[MichaelZuo]

Most but not all, a half million dollar compensation package will likely bring a few dozen to a few hundred out at least.

Plus offering unlimited, all expenses paid, legal support on top would get hundreds of tugboat captains from other countries to emigrate.

And the same could also apply for other licensed captains to switch to tugboats, the procedures aren't so complicated as to make a determined effort impossible.

Voila, shortage resolved in under 3 years.

[mcculley]

I don’t know that we could get immigrants ready in less than three years. Jones Act is the limitation. We would have to find other work for them to do while they become citizens or green card holders.

I never argued that the shortage cannot be fixed. I argued against the claim that there is no shortage. Some shortages require more than just paying more money.