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idelightsDecember 2018 Vol. 48, No 5 S Published by the Council of American Master Mariners, Inc.

The and ’s Christmas Swallowing the Anchor The Captain’s Way AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICERS

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2 Sidelights2 West December Dixie 2018 Highway ★ Dania Beach, FL 33004 ★ www.star-center.com The Council ★ of(800) American 445-4522 Master Mariners, Inc.

2018Sidelights_WhiteBox_X1a_052418indd.indd 1 5/24/18 1:12 PM CAMM NATIONAL PRESIDENT South Atlantic Region MAILING ADDRESS PORT EVERGLADES / MIAMI 601 Teague Drive NATIONAL OFFICERS Captain Paul Coan, President Santa Paula, CA 93060-1632 President [email protected] CAPTAIN JEFF COWAN CAMM NATIONAL SEC/TREAS MAILING Meetings at 1200, the 3rd Thursday of the [email protected] ADDRESS month, except July and August. Galluppi, 805-901-9558 30623 Chihuahua Valley Rd. Pompano Beach Country Club, 1103 N. Federal Hiway, Pompano Beach, FL. First Vice President Warner Springs, CA 92086-9220 CAPTAIN JOE HARTNETT North Atlantic Region TAMPA BAY [email protected] 410-867-0556 NEW YORK METRO Captain Robert Holden, President Second Vice President Captain George Sandberg, President 727-784-7595 CAPTAIN PAT MOLONEY 631-375-5830 (cell); 631-878-0579 (home) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Meetings at 1130 on the 2nd Tuesday of each 415-215-9226 Meetings dates and locations vary. month, except July, August and September. th nd Treasurer and Secretary Mailing Address: Box 581 Columbia Restaurant, 7 Ave. & 22 St. CAPTAIN MANNY ASCHEMEYER Center Moriches, NY 11934 Mailing Address: 50 Baywood Ct, [email protected] Palm Harbor, FL 34683 951-767-3037 BALTIMORE / WASHINGTON, D.C. North Atlantic Regional Vice President Captain Joe Hartnett, President North Pacific Region CAPTAIN FRANK ZABROCKY 410-867-0556 SEATTLE / PACIFIC NORTHWEST [email protected] [email protected] Captain R.J. Klein, President 203-359-8494 Meetings at 1130 on the 2nd Tuesday of each 425-746-6475 South Atlantic Regional Vice President month, except June - August. Check website [email protected] TO BE APPOINTED for date and location. Locations vary between Baltimore and D.C. Meetings at 1130 on the 2nd Thursday of each Gulf Regional Vice President month, McCormick & Schmidt’s in Bellevue. CAPTAIN AUGUSTA ROTH Mailing Address: P.O. Box 700 [email protected] Edgewater, MD 21037-0400 Mailing Address: PO Box 99392 Seattle, WA 98139 281-534-9619 South Pacific Regional Vice President COLUMBIA RIVER CAPTAIN KLAUS NIEM Captain Vic Faulkner, President [email protected] Gulf Coast Region MOBILE BAY 360-798-9530 707-255-6567 [email protected] North Pacific Regional Vice President Captain Jerome “Rusty” Kilgore, President Meetings are at 1200 on the 2nd Friday of each CAPTAIN CAL HUNZIKER 251-490-2741 nd month. Jantzen Beach Bar and Grill, 909 N [email protected] Meetings at 1330 on the 2 Tuesday of each Hayden Island Drive, Portland, OR. 253-862-7493 month. Felix’s Fish Camp Grill: 1530 Battleship Pkwy, Spanish Ft., AL. Mailing Address: 121 Hazel Dell View Immediate Past President Castle Rock, WA 98611 CAPTAIN R.J. KLEIN Mailing Address: 6208 Peir Ave. [email protected] Fairhope, AL 36532 425-246-9814 NEW ORLEANS Council Chaplain Captain Ed Higgins, President South Pacific Region FATHER SINCLAIR OUBRE 504-394-6866 LOS ANGELES / LONG BEACH [email protected] [email protected] Captain David Boatner, President 409-749-017 nd Meetings at 1200 on the 2 Wednesday of 805-479-8461 APPOINTMENTS & CHAIR each month, except July and August. Port [email protected] IFSMA Representative Ministry Center of the Global Maritime nd CAPTAIN CAL HUNZIKER Ministries, 3635 Tchoupitoulas Street, Meetings at noon on the 2 Tuesday of each Constitution and Bylaws New Orleans, LA. month, except August. CThink Café, 302 W. Committee Chair 5th Street – Unit 105, San Pedro, CA 90731 Mailing Address: 8112 Ferrara Drive CAPTAIN PAT MOLONEY Harahan, LA 70123 Mailing Address: 533 N. Marine Ave Lalonde Award Committee Chair Wilmington, CA 90744-5527 HOUSTON CAPTAIN PAT MOLONEY Membership Committee Chair Captain Michael J. Mc Cright, President SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA CAPTAIN GEORGE ZELUFF [email protected] Captain Klaus Niem, President Pilot Relations Contact Meetings monthly, September - April. Check 707-255-6567 CAPTAIN JOE HARTNETT website for dates. TAMUG Blue Room, [email protected] Positions Committee Chair Galveston, TX. Meetings at 11:30, 1st Tuesday of each month, CAPTAIN FRANK ZABROCKY Mailing Address: The Nantucket, 501 Port St., Crockett, CA. Finance Oversight Committee 4620 Fairmont Pkwy, Suite 203 Mailing Address: 4207 Chardonnay Ct. CAPTAIN MANNY ASCHEMEYER Pasadena, TX 77504 Napa, CA 94558-2562

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 3 Department of Commerce Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation License License for Mate of Inland Steam and Motor Vessels

Contributed by Captain John Corso – CAMM #1684

The above Mate’s License is from the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation, circa 1936. There is no designation as to 1st, 2nd or 3rd Mate and the tonnage limitation, district and specific waters for which this Steam and Motor license is valid would be filled in by the inspector. The streamlined River Boat picture makes this license unique.

4 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. In This Issue

ON THE COVER Boston Photo Getty Images View From the Bridge 7 Will There be Sufficient US Mariners to Man SIDELIGHTS [email protected] our Merchant Flee During Times of Conflict?

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Captain R.J. Klein In the Council 9 EDITORIAL BOARD Captain RJ Klein Captain Joe Hartnett Secretary/Treasurer Report...... 9 Captain Jeff Cowan Council Chaplain’s Report...... 11

CONTRIBUTORS Reports Council Reports...... 12 Jeff Cowan Erik Kravets CAMM Continues to Support Youth Maritime Sinclair Oubre Cal Hunziker Training...... 16 Manny Aschemeyer RJ Klein Crossed the Final Bar...... 22 In the Industry ...... 17 COPY EDITORS A Maritime Disaster and Boston’s Pat Moloney Lyn Klein Christmas Tree...... 18 Kim Lane CAMM AGM and PDC...... 20 DESIGN & LAYOUT Agreement Reached on Minimum Wage for Alexia Retallack Seafarers...... 23 A Passion for Excellence! Ms. Julie Keim, Seattle Paicific Northwest Chapter’s Maritime Person of PRINTING the Year...... 25 Modern Litho, Jefferson City, MO ADVERTISING MANAGER & ADMIN Admiral Jack Buono Takes Command at Captain Manny Aschemeyer Kings Point...... 27 [email protected] Gateway Follow-up - SS Gateway City Rescue 951-767-3037 Part III...... 28 The Captains Way...... 30 TO SUBMIT MATERIAL Invasive Species and Pollution Worry Great Lakes We welcome your articles, People the Most...... 32 comments, illustrations and photographs. Please email to: [email protected] CAMM In the Industry 24 or mail your submissions to Sidelights Chair Cadet Chapter at California Maritime Academy Captain R.J. Klein Receives Charter Document...... 24 4675 144th Place SE CAMM at 2018 California Maritime Academy Bellevue, WA 98006 Career Fair...... 26 All submissions will be reviewed, but are not guaranteed to be published. IFSMA and IMO 33 PUBLICATION DEADLINES ISFMAReport...... 33 Issue Submission Release Swallowing the Anchor - How Not to Choke...... 34 February Jan. 22 Feb. 15 Rescue Diver from China to Be Recognized with IMO April* March 5 April 1 June* May 12 June 15 Exceptional Bravery at Sea Award...... 36 October Sept. 1 Oct. 1 Implementation of Sulphur 2020 Limit - Carriage Ban December Nov. 1 Dec. 1 Adopted...... 37

*April and June subject to change dependent on CAMM Annual Meeting date NOTICE The articles in this magazine are entirely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of CAMM nor its Board of Governors. CAMM is an independent professional organization and is not affiliated with nor endorses any union or political party.

