Volume 42, Number 8 August 2012 NNeeww jjoobbss ffoorr AAMMOO aabbooaarrdd MM//VV OOcceeaann GGiiaanntt The heavy-lift ship M/V Ocean jobs for the membership of American The newly built ship was re-flagged “The entry of the Ocean Giant Giant was re-flagged June 30 in Maritime Officers and expanding U.S.-flag approximately six months after construction into U.S.-flag service is one more testa- Jacksonville, Fla. and has entered ser- capacity in the multipurpose heavy cargo was completed. The re-flag crew went vice under U.S. registry, providing new fleet. aboard the Ocean GiantJune 27. See Ocean Giant ◆ Page 6 New AMO jobs aboard M/V VADM K.R. Wheeler, Fast Tempo as MSC awards contract to Interocean Military Sealift Command has Pusan, Korea, where the turnover will occur. awarded the operating and maintenance “AMO congratulates IAS on this con- contract for the offshore petroleum distribu- tract award, and we welcome a new vessel tion system vessel M/V VADM K.R. to the AMO fleet and new jobs for our Wheeler to Interocean American Shipping, membership,” said AMO National bringing new jobs to the membership of President Tom Bethel. “We’re looking for- American Maritime Officers. The contract award includes the sup- See M/V Wheeler ◆ Page 6 port vessel for the M/V Wheeler, the Fast Tempo. IAS will operate both vessels and At left:The offshore petroleum distri- AMO will represent all licensed officers. bution system vessel M/V VADM K.R. Work under the new contract is Wheeler and its support vessel Fast expected to commence in late August. If all Tempo — Interocean American options are exercised, the operating and Shipping will operate both vessels maintenance contract would extend for a under a new contract awarded by total of approximately five years. The M/V Military Sealift Command. American Wheeler is currently operated by a non- Maritime Officers will represent all union company, and is presently located in licensed officers. The quick, quiet assault on Bipartisan bill would overturn AMO National PL-480 cargo preference cargo preference rollback Constitution in this edition Page 2: It happened quickly and quietly, and when it Page 3:American Maritime Officers appreciates the was over early in the morning on June 29, the private- effort led by Reps. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) and ly owned and operated U.S.-flag merchant fleet had Jeff Landry (R-LA) to overturn a recent surface The AMO National lost one-third of its statutory PL-480 food aid export transportation bill stealth provision that reduced the Constitution is included as an share. At least 16 ships, 640 seagoing jobs and 2,000 statutory U.S.-flag merchant vessel share of PL-480 insert to this edition of the jobs in related sectors were put at immediate risk. The “Food for Peace” exports from 75 percent to 50 per- newspaper as a convenient ref- rollback of the U.S.-flag PL-480 cargo preference cent. H.R. 6170, the Cummings-Landry bill intro- erence for AMO members. The mandate from 75 percent to 50 percent was accom- duced July 24, is an encouraging, good faith, bipar- AMO Constitution is now plished through a last minute, unnoticed rider to a tisan attempt to restore the 75-percent U.S.-flag PL- included in the newspaper on a House-Senate conference report on H.R. 4348. 480 cargo allocation in place since 1985. semi-annual basis. Copyright © 2012 American Maritime Officers ■ 601 S. Federal Highway ■ Dania Beach, FL 33004 ■ (800) 362-0513 ■ [email protected] 2 • American Maritime Officer August 2012 The quick, quiet assault on PL-480 unforeseen federal expense in the interest of national security. The U.S.-flag PL-480 cost at the 50 U.S.-flag cargo preference percent-75 percent level is about $15 mil- lion — a small sum in any contemporary federal budget context. This modest amount is sure to decline in direct propor- By Tom Bethel veered freely into matters unrelated to sur- account, or OFD — was diverted to help tion to steep overall budget cuts looming National President face transportation. Among other things, the pay for the highway bill. over the PL-480 program. bill steered funding to local schools and to This was done with the obvious con- Money invested in significant U.S.- It happened Gulf of Mexico coastal restoration in sent of the administration and leaders of flag merchant ship participation in PL-480 quickly and quiet- response to the BP oil spill crisis of 2010. both political parties in both Congressional service helps keep private sector U.S. ves- ly, and when it was MAP-21 also raised premiums paid to the chambers — and the Department of sels operating and available to the over early in the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and Transportation made no known attempt to Department of Defense for strategic sealift morning on June set new rules for pension plan interest rate block the spending shift. DOT is known to in distant crises. This money also keeps 29, the privately calculations. have opposed the cargo preference require- civilian American merchant mariners owned and operat- If there is any good news to be sal- ment tied to shipments supported by the working so that they, too, are available to ed U.S.-flag mer- vaged from all this, it is that the PL-480 Export-Import Bank of the United States, crew government-owned and chartered chant fleet had lost cargo preference requirement itself was not and DOT’s Maritime Administration — the ships as needed for military support ser- one-third of its the target. only federal agency charged exclusively vices worldwide. statutory PL-480 The issue here was money — specifi- with promoting the privately owned and The simple truth is that it would cost food aid export cally, finding enough of it in these tight operated U.S. merchant fleet — responded DOD a lot more than $15 million to build or share. At least 16 times to underwrite a politically popular to the disturbing developments of June 29 buy the sealift capacity represented by the ships, 640 seagoing jobs and 2,000 jobs in election year bill touted by the administra- with a limp statement essentially pledging to U.S. merchant fleet — including vessels related sectors were put at immediate risk. tion and by many Democrats and make the PL-480 cargo preference transition delivering PL-480 food aid safely and effi- The rollback of the U.S.-flag PL-480 Republicans in the House of Representatives from 75 percent to 50 percent as easy as pos- ciently to its destinations. It would cost cargo preference mandate from 75 percent and in the Senate as a jobs bill. sible for the U.S. shipping industry and DOD a lot more than $15 million — and to 50 percent was accomplished through a As 47 Democrats and Republicans American merchant mariners. many years — to recruit, train and employ a last minute, unnoticed rider to a House- serving on the House Transportation and We now know for certain that the merchant mariner workforce to replace that Senate conference report on H.R. 4348, the Infrastructure Committee and the Senate diversion of the OFD account to other pur- found today in the private sector. Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Environment and Public Works poses had been discussed as a budget option As bad as this setback was for the U.S. Century Act of 2012, or MAP-21. This was Committee wrapped up their conference for at least 18 months during deficit and debt maritime community, it could have been a massive surface transportation bill that report on H.R. 4348 under what one reduction and debt ceiling negotiations much worse in today’s dire budget climate authorized $105 billion in highway, railroad, media report described as “hurried” con- between the White House — the President — instead of a one-third cut, statutory U.S.- mass transit and infrastructure projects ditions, money that had been used for 27 and the Vice President — and Democrat and flag access to PL-480 cargoes could have nationwide over two years. years to cover U.S.-flag shipping rates on Republican Congressional leaders. H.R. been eliminated completely. Moreover, the The offensive cargo preference provi- PL-480 cargo volumes above 50 percent 4348 apparently provided the first real disturbing developments of June 29 did not sion was one example of how MAP-21 — the Ocean Freight Differential opportunity to do it. signal a wider war on cargo preference, and The House-Senate conference report there is known to be broad bipartisan on H.R. 4348 — which was not open to Congressional support for U.S.