New Jobs for AMO Aboard State-Of-The-Art Jones Act Tanker

Volume 42, Number 7 July 2012

American Phoenix RISES AMO members working aboard the M/T American Phoenix in June included Third Assistant Engineer Chris Anderson, Captain Kurt Yost, Captain Mike Kurr, Chief Engineer George Hutchins, Chief Engineer Jason Kast and Second A.E. Frank Altomare. With them are AMO National Secretary-Treasurer José Leonard and AMO National Executive Vice President Robert Kiefer.

New jobs for AMO aboard state-of-the-art Jones Act tanker

The newly built Jones Act tanker domestic fleet and bringing new jobs to Mexico under charter to Koch Industries. “This ship embodies a remarkable M/T American Phoenix was christened the membership of American Maritime Seabulk Tankers is providing technical combination of determination, ingenuity, June 28 at the BAE Systems Southeast Officers. services for Mid Ocean Tanker Company strength and safety,” said AMO National Shipyards facility in Mobile, Ala., The American Phoenix will operate and AMO represents all licensed officers adding state-of-the-art tonnage to the in the Jones Act trades in the Gulf of working aboard the ship. See American Phoenix ◆ Page 6

Legitimate U.S.-flag interests AMO jobs secure as Sealift AMO Essentials can overcome TAL taint purchases M/V Black Eagle STAR Center course Page 2: A notorious shipping company booted from The M/V Black ◆ schedule: Pages 8-9 U.S. registry for consistently deficient operation, Eagle has been inadequate maintenance, chronic safety violations purchased by STAR Center registration and miserable labor conditions continues to haunt Sealift LLC and ◆ application: Page 11 legitimate U.S. maritime interests. The company is entered service TransAtlantic Lines. In mid-June, Coast Guard Capt. under a short- Eric Christensen cited the TAL experience as the term MSC charter. The ship was previously operated ◆ AMO directory: Page 10 principal evidence supporting his unfounded, unfair by Red River Holdings LLC. AMO continues to public comments about the relative safety of the pri- represent all licensed officers working aboard the ◆ AMO membership meeting vately owned and operated U.S. merchant fleet. ship under Sealift ownership and operation. schedule: Page 10

Copyright © 2012 American Maritime Officers ■ 601 S. Federal Highway ■ Dania Beach, FL 33004 ■ (800) 362-0513 ■ [email protected] 2 • American Maritime Officer July 2012 Legitimate U.S.-flag interests can overcome TAL taint

By Tom Bethel Capt. Christensen, chief of the Coast National President Guard’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, did not identify the specific A notorious company by name, but the circumstances shipping company he spelled out applied only to TransAtlantic booted from U.S. Lines. registry for consis- Weak as it was, this was the heart of tently deficient Capt. Christensen’s narrow, unwarranted operation, inade- and unduly opinionated conclusion that the quate mainte- U.S. merchant fleet in international trade is nance, chronic beset by “an alarming trend in the number safety violations of significant deficiencies noted.” and miserable As we report elsewhere in this issue, labor and living seagoing labor responded immediately and conditions contin- forcefully to counter the alarming trend in ues to haunt legiti- the number of significant deficiencies mate U.S. maritime interests. found in Capt. Christensen’s Web post. The company is TransAtlantic Lines, Seafarers International Union an affront to civilized seafaring worldwide President Mike Sacco, Marine Engineers’ since its rise in 1998. TAL is based in a Beneficial Association President Mike home on Lincoln Avenue in tony Jewell, International Organization of Greenwich CT, and its performance record Masters, Mates and Pilots President Tim makes the world’s worst flag-of-conve- Brown and I made our points in a letter nience operation look like a model of June 15 to Adm. Robert Papp Jr., comman- responsibility, dignity and humanitarian dant of the Coast Guard. ed TAL charters worth multiple millions to federal agency with the exclusive, specif- impulse. In our letter to Adm. Papp, we noted supply U.S. military bases in the Azores, ic responsibility of arranging the seaborne TAL has the disgraceful distinction that, in the specific overseas flag state con- Ascension Island and Guantanamo Bay. transport of defense cargoes. When the of having had its International Safety trol jurisdiction cited by Capt. Christensen, TAL has demonstrated repeatedly that it Coast Guard revoked TAL’s papers, MSC Management Code Document of the number of U.S.-flagged ship detentions cannot provide the services specified in the immediately canceled its only contract Compliance and its ISM safety certificates was actually quite small, especially in pro- charters — TAL uses third party shipping with the company. yanked by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast portion to the number of vessel inspections companies routinely to meet its contractual TAL’s unseemly tie to the SDDC is Guard’s punitive but prudent action against conducted. We also addressed the difficul- commitments to the SDDC. one issue. The SDDC’s encroachment upon TAL in December 2011 effectively prohib- ties resulting from inefficient federal rule- For reasons known only to SDDC Military Sealift Command’s mission is ited the company from operating under the making procedures that often delay Coast brass, the agency awarded yet another char- another. American Maritime Officers is American flag. Guard regulations conforming to ter to TransAtlantic Lines in April 2012 — focusing on both in every possible venue, In mid-June, Coast Guard Capt. Eric International Maritime Organization con- five months after the company lost the and we will keep everyone in our union Christensen cited the TransAtlantic Lines ventions. honor and the privilege of U.S. merchant informed. experience as the principal evidence sup- Responsible U.S.-flagged merchant ship registry. As always, I welcome comments and porting his unfounded, unfair public com- ship owners and operators can overcome The SDDC has apparently learned questions from AMO members every- ments about the relative safety of the pri- the TAL taint brought upon them by Capt. nothing from another TRANSCOM unit where. Please feel free to call me on my vately owned and operated U.S. merchant Christensen. Theirs is a collective record of — Military Sealift Command, the only cell at (202) 251-0349. fleet on the high seas. safe, efficient and dependable service to “In a recent case, objective evidence commercial customers and to government of continued non-compliance with the agencies. And it would take a lot more than requirements of the ISM code, applicable one man’s thoughtless commentary to sag international conventions and flag state the spirit of skilled civilian American regulations, as well as a systemic failure to mariners, who are as resilient as they are adequately implement company policies reliable, and who have served these United and procedures led to the first-ever revoca- States so well for so long in routine trade tion and cancellation of a U.S. company’s and in distant defense emergencies. American Maritime Officer (USPS 316-920) ISM Document of Compliance,” Capt. This recovery would be a lot easier if Official Publication of American Maritime Officers Christensen wrote on the Coast Guard’s there were a fitting end to the TransAtlantic 601 S. Federal Highway Homeport Web site. Lines story. But, despite its embarrassing Dania Beach, FL 33004 “A review of attendance reports, doc- history, TAL lives on. Operating under a (954) 921-2221 umented by various authorities — includ- succession of temporary ISM documents, Periodical Postage Paid at ing port and flag states — clearly estab- TAL is propped up willfully by the Surface Dania Beach, FL, and Additional Mailing Offices lished a pattern of habitual disregard for Deployment and Distribution Command Published Monthly rules and regulations,” Capt. Christensen (formerly Military Traffic Management continued. “There was also a repetitive Command), a unit of Transportation American Maritime Officers National Executive Board inability of the company to implement cor- Command in the Department of Defense. rective action, both indicative of an ineffec- For reasons known only to SDDC Thomas Bethel, National President tive SMS.” brass, the agency has in recent years award- José Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer Robert Kiefer, National Executive Vice President Joseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea AMO members attend meetings John Clemons, National Vice President, Great Lakes Charles Murdock, National Vice President, Inland Waters of AMO National Executive Board, Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relations