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 5 Christmas at Sea By Robert Louis Stevenson

The sheets were frozen hard, and they cut the naked hand; O well I saw the pleasant room, the pleasant faces there, The decks were like a slide, where a seamen scarce could stand; My mother’s silver spectacles, my father’s silver hair; The wind was a nor’wester, blowing squally off the sea; And well I saw the firelight, like a flight of homely elves, And cliffs and spouting breakers were the only things a-lee. Go dancing round the china-plates that stand upon the shelves.

They heard the surf a-roaring before the break of day; And well I knew the talk they had, the talk that was of me, But ‘twas only with the peep of light we saw how ill we lay. Of the shadow on the household and the son that went to sea; We tumbled every hand on deck instanter, with a shout, And O the wicked fool I seemed, in every kind of way, And we gave her the maintops’l, and stood by to go about. To be here and hauling frozen ropes on blessed Christmas Day.

All day we tacked and tacked between the South Head and the North; They lit the high sea-light, and the dark began to fall. All day we hauled the frozen sheets, and got no further forth; “All hands to loose topgallant sails," I heard the captain call. All day as cold as charity, in bitter pain and dread, “By the Lord, she’ll never stand it," our first mate Jackson, cried. For very life and nature we tacked from head to head. ...”It’s the one way or the other, Mr. Jackson," he replied.

We gave the South a wider berth, for there the tide-race roared; She staggered to her bearings, but the sails were new and good, But every tack we made we brought the North Head close aboard: And the ship smelt up to windward just as though she understood. So’s we saw the cliffs and houses, and the breakers running high, As the winter’s day was ending, in the entry of the night, And the coastguard in his garden, with his glass against his eye. We cleared the weary headland, and passed below the light.

The frost was on the village roofs as white as ocean foam; And they heaved a mighty breath, every soul on board but me, The good red fires were burning bright in every ‘long-shore home; As they saw her nose again pointing handsome out to sea; The windows sparkled clear, and the chimneys volleyed out; But all that I could think of, in the darkness and the cold, And I vow we sniffed the victuals as the vessel went about. Was just that I was leaving home and my folks were growing old.

The bells upon the church were rung with a mighty jovial cheer; Editor’s note: The poem first appeared in the Scots Observer in 1888, For it’s just that I should tell you how (of all days in the year) several years after Stevensens publication of the his novel Treasure This day of our adversity was blessed Christmas morn, Island. And the house above the coastguard’s was the house where I was born.

This from http://www.robert-louis-stevenson.org/ The Poem was published in December 1888.

New Members and Changed Membership Status

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6 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. from the

Will There be Sufficient US Mariners to Man Our Merchant Fleet During Times of Conflict?

Captain Jeff Cowan CAMM National “The Jones Act is not just essen- Personally, after forty-three years of holding a license as a President tial for our economy—it remains United States Merchant Marine Officer, I’m done! I retired from #3070-RU essential for our national security actively sailing as Master on trans-North Pacific Container ships and our war fighting capacity. Our and attempted to maintain my license at required intervals. military relies on privately-owned sealift capacity and highly Now I am throwing in the towel. The process for maintaining a trained and credentialed merchant mariners to transport and license is far too complicated, bordering on the side of ridiculous. sustain our armed forces when deployed overseas during times Congressman Garamendi has avowed that, “In the 1991 of conflict. But the number of ocean-going U.S.-flag vessels Gulf War, our armed forces relied on 192 foreign-flagged ships has dropped from 249 in the 1980s, to 106 in 2012, to at most to carry cargo to the war zone. The foreign crews on thirteen 81 today. The consequences of this steep decline are not just vessels mutinied, forcing those ships to abandon their military theoretical. Our military has had to turn to foreign-flagged mission. Would foreign flag carriers be any more reliable today, vessels for sustainment in times of war, and experience shows especially for a long-term deployment into active war zones?” that can have dangerous consequences.” (Congressman John The small number of ships is not the only issue. The U.S. Garamendi, D-CA, ranking member of the Transportation and Transportation Command and Federal Maritime Administration Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime estimate that our country is now at least 1,800 mariners short of Transportation in a statement published Oct 18th in The Hill.) the minimum required for adequate military sealift. This is with Congressman Garamendi’s statement is alarming. We are the Jones Act firmly in place. Without the Jones Act, our nation losing our merchant marine, yet what he may not see is would be wholly unprepared to meet the labor demands of rapid, that we could also be losing mariners. It is becoming large-scale force deployment when needed for national security. more and more difficult for mariners to keep their cer- Opponents of the Jones Act often claim that it is outdated tifications and license, especially licenses officers. protectionism that does more harm than good. A 2018 survey of To maintain licenses is expensive and time consuming. It seafaring and industrial nations around the world shows that requires a considerable amount of schooling in Electronic Chart 80% of the world’s coastlines have cabotage laws protecting Display Information System (ECDIS), Radar, Firefighting, domestic maritime trade. The conclusive fact from this survey Basic Safety Training (BST), and Leadership. The cost, which is clear: seafaring nations understand the importance of their does not include travel, hotels, or meal expenses, is $3,500. domestic maritime industries and enact laws to enforce them. Then there is the physical requirement. A mariner needs “Since our founding, our country’s economy and national securi- to pass a basic physical test, but if you have had any health ty has relied on a vibrant maritime industry as a fundamental issues (as I have had), you will need to take additional medical pillar. For nearly a century, the Jones Act has been the base of tests to prove your worthiness to sail. Your physical ability that pillar,” stated Congressman Garamendi. “As we look to the is ascertained by an unknown entity at the Coast Guard, future, if we want to keep the United States as a great maritime Martinsburg, WVA facility. This person would never actually power, we would be wise to preserve and protect this flexible, examine the person attempting to renew their license, but that person will not accept the word of a licensed medical Continued next page>>> doctor specialist who has actually examined said person.

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 7 View >> Cont’d from page 7 durable and valuable maritime policy.” mariners and the resources to support ing. Depending upon the task, we need In addition to the Jones Act, the United a merchant marine fleet in a time of different types of work gloves and many States has 60 ships under the Maritime crisis. We must find a way to eliminate of them. If our Merchant Mariners are Security Program (MSP) to ensure their the projected 1,800-mariner shortage. If like work gloves, then we need to ensure availability to move cargo in a national people like me are needed in a time of a solid supply of Mariners and craft a crisis. Without the needed mariners, how crisis, shouldn’t there be some system in system that continues to create, support will these ships and those in the Ready place to ensure we have enough trained and foster a strong merchant marine. Reserve fleet continue to operate after Mariners? Perhaps Congress could four to six months from the original call set aside funding for training reserve Steady as she goes, to service? How will foodstuffs, heavy Mariners to ensure the United States has equipment and other goods be moved? the necessary personnel in time of conflict. Will the US Coast Guard waive I have heard our Merchant Marine com- requirements for schooling to get active pared to work gloves - they are only used license for those with a license in con- when work needs to be performed during Jeff Cowan tinuation? Safeguarding our Merchant a national emergency, and then forgotten Marine should include methods and path- the rest of the time. Work gloves wear ways for ensuring we have the needed out, get holes in them and need replac-

Letters to the Editor CAMM welcomes Letters to the Editor. Please share your comments, perspectives and opinions on articles and subjects published in Sidelights by writing a “Letter to the Editor.” Email letters to [email protected] or mail to: Sidelights Editor, 4675 144th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA, 98006. If there is a particular issue of concern you would like to see addressed, or if you have an article for publication, please email to [email protected].

