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STANDING DOWN PROBLEMS CONTINUE

In addition to the recent "Standing Down" of training voyages for its Midshipersons the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) has received warnings about the quality, or lack thereof, of its training programme.  The Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE) report stated that accreditation was in jeopardy for non-compliance in certain areas.

Coupled with the continuing problems requiring disciplinary actions including dismissal from the Navy the United States Navy (USN) has had in recent years this does not bode well for the professionalism of the seafaring community of the United States.

It is clear to this writer, an International Master Mariner with 50 years of experience, that the training sources for both Officers and Ratings need an immediate complete examination and review.  Currently the Officer commanding riverine craft based in Bahrain has been dismissed.  Another nine Officers and Ratings are under disciplinary action as a result of the capture by Iran of two riverine craft on passage through the Arabian/Persian Gulf.

It seems the general decline of standards of behavior and execution of duties in the Nation continues as the current White House Administration fails to show little or nothing in Leadership.  One has to wonder what will actually happen as a result of the upcoming 2016 General Election and a new United States President in 2017.

Frankly one is not encouraged !!

Good Watch.

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