AMO Plans Board of Trustees National Assistant Vice Presidents: Brian Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice President Daniel Shea, National Assistant Vice President David Weathers, National Assistant Vice President

Representatives: Stan Barnes

Editor: Matt Burke Assistant Editor: Amber Wilkie Contributing Editor: Paul Doell

Attending meetings of the American Maritime Officers National Executive Board, POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To: as well as meetings of AMO Plans trustees, in June in Chicago were AMO mem- American Maritime Officers bers Allen Howard, Tim De Freitas and Vlad Newcomer. With them are AMO ATTN: Member Services National President Tom Bethel, Seafarers International Union President Michael P.O. Box 66 Sacco and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Sacco and Heindel each Dania Beach, FL 33004 addressed a meeting of the AMO National Executive Board during the week. July 2012 American Maritime Officer • 3 Seagoing labor to U.S. Coast Guard: Christensen article mischaracterizes entire industry based on actions of a few; disregards professionalism, dedication of U.S.-flag operators, American crews

The following letter dated June 15 was maintenance, safety and regulatory compli- into question the entire U.S.-flag commer- lem rather than alleviating it. The result is sent to U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. ance. To place the blame on the shoulders of cial industry’s commitment to safety, train- that U.S.-flag ships and operators are left to Robert Papp by American Maritime Officers all American shipowners and crews, how- ing, and compliance. We would hope that in their own devices in determining how to National President Thomas Bethel, Seafarers ever, fails to recognize the true issue and is the future, the USCG would be working comply with IMO requirements, thus International Union President Michael extremely disingenuous. with us to address the wide range of prob- exposing them to penalties from port state Sacco, International Organization of At the same time, while we under- lems — including issues with the overall control regimes like the Paris MOU. This is Masters, Mates and Pilots President Timothy stand that while the Paris MOU — a flag USCG regulatory regime — that confront presently occurring with the STCW Manila Brown and Marine Engineers’ Beneficial state control regime to which the United the US-flag industry, rather than point fin- Amendments related to work and rest Association President Michael Jewell. States is not a party — has moved the U.S.- gers and “sound the general alarm.” hours. (STCW Code, Ch. VIII, Section A- As chief representatives of the major flag off their “white” list, we firmly believe We believe that part of the problem VIII/1). Although the new STCW Manila sea-going labor unions, we are writing to that this fact alone is at best a grossly mis- lies in the United States regulatory regime Amendments came into effect January 1, express our strong objection to the claims leading indicator of U.S.-flag performance. that the Coast Guard administers in accor- 2012, USCG has not yet promulgated regu- raised in an article written by Captain Eric In fact, the Paris MOU acknowledges that dance with the Administrative Procedures lations conforming to the international stan- Christensen, Chief of Commercial Vessel of the 174 vessel inspections of U.S.-flag Act itself. The rulemaking procedures in the dard nor offered any effective guidance. Compliance for the Coast Guard, which vessels by its member-states, only 7 vessel Act make it difficult for the USCG to Without proper regulatory guidance by the was posted to the USCG Homeport website detentions have been recorded. This is hard- respond to IMO treaty obligations in a time- USCG, our members and U.S. vessel oper- and has been carried in the maritime indus- ly an “alarming trend” representative of a ly fashion. As a result, IMO obligations ators are exposed to port state sanctions and try trade press. This article has been used by significant decline in statutory and interna- come into force and the US is not in com- severe criminal penalties, including impris- U.S.-flag critics to blast the American mer- tional convention compliance. pliance with international standards. Even onment. This is unacceptable. chant marine. Captain Christensen’s article is a mis- simply updating American regulations to Again, in the future, we would prefer While we agree with Captain characterization of the professionalism and conform to international standards can take to work together to resolve these issues, Christensen that the United States flag dedication of the United States flag com- a considerable amount of time. Changes to rather than have senior Coast Guard offi- should never appear on the gray list of any mercial ship operators and their highly the APA are unlikely, making Coast Guard cials indict the entire industry because of flag state control regime, it does not come trained crews. We must emphasize the total interim guidance and advisory notices criti- the bad behavior of a very small minority of as a surprise. The maritime unions have disregard by Captain Christensen for all the cal to bridging the gap until final regula- bad actors in public. been advising the Coast Guard for some advances in training, safety, and education tions are promulgated. We welcome the opportunity to work time that such an outcome would come to our members achieved that go beyond mere The USCG Legal Division’s resis- with you in person to clarify these issues pass if steps were not taken to more effi- compliance. TransAtlantic Lines’ bad tance to permitting the USCG to dissemi- further. As always, we remain committed to ciently administer regulations and correct behavior, which has rightfully resulted in nate non-mandatory advisory notices on ensuring that American mariners are the failures, particularly with non-union com- the revocation of their ISM Document of international requirements until after regu- best trained and most professional mariners panies with historically bad track records on Compliance, should not be sufficient to call lations are in place, compounds this prob- in the world. House Armed Services Committee leadership: ‘We are writing to convey our strong support for the Jones Act’

