MOPS proudly honors America's Mariners

Today, on National Maritime Day, we honor the critical role the United States Merchant Marine plays in facilitating America’s economic growth and supporting our national security.

Observed on the anniversary of the May 22, 1819 first-ever steam powered transoceanic voyage by the American steamship Savannah, this holiday was first approved by Congress in 1933 and a proclamation requesting appropriate observance is issued annually by the President.

Our American mariners crew commercial vessels that transport almost one billion tons of cargo annually between U.S. ports, as well as provide support to industries that make up nearly 500,000 jobs in the U.S. and close to $3 billion in labor wages.

This maritime assistance has helped garner over $92 billion in annual economic output. American mariners are not only critical to moving cargoes all over the U.S., but equally important for delivering supplies to American offshore oil production and production facilities.

The work that merchant mariners, be they captains, docking pilots, river pilots, mates, engineers, certified tankerman, etc., do every day is extremely important for protecting our security – both within and outside of the United States.

As a nation, we owe much gratitude to our dedicated mariners for the industries they support and the shores they protect.

Since 1935, MOPS has protected the licenses and livelihoods of more than 80,000 deck and engineering officers, state and federal pilots and certified tankermen.  

We cover USCG licensed officers operating aboard vessels of any size in every sector of the maritime industry.  If you want a quote, give us a ring at 800-782-8902, ext. 3608 or 3302.  Or fill out our online form and we'll email you a quote.