-flag cargo debate or amendment in the House or in the preference in principle and in practice — a AMO member cites importance of Senate — was approved unanimously by the truth reaffirmed recently when cargo prefer- 47 Democrat and Republican conferees, ence was left intact in legislation reauthoriz- political action for maritime policy approved by wide bipartisan margins in the ing Ex-Im Bank. whole House and in the whole Senate and Our union can claim credit for much sent to the White House, where the President of this. American Maritime Officers has signed it into law during the 4th of July spent many years cultivating support for Congressional recess. cargo preference in general and in connec- The practical effect was repeal of the tion with PL-480 specifically, and we are historic 1985 legislative compromise that now working independently and with other ended chronic political and legal squabbling maritime interests to find a bipartisan reme- between maritime and agricultural interests dy for the bipartisan bashing we endured on over when the Cargo Preference Act of 1954 the PL-480 cargo preference front. AMO is applied to exports financed entirely or in part working every available angle on every by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. available avenue. Under the compromise, the U.S.- As seagoing members of AMO, you flag PL-480 allocation was increased from can make this job easier by participating to 50 percent as provided for in the 1954 law the greatest possible extent in the American to 75 percent. In exchange for the higher Maritime Officers Voluntary Political Action Photo submitted by John Arnold PL-480 share, maritime interests relin- Fund, which is used exclusively to support Meeting with Congressman Scott Rigell (R-VA) during the Maritime Industry quished all cargo preference right to all the re-election campaigns of federal law- Congressional Sail-In recently were SUP member Bobbi Shipley, Maersk other USDA cargoes. makers known to support the U.S. merchant Line, Limited Vice President for Labor Relations Ed Hanley, Jack Craig of The compromise also established fleet and American merchant mariners as APM Terminals, American Maritime Officers member John Arnold, and SIU the OFD account to pay for the greater valued national assets. Vice President for Government Services Kermett Mangram. Arnold, who U.S.-flag PL-480 cargo share — the OFD As always, I encourage your com- submitted the photo, noted Rep. Rigell met with the Sail-In group as he was applied not to the entire cost of using ments and questions. Feel free to reach me leaving a meeting on reauthorization legislation for the Export-Import Bank. U.S.-flag vessels in PL-480 transactions, on my cell at (202) 251-0349. If you have “After meeting with our group, he stressed the importance of meeting peo- but only to U.S.-flag food aid shipments at a specific question about this issue or oth- ple who are directly involved in the bills he is to vote on,” Arnold wrote. “Our levels greater than 50 percent. ers or about the AMO Voluntary Political group was from his district and each of us advised him on how we were One irony here is that one of the few Action Fund, you can reach AMO affected by the bill.” The legislation was approved by Congress and signed things the administration and Congress Legislative Director Paul Doell at his cell into law, reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank through the end of fiscal year were able to compromise on in the current at (954) 882-4297. 2014. The reauthorization kept intact a cargo preference requirement, legislative session was the overturn of a A footnote: we will report here and on ensuring all exported cargoes financed through the Export-Import Bank are compromise. Another is that the budget Currents, the online AMO newsletter, on the by law reserved for U.S.-flagged merchant ships. Rep. Rigell voted to maneuver seen by some in the administra- pension provisions in H.R. 4348 and their approve the Export-Import Bank reauthorization bill. tion and in Congress as sound spending possible impact on our union’s retirement strategy could result instead in far greater benefit funds. American Maritime Officer (USPS 316-920) Official Publication of American Maritime Officers 601 S. Federal Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 921-2221 POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To: Periodical Postage Paid at American Maritime Officers — ATTENTION: Member Services Dania Beach, FL P.O. Box 66 and Additional Mailing Offices Dania Beach, FL 33004 Published Monthly ISO 9001:2008 August 2012 American Maritime Officer • 3 H.R. 6170: The Saving Essential American Sailors Act Bipartisan bill would overturn rollback of U.S. cargo preference for food-aid shipments American Maritime Officers appreci- American Sailors Act (SEAS) — would H.R. 6170 drew initial co-sponsors New York, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Larry ates the effort led by Reps. Elijah prevent the imminent loss of an estimated Republican Reps. Michael Grimm of New Kissell of North Carolina, Jerry McNerney Cummings (D-MD) and Jeff Landry (R- 640 seagoing jobs and at least 2,000 jobs in York and Candice Miller of Michigan, and of California, Mike Michaud of Maine, Ed LA) to overturn a recent surface transporta- related sectors ashore. This legislation Democratic Reps. Nick Rahall of West Pastor of Arizona, Chellie Pingree of tion bill stealth provision that reduced the would also prevent the permanent displace- Virginia, Rick Larsen of Washington, Maine, Steve Rothman of New Jersey, statutory U.S.-flag merchant vessel share of ment of at least 16 privately owned and Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, Colleen Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, Betty PL-480 “Food for Peace” exports from 75 operated ocean-going U.S.-flagged mer- Hanabusa of Hawaii, Cedric Richmond of Sutton of Ohio, Sander Levin of Michigan percent to 50 percent. chant vessels. Louisiana, Tim Bishop of New York and and Mike McIntyre of North Carolina had H.R. 6170, the Cummings-Landry In addition, H.R. 6170 would help Corrine Brown of Florida. As of August 2, signed on as co-sponsors. bill introduced July 24, is an encouraging, ensure that private sector U.S. merchant Republican Reps. Frank LoBiondo of New Along with Reps. Cummings and good faith, bipartisan attempt to restore the ships and civilian American merchant Jersey, Steve LaTourette of Ohio, Renee Landry, each of these lawmakers stands up 75-percent U.S.-flag PL-480 cargo alloca- mariners are available for strategic sealift Ellmers of North Carolina, Howard Coble for the U.S. merchant fleet and American tion in place since the historic farm com- service in the next defense emergency. As of North Carolina, Jimmy Duncan of merchant mariners when the call goes out, modity cargo preference compromise the Defense Department’s Transportation Tennessee, Chris Gibson of New York, no matter what the issue. We are grateful to approved by Congress and the President in Command has acknowledged, the federal Jamie Herrera Beutler of Washington, Scott them for their commitments to our industry 1985. This compromise has worked well for government simply cannot match the mili- Rigell of Virginia, Rob Wittman of Virginia and to the jobs it provides for U.S. citizen the maritime and agricultural communities, tary supply and support services provided and Don Young of Alaska and Democratic seafarers. for the federal agencies involved, and for worldwide by the U.S. merchant fleet — Reps. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, Peter the American people. including ships that participate in PL-480 DeFazio of Oregon, Gene Green of Texas, Tom Bethel H.R. 6170 — the Saving Essential trades. Janice Hahn of California, Brian Higgins of National President USA Maritime applauds Reps. Cummings, Landry for legislation to restore readiness of U.S. merchant fleet The following statement was issued owning companies, maritime labor organi- American Maritime Officers Service are Landry as co-sponsors of H.R. 6170. July 25 by USA Maritime Chairman James zations and maritime trade associations of members. As of Aug. 2, 35 members of the “USA Maritime applauds the biparti- Henry. USA Maritime is a coalition of ship which American Maritime Officers and House had joined Rep. Cummings and Rep. san efforts of Representatives Elijah Cummings and Jeffrey Landry who are tak- ing action to restore the readiness of the Congressman Larsen: reduction of U.S.-flag U.S.-flag fleet. The bill they have introduced — along with a bipartisan group of eight share under Food for Peace would limit nation’s members of Congress — would shore up national security and protect against the ability to protect defense sealift capability elimination of thousands of American jobs. “USA Maritime was disheartened to learn that earlier this summer, Congress Congressman Rick Larsen (D- insecurity, supports over 44,000 American ment on U.S. vessels. In addition, the repealed one-third of all cargo preference WA), ranking member of the House farmers, shippers, processors, port workers, Maritime Administration’s authority to requirements applicable to international Subcommittee on Coast Guard and and merchant mariners. As you know, under cover the differential in costs between food aid programs. This ill-conceived provi- Maritime Transportation, sent the fol- the Cargo Preference Act of 1954 (P.L. 83- the uses of U.S. vessels versus foreign- sion, which was slipped into the Highway lowing letter dated June 29 to Sen. 664), 75 percent of this humanitarian assis- flagged vessels would be repealed fur- Bill with no open discussion during the rush Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chairwoman of tance is required to be shipped on U.S. ther, thus further limiting the ability of to pass the bill before the July 4th recess, has the Senate Committee on Environment flagged vessels crewed by U.S. seafarers. the federal government to use the Cargo serious repercussions for the readiness of the and Public Works, and Rep. John Mica Last year, General Duncan McNabb, then Preference Act to support our domestic U.S.-flag fleet, while also undermining the (R-FL), chairman of the House Commanding General of the U.S. maritime industry and protect our sealift delivery of global food aid shipments on Committee on Transportation and Transportation Command, stated that the capability. U.S-flagged ships and the strength of the Infrastructure. availability of food aid cargoes is essential It is imperative that the maritime U.S. Merchant Marine. I am writing to express my disap- to maintaining the U.S. Merchant Fleet, and industries of the United States remain “Our nation relies upon the U.S. pointment in a provision that was therefore essential to maintaining our vibrant contributors to both our national Merchant Marine to ensure that we have included in the final transportation bill national defense sealift capability. security and economy. This harmful dependable sealift capacity — owned and conference report that would have a dis- Unfortunately, Section 100124 of the provision does nothing to advance that operated by Americans — to respond during astrous impact on the U. S. maritime conference report would reduce by one- mission. Thank you for your considera- times of war and national emergencies. Most industry. third Food for Peace cargoes required to be tion on how to move forward for our recently, the U.S. Merchant Marine respon- The Food for Peace Program, transported on U.S. vessels. Under this new maritime workers. I look forward to sibly and effectively carried over 90 percent which ships U.S. agricultural exports provision, only 50 percent of these agricul- working with you to change this new of military cargoes to Iraq and Afghanistan. overseas to address starvation and food tural exports would be reserved for ship- language. See USA Maritime ◆ Page 7 Heavy lifting with the BBC Houston On June 4, the BBC Houston loaded two hydrogenation reactor converters (above right) in Masan, Korea, destined for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. With the largest reactor clocking in at 432 tons, the lift was the largest to date taken by the ship under U.S. flag. General Dynamics-American Overseas Marine provides crew management services for the BBC Houston, which is manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers. 4 • American Maritime Officer August 2012 Coast Guard issues guidance on ECA compliance The North American Emissions Control Area (ECA), a region near U.S. shorelines Flag-ECA- Non-availability of compliant fuel oil.” that requires stricter vessel emission controls, came into effect on Aug. 1. The Coast The Coast Guard also advised that when a vessel experiences equipment casualty or Guard recently issued guidelines for verifying compliance with the regulations. Also failure, the “master or owner of the ship” must report to the administration. The Coast Guard released was a job aid to be used by Coast Guard marine inspectors and port state con- “expects a certain degree of redundancy” to prevent non-compliance with the ECA. trol officers. Separately, the Coast Guard released a job aid to be used by Coast Guard marine “The job aid is a useful guide for captains and chief engineers to have in hand prior inspectors and port state control officers to assist in identifying and documenting deficien- to any visit from the Coast Guard,” said AMO National Vice President for Government cies discovered during inspection/examinations of U.S. and foreign-flagged ships. The Relations Mike Murphy. guidance notes that some U.S. vessels operating exclusively in domestic trades and already The ECA was created using MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14, which governs sul- using compliant distillate fuels will be exempt from ECA regulations. Historic steamships, fur oxides and particulate matter emissions, as well as Regulation 18, which governs fuel steam turbine engines, reciprocating steam engines or other vessels operating on the Great oil availability and quality. Vessels operating within 200 miles of the U.S. shoreline (with Lakes may also be exempt. exceptions) must comply with these regulations. The job aid recommends ship operators use their Safety Management System to detail Vessels unable to purchase low-sulfur fuel due to non-availability must notify the procedures for compliance with and to document non-compliance with the ECA regula- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, the Coast Guard policy letter states: tions. “When a U.S. flag ship encounters a situation where compliant fuel oil could not be pur- The Coast Guard job aid and policy letter can be downloaded directly at: chased while in a U.S. or foreign port, in addition to notifying the EPA, the ship’s crew shall also inform the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance via e-mail to • www.amo-union.net/documents/7-30-12-ECA-USCG-JobAid.pdf [email protected]. The e-mail subject line should include the following text: U.S. • www.amo-union.net/documents/7-30-12-ECA-USCG-Letter.pdf AMO aboard the John J. Boland Above: American Maritime Above: The John J. Boland docks Officers members working at the TORCO iron ore transfer aboard American Steamship facility in Toledo, Ohio to deliver its Company’s John J. Boland in cargo. The ship is operated by July, here at the TORCO iron ore American Steamship Company. transfer facility in Toledo, Ohio, American Maritime Officers repre- included Chief Engineer Ronnie sents all licensed officers aboard Adkins and First Assistant the Boland. Engineer Steven Wilson. With them is AMO Senior National At left: AMO members working Assistant Vice President Brian aboard the John J. Boland in July Krus. included Second Mate Mark Kapa Great Lakes cargo float dips slightly for month of June U.S.-flagged vessels on the Great U.S.