David Heindel

David Heindel has been the President of the Seafarers International Union since February 2023 and Chairman of the ITF Seafarers Section since 2010.

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

...it is the lifeline that keeps American ships sailing, American mariners working, and America secure in peace and war.
Stop the waiver NOW. Stand with America’s merchant mariners.

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

We are the Jones Act.

We are the men and women who stand watch deep at sea, carrying America’s commerce through storm, war, and crisis.
We are the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. We are security. We are readiness. We are the Fourth Arm of Defense.

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

Every waiver weakens the American mariner, undermines our industry, and sends another signal that foreign ships and foreign crews matter more than those who have always answered the nation’s call. The Jones Act is not just a law...

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

If the Jones Act waiver continues, the only real beneficiaries will be foreign interests and large oil and refining companies—not American workers, not our maritime industry, and not our national security.
https://t.co/wyyk2EWXJB

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

This is a terrible misalignment from longstanding American maritime policy. How can we expect to attract and retain the brightest, most dedicated men and women in an industry that fails to offer a stable, long-term career path?

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

Germany is proposing a civilian “sea service” to build a reserve of trained mariners for times of crisis.
Why? They’ve realized a hard truth: you can’t depend on foreign crews when it matters most.
https://t.co/3s6ZQJTqjv

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

https://t.co/KaO5Br2E2Y

[AMP Maritime 🇺🇸 @AMPmaritime]

Foreign tanker freight rates have surged 10–15x normal levels over the past week.📈

Jones Act carriers are operating normally, delivering energy products at stable, predictable rates.🇺🇸

The American people rely on:
🚢American Tankers
🛢️American ATBs
👷‍♂️American Mariners

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

Times may have changed, but some things remain the same. In the digital age, loose lips can travel faster than ever. A careless social media post can reveal more than intended — and just like in the past, loose information can still sink ships.

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

That’s not politics. That’s who we are.

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

There are strong political opinions across the country about U.S. action in Iran. Reasonable people can and do disagree.
But one fact is clear: when the United States commits its armed forces, it also commits its logistics — and logistics move by sea.

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

It requires steady cargo, sustained investment, and qualified American mariners.
We’ve said it for years: cargo policy is national security policy.
If called, we will do what American mariners have always done:
We will sail.
We will deliver.
We will stand with our troops.

[Transportation Inst @Trans_Inst]

Thank you, President @RealDonaldTrump 🇺🇸

For standing with America’s shipbuilders, mariners, and the Jones Act.

Your support ensures American maritime dominance for generations to come.

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

Today, on the International Day of the Seafarer, we salute the men and women who power global trade, often unseen.

Their resilience, professionalism, and sacrifice keep the world moving—through storms, conflict zones, and months away from home.

To every seafarer: thank you!

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

@jt_0001 @ABC Please! Iran has been a problem since they took 66 American hostages. Other than Regan cutting an October surprise deal to release them if , nothing has been done by both parties

Don’t get me wrong, I support the targeted bombing but to blame 45y of inaction on Biden.

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

@GOPoversight @RepNancyMace What a…

[David Heindel @dwheindel]

Today, we proudly celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Merchant Marine — a legacy of service, sacrifice, and strength that spans from the Revolution to today.

Here’s to 250 years of unwavering commitment on the sea — and to the generations who carry our legacy forward.

[DOT Maritime Administration @DOTMARAD]

🚢🇺🇸 250 years ago today, the U.S. Merchant Marine took its first stand for American freedom. Since then, civilian mariners have delivered for America--fueling our economy, defending our interests, and standing ready when called. Today, we honor their courage and service.

#MARAD #MerchantMarine