House Armed Services Committee We are writing to convey our strong two points in the United States be transport- the Jones Act would “hamper [America’s] Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon (R- support for the Jones Act and its benefits to ed on American vessels. Since its enact- ability to meet strategic sealift requirements CA) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D- the country’s national, homeland, and eco- ment, the Jones Act has been supported by and Navy shipbuilding.” The Jones Act sup- WA) wrote the following letter, dated June 8, nomic security. The domestic maritime every Congress and President because of ports our industrial base and maintains a to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, industry plays a critical role in our nation’s the security benefits it provides. America’s national maritime infrastructure that helps Secretary of Homeland Security Janet security and we ask for your continued domestic shipping industry is responsible to ensure there will be ample U.S. sealift Napolitano, Secretary of Transportation assistance in defending this important law. for nearly 500,000 jobs and more than $100 capacity to defend our nation. As members Raymond LaHood and Secretary of Energy As you know, the Jones Act requires billion in annual economic output. of the House Armed Services Committee, Steven Chu. that all waterborne cargo moved between The U.S. Navy has said that repeal of which has jurisdiction over this issue, we recognize the importance of the Jones Act and its invaluable contribution to our nation’s security, which is why we are con- AMO aboard the cerned about any efforts to weaken the law. We understand that the OSG Columbia Administration chose to waive the Jones AMO members working aboard the Act approximately 50 times following the Jones Act articulated tug/barge June 2011 release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). This decision OSG Columbia, here in Port Everglades, Fla., in June, were allowed foreign vessels and foreign work- Captain Tommy Potter, Assistant ers to transport oil from the SPR despite Engineer David Penney, Chief the availability of U.S. vessels. Under any Engineer Stan Kozik, Second Mate circumstance, it is critical that the Chris Scott and Third Mate Brian Administration ensures that U.S. vessels Carroll. With them is AMO National and U.S. seafarers are fully utilized before Vice President for Inland Waters granting any Jones Act waivers. In the Charles Murdock. future, we urge the Administration to take all steps necessary to ensure that Jones Act vessels are used and that the transportation of goods, including petroleum products, is in compliance with our nation’s cabotage laws. We thank the Administration for rec- ognizing the critical role the Jones Act plays in our nation’s national, homeland, and economic security and appreciate its support for the Jones Act. We look forward to working with you in the future to ensure the con- Chief Mate Joel Harriff tinued strength of America’s domestic maritime industry. 4 • American Maritime Officer July 2012 New policy allows eligible TWIC holders to extend credential expiration date, reduces cost, travel burden

The Transportation Security card holders would pay a fee of $60, can valid and not revoked through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT. Administration in June announced a major begin the application process over the • Currently hold a TWIC that is not More information is available online at: policy change regarding the Transportation phone and would be required to make one expired, but that will expire on or before www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/. Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). in-person visit to a TWIC enrollment cen- Dec. 31, 2014 The EED TWIC is a one-time tem- Effective Aug. 30, 2012, TWIC hold- ter to pick up the EED TWIC card. TWIC holders wishing to obtain an porary extension intended to provide con- ers who are U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, TWIC holders exercising this option EED TWIC should begin the process at venience and cost-savings during the pend- and hold TWICs that will expire on or will not be required to remember their PIN least 30 days before the expiration date of ing deployment of TWIC card readers, the before Dec. 31, 2014, may be eligible to number. their current TWIC. To confirm eligibility TSA announced. TWIC holders also have obtain an extended expiration date (EED) To be eligible for the EED TWIC, and begin the enrollment process for an the option of a standard five-year renewal, TWIC, which would be valid for three card holders must: EED TWIC, contact the Transportation which requires two in-person visits to a years. • Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national Security Administration help desk at (866) TWIC enrollment center and includes a fee To obtain an EED TWIC, eligible • Currently hold a TWIC that is both 347-8942. Hours of operation are Monday of $129.75. House passes T-AGOS and SWATH sea time counts legislation to ease burden toward unlimited licenses for engineers The U.S. Coast Guard will con- Government Relations Mike Murphy ous determination, in which “the Coast on TWIC users tinue to honor existing agreements worked closely with U.S. Coast Guard Guard agreed that service on either the regarding service time and horse- headquarters, the National Maritime T-AGOS or SWATH vessels could be The House of Representatives in power equivalencies on T-AGOS and Center and Military Sealift Command to considered as qualifying for an unlim- June approved legislation that, if enacted SWATH vessels, and sea time aboard have this issue addressed and resolved ited license in accordance with the sce- into law, would reduce the travel burden T-AGOS and SWATH vessels will after the National Maritime Center denied narios specified in the October 1998 on people who require a Transportation continue to count toward unlimited an application from an AMO engineering equivalency determination.” Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) licenses for engineers, the agency has officer to sit for an upgrade of an unlimit- The determination cited by the for their employment. advised. ed license. Coast Guard accounted for the com- Sponsored by Congressman Steve American Maritime Officers In a letter to Military Sealift bined horsepower of the engines Scalise (R-LA), H.R. 3173 would require National Vice President for Command, the Coast Guard cited a previ- onboard a T-AGOS or SWATH vessel. the Department of Homeland Security to reform the TWIC program such that only one in-person visit to a TWIC enrollment center would be required, except in cases AMO aboard the H. Lee White on the Great Lakes involving extenuating circumstances that would require more than one in-person visit to a TWIC center. Current regulations require an in- person visit for enrollment, a second visit to pick up the card and another two visits each time the TWIC must be renewed. This creates an enormous inconvenience for many transportation workers, who may live hundreds of miles away from the nearest enrollment center, or work aboard vessels on which they may be abroad for months at a time. At press time, the legislation had not been voted on in the Senate or AMO members working aboard the H. enacted into law, and existing regula- Lee White in April, here in Sandusky, The H. Lee White, here in Sandusky, Ohio, is operated by American tions and requirements still apply for all Ohio, included Captain Richard Laskey. Steamship Company. AMO represents all licensed officers on the ship. TWIC users. EPA issues interim guidance for non-availability of compliant fuel in ECA The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released interim guidance on the non- fuel oil requirements and what vessel operators must do if they are unable to obtain the availability of compliant fuel oil for the North American Emission Control Area (ECA). appropriate fuel. The ECA comes into effect on Aug. 1, 2012, and at that time, many vessels will The interim guidance is available online at: www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/ be required to use low-sulfur fuel. The EPA’s interim guidance describes in detail the policies/civil/caa/mobile/finalfuelavailabilityguidance-0626.pdf

