Through training and recruitment, American Radio Assoc-iation (ARA) members have transitioned over the past decade from primarily ship’s communications officers and watch standers under the Safety of Life at Seas Convention (to monitor SOS calls) to skilled electronics officers. ARA members now maintain and repair a wide range of technologically advanced equipment aboard modern merchant vessels.

In addition, ARA members are the primary operators of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (“GMDSS”) that replaced the old system that was based on the manual transmission of all communications using Morse code.

ARA Master Radio Electronics Officers/Communications and ARA Electronics Officers have training in maintenance of computer systems, networking, software, administration, data communications, and integrated navigation and engine control systems. They also repair instrumentation and automation systems and perform related duties aboard ship.

In addition, ARA members work as communication, electronics, and information technology instructors under a collective bargaining agreement with Elkins Marine Training Institute.

The ARA joined the ILWU Sept. 8, 2006. But before joining the ILWU family, ARA members walked the picket line in the 2002 longshore lockout.

—Carl Young, Secretary-Treasurer, ARA