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8 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. From the desk of the National

Secretary - Treasurer Greetings CAMM shipmates!

As noted tions to our CAMM cause, bringing in (PDC) is Who is Really in Command in the additional revenue. This will enable us of the Ship? We are in the process of October to continue CAMM’s mission. We appre- lining up speakers for the PDC. edition of ciate all members who have generous- Here are some enticing Sidelights, ly contributed more than their annual details for your consideration CAMM’s dues to help keep CAMM fiscally strong. in making a decision to attend. new Fiscal We still have members who have First, we have secured the Best Year began not paid their dues for 2018 CAMM Western’s Island Palms Hotel & Marina on October which leaves a shortfall in our bud- for our venue. We have secured a room 1st, and we get for FY 2018. There are also sever- rate of $156.66 per night (single or double) Captain are “off and al members with unpaid dues for 2017 which includes breakfast on Thursday Manny Aschemeyer running” and 2016. I encourage all those “pro- and Friday. The AGM & PDC will be CAMM National in good crastinators” out there to PLEASE pay held onsite, with breakfast each morning, Secretary-Treasurer form with your CAMM dues for 2018 (and earli- and in-house luncheon and coffee breaks. #1548-R our annu- er years) ASAP. We need that missing We have organized day trips for spous- al appeal for dues and donations. In revenue to keep our organization fis- es and guests on Thursday and Friday. addition, we are adding new mem- cally responsible and financially strong. There will be a trolley sightseeing tour bers to our roster each month. I expect the flow of dues payments around the San Diego Bay waterfront and and donations to continue and am look- over to Coronado Island (with a luncheon Membership: ing forwarded to marking all members offered along the way) along with a visit We have added 30 new members in the “Paid Column.” As a reminder, to historic Old Town for shopping and a during the last year, along with several you can pay online by credit by going luncheon in Old Town. There will be a reinstatements of members. This has to the Membership page on the CAMM Harbor Dinner Cruise on Thursday night enabled the membership to remain sta- website ( www.mastermariner.org ) and which will feature a narrated sight-see- ble, as new memberships have kept pace clicking on “Dues & Other Payments.” ing cruise around San Diego Bay. with our losses. That said, we need active The Friday night Closing Banquet will members to continue to reach out indi- Financial Report: include a reception before and a three- vidually to recruit new members. Please A First Quarter Financial Report course meal. An invitation has been extend- keep in mind that in addition to Licensed will be distributed to our BoG for their ed to RADM Mark Buzby, U.S. Maritime Master Mariners, we have expanded the review and approval in January 2019. Administrator, to be our Keynote Speaker. Associate Membership categories to be Any active CAMM member who would If you want to make a vacation of more inclusive of Maritime Professionals, like a copy of that report or a copy of your visit to San Diego, the hotel will so reach out and bring someone into our budget report, should contact me extend the CAMM room rates the week- CAMM today! There’s a CAMM mem- by email (captaschemeyer@mastermari- end before or after the meetings. This is bership application printed on the inside ner.org) or by phone at 951-767-3037. one CAMM AGM you won’t want to miss! back cover of every edition of Sidelights Save those dates - April 24-26, 2019. Magazine. Please put it to good use! 2019 AGM and PDC in San Working together, we can contin- Diego (April 24-26) ue to make CAMM better, bigger, and Dues/Donations: As announced in the Oct.’18 edition BEST for the future! So until next time, As of mid-November, just over 50% of Sidelights, the 2019 Annual General of our active members have paid their Meeting (AGM) and Professional Smooth Sailin’ … 2019 dues. That is a good start, and I Development Conference (PDC) will be encourage the remaining members to held in San Diego April 24-26. We are pay before the end of the year. A good working to finalize the details which portion of CAMM members, including will be posted on the website and in many dues-exempt Honorary and Life Sidelights. The theme for this year’s Capt. Manny Aschemeyer Members, have made additional dona- Professional Development Conference

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 9 Captain Peter Chelemedos Gifts $5,000 to YMTA Scholarship Fund

Captain Peter Chelemedos (#1671- R), long time Seattle Chapter mem- ber has donated $5,000 to the Youth Maritime Training Association (YMTA). The scholarships will be named the Captain Peter Chelemedos Scholarship and given in his name. There will be five $1,000 Scholarships given each year for the next five years starting in 2019. The recipients will be selected by CAMM judges and the funds will be administered by CAMM Seattle. Captain Chelemedos will be remem- bered by many Sidelights readers as the author of Peter, the Odyssey of a Merchant Mariner. This book was published by Peter’s book and will be asked to submit in a maritime career succeed. Captain chapters in Sidelights from February a book report to Captain Chelemedos. Chelemedos has the gratitude of YMTA 2010 through February 2017. Each schol- Captain Chelemedos’ generous gift will and CAMM for this gracious donation arship recipient will receive a copy of be used to help persons truly interested Captain Adrian deBoer Celebrates 103 Years

Left: Joining him at his party were family members: Captain Adrian deBoer with (from left) his son Frank, and grandchildren Ellie, Mila and Francesca. Right: Captain Adrian deBoer celebrating his 103rd Birthday. (Staff photo by Kevin Chiri, Slidell Independen

CAMM Life Member (#1203) Captain Adrian deBoer was center of attention at Summerfield Senior Living in Slidell, LA when he celebrated his 103rd birthday. Captain deBoer was born on June 28, 2015 in Holland. He came to the United States in 1965 and retired in 1990 having sailed Master with Lykes Lines.

10 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. Chaplain’s Report

When There Are No Seafarers, Who Will Pick Up the Refugees?