AMO aboard Ready Reserve Force ships Cape Island, Cape Intrepid AMO members working aboard the Ready Reserve Force ships Cape Island and Cape Intrepid in June, here in Tacoma, Wash., included Chief Mate Maik Darley (Island), Third Assistant Engineer Scott Williams (Island), Chief Engineer Micah Salkind (Intrepid), Third A.E. Gary Ranne (Intrepid), Second A.E. Ray Guerrero (Island), First A.E. Brian Sinausky (Intrepid), Second A.E. Chris Davis (Intrepid), First A.E. Toby Kessler (Island) and Chief Mate Matt Piper (Intrepid). With them is AMO National Secretary-Treasurer José Leonard. Both ships are operated by Crowley Liner Services. July 2012 American Maritime Officer • 5

take on full loads, resulting in a loss of effi- ciency and an increase in cost. Every inch Congressman Gibbs receives Great of depth means more cargo can be shipped, and with our nation attempting to increase exports, we need to ensure that all our ports Lakes Legislator of the Year Award are operating at their full potential and ships aren’t running half-full.” Co-sponsor of RAMP Act emphasizes critical need for proper Rep. Gibbs co-sponsored the Realize America’s Maritime Promise (RAMP) Act, investment in dredging of Great Lakes ports and waterways which would require all funds deposited into the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund be Congressman Bob Gibbs (R-OH) used for their intended purpose – mainte- June 6 received the Great Lakes Legislator nance dredging. of the Year Award for 2012 from the Great “Maritime trade on the Great Lakes Lakes Maritime Task Force, the largest has been a critical part of our nation’s econ- labor/management coalition representing omy since America was founded, and it the Great Lakes shipping and maritime continues to be a tremendous force today,” transportation sectors. American Maritime Rep. Gibbs said. “And while many Officers and American Maritime Officers Americans overlook the importance of Service are members of the task force. waterborne transportation because they do Rep. Gibbs serves as chairman of the not regularly interact with it or understand Transportation and Infrastructure the benefits that it brings, the economic Committee’s Subcommittee on Water importance of maritime trade cannot be Resources and Environment and has been a underestimated. strong supporter of the maritime industry. “As the chairman of the House “I am very honored to receive the Water Resources and Energy 2012 Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Subcommittee, I have been committed to Award and proud to represent a district and improving our waterborne transportation a state that depends so much on a healthy system, including focusing investments on Great Lakes maritime transportation sys- infrastructure to create jobs and move tem,” Rep. Gibbs said. “In 2010, maritime commerce,” he said. commerce on the Great Lakes generated Attending the award presentation in 226,000 jobs in the U.S. and Canada, Washington, D.C. with Rep. Gibbs were including more than 90,000 direct jobs. Representatives Steven LaTourette (R-OH) Addressing the infrastructure needs of our American Maritime Officers National President Tom Bethel congratulates and Betty Sutton (D-OH), who have each nation’s ports is critical if we are going to Congressman Bob Gibbs on his receipt of the Great Lakes Legislator of the Year previously received the Great Lakes build on this job growth and move raw Award for 2012 during the ceremony June 6 in Washington, D.C. Legislator of the Year Award. materials and general cargo in an efficient and economical manner.” Commenting on his selection for the 2012 award, Rep. Gibbs cited the importance of dredging on the Lakes and stressed the need for a remedy to the dredging crisis. “The economic importance of maritime trade cannot be underestimated,” Rep. Gibbs said. “The dredging crisis concerns me because harbors that have not been dredged to their proper depth will not only reduce ship traffic and freight at that port, but also will increase shipping costs. “That is why proper investment in dredging is critical. Our Great Lakes ports and waterways must be at their authorized Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-OH) depths and widths so raw materials and gen- addresses those gathered for the eral cargo are able to move domestically award presentation June 6 in and overseas in an efficient and economical Washington, D.C. Rep. LaTourette manner,” Gibbs continued. “When chan- received the Great Lakes Legislator of Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH) congratulates Rep. Gibbs on his receipt of the 2012 nels are not properly dredged, ships cannot the Year Award in 2000. award. Rep. Sutton received the Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Award in 2010.

U.S.-flagged Great Lakes freighters down compared with the month’s five- LCA reported. Limestone, iron in May hauled 9.8 million tons of dry bulk year average. Year-to-date totals stand at 24.4 cargo, an increase of 19 percent over April U.S.-flagged lakers carried 5.2 per- million tons, an increase of 3.4 percent ore loadings up and up 3.1 percent compared with a year cent more iron ore than in May 2011. The compared with the same timeframe in ago, the Lake Carriers’ Association report- limestone float was up 12.4 percent for the 2011 and 5.7 above the five-year aver- in May float ed. May totals, however, were slightly month, while coal dropped 8.7 percent, the age, the LCA reported.

AMO aboard the Joseph L. Block

The Joseph L. Block, here unloading iron ore in Duluth, Minn. in June, is oper- AMO members working aboard the Joseph L. Block in June included Third ated by Central Marine Logistics. Mate William LaParl and First Mate John Herrington. 6 • American Maritime Officer July 2012

spokesman for the port. The Maersk Illinois is one of two Export-Import Bank cargo generates heavy-lift ships in the Maersk-Rickmers U.S. Flag Project Carrier fleet. Maersk- Rickmers is a partnership between Maersk historic voyage for Maersk Illinois Line, Limited and Rickmers-Linie (America), Inc. American Maritime The Maersk Illinois May 31 arrived Officers represents all licensed officers at the Port of Milwaukee to load cargo for aboard both ships — the Maersk Illinois export, the first time a U.S.-flagged and the Maersk Texas. oceangoing ship has loaded cargo in The Maersk Illinois loaded the Milwaukee, Wis. for an overseas destina- cargo one day after the President signed tion in more than 30 years, Maersk Line, into law legislation reauthorizing the Ex- Limited reported. Im Bank through fiscal year 2014. The shipment of two P&H rope Reauthorization of the Export-Import shovels, financed by the U.S. Export- Bank drew strong support in Congress, Import Bank, required the Maersk Illinois where the legislation was approved by a to load nearly 8,000 cubic meters of vote 78-20 in the Senate and a vote of machinery bound for a Siberian mining 330-93 in the House of Representatives. project. The Export-Import Bank provides The voyage of the Maersk Illinois loan guarantees and direct loans to help drew the attention of Secretary of businesses overseas buy U.S. goods and Transportation Ray LaHood, who noted services. All exported cargoes financed on his blog the “continuing success of the through the Export-Import Bank are by Ex-Im Bank” is “a win for American man- law reserved for U.S.-flagged merchant ufacturers and their workers, and it’s a win ships. Photo: Chuck Wagner for our U.S.-flag fleet.” The Maersk Illinois was the first The Maersk Illinois passes through Detroit, Mich. on her way down the St. A third shovel is slated for transport U.S.-flagged oceangoing vessel since Lawrence Seaway. On May 31, 2012, the Maersk Illinois became the first U.S.- from Milwaukee, Wis. in September, to be 1981 to arrive at the Port of Milwaukee on flagged oceangoing vessel since 1981 to arrive at the Port of Milwaukee on the carried by the same vessel or its twin, the the Great Lakes by way of the St. Great Lakes by way of the St. Lawrence Seaway. AMO represents all licensed Maersk Texas, Maersk Line, Limited Lawrence Seaway, said Jeff Fleming, officers aboard the ship. reported.

