime industry as an attractive career and
advocate legislation beneficial to professional
mariners, the maritime industry, and the marine
environment.
The American merchant seaman has always been a vital
part of our nation’s economy.
Without
their sacrifice and the hardships they endured our
nation’s prosperity could never have been realized.
Today’s merchant mariners still sacrifice health,
welfare, and family time in their service to the
sea. Our
Association recognizes their dedication and will
utilize its resources to support worthwhile programs
that will aid our merchant seaman and their families
when in need. As
a member, you will be part of this meaningful
endeavor while benefiting from joining with
The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld an award of compensatory and punitive damages to a towboat master who was discharged after refusing to pilot a towboat with a larger than usual number of barges. The company paid higher wages to masters who agree to handle larger tows. After the plaintiff refused to take larger tows, his evaluation was lowered and he was discharged. He brought suit against the company (ARTCO) alleging violation of the Seaman's Protection Act (Title 46 U.S. Code 2114), which protects a seaman from discharge for refusing to perform duties ordered by the employer because the seaman has a reasonable apprehension that performing the duties would result in serious injury to the seaman, other seamen, or the public. The court upheld that the jury could reasonably interpret the employer's actions as constituting a violation of the stature. {Gwin v. American River Transportation Company. #06-2900, 7th Circuit, April 10, 2007}
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NATIONAL MARINERS ASSOCIATION
News
Captain Joe Dady
President NMA
"BE PART OF THE SOLUTION,
NOT PART OF THE PROBLEM
History
The National Mariners Association was established on April 1, 1999 by the AFL-CIO and four major maritime unions as the non-profit Gulf Coast Mariners Association (GCMA) and not as a labor union.
On June 30, 2003, the maritime unions that assisted
us to form and to represent "lower-level"/"limited tonnage"
merchant mariners on workplace issues withdrew from the Gulf
Coast area leaving us as an independent Association
supported by our members dues and donations.
Our annual membership dues are $36.00.
On January 1, 2008, the Association changed its name to the
National Mariners Association to more accurately define the
scope of our activities as national rather than regional.