In addi- tain to find; and rescue any and all ref- pilot ladder, inspected the vessel and tion to the ugees he could find, made all the differ- then reported the situation and condi- Council of ence in the world for those 62 refugees. tions to the master. The 62 refugees American Before I started sailing as an ordi- were brought onboard with the help of Master nary seaman, and then as an AB for the the crew, and later were transferred Mariners, I Seafarer’s International Union, I read to another US-flagged ship, the Sealift am a mem- the book Adrift, by Steven Callahan. Antarctic. The LNG Virgo then proceed- ber of The What struck me was how he was near- ed to rescue more Vietnamese refugees Nautical ly run over; he launched signal flares in another fishing vessel. These rescues Institute, to alert nearby vessels; he was passed were very physically intense exercises. and serve up time and time again. He finally was The segment of the maritime industry as the rescued after 72 days when his life raft that is pushing autonomous shipping is Secretary washed ashore on a Caribbean island. quick to put forward all the perceived by Father for the Gulf When I began standing lookout, I always advantages of this “progress.” Once all Sinclair Oubre Branch kept Callahan’s story in mind. Though the great container ships, tankers, and CAMM Chaplain (Houston). the task was like watching paint dry, freighters are liberated from crews (who #3220-A O n it could be a matter of life and death as one industry person put it, “do not add November for a single sailor in a life raft, a small value to shipping”) will refugees escaping 6, 2018, we hosted Ms. Lauren fishing vessel filled with Vietnamese ref- from oppressive situations be beginning Vuong. Ms. Vuong is an attorney in ugees, or survivors in the water from voyages of death? Everything has its San Francisco, but in 1980, she was a a sunken RIB in the Florida Straits. shadow side. Will one of the shadows be very frightened little girl in the bow- Too often, the lookout is considered the terror that the lost-at-sea sailor or the els of a fishing vessel with her fami- unnecessary. European delegates at the refugee will experience, when they realize ly and 57 other Vietnamese refugees. IMO pushed heavily for single bridge- that there is no hope of rescue as the most Ms. Vuong’s father had been a mem- watch at night. And when there is a modern of ships sails past him or her? ber of the South Vietnamese Army, and lookout on the bridge, well, he or she can Note: For more information on the when Saigon fell, he was arrested and polish the brass, swab the deck, or make documentary, Finding the Virgo, spent the next three years in re-education coffee. All are more important tasks than go to: www.findingthevirgo.com. camps. During that time, Ms. Vuong’s actually looking mother, and other wives whose husbands out the window, were being held in camps, struggled and or standing out worked to hold their families together, on the bridge and to buy a boat to escape Vietnam. wing, and just lis- In June 1980, the opportunity finally tening. And then, came, and everyone set out to sail from there are auton- Vietnam to the Philippines. However, omous ships what was not expected was a tropical on the horizon. storm. The small fishing vessel was driv- When the LNG en north. What was supposed to be a Virgo came upon 5-day voyage at most, turned into a Ms. Vuong’s 10-day desperate struggle of survival. vessel, the cap- On the tenth day of harrowing jour- tain carefully ney, the US-Flagged LNG Virgo spotted maneuvered the them, brought all 62 refugees onboard, ship, placing the and saved these men, women, and chil- fishing vessel dren from the fate of tens of thousands in the lee. The Left -Right: Mrs. Arlene, Mr. Ken Nelson, LNG Virgo’s cargo engineer, Ms. of their fellow countrymen who were Cargo Engineer Lauren Vuong, Mr. Robert Hanraads, The Nautical Institute - Gulf Branch lost at sea. The sharp eye of the bow went down the Vice President, Fr. Sinclair Oubre. Mr. Nelson, serving as Cargo Engineer, was watch, and the commitment of the cap- the officer who went over the side to inspect the conditions on the fishing vessel.

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 11 Council Reports

View and Positions Report Committee reported that there were no Captain Frank Zabrocky, #1964-RU new nominees for election. The current Positions Chairman (www.mastermariner.org). It informed chapter officers will remain in place. No report available. CAMM members of how they could pos- Captain Andrews reported under Health itively affect the vote for this crucial and Welfare that Captain Jerry Benyo Sidelights and CAMM Media funding. and Patricia were in an automobile acci- Report This is an example of how CAMM dent. The car was totaled and the air Captain RJ Klein, Sidelights Editor members can be proactive in helping our bags were deployed. They were taken to a Our mailing list is now current. If any Maritime Industry. I will continue to local hospital to be checked out. Jerry is members are not receiving their mailed have posted maritime related issues for fine, but Patricia is undergoing follow-up copies please contact us at Sidelights@ CAMM members to act upon. To be effec- treatment. us.mastermariner.org. tive, I suggest that members regularly The Chapter resumed regular meetings We expect to have MAS accessible to check the “News” section of our website. on October 9th. Regular CAMM Tampa all members by the end of January 2019. Bay Chapter Meetings are held on the This will allow members to view and 2nd Vice President Report: second Tuesday of each month at the update their personal page in CAMM’s Captain Pat Moloney, #1829-RU Columbia Restaurant, 7th Ave. and 22nd data base (MAS). Members will be Report not available. St., Ybor City, Tampa, FL (except July, able to update any address changes August and September). We meet in the and their biography section. This will North Atlantic VP Report Bar at 1130. Wives and significant others help the Secretary- Treasurer, Captain Captain Frank Zabrocky, #1964-RU are invited to join us. Lunch is $20 per Aschemeyer, keep the data base current. Report not available. person. Persons attending are asked to Instructions on how to login will be made have exact amount or a check made pay- available after we have beta tested the New York Metro able to CAMM Tampa Bay Chapter. system. Captain George Sandberg, #1919-RU Chapter Captain Michael Michelson (Chapter President VP) called the meeting to order. Under 1st Vice President Report: Report not available. Old Business, members continued a dis- Captain Joe Hartnett, #2193-RF cussion on the sinking of the El Faro. Being close to Washington, DC, I do Baltimore/Washington Report Under Health and Welfare, Captain my best to keep abreast of any mari- Captain Joe Hartnett, #2193-RP Andrews reported that Captain Jim time issues that may be brought before Report not available. McCarthy is back at home following reha- Congress and are of concern to CAMM. bilitation after being hospitalized. One such issue is the appropriations of South Atlantic VP Report Members were reminded that Sunday moneys from the FY 2019 budget. The Position Vacant November 11th is Veteran’s Day. Please budget has been approved, but the allo- Report not available. remember to display the American flag cation of funds has not been approved by in a respectful manner to honor all those Congress. It was brought to my atten- Port Everglades/Miami Veterans and Merchant Mariners who tion that the funding to build a Heavy Captain Paul Coan, #3021-RU, have served our country “IN PEACE Icebreaker was cut by the House and Chapter President AND WAR”. that the bill is to be voted on before the Report not available. The meeting schedule for the 2018/2019 end of the 2018. The administration meeting year was approved. Meetings requested $750 million for icebreaker Tampa Bay will be the second Tuesday of each month procurement in FY19, and the Senate Captain Ron Meiczinger, #1747-RU, Chapter as follows: included the money in its funding bill, Secretary/Treasurer • November 13, 2018 but the House stripped it out. The final meeting of the 2017/2018 • December 11, 2018 – Annual Christmas I sent the information to CAMM’s year was held June 12th at the Columbia Luncheon. Wives & Significant Others President, Captain Jeff Cowan. The Restaurant. Captain Holden called the invited as guests of the chapter. No information was posted on our website meeting to order. The Nomination business conducted.

12 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. • January 8, 2019 ministry being performed on behalf of Prevention. She also touched on how the • February 12, 2019 Mariners. Prior to lunch, Chapter busi- USCG would conduct vessel inspections. • March 12, 2019 ness regarding the Treasurer’s report This year the Chapter has enjoyed • Saturday March 23rd, 2019 - Annual and President’s report and guidance was speakers from the Port of NOLA along Brunch at Lucky Dill in Palm Harbor conducted. with representatives of the USCG who • April 9, 2019 Our guest speaker was Ms. Andree have provided excellent insight into the • May 14, 2019 Fant, a graduate of Louisiana State projected modifications to the Port. We • June 11, 2019 – Last meeting prior to University, Vice President of Planning hope to continue this close association Summer break and Facilities of the Port of New in order to stay current with the many Orleans. In her position, she heads changes to our Port. Gulf VP Report Port Engineering, Facilities/Equipment Captain Michael McCright, #2753-S Maintenance, Sustainable Development, Houston See Houston report. and Police and Emergency Preparedness. Captain Michael McCright, #2753-S During her tenure Ms. Fant has been Summer Break - No meetings until Mobile Bay involved in the development of the October Captain Jerome “Rusty”Kilgore, Chapter Nashville and Napoleon Terminals President (major multipurpose and container facili- South Pacific VP Report and Report not available. ties). She has also overseen the purchase San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of new container cranes for the Port. Report New Orleans Ms. Fant gave a detailed descrip- CE Horace George, #3223-A, tion of the plans of the Port of New Captain Klaus “Nick” Niem, #2167-RU Chapter Secretary Orleans for the most efficient usage of October Meeting: The meeting Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday the assets. The main points of interest was held on October at Nantucket of each month (except July and August) concerned the acquisition of the Public Restaurant in Crockett. Captain Klaus at the Port Ministry Center of the Global Belt Railroad, possible uses for the Niem, President, called the meeting Maritime Ministries starting at Noon. Avondale properties and the work on the to order. A moment of silence to honor Meals are provided by volunteers at the Chalmette area. An informative Q & A longtime chapter members, Captain Jeff Mission. There is no charge for the meal, session following her presentation. Wells, retired Chevron Mooring Master but those attending are encouraged to October Meeting: Due to a scheduling and Archie McFaul, retired Compass make a donation to the Chapter which conflict, we had to cancel our October Adjuster. Smooth seas and following then donates all proceeds to the Ministry meeting. winds, gentlemen. Center. November Meeting: The November 14 Members were reminded that the September Meeting: On September 12, meeting was hosted by Chaplain Phil Chapter’s new fiscal year has begun. our meeting was hosted by Chaplain Phil Vandercook and he gave a report on Details for dues payment are now on the Vandercook, Port Chaplain and Director Port activities from his point of view. Chapter Webpage at www.mastermari- of the GM. He brought the members President Ed Higgins and Treasurer ner.org/. up to date regarding the work by the Horace George gave their business Guests included Captain Sam reports and commented on items of Pecota, Master of the TS Golden Bear, Apostleship of the Sea - concern to CAMM. The members were Midshipman Ryan Hoeger, California United States of America reminded that earlier in the year the Maritime 2019, Captain Nikolai annual dues for the local chapter were Sinkevich, Retired APL Commodore, The professional association of raised to $20. This was by a unanimous Captain Scott Jones, Southwest Alaska Catholic Mariners and the official vote and will go into effect January Pilot, and Captain Nicholas Lewis, Organization for Catholic Cruise Ship Priests and Maritime Ministers 2019. CMA Professor & CAMM Cadet Faculty Treasurer George had the plea- Advisor. Please contact us if you are sure of introducing the guest speaker, Midshipman Ryan Hoeger was first interested in becoming an Commander Tracy Phillips of the USCG. in total celestial sights on this year’s AOS-USA member! Commander Phillips is head of the cruise to the South Pacific as part of the 1500 Jefferson Drive Prevention and Planning section of the Fred B. Newton Celestial Navigation Port Arthur, TX 77642 Coast Guard. She covered the present Challenge. Captain Chriss Carson ’75 [email protected] Voice: 409.985.4545 and future plans for proper usage of the 2D presented Midshipman Hoeger a port from the USCG’s perspective. This www.aos-usa.org includes considering safety and Pollution Continued next page >>>

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 13 In the Council

Los Angeles/Long Beach President, Captain Vic Faulkner encour- Captain Dave Boatner, #2162-RU, Chapter ages local members to attend and bring President a friend. We discuss local, national, and The Los Angeles – Long Beach chapter international Maritime Events. National refurbished 1960’s vintage Plath sextant of CAMM continues to meet the second CAMM members are always welcome. to honor his achievement. Midshipman Tuesday of the month at the Think Café Hoeger was Division Commander of on 5th Street in San Pedro. We usually Seattle PNW Division 1D which won the $1,000 award have a core group of about 6 with a few Captain Doug Subcleff, #2329-RU, Chapter for the division with the most celestial active masters dropping in as their sched- Secretary sights. ule allows. Of note, through the efforts September: At the September 13th If you would like to donate to the of CAMM President Captain Cowan, we meeting, Chapter President, Captain RJ now have a USMM Flag to Klein, gave a recap of the Bob Magee display at our meetings. Memorial Golf Tournament. Preliminary The chapter remains returns indicate that it was a successful active in supporting the tournament in regard to money raised, US Merchant Marine in but the number of players was down. We the area. We participate have found that there is a conflict with in supporting the American another Maritime golf tournament and Merchant Marine Veteran’s expect to resolve that conflict next year. Memorial and several of our Vice President, Captain Chuck members are also members Lun,d spoke about a variety of news- of the memorial committee. worthy maritime topics, including the In addition, we have mem- Mumbai Maersk’s world record 19,038 bers who are active in var- TEU load for a trip from Malaysia to ious committees throughout Rotterdam. Another Maersk story: the the LA/LB Harbor. For those successful trial voyage of the sub-Pan- who are interested, there is amax ship, Venta Maersk, taking the a new LA Harbor camera, Northern Sea route from Vladivostok to which can be accessed via St Petersburg (37 days) using certified Ice the Internet at: Pilots during the entire transit. https://youtu.be/ October: Held on October 10th, this OaQgkv0CmEA or https:// was one of two special meetings that www.youtube.com/ the Chapter holds each year (the other watch?v=t7V5gJ-aeG0 is the February meeting – Women in Links courtesy of Captain the Maritime). Over 60 people attended Jack Guest a local CAMM our two-part Recognition Day Luncheon. Chapter member and retired The agenda began with a check presen- USCG Captain of the Port of tation to the Youth Maritime Training Los Angeles. Association (YMTA), run by Puget Sound Maritime (PSM). Puget Sound Maritime Captain Chriss Carson (CMA’75) presents Midshipman Hoeger North Pacific VP Report ,representative, Mr. Roger Ottenbach with a 1960’s vintage Plath sextant to honor his achievement. Captain Cal Hunziker, #2457- accepted the $10,000 check and said that Midshipman Hoeger helped his Division D1win the $1,000 award for the division with the most celestial sights. R it will be used in support of YMTA, Report not available. including the annual scholarship program and the high school Outreach Initiative. perpetual annual Cal Maritime Fred B. Columbia River Following the meal, Chapter President, Newton Navigation Challenge for next Captain Bill Good, #1924-RU, Chapter Captain RJ Klein, introduced this year’s year and beyond, kindly contact Captain Secretary Maritime Person of the Year, Ms. Julie Jim Morgan at jim.morgan@marisolve. The Columbia River Chapter continues Keim. This was the 31st time CAMM com. to hold meetings the 2nd Friday of each Seattle has honored a Maritime Person month, except June, July and August. of the Year, and Keim joins prominent We meet at noon at the Jantzen Beach past recipients such as Captain John Cox Bar and Grill in Portland. Chapter (Black Ball Ferry CEO), Tom Crowley,

14 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. Sr. (Crowley Maritime founder), Bob Magee (TOTE CEO) and Captain Deborah Dempsey (Distinguished Master Mariner). Julie is the founder and CEO of Compass Courses Maritime Training. Established in 2001, her school is located in Edmonds, WA and she has trained over 17,000 mariners. (Note: Both these events are featured in the December issue of Sidelights). Seattle Chapter Treasurer, Captain Don Moore, once again did an excellent job to manage this special luncheon. In addition to restaurant arrangements and RSVP notices, Don was also respon- sible for getting the Award Plaque pre- pared. Ms. Jackie Moore also did her part with those meticulously made choc- olate table treats, including a colorful Compass Courses logo on one of them! The Executive Committee met on October 30th at Associate Member Pat Hartle’s residents’. Pat has been recovering from a heart condition The Head table at the luncheon. Going around the table from L-R: Ms Fran Dunaway, Ms Catherine Collins, at the Providence Mt. St. Vincent Ms Julie Keim, Ms Gladys Gillis, Captain RJ Klein, Mr. Roger Ottenbach, and Ms Naomi Gonzales Center and the Committee want- ed to make sure “The Pat Hartle Report” was included in the meeting. the message was found and the let- Items discussed included next year’s Golf ter sent to Captain Klein’s daugh- Tournament, a discussion on the poten- ter, Dru. The bottle was found on tial of CAMM Seattle’s involvement with Hawklins Beach, Caicos Islands, Virginia V training session in December, 230 miles SExE from where it first and ongoing research into the idea of entered the ocean. This led to a assisting Tahoma National Cemetery to spirited discussion about ocean cur- have a Merchant Marine plaque and rents and the route the bottle may pedestal place alongside the five Armed have taken to reach its destination. Services plaques. Also discussed was the We checked the Guinness World French court case involving a cruise ship Record for oldest message in a bot- air pollution violation and the charges tle (97 years – 309 days).The text against the American master, Captain concerning the record reads: A drift Evans Hoyt, a graduate of USMMA. bottle released out to sea on June November: As there was no outside 10, 1914 by Captain C. Hunter speaker at the November 8th meeting, Brown was recovered by UK fisher- Chapter President, Captain RJ Klein, man Andrew Leaper almost 98 years Special chocolates prepared by Ms. Jackie Moore for gave a power point presentation of later, on April 12, 2012. Brown was each guest at the Recognition Day Luncheon. The Life “Message in a Bottle.” His presenta- a scientist at the Glasgow School Ring is used in Compass Courses Logo. tion told the story of a letter he had of Navigation studying the currents written in 1989 to his then 11-year-old of the North Sea, and the bottle was find out the direction of the deep cur- daughter. The message had been placed one of 1,890 released on June 10, 1914. rents of the North Sea.” The bottle was in a bottle and thrown overboard from The message inside read: “Please state discovered 9.38 nautical miles from the the Sea-Land Expedition when the ship where and when this card was found, position it was originally deployed. was traveling in the Antilles current and then put it in the nearest Post Office. en route to Jacksonville, FL. Fourteen You will be informed in reply where and and a half years later the bottle with when it was set adrift. Our object is to

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 15 In the Council

CAMM Continues to Support Youth Maritime Training

On August 30th, the Seattle Chapter of nament check the Council of American Master Mariners presentation to (CAMM) hosted the Bob Magee Memorial Puget Sound Golf Tournament. This was the eleventh Maritime rep- year the Chapter has hosted the event resentative, at Mt. Si Golf Course. All proceeds go to Mr. Roger the Youth Maritime Training Association Ottenbach. (YMTA). YMTA is a unique program The $10,000 in the state of Washington; the goal will be used is to expand youth awareness of the in support of opportunities available in the maritime Youth Maritime industry and facilitate training and edu- Training cation opportunities (www.YMTA.net ). Association, In late 2007, the Seattle Chapter of including the the Council, recognized that as older annual schol- workers retired, the Maritime Industry arship program would be in urgent need of replacement and the high employees at all levels. For this to happen school Outreach 2018 Bob Magee Memorial Golf Tournament Winners - From Ocean Peace ,young people need to become aware and initiative interested in the Merchant Marine. With this in mind, the Seattle Chapter focused About YMTA on one of the key tenets of CAMM’s YMTA was Mission statement “…We are committed founded in 1996 to the promotion of nautical education the and since its improvement of training standards….” initial develop- Several members were aware of YMTA ment, has grown and it was decided that the Chapter would in a variety of support YMTA, by offering our expertise ways. In 2007, and financial support to the program. under the direc- To generate funds for YMTA, it was tion of Mr. Gary decided that the Chapter would host a Stouffer, YMTA golf tournament. In addition to raising offered its first money for YMTA it would was a good way scholarship, the for CAMM to become better known in the Norm Manley local Maritime Industry. In October of Scholarship. 2008, CAMM Seattle presented YMTA That same year Seattle Chapter President Captain RJ Klein, presents Roger Ottenbach with a $10,000 check for YMTA. with a check for $2,700. At that time this the Council represented a third of YMTA’s operat- of American ing budget. Since 2009, CAMM’s name Master Mariners gave YMTA the pro- to raise awareness of maritime careers. has been on the top scholarship award ceeds for the first golf tournament which By the end of 2015, PSM was actively of $5,000. Over the years, the tourna- had been held for the benefit of YMTA. expanding the YMTA program. These ment has grown and CAMM has donated One of the most prominent chang- efforts included increased participation over $88,000 to YMTA. In addition to es was the merger with the non-profit in high school career fairs, a redesigned the scholarship in CAMM’s name, the Puget Sound Maritime – PSM (previ- YMTA website for greater youth, parent funds are used for operating expenses. ously Puget Sound Maritime Historical and school career counselor use, and This year, our Recognition Day lun- Society). YMTA is a separate group new involvement in statewide maritime cheon agenda began with the golf tour- within PSM and continues the effort workforce development initiatives.

16 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. In the Industry

A Maritime Disaster and Boston’s CAMM Continues to Support Youth Maritime Training Christmas Tree

During World War I, Boston’s response to a devastating explosion in Halifax Harbor created a bond between the cities

The explosions by atomic bombs are greater. idents at the time and nearly a quar- Collision In Halifax, children were preparing ter of the population was left homeless. The clock for school and dockworkers were chang- In 1999, the city installed a new clock that sits ing shifts. Nearly all structures with- at City Hall. In memory of the nearly atop of the in a half-mile radius were obliterated. 2,000 Haligonians who died in after- City Hall in A pressure wave snapped trees, bent math of this marine disaster, the clock by Sidelights Staff Halifax, is permanently set a 9:04 am. That is when a mammoth shock wave caused the clock to stop on December 6, 1917 - Halifax never reset it. The shock wave was the result of a collision between the SS Imo and the SS Mont Blanc. It was a clear morning when the Imo, a Norwegian ship in ballast collided with the French ship Mont Blanc, which was laden with explosives. The colli- sion occurred at approximately 0845 in the Narrows, a strait between Halifax Harbor and Bedford Basin. The Mont Blanc was carrying nearly 3,000 tons of explosives, including picric acid, TNT, and guncotton to Bordeaux, France bound for the Allied war effort. The Imo was sailing for New York to pick up Halifax, NS: Looking north from a grain elevator towards Acadia Sugar Refinery, circa 1900, showing the a cargo of grain destined for Belgian. area later devastated by the 1917 explosion. The initial judicial inquiry found Mont Blanc to have been responsible for iron rails, and demolished buildings. A was fixed at 9:04:35 – the time the the disaster, but a later appeal deter- tsunami like wave grounded vessels, clock was stopped by the explosion. mined that both vessels were to blame. including Imo. The wave also wiped out The collision caused the Mont Blanc the community of the Mi'kmaq First Relief to catch fire and the crew abandon ship. Nation in the Tufts Cove area. A Half-ton Hospitals filled quickly as relief efforts The fire quickly grew out of control and fragment from the Mont Blanc’s anchor began immediately after the disaster. A at 0904 the Mont Blanc exploded. The along with a rudder hinge were recovered blizzard made conditions in the city worse. resulting blast leveled much of Halifax. 2 miles from where the ships collid- Temporary shelters were constructed Approximately 2,000 people were killed ed. Wood burning stoves and kerosene to house the homeless. Boston officials by the blast and an estimated 9,000 lamps (this was 1917) toppled and started learned of the disaster by telegraph, and others were injured. At the time, it was fires that destroyed entire neighborhoods. the largest man-made explosion – only Halifax had approximately 60,000 res- Continued on page 18 >>> In the Industry