AMO members working aboard the Maersk Illinois in AMO members working aboard the Maersk Illinois in Milwaukee, Wis. included Chief Mate Matthew Patriquin, Milwaukee, Wis. included Third Mate Michael AMO members working aboard the Maersk Captain Jason Stancil, Third Mate Michael Vollenweider Vollenweider. With him is Kings Point Deck Cadet Illinois in Milwaukee, Wis. included First and Chief Engineer Scott Agnew. With them is Kings Joseph Olson. Assistant Engineer Eric Thalen. Point Deck Cadet Natalie Jones.

American Phoenix Continued from Page 1 President Tom Bethel. “AMO is very proud to be part of this project. Our officers onboard, and our union as a whole, are excit- ed by the achievement and the potential of the American Phoenix as she prepares to enter service.” The partially completed American Phoenix (Hull 103) was purchased in January 2011 in a Louisiana bankruptcy court auction by Mid Ocean Tanker Company, a partnership of Alterna Capital Partners and Mid-Ocean Marine. Hull 103 Larry Johnson of Koch Supply and Trading presents Captain AMO members working aboard the American Phoenix in was to have been one of three shallow-draft Mike Kurr with a scenic photo of a Kansas wheat field during June included Chief Engineer George Hutchins and Second product tankers built for AHL Shipping Co., the christening ceremony for the American Phoenix. Mate Rob Park, here on the ship’s bridge. previously known as American Heavy Lift Shipping, a non-AMO company. After pur- mental protection with a Class chase, construction of Hull 103 was com- Environmental Safety notation and system pleted at the BAE Systems shipyard in redundancies usually seen only in the Mobile and the M/T American Phoenix has Alaskan trades. Yet her trading markets were risen as an impressive new generation tanker originally planned for the U.S. Gulf.” for the Jones Act fleet. Chief Engineer George Hutchins, “The M/T American Phoenix is a great who had been onboard the American addition to the American merchant marine Phoenix since April, described the ship as and Seabulk Tankers is proud to be provid- “robust, modern and built to last.” ing the technical services to operate this ves- Kunkel noted the IMO II sel for Mid Ocean Tanker Company,” said Chemical/Product Carrier is the first Harvey Mott, vice president of fleet man- American-built tanker to be constructed agement for Seabulk Tankers. under the latest IACS (International Describing some of the key features Association of Classification Societies) of the American Phoenix in an article pub- Common Structural Rules. The ship is AMO National Secretary-Treasurer José Leonard and AMO National Executive lished by Maritime Professional, Robert scheduled to undergo sea trials and make her Vice President Robert Kiefer greet Volckert van Reesema of Mid-Ocean Marine at Kunkel — president of Alternative Marine maiden voyage in July, he said. the christening ceremony for the American Phoenix. Technologies, technical advisor to Alterna The ship’s propulsion “is provided Capital Partners during construction of the by three 5,600 KW MAK 12VM32C by Kobelco stern and strut bearings that the third generator remains in standby.” ship and a former member of AMO — diesel engines with Siemens IDK4543 are water lubricated and cooled. The At a length of 616 feet, the American wrote: “the American Phoenix is not your generators,” Kunkel wrote. “The diesel- propulsion system is fully redundant with Phoenix is 49,000 DWT. With a capacity of father’s Jones Act product carrier. The electric power driving two 4,500 KW only two generators required in operation 339,000 barrels, the tanker can carry crude design features take into account environ- VEM motors with twin shafts supported to achieve a 14.5-knot operating speed — oil, chemicals and petroleum products. July 2012 American Maritime Officer • 7 Officers, crew of M/V Ocean Titan earn Top Honor from Chamber of Shipping of America for high-seas rescue

The officers and crew of the M/V stances, were as a testament to each Ocean Titan were among the Safety crewmember’s character and skill. Your Achievement Award recipients to earn Top actions exemplify the courage and skills Honor from the Chamber of Shipping of inherent in the professional mariner. This America during the organization’s annual citation testifies to actions in keeping with Safety Awards Luncheon, held June 12, the highest tradition of the sea — aid to 2012, in New Orleans, La. those in peril.’” On Dec. 9, 2011, the Ocean Titan AMO officers sailing with Captain conducted a heroic rescue at sea, saving the Hill aboard the Ocean Titan during the res- lives of all seven crew members of the bulk cue included Chief Mate Thomas Lisante, carrier M/V Florece. The tanker M/V Second Mate Daniel Landgrebe, Third Afrodite had collided with the M/V Florece Mate Zachary Gray, Chief Engineer John at about 3:30 a.m. that morning in the Bay Vlahakis and First Assistant Engineer Sean of Biscay. Donovan. American Maritime Officers mem- The CSA noted the Ocean Titan of ber Captain Christopher Hill, master on Heavylift Shipowning LLC “received Top the M/V Ocean Titan, commented: “I Honor for the crew’s extraordinary courage thanked the Chamber of Shipping for rec- and superior seamanship” in the rescue ognizing the heroism of the seamen on operation. The Ocean Titan was one of two board the Ocean Titan who performed the ships receiving Top Honor from the high seas rescue. A large, heavy and ele- Chamber of Shipping of America for rescue gant plaque was presented by USCG Rear operations that occurred in 2011. Admiral Cook and Chamber of Shipping Since 1959, the Chamber of Shipping of America President Joseph J. Cox, of America (CSA) has sponsored the Safety which lists the name of each crewman Achievement Award program which recog- who was assigned to the Titan during the Captain Christopher Hill accepts the Safety Achievement Award Top Honor from nizes outstanding feats of safety that con- rescue. The following statement is printed the Chamber of Shipping of America on behalf of the officers and crew of the tribute to saving a life, a ship or other prop- below that list of names: ‘We commend M/V Ocean Titan, aboard which AMO represents all licensed officers. Presenting erty. This year’s Safety Awards Luncheon the entire crew of the M/V Ocean Titan for the award is Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, U.S. Coast Guard. marked the fifty-fourth anniversary of the your extraordinary courage and superior program and was attended by more than seamanship in the rescue and recovery of the Atlantic Ocean just before it sank in the M/V Afrodite. The actions of the entire 160 people representing more than 80 com- seven crewmembers of the M/V Florece in extremely rough seas after it collided with crew, in the most challenging circum- panies and organizations. AMO-contracted vessels, companies honored for safety records

