David Heindel has been the President of the Seafarers International Union since February 2023 and Chairman of the ITF Seafarers Section since 2010.
Maryland, USA
Joined April 2009
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Your voice matters now more than ever. American maritime jobs are on the line as long as the Jones Act waiver remains in effect.
Tell Congress: End the waiver. Protect American jobs.
app.oneclickpolitics.com/cam…
We are the Jones Act.
We are the men and women who stand watch deep at sea, carrying America’s commerce through storm, war, and crisis.
We are the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. We are security. We are readiness. We are the Fourth Arm of Defense.
Every waiver weakens the American mariner, undermines our industry, and sends another signal that foreign ships and foreign crews matter more than those who have always answered the nation’s call. The Jones Act is not just a law...
This is a terrible misalignment from longstanding American maritime policy. How can we expect to attract and retain the brightest, most dedicated men and women in an industry that fails to offer a stable, long-term career path?
If the Jones Act waiver continues, the only real beneficiaries will be foreign interests and large oil and refining companies—not American workers, not our maritime industry, and not our national security.
seafarers.org/siu-statement-…
Germany is proposing a civilian “sea service” to build a reserve of trained mariners for times of crisis.
Why? They’ve realized a hard truth: you can’t depend on foreign crews when it matters most.
splash247.com/german-shipown…
David Heindel retweeted
Foreign tanker freight rates have surged 10–15x normal levels over the past week.📈
Jones Act carriers are operating normally, delivering energy products at stable, predictable rates.🇺🇸
The American people rely on:
🚢American Tankers
🛢️American ATBs
👷♂️American Mariners
Times may have changed, but some things remain the same. In the digital age, loose lips can travel faster than ever. A careless social media post can reveal more than intended — and just like in the past, loose information can still sink ships.
There are strong political opinions across the country about U.S. action in Iran. Reasonable people can and do disagree.
But one fact is clear: when the United States commits its armed forces, it also commits its logistics — and logistics move by sea.
It requires steady cargo, sustained investment, and qualified American mariners.
We’ve said it for years: cargo policy is national security policy.
If called, we will do what American mariners have always done:
We will sail.
We will deliver.
We will stand with our troops.
David Heindel retweeted
Thank you, President @RealDonaldTrump 🇺🇸
For standing with America’s shipbuilders, mariners, and the Jones Act.
Your support ensures American maritime dominance for generations to come.
Today, on the International Day of the Seafarer, we salute the men and women who power global trade, often unseen.
Their resilience, professionalism, and sacrifice keep the world moving—through storms, conflict zones, and months away from home.
To every seafarer: thank you!
Today, we proudly celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Merchant Marine — a legacy of service, sacrifice, and strength that spans from the Revolution to today.
Here’s to 250 years of unwavering commitment on the sea — and to the generations who carry our legacy forward.
David Heindel retweeted
🚢🇺🇸 250 years ago today, the U.S. Merchant Marine took its first stand for American freedom. Since then, civilian mariners have delivered for America--fueling our economy, defending our interests, and standing ready when called. Today, we honor their courage and service.
#MARAD #MerchantMarine
ALT Peace and War Stamp
The SIU is backing the US Federal Maritime Commission’s (FMC) domestic investigation into vessel flagging laws, including the long-abused practice of ‘Flags of Convenience’ (FOCs). seafarers.org/itf-supports-i…