Halifax >>>Cont’d from page 17

from across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. However, it was the train from Boston that had the biggest impact. The Boston train arrived at about 0300 on December 8th and immediately began distributing food, water, and medical sup- plies. Doctors and other personal were able to relieve the Nova Scotia medical staff who had been working nearly non- stop since the explosion. It was Boston doctors who took many of the worst cases, performing surgeries and tending to those blinded by the flying debris from the explosion. Abraham Captain “Cap” Ratshesky, a well-known Boston immigrant stood out in the band of responders from Boston. Cap Ratshesky was head of the Committee on Public Safety which was formed in early 1917 as an emergency response group when it became clear the U.S. would enter World A view across the devastation of Halifax two days after the explosion, looking toward the War I. When Massachusetts Governor Dartmouth side of the harbor. SS Imo is visible aground on the far side of the harbor Samuel W. McCall heard about the climbed out of Halifax explosion, he knew who should the train in lead the aid expedition from Boston. the snowstorm Ratshesky later wrote of the Canadian to help shovel railway official who met the Boston train, the tracks. A “Tears streamed down his cheeks” and relief ship from he said, “Just like the people of good Boston soon old Massachusetts.” Debris had not been followed and removed from the streets and it took a relief rally the relief party a great deal of hard held in Faneuil work to reach the city center. The emer- Hall collected gency responders found a city in chaos $100,000 in the with buildings shattered on all sides. first hour (A loaf Despite having injured his back in a of bread cost 7 fall, Cap Ratshesky oversaw the conver- cents in 1917). sion of undamaged buildings to hospi- “BOSTON tals. He sent to Boston for a supply of RUSHES building material and glass to be used RELIEF to replace broken windows and provide SPECIAL”, shelter from the blizzard’s aftermath. Explosion aftermath: Halifax’s Exhibition Building. The final body from the explosion was found here in 1919 was the head- He organized relief stations and ad hoc line in The committees to coordinate aid, logistics, Boston Post the housing, and other facets needed for quickly dispatched a relief train around day after the explosion. While trains the disaster relief. A survivor of the 2200 the same day. The train was imped- from central and the north- explosion, Young Hoganson called him, ed by the blizzard but those aboard were eastern United States were delayed by simply, “the hero of dear old Halifax.” so determined to reach Halifax that they blizzards, rescue trains began to arrive

18 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. The Tree In 1918, Halifax sent a Christmas tree to the City of Boston in thanks and remembrance for the help that the Boston Red Cross and the Massachusetts Public Safety Committee had provided imme- diately after the disaster. That gift was revived in 1971 by the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association, with Joseph Slauenwhite donating the first two trees. Thus, began a 47-year tradition of the Province of Nova Scotia donating a large Christmas tree to the city of Boston to acknowledge their sup- port after the Mont Blanc explosion. The Nova Scotia Government now ensures that the goodwill gesture is con- tinued. Because of the significance of the tree, the Nova Scotia Department of SS Imo aground on the Dartmouth side of the harbor after the explosion. Note the “Belgium Relief” banner on the side of the ship.( Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management / Canadian Navy Heritage Project)

emony that brings people line the streets and highway over- representatives from passes to see the tree. The tree travels the Province, the U.S. over 750 miles, first by truck across Nova Consulate, local school Scotia, then on a ferry across the Bay of children along with Fundy before continuing by land to Boston. the Royal Canadian In 2013, the tree was led out of Halifax Mounted Police, a town by a group of runners in honor of vic- crier, an Antigonish tims of the Boston Marathon bombings. bagpiper, and Santa The tree is Boston's official Christmas Claus. There is a Grand tree and is lit on Parade in Halifax for throughout the holiday season. the public send-off and

Mont Blanc Anchor Site

Natural Resources has specific guidelines for its selection. It must be a balsam fir, white spruce or red spruce, 40 to 50 ft tall, healthy with good color, medium to heavy density, uniform and symmetrical and easy to access. The trees rarely come from tree farms as qualifying trees need open land to enable them to grow tall and full. The province also donates small- er trees to Rosie's Place and the Pine Street Inn, homeless shelters in Boston. Transporting the tree is not easy. It requires special transport permits to trav- el through Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Maine. There is a tree cutting cer- A Santa and a Town Crier greet the Halifax Christmas tree at the Boston Commons.

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 19 Council of American Master Mariners Professional Development Conference and Annual General Meeting April 24-26, 2019, San Diego, CA Who Is Really in Command of the Ship? Agenda Wed – April 24th Golf - Location TBD, Arrival and Hospitality Rm Open in PM Thurs – April 25th CAMM Professional Development Conference Who’s Really in Command of the Ship? Guest outing to local attraction Thursday Night Social Event Fri – April 26th CAMM Annual General Meeting Guest outing to local attraction Closing Dinner Keynote Speaker Lalonde Award Venue & Accommodations Meeting will be at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina 2051 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106 Phone: (619) 222-0561

CAMM room rate is $156.66 per night all inclusive. To book that rate for the meeting dates, use this link (be sure to scroll down for the CAMM rate): https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.05326.html?groupId=9K9XB8A8 If you would like to arrive earlier than the 24th or stay beyond the 27th, call 619-222-0561 and speak with Kyle Gordon, our reservations manager. The link will not work for dates beyond the 24 – 27. Note: Term &Conditions: Room types not guaranteed. Room accommodations will be determined upon arrival.

20 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. Council of American Master Mariners 2019 Sponsorships Professional Development Conference & Annual General Meeting April 24-26, 2019 San Digeo CA

Meeting Sponsorships Other Sponsorships Gold – $3,000 These Sponsorships include: • Includes your company’s logo featured on the CAMM Annual • Acknowledgments made from the lectern prior to the event Meeting web page and in Sidelights, CAMM’s magazine, and • Company logo displayed as sponsor for the specific event on all event-related materials • Company logo posted on CAMM’s website on the annual • Inclusion of company promotional item in the Welcome Kit meeting web page and in Sidelights given to all attendees • Company logo in all event-related materials • Six-foot table for promotional display • Check website for Availability at: www.mastermariner.org/ • Acknowledgments made from the lectern during all meetings Social Event Sponsor - $1,000 – Two (2) Available • Six (6) Tickets to the Thursday Night Social Event • Logo/Banner display at event • Six (6) Tickets to the Friday Night Closing Banquet • 4 Tickets to event Silver - $2,000 Hospitality Suite & Bar - $500/night – Three (3) Available • Includes your company’s logo listed on the CAMM Annual Logo/Banner displayed in suite . Please indicate your preference Meeting web page and in Sidelights, CAMM’s magazine, and • oWednesday CAMM on all event-related materials • oThursday CAMM PDC • Acknowledgments made from the lectern during all meetings • oFriday: CAMM AGM • Four (4) Tickets to the Thursday Night Social Event Luncheon Breaks- $500/break – Two (2) Available • Four (4) Tickets to the Friday Night Closing Banquet Logo/Banner display in serving area.. Please indicate your Bronze - $1,000 preference • Includes your company’s logo listed on the CAMM Annual • oThursday CAMM PDC Meeting web page and in Sidelights, CAMM’s magazine, and • oFriday: CAMM AGM on all event-related materials Coffee Breaks & Breakfast - $200/break – Six (6) Available • Two (2) Tickets to Thursday Night Social Event Logo/Banner displayed in suite + Above mentioned. Please • Two (2) Tickets to the Friday Night Closing Banquet indicate your preference. Master Mariner - $500 • Thursday Professional Development Conference Includes your name or company’s logo listed on the CAMM oBreakfast oMorning oAfternoon Annual Meeting web page and in Sidelights, CAMM’s maga- • Friday: Annual General Meeting 0 zine, and on all event-related materials oBreakfast oMorning oAfternoon Contributor - $100 Closing Banquet Table $750 • Includes your name or company’s logo listed on the CAMM • Four (4) tickets to the Closing Banquet Annual Meeting web page and in Sidelights, CAMM’s maga- • Logo Displayed as part of the table center piece zine, and on all event-related materials Promotional Display Items & Welcome Kit • Gold and Silver Sponsors – Send your promotional items any time after April 15th to Island Palms Hotel and Marina, Attn: Andrea Davis, 2051 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, CA 92106