-Flag Carriage Year-to-Date (June) 2007-2012 — net tons Lakes carried 9.9 million tons of dry-bulk cargo in June, nearly the same amount as in Average Commodity 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 May, but 1.3 percent below last year and the 2007-2011 month’s five-year average, the Lake Iron Ore 18,985,229 20,324,072 7,146,010 17,014,105 18,315,088 18,947,627 16,356,901 Carriers’ Association reported. Coal 9,112,297 8,583,899 7,110,091 7,277,612 7,071,531 5,922,243 7,831,086 The iron ore float for the month dropped 3.1 percent compared with last year. Limestone 9,133,056 8,434,648 5,016,257 6,922,718 6,583,584 7,563,739 7,218,053 Limestone was up 13.1 percent, but coal was Cement 1,490,521 1,202,350 956,697 976,467 1,012,040 1,248,890 1,127,615 down 16 percent. The coal float was impact- ed, in part, by a sustained weather-related Salt 394,600 443,238 449,566 544,080 519,917 476,004 470,280 outage at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal Sand 126,759 66,638 81,131 68,324 62,571 106,434 81,085 in Superior, Wis., the LCA reported. Great Lakes freighters have carried Grain 152,818 60,235 115,095 84,083 99,490 69,210 102,344 34.3 million tons through June, an increase Total 39,395,280 39,115,080 20,874,847 32,887,389 33,664,221 34,334,147 33,187,363 of 2 percent compared with the same time- frame in 2011, and 3.5 percent above the Source: Lake Carriers’ Association five-year average for January to June. New policy allows eligible TWIC holders to extend credential expiration date, reduces cost, travel burden The Transportation Security and hold TWICs that will expire on or card holders would pay a fee of $60, can will not be required to remember their PIN Administration has announced a major pol- before Dec. 31, 2014, may be eligible to begin the application process over the number. icy change regarding the Transportation obtain an extended expiration date (EED) phone and would be required to make one To be eligible for the EED TWIC, Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). TWIC, which would be valid for three in-person visit to a TWIC enrollment cen- card holders must: Effective Aug. 30, 2012, TWIC hold- years. ter to pick up the EED TWIC card. ers who are U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, To obtain an EED TWIC, eligible TWIC holders exercising this option See EED TWIC ◆ Page 12 August 2012 American Maritime Officer • 5 Shore leave for U.S. mariners: DENIED will not accept a TWIC without additional photo identification and some won’t accept it at all. It was recently discovered that the cards have a flaw because the small antenna Why are some terminals in the U.S. making it difficult or impossible on the chip breaks if the card is repeatedly flexed (like in your wallet) so it might not for American merchant mariners to pass through our ports? be readable even if there were readers avail- able. There have been repeated calls in By Mike Murphy some locations. committee’s report, “system” and “reason- Congress to eliminate the multi-billion dol- National Vice President, Government The U.S. Coast Guard ignored these able access” are not clearly delineated and lar program, but it has a life of its own Relations flagrant violations of our rights, citing “no cost to the individual” resulted in the because security programs are considered national security and their mistaken belief terminals and ship operators both denying sacred — and they keep many people I always that they could not tell a private terminal responsibility to pay for access. To date, no employed. So, don’t look forward to the find it ironic when operator that they had to provide access. rulemaking has surfaced and we are no fur- program going away anytime soon. I’m in an airport The Coast Guard’s lack of action resulted in ther ahead than two years ago. At this point I would like to be able to and see pilots and a multi-year lobbying effort by AMO’s Since the bill’s passage, Coast say that there is a “silver lining” to our shore flight crews given Washington, D.C. office to correct these Guard headquarters has put out two gener- leave problem, but I can’t. What I can tell preferential treat- failures and finally resulted in an amend- al emails (ALCOASTs) that gave informal you is I appreciate all of our members who ment for entering ment to the Coast Guard Authorization Act guidance to the captains of the port keep me informed when a terminal impedes and exiting the of 2010 (PL 111-281). The amendment was (COTP) in each sector, directing them to their ability to move between the ship and secure areas of air- specific — or so those of us who had review Facility Security Plans for access shore. I take action on every one of the com- ports. They are worked hard to get it into place thought. The provisions. However, without clear-cut plaints, so don’t give up. Keep them com- respected and amendment reads: regulatory guidance, there has been little ing. The worst thing that can happen is that treated like heroes. “Facilities ... shall provide a system or no change in the sectors where we have mariners simply give up trying to go ashore While mariners, for seamen assigned to a vessel at that the most violations. at some facilities because it is too hard. I who actually contribute more to this coun- facility, pilots, and representatives of sea- I continue to forward terminal viola- bring up mariner access at every meeting I try’s economic well being and carry a much men’s welfare and labor organizations to tions to Coast Guard headquarters for inves- have at Coast Guard headquarters and it is a heavier regulatory burden than any airline board and depart the vessel through the tigation. Some of the most frequent offend- tremendous help to have specific examples. crew, are treated like criminals and potential facility in a timely manner at no cost to the ers include: Westway, Philadelphia; Kinder To their credit, Coast Guard headquarters terrorists. In fact, some port terminals and individual.” Morgan (KMI), Philadelphia; Colonial, has investigated every case I’ve sent to port authorities would seem happy to con- But, rather than moving forward Savannah; IMTT, Bayonne; Kinder them and given me a response. fine us to our ships when we are in port. quickly to bring the law into regulation, the Morgan, Carteret; ITC, Houston; and I know it doesn’t seem like much, but Reasonable access for mariners, sup- Coast Guard referred it to the National Kinder Morgan (KCBX), Chicago. we have won a few of the battles — but pliers, welfare organizations and labor orga- Maritime Security Advisory Committee Once I forward the information, it is only a few. In the three cases where we’ve nizations was explicit in the International (NMSAC) for discussion. NMSAC is made sent out to the sectors for investigation. been able to get positive action from the ter- Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code when it up of terminal operators, ship operators, and Unfortunately, the Coast Guard sector per- minal operator, I personally worked with was incorporated into the Safety of Life at labor and welfare organizations. Discussion sonnel sent to investigate these large termi- the management of the terminal and the Sea (SOLAS) Convention. centered on three specific elements of the nals rarely have a positive impact on the local Coast Guard unit to find a resolution. The United States, in its post-9/11 law: “system,” “reasonable access” and “no problem. Moreover, there is little support In summary, we will continue to drive to implement the ISPS into domestic cost to the individual.” I wrote a paper on from the shipping companies, which don’t struggle with shore leave until we have law as the Maritime Transportation Security AMO’s interpretation of these elements and seem to want to upset the terminal operators. clearly defined regulations directing ter- Act (MTSA) of 2002, failed to ensure that Tom Bethel and I personally presented it to To further confuse the issue, the minal operators to provide reasonable mariners received reasonable access at no the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Transportation Worker Identification access and the Coast Guard begins enforc- personal cost. Some terminal operators Adm. Papp, and his headquarters staff. In Credential (TWIC) has not, as some expect- ing it by denying a terminal’s Facility seized upon this oversight and created my paper I advocated a five-minute pro- ed, become the universally accepted card to Security Plan until it meets the law. Facility Security Plans that apparently tried cessing time as reasonable and recommend- allow mariners access in terminals and port Meanwhile, we must keep the heat on to prevent mariners from leaving or joining ed that the Coast Guard deny any Facility facilities. Five years