Photo and Copyright by Dick Nootenboom
SL7 EXPO uses the iconic SL-7 T-AKR (FSS) as a floating platform and center for awareness, education, and recruitment. It highlights opportunities across the U.S. maritime industry, including careers for civilian and military mariners, logistics management, intermodal transport, port and terminal operations, shipbuilding, and future maritime innovations.
Updates
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From MarineLink: SL7Expo: “Build it and People will Come”
John Riddle, President of SL7Expo, is leading a national initiative to transform the historic SL‑7 T‑AKR (FSS) vessel into a floating hub for maritime awareness, education, and recruitment. The project spotlights career pathways across the U.S. maritime industry—from civilian and military mariners to logistics management, intermodal transport, port and terminal operations, shipbuilding, and emerging maritime technologies. Riddle outlines the strategic purpose behind repurposing the SL‑7, the funding required to bring the platform to life, and the critical next steps needed to make this innovative maritime center a reality. More information is available at sl7expo.org.
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From MaritimeTrades.org: Maritime Unions Issue Joint Statement Following Attack on U.S.-Flag Vessel Amid Rising Gulf Tension
Seven major maritime unions (AMO, ARA, MEBA, MFOW, MM&P, SIU, and SUP) released a joint statement addressing the escalating threats to U.S.-flag vessels in the Persian Gulf and Middle East.
The unions are collaborating with the U.S. military, government, and vessel management to protect civilian crews in high-risk zones.
They emphasize that mariners perform missions vital to U.S. economic and security interests, as they have for over 250 years, calling for the strongest possible protections and robust security measures until the safety of American crews can be fully guaranteed. -
From gCaptain.com: MARAD Opens Workforce Centers of Excellence Applications Amid U.S. Shipbuilding Push
MARAD has opened applications for its Centers of Excellence (CoE) program to train the next generation of U.S. maritime workers, addressing a shrinking workforce and declining shipbuilding capacity.
Authorized by the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, the program currently includes 32 institutions, aiming to boost maritime industry’s competitiveness by supporting the training, education, and development of personnel required to maintain national security and economic interests with innovation.
The marine industry is incredibly diverse with an extremely wide range of commercial and career opportunities.
The SL7EXPO concept is supported by all stake holders in the marine industry including the organizations below:
