New jobs in place under Faststream agreement
Transcription
New jobs in place under Faststream agreement
Volume 38, Number 3 March 2008 New jobs in place under Faststream agreement Unique base developing quickly with new seagoing opportunities for AMO officers The number of new jobs directly or indirectly generated through the pioneering agreement between American Maritime Officers and Faststream Recruitment Inc., signed in December 2007, is fast approaching 40, and more opportunities through Faststream are now available to members of the union. Faststream’s involvement was a significant factor in the recent award of a contract by the State of Alaska to Crowley Liner Services to provide 35 ocean rangers to work aboard international cruise ships in Alaskan waters. AMO engineers are now being recruited and trained for these positions. Employing its experience with and knowledge of the international cruise industry, Faststream collaborated with Crowley on the development of their response to Alaska’s request for proposals. Additionally, one AMO member now has covered employment in a shore-based ship surveying position through the union’s agreement with Faststream. Currently, three more shoreside opportunities are available to AMO officers through Faststream, including two site superintendent positions overseeing newbuilds for an oil major, and one position as a health, safety and environmental team leader. The AMO online dispatching system is currently being adapted to display all positions available through Faststream to AMO members with access to the Web site. For the time being, AMO officers interested in available positions can send their resumes to AMO Director of New Business Development Tom Laird at [email protected]. Hiring for positions available through Faststream is on a competitive basis. The union’s agreement with Faststream is multi-faceted, although the primary thrust is new seagoing employment for AMO members with international owner/operators not typically accessible to American unions. Nonetheless, AMO’s unique agreement with Faststream provides for these jobs to be covered employment for AMO officers, with all required contributions to the AMO Plans. “Our primary job at Faststream is to open up doors for AMO in the international AMO Essentials N RTM STAR Center, Florida schedule: Pages 8-9 N RTM STAR Center, Ohio schedule: Page 9 N RTM STAR Center application: Page 11 N AMO directory: Page 10 AMO membership meeting N schedule: Page 10 seagoing market,” said Faststream Vice President Craig Johnson. “The shoreside employment for AMO members is the added bonus.” Faststream is a leading recruitment firm for the U.S. and international maritime industries, with a broad network of contacts, a deep portfolio of experience and an extensive track record of success and excellence in placing qualified personnel in key shoreside positions throughout the industry. The company’s experience and reputation with international owner/operators places both it and AMO in an ideal position to meet the surging demand for qualified officers in emerging growth markets, such as liquefied natural gas transportation. Faststream’s collaboration with Crowley on the ocean ranger proposal marks the first major foray on behalf of AMO, as well as the first success. “I’m very encouraged that we’re seeing so much interest from chief engineers and first assistant engineers, since the minimum requirement for these positions is a third assistant engineer’s license,” said Faststream Cruise Consultant Roy Sunden of the strong response from AMO officers to the Alaska ocean ranger program. “This will make it easier for the cruise lines to cooperate because they will be getting engineers with much more experience. It will be a win-win.” Similar ocean ranger programs are expected to develop in the future in other U.S. states that serve as international cruise hubs, and California has already followed Alaska’s lead in introducing legislation to require ocean rangers aboard cruise ships while they are in Californian waters. Another productive aspect of the AMO agreement with Faststream is marketing and employer-recruitment. AMO continues to invest time and effort in developing relationships with owner/operators in the international energy transportation trades, particularly LNG shipping. The AMO team is working with a select group of quality companies and is focusing its efforts on negotiations with the potential to secure new direct and indirect contracts. See Faststream N Page 2 New AMO jobs as APL Balboa enters service under U.S. flag AMO members Chief Engineer Roy Graham (left) and Capt. Noah Myrus (right) aboard the APL Balboa as Coast Guard Inspector Scott Chroninger presents the certificate of inspection to APL Maritime Limited Vice President Brian Constable in Singapore in February. The APL Balboa has been reflagged into U.S. registry. The 397foot containership operates in a commercial feeder service in the Arabian Gulf for APL's liner fleet carrying containerized cargo. The APL Balboa is operated by APL Maritime Limited and manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers. Built in 1998, the ship has been operating in the company's international fleet. Maritime Washington I want to be an ocean ranger Page 7: Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton goes to the roots of U.S. maritime policy with the presidency of George Washington and the laws enacted by our nation’s first President and Congresses in a column authored for American Maritime Officer. Page 2: American Maritime Officers is building a base of qualified ocean rangers, and is actively seeking members who are licensed engineers and are interested in working as ocean rangers aboard international cruise ships in Alaska. The training requirements and job description are included. Great Lakes News Page 5: AMO’s annual area meetings provide forums for open, informative discussion. Copyright © 2008 American Maritime Officers I 2 West Dixie Highway I Dania Beach, FL 33004 I (800) 362-0513 I [email protected] 2 • American Maritime Officer March 2008 AMO seeking resumés for Alaska ocean ranger jobs American Maritime Officers is actively recruiting AMO members who are licensed engineers for the State of Alaska’s Ocean Ranger Program. Ocean rangers will serve as independent observers monitoring compliance with state and federal requirements pertaining to marine discharge and pollution on large passenger vessels. Faststream international conference. Working together, they will be able to meet directly with company representatives and discuss the advantages of hiring AMO officers, who are wellexperienced and already have access to established and sound benefit programs and the most comprehensive quality maritime training institution in the U.S. While AMO cultivates new opportunities for it membership in international seagoing trades, and in shoreside employment in the U.S. and international maritime industries, the union will maintain its drive and dedication in expanding existing job bases in U.S. commercial, military sealift and government charter fleets. “Our commitment to the U.S. fleet and our leadership in American maritime policy will not waver,” said the AMO national president. “This is simply a new avenue of expansion for AMO and of opportunity for the membership.” Continued from Page 1 At the same time, Faststream will be attending and marketing at Gastech 2008 in Bangkok, the largest gas conference in the world. The conference is well attended by international owner/operators in the energy transportation trades, and Faststream will be promoting the employment of American officers through its agreement with AMO with companies to which an American union would not traditionally have access. “Gastech is a strong potential source of seagoing employment in the LNG trades,” Johnson said. More information is available online at www.gastech.co.uk. Following Gastech, representatives of AMO, Faststream and RTM STAR Center will be attending the Connecticut Maritime Association’s Shipping 2008 Kings Point superintendent visits RTM STAR Center Employment will be from April through September. This is covered employment through Crowley Liner Services, with full contributions to the AMO Plans. Employment involves: •Assignment to various cruise ships while in Alaskan waters •Rotating ship assignment every one to four weeks •Overnight stays in shore side hotels during ship transfers •Assignment duration from May through September •Rangers will carry a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) •A sea service letter will be provided documenting sea time (one for three) Ocean Ranger Job Description Using the provided examination guide and checklist produced by Crowley, the ocean ranger will observe waste streams and inspect waste management systems to verify compliance and report possible violations of state and federal environmental regulations. Ocean rangers independently perform technical work as Crowley representatives in monitoring the performance of LCPV (Large Commercial Passenger Vessel) officers and crew concerning their actions to comply with State of Alaska and federal marine discharge and pollution requirements. Ocean rangers will be responsible for observing and detecting suspected violations and assisting in investigations of suspected violations for enforcement actions in accordance with the ADEC Enforcement Manual. Ocean rangers must: •Be a U.S. Coast Guard licensed third AMO members Greg Stuart (class of 1987) and John Evans (class of 2000) greet U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Joseph Stewart at a South Florida Kings Point Alumni Association function held March 4 in RTM STAR Center at AMO headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla. assistant engineer or higher •Pass pre-employment questionnaire to include disclosure if the ocean ranger applicant has had a DUI/DWI conviction within the last ten years—major felonies would be identified during the TWIC investigation Once selected for the program, ocean rangers must complete a customized five-day training course at RTM STAR Center. This course will include training in: •State of Alaska and ADEC administrative and enforcement procedures •Inspection and verification of the systems and procedures onboard large commercial passenger vessels required to meet state and federal marine discharge and pollution requirements •Occupational safety and health •Maritime security awareness •Professional and ethical conduct All AMO members interested in applying for this program should immediately send their resumé to: Roy Sunden Faststream Inc. Cruise Division 1500 Cordova Rd. Suite 210 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 FAX: (954) 467-9616 [email protected] AMO members should direct all salary and benefit inquiries to: The AMO national executive board member for inland waters (954) 367-1012 [email protected] American Maritime Officer (USPS 316-920) Official Publication of American Maritime Officers 2 West Dixie Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 921-2221 Periodical Postage Paid at Brooklyn, NY, and Additional Mailing Offices Published Monthly American Maritime Officers National Executive Board Brian Long, director of STAR Center in Dania Beach, demonstrates the capabilities of the 360-degree bridge simulator for Vice Adm. Stewart. Thomas Bethel, National President José Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Smith, National Executive Vice President Joseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea Donald Cree, National Vice President, Great Lakes Brian Krus, National Assistant Vice President, Great Lakes Edward Kelly, National Vice President At Large Robert Kiefer, National Assistant Vice President At Large Paul Cates, National Executive Board Member At Large Daniel Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large David Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large Donald Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea John Hafner, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters Representatives: Stan Barnes, Charles Murdock Editor: Matt Burke Assistant Editor: Phree Baker Long and Bruce Fuchs, department leader of modeling and research, conducted a tour of STAR Center for Vice Adm. Stewart and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Vice President for Development Nick Vendikos. POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To: American Maritime Officers ATTN: Member Services P.O. Box 66 Dania Beach, FL 33004 March 2008 American Maritime Officer • 3 USNS Algol delivers for U.S. troops in rapid activation The fast sealift ship USNS Algol departed Wilmington, N.C., in early February carrying about 66,000 square feet of Marine Corps cargo destined for Afghanistan and more than 50 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) destined for Iraq, Military Sealift Command reported in Sealift. The Algol, operated by Maersk Line Limited and manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers, received activation orders Jan. 23. Four days later, the ship left its layberth in Louisiana and traveled to South Carolina to load the MRAPs, Sealift reported. Following that, the Algol arrived in North Carolina Jan. 31, and in 18 hours loaded 600 pieces of equipment, including vehicles, weapons and containers, Sealift reported. The abbreviated timeline for this sealift operation was due to a change in the deployment orders of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Sealift reported. The Algol shipped the cargo for the 24th MEU to the United Arab Emirates and off-loaded in late February. The rapid delivery ensured the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command would be able to deliver the equipment to the Marines in Afghanistan when they needed it, Sealift reported. From there, the ship continued to a nearby port in the Persian Gulf and delivered the MRAPs, Sealift reported. The USNS Algol is one of eight fast sealift ships operated by Maersk Line Limited for the Maritime Administration and manned in all licensed positions by AMO. The other seven ships are the USNS Altair, USNS Antares, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Capella, USNS Denebola, USNS Pollux and USNS Regulus. American Maritime Officers members Third Mate Phil McFarland, Lt. S. Plunket and Capt. Mike Ryan on the bridge of the USNS Algol with the U.S. Army Central Command G4. Lt. Plunket was serving reserve duty when this photo was taken. The Algol departed North Carolina in early February for Afghanistan with a shipment of Marine Corps cargo and mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles destined for U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Photo courtesy of Capt. Mike Ryan The facts on the new Maersk ships The following article is provided to address questions from American Maritime Officers members regarding vessels recently re-flagged by Maersk Line Limited for the Maritime Security Program. Despite perceptions to the contrary, Maersk Line Limited (MLL) has not given Masters, Mates and Pilots (MMP) or the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) a single job that they did not already have jurisdictional rights to through existing, valid collective bargaining agreements. That being said, MLL has acquired companies who already had collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in place with these other officer associations that MLL was obliged to honor. However, to put things in perspective, the number of MMP/MEBA jobs have actually decreased significantly since MLL acquired those companies (U.S. Ship Management went from 19 to 15 ships and E-Ships went from six to five ships). The Maritime Security Program (MSP) requires militarily and commercially useful vessels, as determined by the Department of Defense and the Maritime Administration, with certain age requirements depending on the type of vessel. Some companies with vessels enrolled in the first MSP were “grandfathered” into the new program with the requirement that they replace any vessels facing age restriction by March 31, 2008, with tonnage that met the new requirements. Waterman Steamship Company (WSC), an MMP/MEBA contracted company, held MSP Operating Agreements for two such “grandfathered vessels”—the Buenos Aires and Santa Cruz. WSC timechartered the vessels to Farrell Lines, a U.S.-flag liner company formally owned by Royal P&O Nedlloyd, which was acquired by Maersk in 2006. Farrell had a contractual obligation to WSC to replace the Buenos Aires and Santa Cruz by March 31, 2008, with tonnage that meets the new MSP requirements. MLL owns the Maersk Alabama and Maersk Arkansas, which are enrolled in the MSP. These vessels replaced two former USSM vessels, which were facing MSP age restriction and as such have MMP/MEBA contracts. MLL and WSC reached an agreement whereby MLL is demise (bareboat) chartering the Maersk Alabama and Maersk Arkansas to WSC. WSC, the holder of the MSP operating agreements for the Buenos Aires and Santa Cruz, is enrolling them as suitable replacement vessels. DOD and MARAD have approved the application. MLL must therefore replace the Maersk Alabama and Maersk Arkansas and is purchasing and in-flagging two suitable vessels—the Agnette Maersk and Christian Maersk, to be renamed Maersk Arizona and Maersk California. These names were selected because they are known to the customer and in the trading area, and as such have commercial value. DOD and MARAD have approved this as well. The above transaction results in no new jobs for the MMP/MEBA. MLL acquired E-Ships Inc. in 2007. E-Ships was the ship management company for Farrell Lines. E-Ships held collective bargaining contracts with the MMP/MEBA/SIU and NMU. Two of the ships were manned in all licensed positions by MEBA. These two ships were built by the MEBA pension trust and are now trading as the Maersk Nebraska and Maersk Nevada. These ships were enrolled in the MSP and were also facing age restriction. DOD requested they be replaced with roll-on/roll-off tonnage. MLL in-flagged two RO/ROs to replace the Maersk Nevada and Maersk Nebraska. The officers and crews from the Maersk Nevada and Maersk Nebraska transferred to the two RO/ROs. The ships now trading as the Maersk Nebraska and Maersk Nevada were under MEBA contract before the MSP existed and are still under MEBA contract now that they are no longer in the MSP. The CBA for the officers and crew remains between E-Ships and MEBA for the MSP RO/ROs. The Maersk Nevada and Maersk Nebraska are no longer eligible for MSP. The CBA between E-Ships and the MEBA contains a job preservation clause while the vessels are trading under the U.S. flag. E-Ships and the MEBA and the SIU negotiated new wage conditions commensurate with the non-MSP bulk grain trade, where the ships are currently employed on a voyage-to-voyage basis. AMO members with any questions can contact the AMO National President. Membership report from the AMO National Executive Board meetings In my opinion By Susan McKenna From February 5 to 8, 2008, I was privileged to be an AMO member observer during the AMO Executive Board and AMO Plans Board of Trustees meetings. I have been a member of AMO for many years and previously a member of SIU. Prior to the onset of the meetings, I thought that I was aware of most of the highlights of the inner workings of our union. I have used the Medical Plan. I am invested in a 401(k) and Pension Plan, and I attend classes and have upgraded all of my deep-sea licenses at the STAR Center. I could not have believed how much goes on during these meetings and how completely transparent and open the meetings are. I have learned how hard the executive board members and the members at large work on a daily basis at making AMO the strongest maritime officers’ union in the country. This union is complex and controls millions of dollars. This is serious business. The lobbying which goes on in Washington, D.C., for our jobs is done by members and staff who have spent years and years building relationships with the political parties, and have probably been the least understood. How many members think about the VPAF? Do you know how it works? It is so important to support it. Our Medical, Pension and 401(k) Plans are very well funded. The people in charge of these departments are also well versed in their responsibilities and have been diligent in their fiduciary duties. Most have been with AMO for years also. The Plans are in very good shape and getting better all the time. I met various members of AMO and SIU counsels. Litigation is a constant deterrent to our strength as a cohesive body. Some litigation is inevitable, but some is frivolous, and costs us hundreds of thousands of dollars unnecessarily. That is just shameful. As an observer, I attended the meetings with the Plans trustees from the various shipping companies that AMO has contracts with. Once again, these folks are people who have been on the board for many years, some upwards of 20 years. The contracted companies have a vested interest in what goes on in our union. After all, they are putting their reputation on the line when they hire AMO officers. Their name is linked with us, and it is important that we conduct ourselves as professionally as we can. The board had the pleasure of being addressed by an executive of MMP and by the president of SIU. Both of these gentlemen spoke of unity, strength, proper leadership, integrity and openness in our dealings with each other and with our members. It was very impressive to hear our union receive commendation from these other unions and to hear of their commitment to a strong future for all of us. AMO is making strides to keep our members employed for the future. These are hard times that we are in now. I know. I lost my job on an LMSR ship. However, after attending these meetings, I feel even more encouraged and hopeful that AMO is moving in the right direction. We have some hard work ahead, but the dedication by our board is unquestionable. At present we have a board that is made up of a great mix of newly elected and seasoned members who are fully committed to positive change for AMO. In just a year, the results of their efforts are coming to fruition. It is truly refreshing! Remember that the industry and other unions are keeping a very close eye on us. We can’t afford to be irresponsible. We can’t afford to be divided. I would encourage any member of AMO to attend an Executive Board and Plans trustees’ meeting as an observer. It will open your eyes to the highly complex workings of our union and benefit plans. I can truly say that I came away from the meetings extremely proud to be a member of AMO—now, more than ever. March 2008 4 • American Maritime Officer MEBA Article XX violation on M/V Cort upheld by subcommittee of AFL-CIO Executive Council A subcommittee of the AFL-CIO Executive Council in February upheld the ruling of an impartial umpire that the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association violated Article XX of the AFL-CIO Constitution by manning the M/V Stewart J. Cort for Interlake Leasing III after American Maritime Officers members working aboard the vessel refused to switch unions and were terminated by the company. The AFL-CIO has already imposed sanctions on MEBA for its prior and continuing violation on the Interlake tug/barge Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder. MEBA violated Article XX when it claimed to represent the officers working aboard that vessel, despite the fact that AMO was their exclusive collective bargaining agent. Under Article XX, one AFL-CIO affiliated union cannot encroach upon the established bargaining and/or work jurisdiction of another affiliated union. In a report dated Jan. 7, 2008, Impartial Umpire Howard Lesnick determined MEBA had violated Article XX a second time by manning the M/V Cort for Interlake Leasing III. MEBA, led by current President Don Keefe, appealed Lesnick’s ruling. A subcommittee of the Federation’s Executive Council considered the appeal, and upheld the ruling of the impartial umpire. “The determination of the impartial The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) sent its members to work for Interlake Leasing III on the M/V Stewart J. Cort behind the AMO and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers picket line last year. umpire will go into full force and effect as provided in Section 13(a) of Article XX,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney wrote in a letter dated Feb. 13. “President Keefe shall advise me, within 14 days of receipt of this letter, what steps MEBA intends to take to comply with the determination.” Under sanctions from the AFL-CIO, MEBA no longer has protection or recourse under Article XX if its fleets are “raided” by rival unions. AMO represented the officers and stewards aboard the M/V Cort under a full- bodied agreement with Interlake Leasing III. The agreement expired in 2006 and was extended indefinitely while a successor agreement was negotiated. In February 2007, Interlake and AMO reached an oral agreement on a contract covering the M/V Cort. Early in March of 2007, Interlake held a company meeting at a resort in Florida and had senior officers of the M/V Cort and their families attend. At the resort, Interlake Chief Executive Officer James Barker told AMO members they would have to sever ties with AMO and join MEBA to keep their jobs on the ship. Interlake offered $10,000 bonuses to some AMO members to switch unions, and offered others more. In the end, all except one refused and were fired by Interlake. In a letter dated March 5, 2007, Interlake notified AMO that it would not sign the agreed-upon contract. AMO went on strike against Interlake Leasing III March 10, 2007, and MEBA sent its members to work on the M/V Cort behind the AMO and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers picket line. In his report on the M/V Cort, Lesnick determined MEBA had violated Section 2 of Article XX. He cited MEBA’s claim that “AMO could have made a different offer than the one it made” and “Interlake chose to go another route.” Lesnick pointed out that “Section 2 seeks to prevent a rival affiliate from making it possible for an employer to ‘go another route’ while remaining a union shop.” The Seafarers International Union of North America, of which AMO is an affiliate, had also appealed a portion of the determination on behalf of AMO, and sought to expand the ruling for the M/V Cort to include a violation of Section 3 of Article XX. The Federation subcommittee upheld the impartial umpire’s determination as it was written without granting either appeal. Wisconsin & Michigan sells David Z, Earl W, Wolverine Wisconsin & Michigan Steamship Company has sold the three vessels American Maritime Officers had been striking since last year. Rand Logistics purchased the David Z, Earl W and Wolverine from Wisconsin & Michigan. One of the three vessels, the Wolverine, will be transferred from U.S. to Canadian registry. The three vessels had been operated for Wisconsin & Michigan by Rand subsidiary Lower Lakes Transportation. The sale was made as Rand posted a $2.2 million loss in the fourth quarter, compared with earnings of $232,000 during the same period the previous year, according to a report in Trade Winds. The ships themselves contributed just $1.8 million to Rand’s earnings in the second quarter of 2007. During the second quarter of 2006 the ships had contributed $5.5 million to Rand revenues, according to Trade Winds. AMO went on strike against Wisconsin & Michigan in May 2007 when contract negotiations stalled during economic re-opener discussions for the three vessels. AMO’s contract provided the union the right to strike under these circumstances. Although the company accepted most provisions of the AMO pattern agreement, it would not sign a contract that included the union’s standard Great Lakes successor language. This language ensures AMO’s continued jurisdiction on a ship if it is sold. For officers and stewards working aboard AMO-contracted vessels on the Great Lakes, the successor language ensures that, if a vessel is sold, the officers and stewards will continue to work aboard it under AMO contract at the same pay and benefit levels. “We knew Wisconsin & Michigan was trying to sell these vessels, and they even informed us that our successor clause would make selling the boats difficult,” said the AMO National Vice President for the Great Lakes. “Our contract language is the only reason AMO members kept their jobs on these three vessels when Wisconsin & Michigan bought them from Oglebay. “Under the circumstances, preserving this clause in our pattern agreement became more important than ever,” he said. “Despite the difficulties of a prolonged strike, we refused to compromise the interests of the membership and the integrity of our pattern agreement to obtain a short-term concessionary contract with Wisconsin & Michigan. “With the support of the officers and stewards from these vessels, AMO was able to protect job and benefit security for all AMO members sailing on the Great Lakes,” he said. Rand Logistics exercised a purchase option in the operating charter with Lower Lakes Transportation to buy the three 20,000-ton vessels, according to Trade Winds. Rand subsidiary Grand River Navigation paid a total of $20 million for the three vessels, which were all built in the early 1970s. Federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2009 would cut funding for critical Great Lakes dredging operations The Bush administration’s $3.1 trillion budget request for fiscal year 2009 would cut funding for the maintenance of Great Lakes maritime infrastructure, including dredging, by 35.5 percent. The proposed reduction in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers budget comes at a time when water levels on the Great Lakes are at near-to-record lows. Combined with years of inadequate funding for dredging operations, now shallow harbors and channels are forcing the fleet of Great Lakes bulk reduce their loads significantly on each voyage. The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force warned that chronically declining cargo movement on the lakes will result in a farreaching economic impact throughout the region. The dredging crisis has placed a tremendous burden on the Great Lakes waterborne transportation system, markedly reducing its efficiency and increasing supply-chain costs. Congressman James Oberstar (DMN), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, criticized the administration’s budget proposal for transportation projects, remarking it presents little that is new, and much that is disappointing. “We got the same old, stale proposals—the same neglect of our nation’s infrastructure needs,” he said. Rep. Oberstar was the principal sponsor of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 and spearheaded the Congressional effort to successfully override the President’s veto of the legislation and enact it into law. Among other things, the Water Resources Development Act directs the government to expedite dredging operations to restore Great Lakes navigational features and connecting channels to project depths. The law authorizes approximately $23 billon worth of studies and construction projects by the Army Corps of Engineers. However, the administration’s 2009 budget request seeks only $89.3 million for Great Lakes dredging. This compared with the nearly $140 million approved by Congress and the President in 2008. “The Great Lakes have been plagued by inadequate funding for maintenance for decades,” said the AMO National Executive Vice President, who serves as first vice president of the Maritime Task Force. “Some vessels were forfeiting 15 percent of their carrying capacity by the end of 2007. For a 1,000-foot-long vessel, that’s more than 10,000 tons of cargo. We thought we had turned the corner with the increase in dredging funds for 2008 that our Congressional delegation won after much hard work. It is totally irresponsible for the administration to propose any cut in Great Lakes maintenance funds at this or any foreseeable time.” Cargo movement on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway can approach 250 million tons per year, the Task Force reported. The Army Corps of Engineers acknowledged it needs more than $215 million to clear the backlog of dredging projects throughout the Great Lakes navigation system. “Any reduction in the Corps dredging budget for the lakes would be a double whammy of the worst kind,” said Patrick J. See Dredging N Page 5 March 2008 American Maritime Officer • 5 Great Lakes AMO area informational meetings: a tradition of service During the 2008 Great Lakes area meetings, American Maritime Officers members received a thorough briefing on developments with the union and AMO Plans over the past year and participated in discussions of issues currently facing AMO and its membership. The series of Great Lakes area meetings are held each year in Tampa, Fla.; Green Bay, Wis.; Duluth, Minn.; Traverse City, Mich.; Alpena, Mich.; Cleveland/Ashtabula, Ohio; and Toledo, Ohio. The various locations of the Great Lakes area meetings provide opportunities for AMO members who do not live near AMO offices in Toledo, Dania Beach or Brooklyn, and are not easily able to attend regular AMO membership meetings, to receive comprehensive reports on union affairs and developments with benefit plans, as well as to have any questions answered directly by the administration of AMO and the directors of AMO Plans. The meetings were led by the AMO national vice president for the Great Lakes, and included a presentation on all major developments with the AMO fleet, as well as those within the industry that affect AMOmanned vessels. Among other things, he reported the shipping companies’ order books for the upcoming season are full and activation of the entire AMO-manned Great Lakes fleet is anticipated. Also attending, making presentations and answering questions at the area meetings were the AMO national president—who had also attended and addressed the 2007 Great Lakes area meetings—the AMO national secretary-treasurer and the AMO national executive vice president, who participates in the meetings each year. AMO Director of Government Relations Mike Murphy addressed the area meetings, discussing the status of federal policies and regulations that affect American Dredging Continued from Page 4 O’Hern, president of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, and vice president of Bay Shipbuilding Company. “The Lakes are already suffering with extremely low water levels. “An adequately-funded maintenance program doesn’t solve the problem, but it certainly helps offset the impacts of falling water levels,” O’Hern said. “Now is absolutely the worst imaginable time for any reduction in Great Lakes dredging funds.” James Weakley, second vice president of the Task Force and president of the Lake Carriers’ Association, pointed out that the money for dredging operations is available in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. “Instead of cutting dredging funds, the Administration must establish a Great Lakes navigation improvement fund in this and future budgets,” Weakley said. “Unless we are funding the Great Lakes marine transportation system with $170 million a year, we are contributing to its decay and putting American manufacturers and power producers at a competitive disadvantage. “Dredging of deep-draft ports and waterways is funded by a tax on cargo movement, yet the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund has a surplus of more than $3.5 billion and continues to grow,” he said. “It’s time to apply those trust fund dollars to their intended purpose. If we don’t restore the lakes navigation system to project dimensions, the industry will not be able to meet the needs of commerce.” AMO members attend the area informational meeting in Toledo, Ohio. AMO members attend the Great Lakes area meeting in Duluth, Minn. mariners working in all trades. AMO Plans Executive Director Steve Nickerson made presentations at each area meeting this year, as he has in the past. Nickerson provided a detailed report on the strong financial and operational status of the benefit plans, provided an overview of the potential impact and complex ramifications of the Pension Protection Act for AMO Plans participants—the exact effect of which AMO Plans is still working to gauge—and fielded questions from members on AMO benefits. Larry Goldstock, a vice president with Smith-Barney whose investment team manages the AMO 401(k) Plan and Money Purchase Benefit, discussed the thriving state of these benefit plans, the immediate effect of the recent downturn in the market and the long-term outlook for market investments. Attorney Mike Reny of the AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid Program discussed the program’s cost-free coverage for AMO members and the benefits it provides. Reny also reminded AMO members to apply for their Transportation Worker Identification Credential as soon as possible. Based on the proven benefit to the membership provided by the annual Great Lakes area meetings, the union has expanded the tradition to include area informational meetings for AMO members in all sectors in various locations around the nation. The first series was held in 2007 and included Baltimore, Md.; Portsmouth, Va.; New Orleans, La.; Houston, Texas; Oakland, Calif.; Tacoma, Wash.; and South Portland, Maine. AMO members train at RTM STAR Center, Toledo American Maritime Officers members working for American Steamship Company and completing Bridge Resource Management at RTM STAR Center in February with instructor Larry Reimer included Ralph Yanik, Scott Powell, Barry Prosak, Dan Fischer and John Sarns, here with Helmsmen Mike Larson and Orville Hill. American Maritime Officers member Steve Yogler practices administering injections during the Medical Person In Charge course at RTM STAR Center in Toledo, Ohio, with Instructor Sheila Hayes in February. American Maritime Officers members completing Basic Welding at RTM STAR Center in Toledo, Ohio, in February with Instructor Bob Woda were Ralph Gittinger, Tim O’Connell, Jim Mayhew, Rodney Halterman and Gary Brannon. March 2008 6 • American Maritime Officer American Tern, Gianella deliver in Deep Freeze ‘08 The M/V American Tern and icestrengthened tanker USNS Lawrence H. Gianella in February completed the annual re-supply mission to the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica for Operation Deep Freeze 2008. The American Tern is operated by APL Maritime Limited and the USNS Gianella is operated by Ocean Ships Inc. Both ships are manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers. The Gianella arrived at McMurdo’s ice pier Jan. 28 and delivered nearly 6 million gallons of fuel to power the station’s generators, vehicles, helicopters and research boats. The Gianella departed Feb. 3. The American Tern arrived Feb. 8, and 12 million pounds of equipment and supplies were offloaded for the station’s 1,500 researchers and support personnel. “Without the cargo delivered by our ships each year, McMurdo would not be able to function,” said Rick Appling of Military Sealift Command’s Sealift Logistics Command Pacific. MSC vessels deliver more than 70 percent of the dry cargo and 100 percent of fuel that is taken to the continent each year. Equally important is the backhaul cargo from Antarctica. This year, nearly 5 million pounds of cargo, ranging from ice core samples to the waste that McMurdo Station has accumulated over the past year, were loaded onto American Tern before it departed. Additionally, fuel was successfully transferred to the Swedish icebreaker Oden, which arrived in the area in advance of the two MSC ships and broke a channel through about 18 miles of ice that blocked the ships’ access to McMurdo. Rep. Taylor to receive Salute to Congress Award The Propeller Club has selected Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) to receive the Salute to Congress Award for 2008. The award will be presented April 29. Rep. Taylor was selected for the 2008 award for his strong and consistent support of the U.S. maritime industry. The award ceremony honoring Rep. Taylor will be attended by members of Congress, Executive Branch officials, maritime industry leaders and members of the Propeller Club of the United States. Rep. Taylor, of Bay St. Louis, served in the Coast Guard Reserve from 1971 to 1984 as the skipper of a search and rescue boat. He received the commandant’s letter of commendation for fire fighting, and a letter of commendation for saving the life of a crew member. Prior to his election to Congress in 1989, he served as a member of the Bay St. Louis City Council and the Mississippi State Senate. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Taylor serves on two major committees, the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. At left: The American Tern en route to McMurdo Station Photo courtesy of Michael Thomas Above: The Gianella pitches into a head sea in the Southern Ocean during Operation Deep Freeze 2008. At left: The USNS Gianella discharges cargo and refuels the research vessel Nathanial Palmer during Operation Deep Freeze 2008. Below: Orcas swim alongside the USNS Gianella. photos courtesy of Capt. Robert Lee USNS Gianella fuels operations at McMurdo Station for another year By Capt. Robert Lee February 21, 2008 The USNS Lawrence H. Gianella is now returning to the U.S. after participating in Operation Deep Freeze 2008. The crew of the Gianella brought down 6 million gallons of fuel that will keep the U.S. operations at McMurdo Base and the South Pole station running for another year. The pack ice was very thick this year and never opened completely until late February. Also, the Southern Ocean storms were active, as usual, serving up 30-foot seas almost daily. The conditions were harsh, but the AMO-SIU crew was up to the task. Some appeared a bit green around the gills coming through the storm belt of the Southern Sea, but that’s expected in the roughest ocean of the world. None complained and all continued to do their job in a very professional manner. This was the first such trip for many in the crew and their eyes were wide open as we pulled into the ice channel that was full of penguins, orcas, whales and seals. Upon arriving at McMurdo Station, the hectic schedule of discharging cargo, refueling other vessels, cleaning tanks, loading storm ballast and giving ship tours to scientists and local workers all occurred efficiently and without incident. When you venture to Antarctica by sea, your mind always contemplates the experiences the early explorers enjoyed, or just endured. You consider the bonechilling experience of surfing down 30 foot seas in 33-degree water, with 45 The AMO and SIU crew aboard the USNS Lawrence H. Gianella during Operation Deep Freeze 2008 included Capt. Robert Lee, Ice Pilot Robert Mills, Chief Mate Patrick Rathbun, Second Mate James Cunningham, Third Mate Amanda Roberson, Third Mate Timothy Beaugard, Bosun Trevorous Ellison, Assistant Bosun James Hall, Assistant Bosun Yves Marcel Goiset, Assisstant Bosun Clifton Doonis, Assisstant Bosun Stag Rye, Assisstant Bosun Ronald Williams Jr., Chief Engineer George Arsenault, First Assisstant Engineer Casey Cooper, Third A.E. Jamie Landeira, Pumpman Darrell McDonald, QMED James Summers, QMED Lamar Parker, DEU Victor Stewart, DEU Enrique Nunez, Steward Mary Brayman, Chief Cook Alfonsa Eligio, GSU Ali Salim, GSU Regina Flores Miguel, Engine Cadet David Hume, Deck Cadet Laura Ladd and SIU Apprentice Christopher Shivalier. Photo courtesy of Capt. Robert Lee knots of wind trying to blow the rigging off the bare poles of a large square rigger. All the while, a helmsman struggles against the hydraulics of it all, and a captain fears the icebergs surely hidden in the cool fog. They were truly iron men and wooden ships. The soft sweep of the radar and clicking of the gyro repeater remind me how much things have changed. Today much of the iron is in the ship and her machinery, but I still see some iron in their eyes after pulling lines in a blizzard, wrenching out the Gieslinger, hand-steering for days through the ice or putting out meals in a rolling galley—a job well done, indeed. Capt. Robert Lee is master of the USNS Gianella, which is operated by Ocean Ships Inc. for Military Sealift Command and manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers. March 2008 American Maritime Officer • 7 Maritime Washington By Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton Every year on President’s Day, the Mount Vernon Ladies’Association opens the doors of Mount Vernon, waives admission fees and stages a daylong celebration of the life and achievements of our first President, George Washington. Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington from the time of their marriage in 1759 until Washington’s death in 1799. The manor home and the grounds are meticulously kept, and a new visitor center and museum have recently been opened. In accordance with his will, George and Martha Washington both rest in peace in the tomb on the estate, even though a crypt was built specifically for him in the U.S. Capitol. Even though the crowds are unusually large that day and parking usually atrocious, I always try to take my family each year (not always willingly). I believe that George Washington, as an individual and a public servant, is a role model for all of us. He was a fearless soldier, peerless statesman and exemplary citizen who viewed public service as an obligation, not a career. He always responded to the public’s call to service, but he also longed to return to his family, farming and pursuing entrepreneurial enterprises. We all have much to learn from this man, but especially those of us who enter public service today. What I am struck by every year are the large crowds that always gather on the south lawn of the Mount Vernon manor house. No matter what the weather or time of day, people are drawn to the breathtaking views of the Potomac River. They marvel at the beauty but have little comprehension of the practical aspects of the siting of this and other colonial plantations. In Washington’s time, the waterways were the lifeline of America’s economy. The overwhelming majority of America’s population lived along the oceans, rivers, harbors and bays of the Atlantic seaboard. With few roads and no alternatives, goods and people depended on the waterways for personal and commercial transportation. Mount Vernon’s exports of wheat, whiskey and fish, as well as imports of finished and manufactured products, move by ship to and from other parts of Virginia, the other colonies/states, and abroad. If one wanted to visit another plantation or nearby town, it was usually easier and faster to travel via boat. Simply put, without marine transportation there was no America. The significance of the maritime industry was underscored when Washington was elected President. The new capital was New York, then as now a major shipping center. On April 30, 1789, Washington boarded a ceremonial barge at Elizabethport, New Jersey, for his triumphant entrance to Manhattan Island via a harbor filled with merchant vessels of all sorts firing salutes to the new President. The celebration was organized in part by The Marine Society of the City of New York. Six years earlier, Washington had become a member of The Marine Society, declaring he was “extremely happy in becoming a member of their humane and excellent institution.” Try finding a merchant ship anywhere near a modern day Presidential Inauguration in the City of Washington! More important is what Washington and the first Congresses did once they assumed office. Some of the first matters they dealt with directly pertained to the American maritime industry; in fact, six of the 26 laws enacted by the First Congress in its first session were maritime-related. This preoccupation with maritime matters is even more impressive given that the First Congress also had to deal with a multitude of important issues, such as establishing the Portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, 1795 Executive Departments and passing the first twelve amendments to the U.S. Constitution, 10 of which are otherwise known as the Bill of Rights! The laws enacted by the First Congress, as well as those passed by the subsequent Congresses during Washington’s two terms in office, were precedent setting. They laid the foundation of federal maritime programs that were to continue to this day. Among the most important were: •An Act for the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers (August 7, 1789)—This provided for a federal system for the construction and operation of aids to navigation and navigation safety; in fact, some of the lighthouses authorized by the law can still be seen, such as the one at Cape Henry, Virginia. The Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers administer this program today. •Pilotage—Section 4 of the Act of Congress of 7 of August 1789 recognized the preeminence of state pilotage by explicitly delegating back to the states the right to regulate pilots. •Registering and clearing of vessels in the coasting trade and regulating the coasting trade (September 1, 1789) – This act provided for the registering and recording of vessels, the predecessor of today’s vessel documentation program administered by the Coast Guard. This law also established the first cabotage rules that led to today’s Jones Act, which restricts interstate maritime commerce to vessels that are American owned, American built and American manned. •Government and Regulation of Seaman in the Merchant Service (July 20, 1790)—establishing federal oversight of merchant mariners and seafarer protection and relief, including requiring shipping agreements, stipulating the duty and conduct of masters and seafarers, establishing minimum food provisions and medical care, and requiring vessels to be seaworthy. Many of these provisions still exist in modern law. •Establishment of the Treasury Department (September 2, 1789)—The following year (1790), Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton established the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, the forerunner of the modern day Coast Guard. •Naval Armament provided (March 22, 1794)—Congress ordered the construction and manning of six frigates to protect American merchant ships which were being harassed by the belligerents in Europe and the Barbary pirates. This Act was the foundation of the United States Navy. The laws and the programs Washington and the first Congresses enacted were intended to foster trade and the American maritime industry; they succeeded tremendously. In 1790, the percent of U.S. exports/imports carried by U.S. vessels was 39.5 percent; by 1796, U.S. vessels carried 92.9 percent. The American shipbuilding industry became one of the largest in the world. American ships prowled the world. U.S. international trade increased over 200 percent between 1790 and 1796. The country’s economy was booming. Today, a little over 200 years later, the City of Washington is home to the programs that Washington and the first Congresses established, and they are constantly under discussion and revision. The maritime industry continues to play a vital role in the American economy and supports the military in times of crisis. However, maritime transportation is no longer on the minds of most Americans even though the global economy makes the industry more important than at anytime since the nation’s founding. Maybe more people need to visit Mount Vernon to remember! This article was written expressly for publication by American Maritime Officers. USNS Seay responds to save four lives in Straits of Gibraltar Capt. Thomas Madden, master of the USNS Seay, commended the officers and crew for their actions and success in the tradition of aiding fellow mariners in distress. AMO members participating in the rescue operation included Chief Engineer Maurice Oliver, Third Mate Kevin Zeller, First Assistant Engineer Paul Ebaugh, Third A.E. Chris Beaton, Third A.E. John Thompson, Second A.E. James Silcox and Third Mate Terry Simmons. The large medium-speed roll-on/roll-off vessel USNS Seay Feb. 9 provided critical support in the rescue of four people from a fishing boat in harsh weather in the Straits of Gibraltar. At 0050, the 950-foot military cargo ship was notified by the Tarifa Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) in Tarifa, Spain, that a small craft had issued a distress signal and was in need of assistance. The Seay turned to the vessel’s last known position, and at 0112 a small wooden fishing vessel was sighted. The weather included winds of 25 to 25 knots, with gusts of up to 45 knots, and nine to 12 foot seas, Capt. Tom Madden, master of the USNS Seay, reported. The approximately 25-foot boat had four passengers onboard—three adults and one child. Over the next hour, the Seay maneuvered to shield the vessel from high winds until a rescue craft from the Tarifa Rescue Coordination Center arrived to pick up the four passengers from the boat. “The rescue boat made contact with the Seay at 0151,” Capt. Madden reported. At “0200 to 0208, the rescue boat came around the windward to the leeward side of the Seay, and even with the small boat lit up by the search light and maxi-beam, they had a tough time getting a visual on them. By 0210, the rescue boat was alongside the craft and the personnel transfer was done. “The crew performed flawlessly,” Capt. Madden said. “The bridge team of Third Mate Terry Simmons, Second Mate Garrett Winner, Helmsman Greg Johnson and Lookout Ron Poole did what they were supposed to do. The deck gang, led by Chief Mate Dave Centofanti, and assisted by Third Mate Kevin Zeller and Bosun John Wells, rigged all needed gear for personnel recovery and provided needed situational information. The engineroom, led by Chief Engineer Mo Oliver, First Assistant Engineer Paul Ebaugh and Third Assistant Engineer John Thompson, provided support on such an immediate request faster than I have ever seen. They had all aspects of bow thrusters and engines ready for whatever was needed. The Navy force protection team, led by GM1 Robert Prine and GM1 Carl Ward, were right with the deck gang to assist in the humanitarian aspect, as well as being positioned to provide security, if needed. Their assistance on the bridge was a major help in keeping the information flow fresh. “The continued praise by the RCC let everyone aboard know that the Seay had succeeded in the tradition of the sea to aid a fellow seaman in distress,” Capt. Madden said. The USNS Seay is one of nine LMSRs operated for the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command by American Overseas Marine Corp. and manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers. The following day, the Seay arrived at port in Rota, Spain, to load helicopters and equipment used by the U.S. Army’s 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade in Afghanistan. The equipment is being redeployed to the U.S. 8 • American Maritime Officer March 2008 The Raymond T. McKay Center For Advanced Maritime Officers Training 2 West Dixie Highway • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • (954) 920-3222 GENERAL COURSES ISO 9001:2000 Lead Auditor Training 5 days 28 April ABS NS5 (“Safe Net” update) 3 days 30 June Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 14 April 12 May 16 June Advanced Shiphandling for Masters—(No equivalency) Must have sailed as Chief Mate Unlimited 5 days 14 April 28 July 20 October 12 May 18 August 23 June 22 September 23 June 22 September Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (Tuesday p.m.) 1/2 day 24 June 23 September Elementary First Aid (Wednesday) Advanced Shiphandling for Third Mates—(60 days 10 days seatime equivalency for Third Mates) Basic Safety Training—All 4 modules MUST be completed 5 days within 12 months Personal Survival Techniques (Monday-Tuesday a.m.) 1 1/2 days 1 day 14 July 25 June 24 September Fire Fighting & Fire Prevention (Thursday-Friday)—Not required if “Combined Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting” com- 2 days pleted within 12 months 26 June 25 September Basic Safety Training -Refresher 3 days 25 June 24 September Bridge Resource Management Seminar 3 days 28 May Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 31 March GMDSS 10 days 2-Jun Integrated Bridge System/Podded Propulsion 5 days 2 June 22 September Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 28 April 25 August Tankerman PIC DL - Classroom 5 days 31 March 16 June 25 August Tankerman PIC DL - Simulator 10 days 28 April Tankerman PIC LNG 8 days 7 April 2 June 21 July 15 September LNG Simulator Training 5 days 12 May 7 July 11 August 6 October LNG Addendum to SIGTTO Standards 1 day 17 April 12 June 1 August 25 September Train The Trainer—Requires after hours homework 5 days 3 March 31 March 28 July 27 October Vessel/Company/Port Facility Security Officer 3 days 27 May 23 July 3 September 15 October Visual Communications (Flashing Light)—test only 1 days Please call Electrical, Electronic, Control Engineering 4 weeks 9 June 8 September Engine Room Resource Management 5 days 2 June 6 October Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 21 April 19 May 25 June 13 August Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 5 May 18 August 27 October High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 19 May 28 July 15 October Steam Crossover 4 weeks 7 July 5 May 14 July 18 August 15 September 13 October 29 September 20 October 30 October ENGINEERING COURSES 20 October MSC TRAINING PROGRAM—includes self-study courses Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator, Anti-Terrorism Level 1 and Crew Endurance Management (see below). Additional courses, including Marine Sanitation Devices and Water Sanitation Afloat will be included soon. CBRD Orientation 1 day 22 May 24 July 25 September Damage Control 2 days 24 April 26 June 28 August 23 October Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 21 April 27 May 16 June 14 July 15 September Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 22 May 11 August 23 June 21 July 25 August ICODES Training—For Masters/Chief Mates aboard MARAD ships and others chartered by MSC. Follows deck upgrade 1 day cargo class Please call Medical PIC Refresher—Note: Not MSC approved. 3 days 19 May 27 August Small Arms - Initial & Refresher Training 3 days 21 April 19 May 22 September MARAD TRAINING PROGRAM—(11 day package composed of the 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 Training (Initial & Refresher) 3 days 7 April 5 May 9 June 7 July 11 August 8 September Elementary First Aid 1 day 10 April 8 May 12 June 10 July 14 August 11 September Drug Collector Training 1 day 11 April 9 May 13 June 11 July 15 August 12 September Breath Alcohol Test Collector 1 day 12 April 10 May 14 June 12 July 16 August 13 September Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 14 April 12 May 16 June 14 July 18 August 15 September Elementary First Aid—Note: Prerequisite for Medical Care 1 day Provider within preceding 12 months 22 April 17 June 15 July 16 September 14 October Medical Care Provider—Note: Prerequisite for Medical Person In Charge within preceding 12 months. Please fax EFA certificate when registering 3 days 23 April 18 June 16 July 17 September 15 October Medical Person In Charge—Note: Please FAX Medical Care Provider certificate when registering 5 days 28 April 23 June 21 July 22 September 20 October Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 5 May 25 August 29 September 27 October Breath Alcohol Test 1 day 6 May 26 August 30 September 28 October Radar Recertification 1 day 18 April 19 May 12 June 3 July ARPA 4 days 2 September Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days Please Call ECDIS 5 days 5 May Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days 25 August MEDICAL COURSES RADAR COURSES 8 August 29 September SELF-STUDY CD & ONLINE PROGRAMS—Available for use when attending other approved classroom courses Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator (CD) Anti-Terrorism Level 1 (Online) DoT - Hazardous Materials Transportation Training (CD) Prudent Mariner’s Guide to Right Whale Protection (CD) Crew Endurance Management (CD) 15 September 10 October March 2008 American Maritime Officer • 9 The Raymond T. McKay Center For Advanced Maritime Officers Training 2 West Dixie Highway • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • (954) 920-3222 DECK LICENSE UPGRADE: SECOND OFFICER TO CHIEF MATE / MASTER—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. Cargo Operations 9 days 16 June 15 September Celestial Navigation—Note: A thorough review and understanding of the topics covered in Parts 4 & 5 of Pub. Number 9, The American Practical Navigator (Bowditch), is a prerequisite. 5 days 19 May 28 July Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 21 April 28 April 4 August 11 August 15 September 20 October Shipboard Management 5 days 21 April 12 May 23 June 18 August 25 August 27 October Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology 5 days 5 May 7 July 29 September 27 October Upgrade: Navigation 10 days 7 April 12 May 9 June 21 July 8 September 13 October Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 28 April 14 July 1 September 6 October Upgrade: Stability—Note: It is recommended that chap5 days ters 1-13 in the book Stability and Trim for the Ship’s Officer be reviewed prior to attending this course 2 June 25 August 6 October Watchkeeping 1 (Bridge Resource Management)— Note: Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2 MUST be completed 3 days within 12 months of each other. 4 June 6 August 24 September Watchkeeping 2 (COLREGS)—Note: Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2 MUST be completed within 12 months of 5 days each other. 9 June 11August 29 September The Raymond T. McKay Center For Advanced Maritime Officers’ Training One Maritime Plaza • Toledo, Ohio 43604 • (419) 255-3940 ARPA CERTIFICATION DIESEL ENDORSEMENT FIRE PREVENTION & FIRE FIGHTING Course Length—Four Days (Monday-Thursday April 8 May 20 June 30 Course Length—23 Days April 21 September 8 Course Length—Two Days April 17, 24 June 19, 26 ORIGINAL RADAR CERTIFICATION BASIC SAFETY TRAINING BASIC WELDING Course Length—Five Days May 12 June 23 Course Length—One Week April 14, 21 June 16, 23 August 4 August 18, 25 RADAR RECERTIFICATION PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT Course Length—One Day April 4, 7, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 June 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 27 Course Length—Four Days May 27 July 21 May 2, 5, 9, 16, 19, 30 July 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 RECERT & ARPA Course Length—Five Days April 7 May 19 September 2 Three-Day Course—Open To All Deck Officers April 14 June 16 August 4 Course Length—Four Days June 2 July 28 ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION Course Length—Five Days March 31 July 7 8.5-HOUR ELEMENTARY FIRST AID/CPR BASIC SHIPHANDLING AT OPERATIONAL LEVEL Course Length—One Day (prerequisite for 24-hour MCP) April 28 June 30 September 2 Course Length—Five Days April 21 July 21 Course Length—Three Days April 29 July 1 September 3 September 8 Course Length—10 Days April 28 July 7 Course Length—One Week May 5 July 7 September 8 November 10 Course Length—Two Weeks June 9 October 27 40-HOUR ABLE SEAMAN Course Length—One Week May 19 July 14 August 25 October 24 TERRESTRIAL NAVIGATION METEOROLOGY Course Length—Five Days June 2 September 8 Course Length—Three Days June 9 September 15 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND SAR December 8 Course Length—Four Days May 27 September 2 WATCHKEEPING August 20, 27 ELEMENTARY FIRST AID/CPR RFPNW (Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch) Course Length—One Day April 14, 21 June 16, 23 Course Length—One Day Call for scheduled courses August 18, 25 Course Length—Five Days April 14 July 28 VESSEL/COMPANY/PORT SECURITY OFFICER Course Length—4 Hours April 16, 23 June 18, 25 Course Length—One Day July 25 Course Length—One Day Call for scheduled courses PERSONAL SAFETY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MARLIN SPIKE Course Length—Five Days April 7 July 14 Course Length—Two Weeks April 28 August 4 CBRD ADVANCED SHIPHANDLING FOR THIRD MATES CARGO HANDLING AND STOWAGE SHIP CONSTRUCTION AND STABILITY 40-HOUR MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER GMDSS Officer in charge of a navigational watch: Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as third mate and second mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC) Course Length—Three Days (Monday-Wednesday) Call for scheduled courses 24-HOUR MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER FAST RESCUE BOAT Course Length—10 Days July 7 December 1 ECDIS/ECPINS August 11 BRIDGE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Course Length—10 Days May 12 August 18 CELESTIAL NAVIGATION Course Length—Two Weeks June 9 September 15 PERSONAL SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES STCW DECK OFFICER REFRESHER MAGNETIC & GYRO COMPASS Course Length—12 Hours April 15, 22 June 17, 24 Course Length—Three Days April 7 September 29 Course Length—Three Days June 23 September 29 August 19, 26 August 21, 28 NOTICE: AMO members planning to attend the union’s RTM 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 Raymond T. McKay Centers For Advanced Maritime Officers Training (CAMOT) and Simulation Training Assessment and Research Centers (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 Centers. 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 Centers. March 2008 10 • American Maritime Officer GALVESTON, TX 77554 13730 FM 3005, SUITE 170 David Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large ([email protected]) (800) 362-0513 ext. 2001 / Mobile: (409) 996-7362 HEADQUARTERS DANIA BEACH, FL 33004 2 West Dixie Highway (954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513 Tom Bethel, National President ([email protected]) José E. Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer ([email protected]) Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President ([email protected]) FAX: (954) 926-5112 Joseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea ([email protected]) Paul Cates, National Executive Board Member At Large ([email protected]) John Hafner, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters ([email protected]) Charles Murdock, National Representative ([email protected]) FAX: (954) 920-3257 Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 FAX: (954) 926-5126 Brendan Keller ([email protected]) Robert Anderson ([email protected]) Member Services: Extension 1050 ([email protected]) PORTS BROOKLYN, NY 11232 652 Fourth Avenue (800) 545-9589 Don Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea ([email protected]) FAX: (718) 965-1766 SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 94607 1121 7th Street, Second Floor Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-5301 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 5001 Daniel Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large ([email protected]) FAX: (510) 444-5165 TOLEDO, OH 43604 The Melvin H. Pelfrey Building One Maritime Plaza (419) 255-3940 / (800) 221-9395 FAX: (419) 255-2350 Daniel Smith, National Executive Vice President ([email protected]) Donald Cree, National Vice President Great Lakes ([email protected]) Brian Krus, National Assistant Vice President Great Lakes ([email protected]) Stan Barnes, National Representative ([email protected]) Phillip Kelley, Dispatcher ([email protected]) 2008 Resolution (2) of the AMO National Executive Board: Port of Brooklyn Closing This resolution was adopted by the AMO National Executive Board and approved unanimously by AMO members at the March regular monthly membership meetings in Dania Beach, Fla., and Toledo, Ohio. No quorum was present for the meeting in Brooklyn, N.Y.: Port of Brooklyn Closing WHEREAS, the AMO National Executive Board has become aware of the fact that the monthly membership meetings cannot be held on a regular basis in the Constitutional Port of Brooklyn in the City of New York, NY, due to a continuing lack of a quorum, and WHEREAS, the AMO National Executive Board believes that the designation of a Constitutional Port should only be maintained where the functions of this union can be administered with sufficient membership participation, and WHEREAS, the AMO National Executive Board hereby determines that upon adoption of this resolution, the AMO National Constitution, Article VI, Section 2, be amended to provide as follows effective July 1, 2008. Article VI, Section 2, second sentence, shall state as follows: “Constitutional Ports shall be located in Dania Beach, Florida, and Toledo, Ohio.” Article VI, Section 2, shall, following adoption of the amendment set forth above, states that, “National Headquarters shall be located in Dania Beach, Florida. Constitutional Ports shall be located in Dania Beach, Florida, and Toledo, Ohio. The functions of this union shall be administered at and by National Headquarters and the Constitutional Ports.” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PHILADELPHIA, PA 19148 2604 S. 4th Street (800) 362-0513 ext. 4001 Robert Kiefer, National Assistant Vice President At Large ([email protected]) FAX: (215) 755-2574 WASHINGTON, D.C. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024 490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW Suite 7204 (202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001 Edward Kelly, National Vice President At Large ([email protected]) Charles Crangle, Director of Congressional and Legislative Affairs ([email protected]) Paul Doell, Special Assistant to the National President ([email protected]) FAX: (202) 479-1188 RTM CAMOT/STAR CENTERS STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING 2 West Dixie Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 920-3222 ext.7109 (800) 942-3220 ext.7109 FAX: (954) 920-3140 24 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999 COURSE INFORMATION 2 West Dixie Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 920-3222 ext.7112 (800) 942-3220 ext.7112 FAX: (954) 920-3140 CAMOT/STAR TOLEDO One Maritime Plaza Toledo, Ohio 43604 (419) 255-3940 FAX: (419) 255-8833 TRAINING RECORDS SYSTEM MANAGER: Lisa Marra (954) 920-3222 ext. 7118 FAX: (954) 925-5681 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES MARITIME MEDICAL CENTER 2 West Dixie Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 927-5213 FAX: (954) 929-1415 AMO PLANS 2 West Dixie Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 (800) 348-6515 FAX: (954) 922-7539 LEGAL Joel Glanstein, General Counsel 305 Madison Ave. Suite 2240 New York, NY 10165 (212) 370-5100 FAX: (212) 697-6299 Michael Reny AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid Program (419) 243-1105 / (888) 853-4662 Mobile: (419) 346-1485 [email protected] RESOLVED THAT, the AMO National Executive Board hereby proposes, pursuant to Article XXV of the AMO National Constitution that the amendment of Article II, Section 2, second sentence of the AMO National Constitution be submitted to the membership at regular monthly member- ship meetings held in the month of February 2008, and that, if the proposed amendment is adopted it shall be effective July 1, 2008. Date: February 5, 2008 Adopted: February 5, 2008 Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the week following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. Meetings will be held on Monday at Headquarters in Dania (on Tuesday when Monday is a contract holiday), on Wednesday in Toledo, and on Friday in Brooklyn. The next meetings will take place on the following dates: DANIA BEACH: TOLEDO: NEW YORK: April 7, May 5 April 9, May 7 April 11, May 9 March 2008 American Maritime Officer • 11 Celestial navigation — upgrading to chief mate, unlimited To upgrade from second mate to chief mate, unlimited, the U.S. Coast Guard requires that the following six celestial navigation practical assessment control sheets be completed in accordance with Coast Guard National Maritime Center Policy letter 04-02. The six control sheets are: •M-1-2A: Ex-meridian Observation •M-1-2B: Meridian Passage Observation •M-1-2C: Identifying Unknown Stars •M-1-2D: Selecting Stars or Planets •M-1-2E: Plotting a LOP •M-1-2F: Plotting a Running Fix NMC policy letter 04-02 is available online at: www.uscg.mil/stcw/marpers/pag/04-02.pdf. The required practical assessment control sheets may be completed in two ways: •Complete the sheets onboard a ship and have them signed in accordance with NMC Policy Letter 04-02 •Successfully complete the Deck License Upgrade Celestial Navigation Course at RTM STAR Center—this course includes completion of the required practical assessments, and an additional written exam as required by Coast Guard STAR Center recommends AMO members complete the control sheets and have them signed onboard their vessels whenever possible, as this is the most efficient method for meeting the requirement. The Coast Guard does not require that a celestial navigation course be completed, only the practical assessments. To serve as a shipboard assessor for a practical demonstration of skills, and to sign the control sheets, a mariner must: •Work aboard the vessel upon which the person seeking to upgrade is employed •Hold a chief mate’s or master’s license •Attest they have read the Coast Guard document “Conducting Mariner Assessments: A Practical Manual For Assessors”—this document is available online at: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/assessorman.pdf A shipboard assessor who witnesses a practical assessment must sign the assessment standard (control sheet) and indicate they read and followed the guidance in the manual. A shipboard assessor who has read this document and uses the assessment standard (control sheet) in NMC Policy letter 04-02 will ensure a fair, standardized assessment of an officer’s ability to completely perform the assessed task. For AMO members who take the STAR Center Deck Upgrade Celestial Navigation class, a thorough review of the topics covered in Tab 4 (pages 225325) of Pub. No 9, The American Practical Navigator (Bowditch 1995 edition), is a prerequisite. This five-day Coast Guard certified course is a fastpaced intensive review with minimal instruction. In order to receive credit for the practical demonstrations, all six control sheets and a written assessment required by the Coast Guard need to be completed. The control sheets cannot be signed separately at STAR Center without the course completion certificate. For more information, contact Jerry Pannell, director of member training and officer development, at (800) 445-4522 ext. 7507 or [email protected]. New Advanced Shiphandling for Masters course draws rave reviews from AMO officers AMO officers completing the new Advanced Shiphandling for Masters course at RTM STAR Center in Dania Beach, Fla., with instructors Larry Reimer (left) and Mark Rupprecht (third from right) were Ryan White, Joseph Schwartzstein, Robert Glover and Eric Beecher. All officers in the course gave it high marks and positive feedback, and one member described it like this: “for sailing masters, the most important course one can take offered at AMO/STAR Center—a great confidence building course. Keep in mind a large part of that is due to the instructors.” The next course is scheduled for April 14. March 2008 12 • American Maritime Officer AMO officers onboard in support of satellite interception Two vessels manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers assisted in the U.S. Navy’s interception and tracking of a 5,000-pound non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite over the Pacific Ocean earlier this month. The range instrumentation ship USNS Observation Island provided telemetry information. The ship, which can monitor objects in space, tracked the satellite and collected data on it both before and after the missile launch, Military Sealift Command reported. The Observation Island is operated by Maersk Line Limited The SBX platform is manned in all licensed positions by AMO. Seabulk Power delivers PL-480 grain cargo for World Food Program AMO member Capt. Richard Boone, master of the Seabulk Power, on a recent PL-480 grain run, here with Logistics Officer Lemma Jembere of the Mombasa office of the World Food Program for Africa Seabulk Magnachem Chief Engineer Rex kelley (left) and Master Hazen Dennison with Capt. Boone of the Seabulk Power in Port Sudan for Military Sealift Command (MSC) and manned in all licensed positions by AMO. The guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie launched the SM-3 missile to intercept the satellite, MSC reported. The Sea Based X-band radar platform (SBX) was deployed in the area to support independently the discrimination and tracking of the destroyed satellite. Other U.S. military sensors and satellites were deployed in the area and were also used for evaluation of the intercept, the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance reported. The SBX is operated by Interocean American Shipping Corporation under a charter from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and is manned in all licensed positions by AMO. In late January, the U.S. government notified other nations that the satellite was unresponsive and would make an uncontrolled reentry in late February or early March, MSC reported. The President decided to bring down the satellite because of the likelihood that the satellite could release hydrazine fuel upon impact, possibly in populated areas, MSC reported. Tug Galveston launched for second new U.S. Shipping articulated tug/barge unit U.S. Shipping Partners in February announced the launch of the tug portion of its second new articulated tug/barge unit at the Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. shipyard in Panama City, Fla. Outfitting and commissioning of the tug Galveston will take place in the coming months and is on schedule. Completion of the barge portion of the ATB is proceeding at Manitowoc Marine Group shipyard, and U.S. Shipping expects to take delivery of the barge on schedule in August of this year. The U.S. Shipping fleet includes six integrated tug/barges, one product tanker, three chemical tankers and one ATB. American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers working in the fleet and recently secured a new contract with the company. The ATB Freeport/Chemical Transporter is the first in the series of new ATBs being built by U.S. Shipping, and entered service in the Jones Act trades in July 2007. The company is also building a series of tankers. Construction began in January on the second new tanker in the series being built for U.S. Shipping at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, Calif. The 600-foot, 49,000-deadweight-ton product carrier is due to be delivered in the second quarter of 2009. The ships in the series will have a cargo capacity of 331,000 barrels each, and are designed to carry petroleum and chemical products in the Jones Act trades. The first is slated for delivery in early 2009. U.S. Shipping has secured charters for four of the nine new tankers being built. Two of the charters are with major oil companies and the other two are with Military Sealift Command, replacing two T-5 tankers expected to reach the end of their service life in 2010. AMO members probe modern piracy in new documentary A new documentary has been released that explores 21st century piracy and exposes both the audience and its principals—American Maritime Officers members Michael Rawlins and Bob Duke Jr.—to a group of pirates operating on the Malacca Straits and the resurgence of an epidemic in recent years. The Green Ray Films documentary, “Porampo: Pirates of the Malacca Straits,” was produced and directed by Rawlins, and follows both Rawlins and Duke through Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia on a search for answers on the elusive subject modern piracy. The documentary, filmed entirely on location in Southeast Asia, focuses its lens on one of the world’s busiest waterways. As film points out: in the straits and on the streets, piracy is a subject that is avoided by many of its victims. As Rawlins and Duke discover, officials and residents of the region are also reluctant to discuss it. Their journey takes them to Aceh Province in Northern Sumatra Island, and despite their pursuit of a taboo topic, Rawlins and Duke are able to interview an ex-Porampo (the Indonesian word for pirate). Their search then leads them to a pirate camp and the filming of an attempted pirate attack on a ship in the straits in infrared light, as well as interviews with the pirates on the raid. The documentary cites International Maritime Bureau (IMB) statistics, stating in 2003 there were 445 reported pirate attacks worldwide, with 21 sailors killed and 71 missing. Of those, 150 were in the Malacca Straits. That year, the straits were considered a “hotspot” of pirate activity, an area where crew members on vessels under attack may face heavily-armed pirates who board vessels with grappling hooks from fast boats, seeking a bounty from the ship’s safe and often victimizing mariners. “At sea, we would get these piracy reports every day from the Piracy Reporting Center in Kuala Lumpur,” Rawlins said. “Story after story of crew members robbed, beaten and killed in the areas we went to. And they’re expected to defend themselves with what, a charged fire hose versus an AK-47? So I said: ‘someone needs to look into this.’ It might as well be me.” The IMB has reported attacks on ships numbered 263 during 2007, compared with the 239 attacks recorded in 2006, based on statistics compiled by the Piracy Reporting Center in Kuala Lumpur. According to the film, it is estimated that fewer than 10 percent of pirate attacks are reported to authorities. Green Ray Films has announced broadcast deals with Belgian and Danish television, and that Canamedia Productions of Toronto is developing a television series, “Pirate Hunters,” based on Porampo. Green Ray also announced an agreement with History Channel Malaysia to broadcast Porampo, and that an article about the film will appear in an upcoming edition of Professional Mariner. More information and a trailer of the film are available online at www.porampo.com.
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