The Chamber of Shipping of based company personnel to safe operation.” America (CSA) this month awarded Jones Among the companies that own and/or F. Devlin Awards to 15 companies that operate vessels manned under contract by own and/or operate vessels manned under AMO receiving Devlin Awards for the per- contract by members of American formance of their vessels were Crescent Maritime Officers. Devlin awards are pre- Towing, Crowley Technical Management, sented to companies with vessels that have General Dynamics - AMSEA, Interocean operated for at least two years without a American Shipping Corporation, Keystone lost-time injury. The CSA also recognized Shipping Co. (Key Lakes), Maersk Line vessels that performed feats to save lives, Limited, Ocean Duchess Inc., Ocean a ship or other property with Ship Safety Shipholdings Inc., OSG Ship Management Achievement Awards. Inc., Sea Star Line LLC, Seabulk Tankers The M/V Ocean Titan, which is Inc., Seabulk Towing Inc., Teekay manned in all licensed positions by AMO, U.S. Shipping Corp. was one of several AMO-contracted companies to receive a Corporation, Totem Ocean Trailer Express was one of two ships to receive Top Honor, Devlin Award from the Chamber of Shipping of America for operating more than and USS Vessel Management LLC. The U.S. the highest Ship Safety Achievement Award two years without a lost-time injury. Accepting awards for U.S. Shipping vessels Maritime Administration was also recog- presented by the CSA. In December 2011, were American Maritime Officers members Dan De La Houssaye, master on the nized for the safety records of vessels operat- the Ocean Titan rescued all seven crew ATB Freeport, Nick Colavito, master on the M/V Houston, Paul Schwartz, mas- ed by IAS. members from the M/V Florece in extremely ter on the ATB Brownsville and Tim De Long, master on the M/V The Chamber of Shipping of America rough seas after the vessel sank. Charleston. U.S. Shipping Safety and Quality Manager Ray Marquardt and COO represents 37 U.S.-based companies that The awards were presented June 12, Bill Braman also represented U.S. Shipping at the awards ceremony. own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, 2012, during the CSA Safety Awards containerships and other merchant vessels Luncheon in New Orleans, La. More than annual industry-sponsored event, now in its lost-time incident,” said CSA President engaged in both the domestic and interna- 160 people representing more than 80 com- fifty-fourth year. Joseph Cox. “This extraordinary record is tional trades, as well as entities that maintain panies and organizations, including “This year, we gave awards to 1,395 directly attributable to the professionalism of a commercial interest in the operation of American Maritime Officers, attended the vessels that operated 7,015 years without a our seafarers and the dedication of shore- such vessels.

. AMO holds shipboard informational meetings on the Gulf Coast

AMO National President Tom Bethel, AMO National Vice President for Government Relations Mike Murphy, AMO Plans Executive Director Steve Nickerson and AMO National Assistant Vice President Dave Weathers conducted a series of shipboard informational meetings on the U.S. Gulf Coast in June, vis- iting vessels in Alabama, Louisiana and Texas. Here aboard the ATB Brownsville are Chief Engineer Scott Simpson, First A.E. Ron Porter, Captain Thomas Mackerell, Chief Mate Sean Eager and Third A.E. Jay Janicki. 8 • American Maritime Officer July 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

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 13 Aug 10 September 8 October 12 November 10 December 7 January 4 February

Basic Safety Training - All 4 modules must be completed within 12 months: Personal Safety Techniques (Mon/Tues - 1.5 days), Personal Safety & Social 14 January - Responsibility (Tues pm - .5 days), Elementary First Aid (Wed - 1 day), Fire Fighting & 5 days 6 Aug 24 Sept. NEW 22 October 26 November 17 December 11 February DATE CHANGE Fire Prevention (Thurs/Fri - 2 days) - not req. if Combined Basic & Adv. Fire Fighting completed within 12 months

Basic Safety Training - Refresher 3 days 8 Aug 26 Sept. NEW 24 October 28 November 19 December 16 Jan - CHNG 13 February

Crowd Management 1 day Please call

Crisis Mgmt & Human Behavior 1 day Please call

ECDIS 5 days 16 July 20 Aug 10, 17 Sept 5, 12 November 10 December 14, 28 January 11 February

Effective Supervision 2 days Please call

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 27 Aug 15 October 10 December 8 January 4, 25 February

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

Safety Officer Course 2 days 30 July 1 October 8 November 14 January

Tankerman PIC DL - Classroom 5 days 26 November 7 January

Tankerman PIC DL - Simulator 10 days 16 July 20 Aug 22 Octo ber 28 January

Train the Trainer 5 days 20 Aug 1 October 3 December 4 February

Train the Trainer - Simulator Inst. 5 days Please call

Vessel/Company Security Officer - Includes Anti-Piracy 3 days 1 August 5 September 5 November 16 January

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 Dec Wk 2 PM

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

Locking & Docking for First Class Pilots - Great Lakes 5 days Please call

TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) - Third Mate (Unlimited or Great 5 days 13 August 26 November 14 January PM Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required

Tug Training - ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive) 5 days 27 Aug 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 16 July 8 October

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 Aug 8 October 5 November 10 December 4 February

High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 1 August 23-24 Oct CNG 4 February

Ocean Ranger Program 6 days Please call

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 5 days 23 July 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 30 July 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

Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 23 July 13, 20 August 17 September 12 November 3 December 14 January

Upgrade: Stability 5 days 6 August 1 October 26 November 7 January 25 February

Watchkeeping 1: BRM 3 days 25 July 5 September 31 October 12 December 13 February

Watchkeeping 2: COLREGS - Watchkeeping 1 & 2 must be completed within 12 5 days 30 July 10 September 5 November 17 December 18 February months of each other

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 6 August 15 October 7 January 25 February

Shipboard Management 5 days 23 July 17 September 12 November 21 January

Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (includes Simulator) 5 days 16 July 20 August 24 September 26 November 28 January

ECDIS - Advanced Navigation and the USCG approved ECDIS to be completed within 12 5 days 27 August 1 October 3 December 4 February months of each other. Suggested dates follow. See also deck courses above.

