By Mary Kerr 202-225-6260
Rep. James L. Oberstar (Minn.), Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced today that Michael Rodriguez has joined the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee as Senior Professional Staff. He will focus on marine safety and will assist with developing policy for the maritime industry.
Rodriguez comes to the Subcommittee from the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, where he served as Executive Assistant to the International President since 2001. IOMMP represents ships’ Masters, other Licensed Officers, and unlicensed mariners working aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels in the foreign and domestic trades.
For several years, Rodriguez supervised training of Midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and he taught several classes to military personnel and industry professionals. He also served as a Licensed Deck Officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine from 1979 through 1995.
Currently a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve, Rodriguez earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Ribbon while on active duty in Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006.
Rodriguez is a 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. He also received a B.S. from the University of Baltimore in 1995, and a Masters of Business Administration from Dowling College in Oakdale, New York in 1997.
“We are very pleased to have Mike, who is an expert on seafaring labor issues and commercial maritime operations, join the T&I Committee,” said Oberstar. “He brings added value and practical experience to our staff, because he sailed as a ship’s officer aboard U.S.-flag vessels for many years.”
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