I am an officer in the American Merchant Marine, and I am also an environmentalist. I have sailed on a crude oil tanker, and protested against nuclear proliferation. If there can be any balance between modern existence and maintaining our environment, I am certainly among those trying to find it. We live in a society where we want to have our cake, and eat it, too.
Tankers operate simply because of the demand for oil.
If we as a society desire this particular commodity, then we must also accept the responsibility associated with thetransportation of this product. Therefore, we must also demand that oil be transported as safely and efficiently as possible. Merchant Mariners operate commercial vessels, such as tankers, container ships, research vessels, and cable laying ships. Working on American vessels, we are subject to state, federal, and international laws pertaining to shipping. Not a chance.