Self-Study License Exam Preparation A/R July 2012 American Maritime Officer • 9

MSC Training Program

CMEO for Junior Engineers 2 days 19 July 7 January

Basic CBR Defense 1 day 24 August 14 September 1 February

Damage Control 1 day 23 Aug 13 September 16 November 31 Jan - CHNG

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 20 Aug 4 September 29 October 25 January 19 February

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 7 Aug 23 October 27 November 15 January 12 February

Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD) 1/2 day 24 Aug 14 September 1 February

Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 27 September 16 November 25 January

Medical PIC Refresher - Note: Not MSC approved 3 days 5 September 15 October 22 January 20 February

MSC Readiness Refresher - Must have completed full CBRD & DC once in career. 5 days 6 August 22 October 26 November 14 January 11 February

MSC Watchstander - BASIC - Once in career, SST grads grandfathered 2 days 26 July 27 September 1 November 13 December 31 January

MSC Watchstander - AD VANCED - Required for all SRF members 1 day 30 July 1, 18 October 5 November 17 December 4, 28 February

MSC Ship Reaction Force - Required every three years for SRF members 3 days 31 July 2 October 6 November 18 December 5 February

SAMM - Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management 3 days 16 July 29 October 7 January 20 February Small Arms - Initial & Sustainment (Refresher) Training - Open to members 13, 26 & applicants eligible for employment through AMO (w/in 1 year) or MSC on MARAD 3 days 9, 23 July 6, 20 Aug 10, 24 Sept 15, 29 October 10 December 14, 28 January 11, 25 February 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 17 July 21 Aug 18 September 9, 30 October 4 December 8, 29 January

Medical Care Provider - Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 12 months. Please 3 days 18 July 22 Aug 19 September 10, 31 October 5 December 9, 30 January fax EFA certificate when registering

Medical PIC - Please fax MCP certificate when registering 5 days 23 July 27 August 24 September 5 November 10 December 4 February

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 30 July 1 October 13 November 17 December 11 February

Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) - Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only! 1 day 31 July 2 October 14 November 18 December 12 February

Saliva Screening Test - QEDs only! 1/2 day 1 August 3 Octob er 15 November 19 December 13 February

Medical PIC Refresher - Note: Not MSC approved 3 days 5 September 16 October 22 January 20 February

Radar Courses

Radar Recertification 1 day 6 August 4 September 12, 29 October 17 December 10, 11 January 22 February

Radar Recertification at Toledo Maritime Academy - Non-Resident Training, 1 day 23 August 29 November 13 December 24 January 28 February 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 September 7 Jan, 4 Feb RFPNW Assessments 1 day Please call Basic Safety Training 5 days 24 September 14 January

EFA/MCP 4 days 18 September 29 January Marlin Spike 1 day Please call Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 4 September 22 January 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 July 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. Gremelsbacke r, 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) 920-3 222 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 490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204 24 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999 (202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001 Thomas J. Bethel, National President TRAINING RECORDS SYSTEM [email protected] / [email protected] / Mobile: (202) 251-0349 Lisa Marra J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relations (954) 920-3222 ext. 7118 ([email protected]) / Mobile: (202) 560-6889 FAX: (954) 925-5681 Paul Doell, Legislative Director [email protected] ([email protected]) / Mobile: (954) 882-4297 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Phree Baker, Assistant Legislative Director ([email protected]) FAX: (202) 479-1188 MEDICAL CLINIC AMO PLANS 2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie Highway PORTS Dania Beach, FL 33004 Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 927-5213 (800) 348-6515 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19113 FA X: (954) 929-1415 FAX: (954) 922-7539 2 International Plaza, Suite 422 Robert J. Kiefer, National Executive Vice President ([email protected]) LEGAL (800) 362-0513 ext. 4001 / 4002 Mobile: (215) 859-1059 AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid Program FAX: (610) 521-1301 Michael Reny Mobile: (419) 346-1485 GALVESTON, TX 77551 (419) 243-1105 / (888) 853-4662 2724 61st Street, Suite B [email protected] PMB 192 David M. Weathers, National Assistant Vice President Joel Glanstein, General Counsel ([email protected]) 437 Madison Ave. (800) 362-0513 ext. 2001 35th Floor Mobile: (409) 996-7362 New York, NY 10022 FAX: (409) 737-4454 (212) 370-5100 FAX: (212) 697-6299

shipboard equipment, operating proce- Reminder: ECDIS training requirements dures and other arrangements, needed for the proper performance of their duties. This would include installed ECDIS As a reminder, new ECDIS training 2010 STCW Manila Amendments. port state inspectors both in the U.S. and equipment. Proper documentation of this requirements contained in the U.S. Coast Although the public comment period has in other countries. However, if a specific familiarization should be available. Guard’s Supplemental Notice of Proposed ended, the Code of Federal Regulations vessel designates ECDIS as the primary Although the proposed five-year Rulemaking (SNPRM) are expected to be (CFR) will not be finalized until the means of navigation, or if a specific vessel phase in period will run until January phased in over a five-year period, which Coast Guard reviews all comments. is equipped with ECDIS, port/flag state 2017, some contracted companies (and will conclude January 2017. If an officer STAR Center will provide detailed guid- authorities may require an approved vetters) already require documentation of does not have the required training by Jan. ance to members of American Maritime ECDIS training course to have been com- having completed an approved ECDIS 1, 2017, his or her credential will have a Officers once the USCG policy is pub- pleted. STCW also requires companies to training course in order to ship on ECDIS limitation placed on it prohibiting the indi- lished. When the CFR is finalized, STAR provide individuals employed onboard a vidual from serving on ECDIS equipped Center will also request a formal accep- ship with familiarization in the specific See ECDIS ◆ Page 11 vessels. ECDIS training may also be tance of our current ECDIS training required sooner under certain circum- course as meeting the new requirements. stances, as noted below. STAR Center’s analysis indicates that the Monthly Membership Meetings Separately, some ECDIS require- school’s current course will meet all the ments for newly built ships began to take expected USCG requirements. Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the effect July 1. Tankers larger than 3,000 STAR Center has been conducting week following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. gross tons and passenger ships larger than USCG approved ECDIS training for AMO Meetings will be held on Monday at AMO National Headquarters (on 500 gross tons constructed on or after that officers since 2003 and has trained more Tuesday when Monday is a contract holiday). The next meetings will take date will need to meet requirements in the than 900 AMO members in the current place on the following dates: SOLAS Convention. USCG approved ECDIS course. Regarding training requirements, Between now and January 2017, AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: August 6, September 4* the U.S. Coast Guard has issued its current ECDIS credentials and endorse- *Union offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 3 in observance of Labor Day SNPRM on the implementation of the ments should continue to be honored by July 2012 American Maritime Officer • 11

AMO members train at STAR Center STAR Center providing Military Sealift Command Commercial Marine Engineering Officer Training for junior engineers

STAR Center will provide the five- Library day Military Sealift Command Commercial •MSC Organization/Fuel Regulation Marine Engineering Officer (CMEO) N7 This course satisfies all contractually Technical Training Curriculum program for required engineering training requirements junior engineers (second and third assistant in each of the topic areas and provides train- engineers only), which is composed of the ing required to meet performance-based following elements: standards contained in MSC contracts. Prior American Maritime Officers members completing Marine Environmental •SAMM - Overview & Utilities to this program, MSC and the U.S. Navy Awareness training at STAR Center in June with Instructor Todd Module/Logbook provided specific training courses to satisfy Christensen included Rudy Salvaggio, Walter Rood and Vlad Newcomer. •Chemical Program each area. This course brings all these indi- •Lube Oil Analysis vidual topic areas together at one time. •Supply/ShipClip/SM5 Any questions regarding this training •Vibration Program & Data should be directed to Director of Member Electronic job board at AMO Dispatching Collection Training and Officer Development Jerry •Safety Management System — Pannell (800) 942-3220 ext. 7507 or via e- Environmental Safety/Virtual Technical mail: [email protected].

