April 20, 2023
As tugboat and barge operators struggle to hire workers, some unusual recruiters emerge to help the industry: members of Congress.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, RNY, held a press conference in March to highlight the importance of the maritime industry and urge young people to pursue jobs in New York City’s growing maritime sector — a sector with many high-paying jobs to offer but not many uptake.
Maliotakis said at the news conference, which also included representatives of the tugboat and barge companies that move an array of goods and help refuel, maneuver and light ships in and around New York Harbor.
“With this industry comes a lot of job opportunities for residents of Staten Island, and we are here today because of the influx of federal infrastructure investment into New York’s ports and waterways,” she said at the dockside. McAllister Towing and Transportation in Staten Island. “Tugboats and barges are major industries in our communities.”
Although this is a thriving and growing industry that offers high salaries to workers without a college education, Malliotakis said, many companies “have had to turn down business because they don’t have the labor to keep up.”
Buckley McAllister, President McAllister TwingHe said that his company is growing and hiring. “Once credentialed, anyone can start as an ordinary seaman or laborer on one of our boats, and we will train them and provide them with a career path to help them rise to the level of engineer, mate or even captain. We are looking for young leaders who will help lead the way for our industry in the future.” “.
He said the average salary for an entry-level position is $45,000, while a healthy sailor can earn $64,000, engineers $90,000, mates $94,000, and a captain is in the six figures. McAllister Towing offers a full range of benefits and, like many others, will train new recruits.
Rick Iuliucci, Vice President of Operations Fine Brothers Because of the Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act and the investments New York State is making in marine projects, he said, his company is busy and is “in dire need of sailors.”
“We’re seeing a lot going on when it comes to our waterways and marine industries,” said the congresswoman. As a result, job opportunities have been created. “
New York City and specifically Staten Island is positioning itself as a major maritime hub, especially for the emerging offshore wind industry. The state and federal government have made significant investments to make this happen.
New York received $128 million from an infrastructure bill approved by Congress last year that will fund dredging work at the Arthur Kill plant on the southwest side of Staten Island, which will house a new offshore wind construction facility. Also in the works are plans to develop a second offshore wind port on the west side of Staten Island that will be a staging area for wind turbine parts assembly.
Ben Lerner, the House Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications, said the news conference is the first of many conferences planned with members of Congress to advance maritime functions in their districts. US Waterways Operators. “We look forward to exploring future opportunities to work with members of Congress to introduce our industry to the next generation of sailors.”