In this issue

Two years after the loss of El Faro, the U.S. Coast Guard's final report on the accident details errors by the captain, violations by operator TOTE Maritime and a lack of crew training that led to the tragedy. In its December/January issue, Professional Mariner examines the findings and new information revealed in the report. In towing, the arrival of Subchapter M made a huge splash last year across the industry. Many questions remain about compliance, however, and a key deadline in 2018 has some inland operators scrambling. We also look at the marine use of methanol, which is gaining traction overseas as a cost-effective, emissions-friendly alternative fuel, and examine the changes the U.S. Navy is making in crew training — and the use of AIS — following the fatal collisions of two destroyers with merchant vessels. Turn to Professional Mariner for these stories and more, including full maritime casualty coverage.

Gulf Ports Dig Out From Shoaling, Repair Damage After Twin Hurricanes

Back-to-back hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in the late summer damaged vessels, tested contingency plans and caused extended port shutdowns. But authorities say impacts from hurricanes Harvey and Irma will likely be measured in months rather than years.

4 mins

Collisions Spur Navy To Overhaul 7th Fleet Training, Turn On Ships' AIS

The Navy announced in September that it will establish a new command to oversee training for the 7th Fleet.

4 mins

IHS: Shipowners, Refiners Vastly Unprepared' For Low-sulfur Deadline

The refining and shipping industries are scrambling to adapt to the global low-sulfur bunker fuel deadline that is less than three years away.

2 mins

Rush Deliveries Job One For Columbia Bar Newcomer

On a cold day in March, the pilot boat Astoria appeared as a streak of yellow, piercing a thick gray mist shrouding the mouth of the Columbia River.

2 mins

Tugs Sink, Drillship Grounds As Hurricane Harvey Slams Texas

U.S. Coast Guard air crews rescued at least 27 mariners from vessels that grounded or sank near Port Aransas, Texas during Hurricane Harvey in late August.

3 mins

NTSB: Electrical Issue Likely Cause Of Intense Tugboat Fire Off Florida

The fire that gutted the ocean-going tugboat Thomas Dann last year likely started near an engine room fuse box, federal investigators said in a recent report.

2 mins

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Professional Mariner Magazine Description:

Tugs, towboats, cargo, government, passenger, spill response, pilot boats, offshore support, salvage, dredge and fireboats - Professional Mariner covers them all. Plus, only Professional Mariner gives you all the essential information you need to advance your maritime business or career including the latest news and in-depth, investigative reporting on maritime casualties, regulations, legislation, shipbuilding, safety, technology, business/management issues and more.