Marine Exchange of Puget Sound

"Blackstone invests in SSA Marine parent Carrix"

?? Marine Exchange, we are in House of Origin Cutoff Week, and we have had an extremely successful Legislative Session as a new organization in Olympia. We have established ourselves as a trusted and known voice on our issues. We have made meaningful contributions to bills throughout this process. And, we have had a very positive impact on behalf of our membership. As of today, 6 of 8 bills the Marine Exchange supports are still alive, including: ??SB 5191--Concerning paid family leave premium collection for dockworkers--Alive--Passed Senate 48-1 and Scheduled for Hearing in House Labor & Commerce Committee for March 14th hearing at 10:30 a.m. ??SB 5281--Changing vessel length requirement in obtaining nonresident vessel permits--Alive--Passed Senate 48-0-1 and Scheduled for Hearing in House Transportation Committee March 13th, 4:00 p.m. ??HB 1264--Salaries of ferry system collective bargaining units--Alive--Passed House 93-3-2--and Referred to Senate Transportation ??HB 1167--Directing statewide career and technical education task force to consider ed opportunities for careers in maritime professions--Alive--Passed House 96-0-2 and Referred to Senate Early Learning and Ed ??SB 5059--Concerning Washington state ferries captains--Still in Senate Rules and has a chance to stay alive, but time is running quickly and each minute that passes while in Rules is a minute closer to the bill dying ??HB 1414--Improving access to career opportunities for students--Still in Rules and has a chance to stay alive, but time is running quickly and each minute that passes while in Rules is a minute closer to the bill dying ??SB 5248--Creating a working group for bridge collisions--Dead--Did not make it out of committee by the cutoff date ??HB 1619--Concerning paid family leave premium collection for dockworkers--Dead--Did not make it out of committee by the cutoff date

"President Donald Trump told Congress that his administration plans to boost U.S. shipbuilding, pledging support for both military and commercial vessel construction... [he] announced the creation of a White House Office of Shipbuilding as part of the effort... The White House has not provided additional details on the office’s scope or leadership."

NOAA supports everything in the maritime world. We need them. Thank you to all the hardworking individuals over there who are helping to make sure our industry and love of the water continue in a safe and informed manner.

For those attending American Waterways Operators 2025 Pacific Region Annual Meeting today, we will see you there! Come say hi and make sure to catch executive director Patrick Gallagher's presentation on "West Coast Shipping, Beyond the Numbers" at 3. It's going to be a great day!

The Marine Exchange continues to monitor this topic and what it means for members and the greater maritime community. "Just after midnight, Trump imposed 25% taxes, or tariffs, on Mexican and Canadian imports, though he limited the levy to 10% on Canadian energy. Trump also doubled the tariff... on Chinese products to 20%."

?? Workshop opportunity for women who are interested in EMS or fire service careers ??

JOB OPPORTUNITY!

"If enacted, House Bill 1923 would create a grant program to fund walk-on ferries, with the aim of quickly sending the money to 'restore reliable ferry service and get boats back on the water faster and cheaper,' " https://buff.ly/4hZNYCK

"Imposter captain steals Westport fishing boat with crew onboard" WOW