ECDIS are approximately 26 manufacturers of type-approved equipment); Continued from Page 10 2. Adequate up to date official ENC chart data installed; equipped vessels. Officers who have not 3. A flag state accepted back-up completed an approved ECDIS course are arrangement. Some back-up arrangement encouraged to do so as their schedules options are a second independent ECDIS permit. It is recommended that each offi- unit, a chart/radar, or a full folio of up-to- cer carry his or her approved ECDIS date nautical paper charts. The USCG has course certificate onboard the vessel. not yet stated what they will require. Regarding ECDIS requirements tak- Pertaining to these requirements for ing effect July 1, these address equipment, companies and vessels, obtaining and chart data and training. To meet the tech- maintaining adequate up-to-date charts nical standards, the following criteria can be done in a number of ways. Several AMO Deep-Sea Dispatchers Brendan Keller and Robert Anderson demonstrate must be met: chart distributors vying for the business of the operation of the new electronic job board at AMO Headquarters. 1. Type-approved equipment (there supplying official up to date data to ships. 12 • American Maritime Officer July 2012 Senate committee seeks greater Jones Act enforcement

The Senate Appropriations Shelf.” until the Department of Energy, the try have been consulted and that “adequate Committee recently approved legislation The legislation prohibits the issuance Department of Transportation and repre- steps [have been taken] to ensure the use of requiring the federal government “take of waivers related to a release from the SPR sentatives of the U.S.-flag maritime indus- United States flag vessels.” adequate measures to ensure the use of United States flag vessels” if crude oil is released from the Strategic Petroleum AMO aboard Reserve (SPR). The legislation passed by the com- the BBC Seattle mittee mirrors legislation passed in the full House of Representatives as part of a defense appropriations measure. The Senate committee also included Officers and crew members work- commentary criticizing waivers provided ing aboard the BBC Seattle as it to foreign vessels during last year’s draw- finished loading cargo in the U.S. in down of the SPR. June included Chief Engineer Matt “The Committee is very concerned Campbell, First Assistant Engineer that 53 waivers of the Jones Act were Kevin Hogle, Chief Mate Peter Kirk, issued in fiscal year 2011, enabling foreign- Second Mate John Finer, Second flagged vessels to transport oil released A.E. Larry French, SA Sheilla from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve,” the Daguio, Steward Juan Gonzalez, senators stated. QMED Bernard Smalls, QMED While many Jones Act vessels were Dave Terry, Third A.E. Leowen available to transport the oil released from Punzalan, AB Gerald Kelly and the SPR last summer, dozens of waivers Third Mate Robert Belfield. Not in were issued allowing foreign-flagged ves- the photo is Captain Bud Conroy. sels to serve in a domestic trade. The U.S.-flagged multipurpose “U.S. vessels, mariners and ship- cargo ship got underway in May to yards have been negatively impacted and begin service under charter to underutilized as a result of lax enforcement MSC, adding new jobs for the of prior rulings inconsistent with congres- membership of AMO. Teras BBC sional intent,” the senators stated. Ocean Navigation Enterprises The committee urged the federal Houston LLC is operating the ship government to levy penalties for previous- under MSC charter and AMSEA is ly documented violations, investigate providing crew management ser- future potential violations and “dedicate vices. AMO represents all licensed adequate resources to vigorously enforce Photo: Captain Bud Conroy officers aboard the ship. the Jones Act on the Outer Continental House hearing emphasizes use of U.S. vessels to ship SPR oil

The House Subcommittee on Coast to determine the availability of U.S.-flagged Reserve (SPR). (D-WV), the ranking member on the Guard and Maritime Transportation on June vessels during the summer 2011 drawdown The hearing was convened based on a Transportation and Infrastructure 27 held a hearing to review the process used of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum request from Congressmen Nick Rahall Committee, and Rick Larsen (D-WA), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. AMO aboard the In his opening statement at the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Frank Ocean Freedom LoBiondo (R-NJ) addressed the numerous Jones Act waivers issued during the 2011 The U.S.-flagged heavy-lift ship SPR drawdown. “After issuing a blanket Ocean Freedom, here in Port waiver and then rescinding it a day later, it Everglades, Fla. in May, is operat- appears as though the administration was ed for Intermarine affiliate US assuring potential bidders for SPR oil that Ocean LLC by Crowley Liner individual waivers would be granted for Services and is manned in all large-volume sales before applications licensed positions by American were even submitted,” Rep. LoBiondo Maritime Officers. said. “It also appears the administration made no effort to use its authority to require the oil to be divided into smaller lots in order to be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels. “I find these actions extremely dis- turbing, particularly because it came at a time when so many Americans were out of work,” he said. “It is puzzling that an administration claiming to be doing every- thing they can to help America’s unem- ployed would allow vessels crewed by foreigners, owned by foreigners, built in AMO members working aboard the Ocean Freedom in AMO members working aboard the Ocean Freedom in May included Captain John Mansfield and Chief Engineer May included Chief Mate Brian O’Hanlon and Capt. foreign countries, and flying foreign flags Brian Johnsen. With them here is AMO National Vice John Mansfield. to carry nearly all of the SPR oil released.” President, Deep Sea, Joe Gremelsbacker. Rep. Larsen, in his opening statement, also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the practices employed during the 2011 SPR drawdown. “U.S. industry has available capacity to move U.S. strategic oil reserves on AMO members work- U.S. flagged ships, putting U.S. mariners ing aboard the Ocean to work,” he said. “I don’t know of anyone in May Freedom on this committee who agreed with these included Second Mate controversial waivers, and Congress has Matthew Sanford. responded accordingly to uphold the AMO members working aboard the Ocean Freedom in integrity of the Jones Act. May included First Assistant Engineer Lynn Bell, Chief “The Jones Act exists for good rea- Engineer Brian Johnsen and Third A.E. Paul Rarang. son,” Rep. Larsen concluded. “Let’s use it to good effect.”