- Seafarers fear disembarking in the U.S. due to immigration uncertainties.
- Industry leaders voice concerns over tariffs, declining cargo volumes, and regulatory volatility.
- The Propeller Club of Northern California’s Maritime Day event spotlighted the growing mental and operational pressures on mariners.
As the maritime industry grapples with shifting trade policies, immigration restrictions, and volatile cargo volumes, concerns about seafarer welfare are once again in the spotlight. At the Propeller Club of Northern California’s Maritime Day luncheon on May 21st, held in Oakland, industry leaders highlighted growing challenges faced by port workers, shipping lines, and especially the mariners who keep global trade moving, reports AJOT.
Immigration Concerns Add Pressure on Seafarers
Robert Wilkins, Executive Director of the Seafarers’ Ministry of the Golden Gate, warned that heightened U.S. immigration scrutiny is discouraging crew members from leaving their ships in American ports:
“Mariners are afraid of getting off their ships in the United States because they are worried they might not be able to get back on.”
Wilkins shared his remarks during a Maritime Day luncheon hosted by the Propeller Club of Northern California (PCNC) on May 21st in Oakland, California.
He emphasized that seafarers are facing “volatile times” globally, working months at sea in isolation, often without proper medical access or shore leave. While the International Labor Organization (ILO) recently reaffirmed that all seafarers should be granted shore leave—regardless of visa or ship registry status—Wilkins noted ongoing violations:
“There are ships I have boarded where there are no medical provisions… and there are all kinds of injuries, small nagging injuries, and other kinds of medical issues.”
Wilkins also cited troubling results from the latest Seafarers Happiness Index, which saw declines across all 10 categories measured.
Seafarers Ministry Supports Crews in Port
Operating from the International Maritime Center, the Seafarers Ministry of the Golden Gate provides advocacy, ship visits, hospitality, and transportation to mariners.
“We go on board with snacks and other things just to let them know they are appreciated,” Wilkins said.
Industry Voices Concerns on Trade, Volumes, and Predictability
Kristi McKenney, Executive Director of the Port of Oakland, opened the luncheon with a commitment to closer collaboration among maritime stakeholders.
Other speakers highlighted mounting challenges facing the U.S. shipping sector:
Demetrius Williams, President of ILWU Local 10, condemned tariffs as a “tax on working people” and a drag on port activity nationwide. He also credited the PCNC for uniting stakeholders during the pandemic.
Jack Hedge, Vice President of the Pasha Group, cited tariffs and deteriorating U.S.-Canada relations—exacerbated by political rhetoric—as risks to Hawaii-bound cargo due to potential tourism downturns.
Captain Ann McIntyre, Business Manager of the San Francisco Bar Pilots, noted the difficulty of maintaining predictable rates amid cargo fluctuations and regulatory uncertainty:
“Just when we felt we were recovering, all this tariff and regulatory uncertainty hits. It’s making our business very unpredictable.”
Honoring Maritime Sacrifice
Nick Marrone, Vice President of the Seafarers International Union, reflected on the historical hardships faced by American mariners during the Revolutionary War. He recounted that more than 11,500 U.S. merchant seamen died in British prison ships—far surpassing the number of battlefield casualties:
“Truly the Minutemen of the sea, they died for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Marrone, who is retiring, was honored by PCNC Vice President Ron Brown for his long-standing service to the Club and the maritime community.
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Source: AJOT