after TWICs were until every terminal has a reasonable sys- their ships. Or, a plan would be so onerous Security Plan that didn’t incorporate this made mandatory, the card has not preempt- tem in place for mariner shore leave. I or expensive ($700 for transportation in one reasonable access at no cost to the mariner. ed local identity card requirements, there is need your feedback on terminal problems terminal) that crewmembers on a ship As might be expected, the outcome of this no widespread capability to read the coded so I can continue to press the effort, so would simply give up trying to go ashore in committee was less than clear-cut. In the information on the card, some port facilities keep those emails and letters coming. Lawmakers frustrated with ongoing TWIC program problems Members of the House John Mica (R-FL) voiced strong disap- in the transportation community.” hurdles. The first TWICs issued will expire Transportation and Infrastructure proval of TSA’s efforts. “I am most disap- The TWIC program was designed to in October of this year, but biometric read- Committee in June expressed frustration pointed we are here,” he said in his opening positively identify authorized individuals ers for the cards are still unavailable — with the Transportation Security statement. “Time after time we have been for secure port access, conduct a security making TWIC cards little more than a Administration over its belabored and slug- promised in this hearing room that the pro- threat assessment and prevent unauthorized “flash pass.” gish implementation of the Transportation gram would put into place measures that individuals from accessing secure port Rep. Mica noted the absence of Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) would allow us to identify who is going in areas. Now, more than a decade after its Stephen Sadler, TSA assistant administra- program. and out of our ports in a secure manner … establishment by Congress, the TWIC pro- tor. The DHS representatives at the hearing At a committee hearing, Chairman [now these] cards have become a joke with- gram continues to be beset by delays and repeatedly deferred questions to the absent TSA and refused to give a timeline for implementation of biometric readers and other program improvements. Fitting out on Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) observed the Great Lakes 2.1 million TWICs have been issued, at a cost to maritime transportation workers of with Port City more than $250 million. “Excessive costs, administrative inefficiencies, technical bio- Steamship metric glitches and confusing or burden- some enrollment requirements routinely surface as common faults” in the program, American Maritime Officers he said. members fitting out Port City Rep. Larsen pointed to Congressional Steamship’s St. Marys action to limit the administrative burden on Challenger in July included (left maritime workers of having to make multi- to right) Second Mate John ple trips to enrollment centers. H.R. 3173 McNabb, Captain Al Tielke, would require the Secretary of Homeland First Mate Raymond Groh and Security to reform the program to require Third Mate Kenneth Lichtle. just one in-person visit, unless individual With them here in Chicago is extenuating circumstances exist. On June AMO Senior National Assistant 28, the House passed the legislation, which Vice President Brian Krus. has moved to the Senate for consideration. AMO represents all licensed While members of the committee officers aboard the St. Marys expressed great frustration with TWIC, they Challenger. See TWIC Hearing ◆ Page 10 6 • American Maritime Officer August 2012 Sealift awarded prepositioning charter for M/V Fisher Military Sealift Command has Military Sealift September 2017. The M/V Capt. Steven L. awarded Sealift Inc. a time charter for the Command has Bennett, also a Sealift ship manned in all M/V Maj. Bernard F. Fisher, securing jobs awarded licensed positions by AMO, currently for members of American Maritime Sealift Inc. a serves in this mission. Officers in a prepositioning mission for time charter “We’re very pleased these jobs have the U.S. Air Force. for the M/V been secured for the AMO membership The M/V Fisher will preposition Maj. Bernard under the new MSC charter award to ammunition and related supplies, with F. Fisher. AMO Sealift,” said AMO National Executive Vice anticipated locations of operation includ- represents all President Robert Kiefer. “The M/V Fisher ing Diego Garcia and Korea. licensed offi- and the AMO officers onboard will provide If all contract options are exercised, cers aboard sustained superior service to the Air Force the charter would extend through the ship. in this important prepositioning role.” AMO aboard the Midnight Sun AMO members working aboard the M/V Midnight Sun in July, here in Tacoma, Wash., included Port Relief Mate Jonathan Copley, who AMO members working aboard the M/V Midnight Sun in July, here in Tacoma, Wash., included Second Mate Aaron sails as second mate on the M/V Nystrom, Chief Mate Todd L’Italien and Captain Andy Murray, master on the Midnight Sun. With them is American North Star. Maritime Officers National Secretary-Treasurer José Leonard. Bendixen featured in Maine Maritime Academy alumni magazine American Maritime Officers Ocean Freedomas chief mate since 2010. sionalism and “superior skills.” In 2006, Academy, Mariner reported in its member Sandra Bendixen was recent- Bendixen told Mariner: “I don’t while she was working as a third mate Spring 2007 issue. ly featured by Maine Maritime feel the challenges of being a female cap- aboard the M/V Independence, a forklift Presenting the commendation, Academy’s alumni magazine, tain are any different from those faced by fell into an elevator shaft, seriously Interocean American Shipping Vice Mariner, for her professional achieve- a male captain. I am concerned about the injuring two longshoremen. Bendixen President and General Manager of ments as a merchant mariner. same things aboard my ship as any cap- provided immediate medical care for the Mitchell Walker, said: “Ms. In December 2011, Bendixen tain would be, and I’m happy to have two men. Bendixen’s professionalism and out- assumed the captaincy of the M/V some great officers and crew to work She received a surprise commenda- standing performance in an emer- Ocean Freedom in Papua, New with.” tion from Interocean American Shipping gency situation are a tribute to herself Guinea. She had sailed aboard the Bendixen is noted for her profes- at a ceremony at Maine Maritime and the U.S. merchant marine.” Ocean Giant cargo in the U.S. in early July. Her maiden U.S.-flag voyage is being made under char- ter to Military Sealift Command. When the Continued from Page 1 mission is completed, the Ocean Giantwill ment to the importance of U.S. cargo pref- be part of Intermarine’s U.S.-flag commer- erence in the creation and maintenance of cial and project fleet, which provides world- seagoing jobs for American mariners,” said wide service. AMO National President Tom Bethel. “AMO is proud to welcome this new ship to At left: American Maritime Officers the U.S.-flag fleet, and with it, the new jobs members on the re-flagging team for for our membership.” Ocean Giant included (in no particu- The Ocean Giant is operated by lar order) Captain Sandra Bendixen, Crowley Liner Services for Intermarine master on the Ocean Giant, Chief affiliate US Ocean. AMO represents all Engineer Brian Johnsen, First licensed officers aboard the ship. The Assistant Engineer Daniel Capozello, approximately 19,100 DWT ship is about Third A.E. Matthew Gonzalez, Third 545 feet long and has three heavy-lift deck A.E. Drew Mulhearn, Third Mate cranes, two of which have capacities of 400 Robert Sandner lll and Second Mate tons each, and when used together are able David Vela. Not in the picture are to handle up to 800 tons per lift. Chief Mate Cezary Poninski and The Ocean Giant finished loading Photo submitted by Brian Johnsen Chief Engineer Brian Davis. M/V Wheeler sel are part of MSC’s prepositioning pro- support we have received from AMO, strategically places military equipment and gram. The vessel’s area of operation under which allowed us to be competitive in this supplies aboard ships located in key ocean this contract is the Pacific Ocean. solicitation, and look forward to the oppor- areas to ensure rapid availability during a Continued from Page 1 “Interocean is very pleased to have tunity to provide new job opportunities to major theater war, a humanitarian operation ward to manning the M/V Wheelerand to a been awarded this contract, and to be able to the union membership.” or other contingency. MSC’s prepositioning new opportunity to serve in an important continue developing our relationship with MSC’s prepositioning program is an ships support the Army, Navy, Air Force, role for MSC.” MSC,” said IAS Vice President for Human essential element in the U.S. military’s Marine Corps and Defense Logistics The M/V Wheelerand its support ves- Resources Bob Rogers. “We appreciate the readiness strategy. Afloat prepositioning Agency. August 2012 American Maritime Officer • 7 USNS Wheat serves in exercise ‘Phoenix Express’ Five Military Sealift Command At left: American Maritime Officers vessels, including the AMO-manned members working aboard the USNS USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat, recently par- LCPL Roy M. Wheat during Phoenix ticipated in exercise Phoenix Express to Express 2012 included Third Mate prepare for potential threats in the Matt Drabenstot (left) and Captain Mediterranean Sea, Military Sealift Chris Begley, master on the USNS Command reported in the July edition of Wheat. Sealift. Conducted May 7 to 28, this sev- enth iteration of exercise Phoenix Express brought together five MSC vessels, other U.S. Navy forces and 12 allied navies to focus on Mediterranean security threats, including terrorism, transnational crimes, illegal immigration, environmental threats and international movement of weapons of mass destruction. The exercise included a role-play- ing scenario in which military personnel Photos submitted by Joe Gelhaus boarded a vessel suspected of illicit traf- ficking. The MSC vessel crews also served the role of commercial crew mem- bers, adding to the complexity and real- ism of the exercises for the military forces. “The ship was able to see the inter- action of personnel that our crew would normally not be exposed to,” said AMO member Captain Christopher Begley, U.S. Navy photo: MC1 Brian Goyak master on the USNS Wheat. “The crew Hellenic Navy special forces members learned that other countries have the abil- fast rope onto USNS LCPL Roy M. ity to protect the rest of us who go to sea. Wheat during Phoenix Express 2012. We had the opportunity to work with heli- copters and pilots from other navies, as well as the sea-based boarding forces.” At left: American Maritime Officers The USNS Wheat is operated by members working aboard the USNS Maersk Line, Limited in MSC’s afloat LCPL Roy M. Wheat during Phoenix prepositioning program and is manned in all Express 2012 included Chief Mate licensed positions by American Maritime Mike Hasson (left) and Chief Officers. The ship is configured to preposi- Engineer Joe Gelhaus. tion and transport supplies for the U.S. Marine Corps in rapid deployment during times of war, conflict and crisis. At left: American Maritime Officers In addition to the USNS Wheat, MSC members working aboard the USNS ships USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196), USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat during Phoenix SGT Matej Kocak (T-AK 3005), USNS Express 2012 included First Grasp (T-ARS 51) and MSC-contracted Assistant Engineer Dimitar Gochev sea-going ferry M/V San Marco, as well as (left), Third A.E. Adrian Kreckmann five MSC Europe and Africa reserve com- and Second A.E. Phil Parent. The ponent members, supported the underway USNS Wheat is operated for Military phase of the exercise May 16 to 27 in the Sealift Command by Maersk Line, central Mediterranean. The ships participat- Limited. AMO represents all licensed ed in various exercise scenarios. officers aboard the ship. USA Maritime foreign policy missions, including the may not have realized that these last- Department of Defense and the readiness delivery of vital food aid to the world’s minute additions to the bill will result in of the U.S. fleet. neediest peoples. the loss of 16 U.S.-flag vessels, according “Furthermore, the carriage of food aid Continued from Page 3 “Without U.S.-flag ships, important to preliminary estimates from the U.S. cargos supports 33,000 U.S. jobs, $523 mil- The U.S.-flag fleet also has transported military missions and foreign aid pro- Maritime Administration. The loss of lion in U.S. household earnings and $2 bil- supplies to victims of Hurricane Katrina grams will essentially be outsourced to these vessels will have an immediate, lion in U.S. economic output, according to a and has helped to carry out numerous U.S. foreign fleets. Highway Bill conferees detrimental impact on the U.S. recent study by economists at Promar International. “Unless this provision is overturned Kings Point cadets complete internships with AMO before the Highway Bill goes into effect on October 1, one-third of these economic ben- efits will be eliminated. A preliminary report from the Maritime Administration deter- mined that this provision will initially lead to a loss of $90 million worth of annual rev- enue for U.S.-flag ocean carriers alone. Taxes on this revenue, without considering the taxes paid by crews or other businesses working with the carriers, will outstrip the $15 million in annual savings thought to be achieved by the Highway Bill provision. “During this time of economic uncer- tainty and international instability, USA Maritime urges Congress to quickly approve the legislation introduced by Representatives Cummings and Landry — thereby repealing section 100124 of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadets completing summer internships for 2012 at American Maritime Officers Highway Bill and reinstating the 1985 cargo Headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla., are Ryan McQueen (engine), Sung Hyong (deck) and Roshenda Josephs preference agreement. Failure to do so will (deck). With them here in July were AMO National President Tom Bethel and AMO National Secretary-Treasurer risk putting the U.S. on a slippery slope José Leonard. Each year, cadets from Kings Point and/or state maritime academies intern with AMO. towards losing our national defense sealift capability entirely.” 8 • American Maritime Officer August 2012 American Maritime Officers Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center 2 West Dixie Highway • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • (954) 920-3222 General Courses ABS NS5 Fleet Mgmt Software 3 days 15 October 25 March Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 10 September 8 October 12 November 10 December 7 January 4 February 11 March Basic Safety Training - All 4 modules must be completed within 12 months: Personal Safety Techniques (Mon/Tues - 1.5 days), Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (Tues pm - .5 days), Elementary First Aid (Wed - 1 day), Fire Fighting & 5 days 24 September 22 October 26 November 17 December 14 January 11 February 18 March Fire Prevention (Thurs/Fri - 2 days) - not req. if Combined Basic & Adv. Fire Fighting completed within 12 months Basic Safety Training - Refresher 3 days 26 September 24 October 28 November 19 December 16 January 13 February 20 March Crowd Management 1 day Please call Crisis Mgmt & Human Behavior 1 day Please call ECDIS 5 days 20 Aug 10, 17 Sept 5, 12 November 10 December 14, 28 January 11 February 4, 11 March Effective Supervision 2 days Please call Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 27 August 15 October 10 December 8 January 4, 25 February 11 March GMDSS 10 days 5 November 14 January LNG Tankerman PIC 8 days 5 December 11 February LNG Simulator Training- Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course is given to qualified member candidates for employment and/or observation opportunities with AMO 5 days 17 December 25 February contracted LNG companies. In all cases successful completion of the LNG PNC classroom course is prerequisite. Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 4 September 5 November 22 January 25 March Safety Officer Course 2 days 1 October 8 November 14 January 7 March Tankerman PIC DL - Classroom 5 days 26 November 7 January 18 March Tankerman PIC DL - Simulator 10 days 20 Aug 22 October 28 January Train the Trainer 5 days 20 Aug 1 October 3 December 4 February 11 March Train the Trainer - Simulator Inst. 5 days Please call Vessel/Company Security Officer - Includes Anti-Piracy 3 days 5 September 5 November 16 January 4 March Deck Courses Advanced Bridge Resource Management 5 days 7 Jan - PM Advanced Shiphandling for Masters - (No equivalency) Must have sailed as 5 days 20 Aug 1 October 3 December 4 February Chief Mate Unlimited Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates - 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rd Mates 10 days 24 September 15 October 3 December (Week 2 - PM) 11 March Adv. / Emerg. Shiphandling - First Class Pilots, Great Lakes 5 days 21 January Bridge Resource Management Seminar 3 days Please call Dynamic Positioning - Basic 5 days 27 August 28 January Dynamic Positioning - Advanced 5 days 26 November 25 February Integrated Bridge System (IBS) / Prodded Propulsion Trg 5 days 26 Nov - PM 25 March Locking & Docking for First Class Pilots - Great Lakes 5 days Please call TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) - Third Mate (Unlimited or Great 5 days 26 November 14 January PM 25 March Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required Tug Training - ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive) 5 days 27 August 12 November 28 January PM Visual Communications (Flashing Light) - Test only! 1 day Scheduled as required Engineering Courses Advanced Slow Speed Diesel 10 days 10 December Basic Electricity 10 days 10 September 1 October 11 February Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 8 October 25 February Engine Room Resource Management 5 days 10 September 7 January Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 24 September 13 November 22 January Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 20 August 8 October 5 November 10 December 4 February 18 March High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 23-24 October Ocean Ranger Program 6 days Please call Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 5 days 24 September 15 October 25 February Refrigeration (Operational Level) 5 days 20 August 26 November 28 January Refrigeration (Management Level) 5 days 27 August 3 December 4 February Steam Crossover 4 weeks 14 January Welding & Metallurgy Skills & Practices - Open to eligible Chief Mates and Masters on a space available basis. Interested participants should apply and will be 2 weeks 22 October 3 December 25 February confirmed 2 weeks prior to start date. Deck Upgrade at the Management Level - Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). This program will complete ALL 53 Control Sheet assessments of the training requirements for STCW. Course completion certificates do not expire. Operational level officers (3/M and 2/M) interested in advancing to Chief Mate/Master (Management) Level are encouraged to start obtaining the required courses as soon as practical after acquiring OICNW experience. Advanced Navigation and a USCG approved ECDIS course must be completed within 12 months of each other to satisfy the Management Level upgrade course and assessment requirements. Celestial Navigation 5 days 27 August 8 October 17 December 11 February Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology 5 days 27 August 15 October 10 December 18 February Cargo Operations 9 days 4 September 29 October 22 January 18 March Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 20 August 17 September 12 November 3 December 14 January 18 March Upgrade: Stability 5 days 1 October 26 November 7 January 25 February Watchkeeping 1: BRM 3 days 5 September 31 October 12 December 13 February Watchkeeping 2: COLREGS - Watchkeeping 1 & 2 must be completed within 12 5 days 10 September 5 November 17 December 18 February months of each other Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 15 October 7 January 25 February Shipboard Management 5 days 17 September 12 November 21 January 18 March Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (includes Simulator) 5 days 20 August 24 September 26 November 28 January 11 March ECDIS - Advanced Navigation and the USCG approved ECDIS to be completed within 12 5 days 27 August 1 October 3 December 4 February 18 March months of each other. Suggested dates follow. See also deck courses above. Self-Study License Exam Preparation A/R August 2012 American Maritime Officer • 9 MSC Training Program CMEO for Junior Engineers 2 days 7 January Basic CBR Defense 1 day 24 August 14 September 1 February 15 March Damage Control 1 day 23 August 13 September 16 November 31 January 14 March Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 20 August 4 September 29 October 25 January 19 February Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 23 October 27 November 15 January 12 February 19 March Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD) 1/2 day 24 August 14 September 1 February 15 March Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 27 September 16 November 25 January Medical PIC Refresher- Note: Not MSC approved 3 days 5 September 16 October 22 January 20 February MSC Readiness Refresher - Must have completed full CBRD & DC once in career. 5 days 22 October 26 November 14 January 11 February 18 March MSC Watchstander - BASIC - Once in career, SST grads grandfathered 2 days 27 September 1 November 13 December 31 January MSC Watchstander - ADVANCED - Required for all SRF members 1 day 1, 18 October 5 November 17 December 4, 28 February 28 March MSC Ship Reaction Force - Required every three years for SRF members 3 days 2 October 6 November 18 December 5 February SAMM - Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management 3 days 29 October 20 February Small Arms - Initial & Sustainment (Refresher) Training- Open to members & applicants eligible for employment through AMO (w/in 1 year) or MSC on MARAD 3 days 20 August 10, 24 Sept 15, 29 October 13, 26 10 December 14, 28 January 11, 25 February 11, 25 March contracted vessels. Remedial shoot will be afforded on Day 4 for at least 1 weapon if November passing score not attained. STCW Endorsement required. Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 27 September 16 November 25 January Medical Courses Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 4 September 29 October 25 January 19 February Elementary First Aid - Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 12 months 1 day 21 Aug 18 September 9, 30 October 4 December 8, 29 January 5 March Medical Care Provider - Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 12 months. Please 3 days 22 Aug 19 September 10, 31 October 5 December 9, 30 January 6 March fax EFA certificate when registering Medical PIC - Please fax MCP certificate when registering 5 days 27 August 24 September 5 November 10 December 4 February 11 March Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 1 October 13 November 17 December 11 February 18 March Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) - Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only! 1 day 2 October 14 November 18 December 12 February 19 March Saliva Screening Test - QEDs only! 1/2 day 3 October 15 November 19 December 13 February 20 March Medical PIC Refresher - Note: Not MSC approved 3 days 5 September 16 October 22 January 20 February Radar Courses Radar Recertification 1 day 4 September 12, 29 October 17 December 10, 11 January 22 February 1, 28 March Radar Recertification at Toledo Maritime Academy - Non-Resident Training, 1 day 23 August 29 November 13 December 24 January 28 February 21 March apply to Student Services, Dania Beach ARPA 4 days 30 October Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days 29 October Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days 22 October Engine STCW / Original Engineer Training Routes - Engine STCW training routes are aimed at Great Lakes members wishing to transition to Deep Sea. Original Engineer training is available to members, Galley Courses & Original License Courses applicants and sponsored students seeking original license. Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 10 Sept, 7 Jan 4 Feb, 11 Mar RFPNW Assessments 1 day Please call Basic Safety Training 5 days 24 September 14 Jan, 18 Mar EFA/MCP 4 days 18 September 29 Jan, 5 Mar Marlin Spike 1 day Please call Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 4 September 22 Jan, 25 Mar 40-hour Able Seaman 5 days Please call Basic Electricity (for Original Engineers only) 10 days 1 October 11 February Original 3A/E Preparation and Exams A/R 15 October 25 February Original License (Great Lakes) Courses - Deck & Engine A/R Please call Self-Study CDs and Online Programs - Available for use when attending other approved classroom courses Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator CD DoT - Hazardous Material Transportation Training CD Anti-Terrorism Level 1 Online EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification Examination Self-study Crew Endurance Management CD Prudent Mariner’s Guide to Right Whale Protection CD Vessel General Permit - EPA CD Electrical Safety Refresher CD Officer in Charge of a Navigation Watch (OICNW) - Completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as Officer In Charge of a Navigation Watch (3M/2M) on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). This program will complete ALL Control Sheet assessments. Celestial Navigation 10 days Please call Ship Construction & Stability 5 days Please call Emergency Procedures & SAR 4 days Please call Meteorology 5 days Please call Cargo Handling & Storage 5 days Please call Magnetic & Gyro Compass 3 days Please call Electronic Navigation 5 days Please call Terrestrial Navigation 10 days Please call Watchkeeping 10 days Please call Basic Shiphandling at the Operational Level 5 days Please call Self-Study License Exam Preparation A/R Available to those students who completed their courses at STAR Center. Please call to schedule. MARAD Training Program - (11 day package comprised of courses below) Students will be nominated and assigned by their contracted company and shall attend all 11 days. Any places not taken by the contracted companies shall be made available to the membership on a chronological order basis. Small Arms - Initial & Sustainment (Refresher) Training - Open to members and applicants eligible for employment through AMO (within 1 year) on MSC or MARAD 3 days 15 October 14 January contracted vessels. Elementary First Aid 1 day 18 October 17 January Drug Collector Training 1 day 19 October 18 January Breath Alcohol Test Collector 1 day 20 October 19 January Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 8 October 7 January NOTICE: AMO members planning to attend the union’s Center for Advanced Maritime Officers’ Training/STAR Center in Dania Beach, Florida—either to prepare for license upgrading or to undergo specialty training—are asked to call the school to confirm course schedule and space availability in advance. NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS:The Center For Advanced Maritime Officers Training (CAMOT) and Simulation Training Assessment and Research Center (STAR), established under the auspices of the American Maritime Officers Safety and Education Plan, admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin or sex to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Center. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or sex in administration of its educational policies, admission policies and other programs administered by the Center. 10 • American Maritime Officer August 2012 TOLEDO, OH 43604 The Melvin H. Pelfrey Building One Maritime Plaza, Third Floor (419) 255-3940 (800) 221-9395 FAX: (419) 255-2350 John E. Clemons, National Vice President, Great Lakes AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS ([email protected]) Brian D. Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice President DANIA BEACH, FL 33004 ([email protected]) 601 S. Federal Highway Donald Cree, Great Lakes Special Assistant to the National President (954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513 ([email protected]) Thomas J. Bethel, National President Stan Barnes, National Representative ([email protected]) [email protected] / [email protected] / Mobile: (202) 251-0349 Bruce DeWerth, Dispatcher ([email protected]) José E. Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer ([email protected]) Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 94607 ([email protected]) 1121 7th Street, Second Floor FAX: (954) 926-5112 Oakland, CA 94607 Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea (510) 444-5301 ([email protected]) (800) 362-0513 ext. 5001 Charles A. Murdock, National Vice President, Inland Waters Daniel E. Shea, National Assistant Vice President ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Mobile: (954) 531-9977 / FAX: (954) 367-1025 FAX: (954) 367-1064 Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 FAX: (954) 926-5126 STAR CENTER Brendan Keller, Dispatcher ([email protected]) STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION Robert Anderson, Dispatcher ([email protected]) 2 West Dixie Highway Member Services: Extension 1050 ([email protected]) Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 920-3222 ext. 201 / (800) 942-3220 ext. 201 WASHINGTON, D.C. Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 ext. 200 FAX: (954) 920-3140 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024 24 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999 490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204 (202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001 Thomas J. Bethel, National President TRAINING RECORDS SYSTEM Lisa Marra [email protected] / [email protected] (954) 920-3222 ext. 7118 Mobile: (202) 251-0349 FAX: (954) 925-5681 J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relations [email protected] [email protected] Mobile: (202) 560-6889 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Paul Doell, Legislative Director [email protected] / Mobile: (954) 882-4297 MEDICAL CLINIC AMO PLANS 2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie Highway FAX: (202) 479-1188 Dania Beach, FL 33004 Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 927-5213 (800) 348-6515 PORTS FAX: (954) 929-1415 FAX: (954) 922-7539 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19113 2 International Plaza, Suite 422 LEGAL Robert J. Kiefer, National Executive Vice President ([email protected]) (800) 362-0513 ext. 4001 / 4002 AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid Program Mobile: (215) 859-1059 Michael Reny FAX: (610) 521-1301 Mobile: (419) 346-1485 (419) 243-1105 / (888) 853-4662 [email protected] GALVESTON, TX 77551 2724 61st Street, Suite B PMB 192 Joel Glanstein, General Counsel David M. Weathers, National Assistant Vice President 437 Madison Ave. ([email protected]) 35th Floor (800) 362-0513 ext. 2001 New York, NY 10022 Mobile: (409) 996-7362 (212) 370-5100 FAX: (409) 737-4454 FAX: (212) 697-6299 TWIC Hearing “We’ve heard the frustration of both AMO Plans: new maternity labor and also our ports; what we have in place is not acceptable,” Rep. Mica said. “If Continued from Page 5 we don’t have TWIC or TWIC doesn’t management incentive firmly voiced their desire to have a program work, we need to make certain we have that will prevent unauthorized access to something positive in place that does work program now available restricted port areas. and secures our ports and our country.” American Maritime Officers members/spouses who enroll during the first trimester of pregnancy will now be eligible for the following incentives upon suc- cessful completion of the UMR Maternity Management Program: • $300 hospital co-pay waived • Provider office co-pays waived during pre-natal visits The UMR Maternity Management Program includes: • Prenatal information Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the • Preconception counseling week following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. • High risk pregnancy identification Meetings will be held on Monday at AMO National Headquarters (on • Case management for “high risk” mothers Tuesday when Monday is a contract holiday). The next meetings will take • First year of life education place on the following dates: For more Information or to enroll please contact the AMO Plan Office (800) AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: September 4*, October 9* 348-6515 ext. 12. *Union offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 3 and Monday, Oct. 8.