To become a Sponsor please fill out this from and mail with your payment, or pay online at https://client.pointandpay.net/web/ CAMM/ (Select Tickets/Donate): Name/Company Name: ______Contact person:______Sponsorship: ______Sponsorship Amount: $______Email address: ______Phone: ______Make Checks payable to CAMM AGM 2019 and send to: CAMM AGM 2019 C/O Captain Manny Aschemeyer 30623 Chilhuahua Valley Rd. Warner Spring, CA 92086-9220 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 21 Crossed the Final Bar

Captain Henry Nelson Helgesen, CAMM #1864 – RU

Captain Henry Nelson Helgesen of Wilmington, NC died June 12, 2018 at his residence. He was ninety-three. Captain Helgesen will be remembered by CAMM members for taking the lead in establishing the newest Merchant Marine Memorial in Wilmington, NC. Sidelights featured the story of the establishment of this memo- rial in the October 2017 edition. Captain Helgesen was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY on November 1, 1925, the son of Captain Nels Helgesen, of the National Maritime Hall of Fame, and Helene Sorhaug Helgesen. He graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY in 1945 with a Third Mate’s license and a com- mission as an Ensign USNR. During WWII, as a young Midshipman, he served on a civilian manned US Naval Troopship in the Atlantic and Pacific War Zones. After graduation, he sailed on merchant vessels with the Atlantic, Gulf and West Indies Steamship Company (AGWI) and its subsidiaries the NY & Puerto Rico Steamship Co. and the NY & Cuba Mail Steamship Co., becoming a Master Mariner and First Class Pilot. His service with the AGWI was interrupted by the Korean War, when he was called up for active duty from 1949 to 1950. Captain Helgesen left the merchant service in 1956 and joined the US Coast Guard with a direct commission. He was assigned to Wilmington as the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Office from 1968-1971. It was a busy time with 75% of the ammunition for Vietnam being loaded at Sunny Point Terminal. Captain Helgesen raised the worldwide participation in Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) to an all-time high. He said that this was his most gratifying assignment. While Chief of the Information Systems Division of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area, headquartered in NY City on Governors Island, he developed and implemented the first computerized methods of planning and prosecution of Search and Rescue operations (SAR) for use in the Coast Guard with worldwide applications.Captain Helgesen retired in 1982 from the Coast Guard 7th Coast Guard District at Miami, FL where he managed the Commercial Marine Vessel Safety, Port Safety and Security, and the Environmental Protection Programs. After retirement he worked as a maritime consultant and legal maritime expert. He was also a lecturer on numerous ocean cruise line vessels. Henry enjoyed everything nautical and continued pursuing his study of maritime history and the sea for his entire life. He was a member of numerous professional and historical maritime organizations – including the Council of American Master Mariners. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marianne Nyman Helgesen. They were frequent visitors to both Norway and Sweden and traveled extensively throughout the world during their marriage of 54 years. He is survived by a sister, Grace Friend, and nieces and nephews in the US, Sweden, and Norway.

Captain Bertram O. Christensen, CAMM # 621-L

Captain Bertram O.”Chris” Christensen, 90, of Bayville, passed away on January 14, 2017. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY in 1926, he lived in Linden, NJ for many years before moving to Bayville. Educated at the Metropolitan Maritime Trade School in New York City, he entered the Maritime Service in February, 1942 at age 16. During the War, he served with distinction on tankers and trans- port vessels in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea. Two of the ships on which he sailed were torpedoed and sunk off the coast of Africa. After the second vessel was torpedoed, he and other crew members floated on a life raft for several days until they were rescued and taken to South Africa. He earned the Atlantic-Mediterranean-Middle East and Pacific Campaign Medals, including a combat bar with stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. In 1944, Captain Christensen obtained his third mate’s license and, after the war, began a career with Standard Oil of New Jersey (later Esso and Exxon). During that time, he earned his Unlimited Master’s License and rose to become one of Exxon’s senior Captains. In one of his final assignments, he became one of a handful of Exxon tanker Captains to pilot a supertanker into Port Valdez, Alaska, when the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline first opened. He sailed with Exxon until his retirement in 1982. He was so well respected as a Merchant Marine Captain, he often lectured at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, NY. He was a proud member of several veterans’ organizations and was an active member of CAMM (NY/NJ Chapter. Captain Christensen was made a Life Member in the late 1990s. He worked long and hard to obtain veteran status for Merchant Mariners who proudly served the United States (as he did) in World War II and was Past President of the Denis Roland Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Association.He is survived by his loving partner, Eunice Casabona; two daughters -- Karen Scaturo and her husband Joseph; and Barbara McAuliffe and her husband William -- a brother Ronald; six grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

22 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. In the Industry

Agreement Reached on Minimum Wage for Seafarers

The Inter- two very different assessments about seafarers and the ongoing ITF cabotage national what the future holds for shipping and campaign. ITF affiliate, the Norwegian Transport seafarers”, admitted Mark Dickinson, Seafarers Union (NSU), won the fight to Workers the Seafarers’ Group spokesperson. keep the vessels under the Norwegian Federation “We started slowly but gained momen- Ordinary Ship Register (NOR), securing (ITF) and tum as the parties exchanged opin- the jobs and maintaining the wages and the Inter- ions and provided arguments to sup- conditions of 700 Norwegian seafarers. national port their positions. There was strong Johnny Hansen, NSU president, told Chamber opposition from the shipowners’ side the ITF: “This is a victory for these brave of Shipping for a significant increase. However, I seafarers, which has only been possible Courtesy (ICS) have am pleased that at the end pragma- because of the solidarity from the labor Maritime Executive agreed to tism and common sense prevailed.” movement and the ITF family. Pressure update the Max Johns, the Shipowners’ Group from the international trade union move- minimum monthly wage for an able sea- spokesperson, explained that “Following ment has yielded results. This result farer by $27 over the next three years. active discussions on the current dif- means that Color Line – a profitable ship- The decision was reached at the Joint ficult challenges facing our indus- ping company – cannot replace national Maritime Commission Subcommittee try and the importance of preserving seafarers with cheaper foreign labor.” on Seafarers Wages to review the ILO future employment for seafarers, I am Reprinted by kind permission from the Minimum Wage for an Able Seafarer very pleased to advise that we were Maritime Executive (November 22, 201/8) (AB) provided for in Code B of the able to work together to come to an Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 (as acceptable result for both parties.” amended) which was held in Geneva. In Norway, the ITF has also secured The wages will provide an overall what it sees as a positive outcome for increase of 4.5 percent on the current seafarers. The Norwegian Government rate of $614, with an increase of $4 as has ruled against the reflagging of of July 1, 2019, followed by an increase Color Line vessels under the Norwegian of $7 as of January 1, 2020 and a final International Ship Register (NIS) flag. increase of $16 as of January 1, 2021. The ITF says the decision is a significant “This was a difficult negotiation with and hard-fought victory for Norwegian

Malcolm MacIntyre , CAMM # 2608-S

Malcolm Scott MacIntyre, 93, of Redding, CT, died at home Friday December 22, 2017. Born in New York City, he was an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine after attending and graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY in 1944. Malcolm served as an officer on an attack transport ship in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He attained his unlimit- ed Master’s (Captain’s) License but came ashore shortly thereafter to marry and raise a family. Nonetheless, he was a proud member of The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. – which he faithfully supported for over 45 years.After “swallowing the anchor,” he was a partner in a die casting company; managed a factory in Mexico, and then became a school teacher. He taught Social Studies at Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield, CT for 20 years until his retirement. He received a BS from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; a BA from Hobart College, and a MA from Columbia Teacher’s College. He will be remembered for his infectious love of learning, his sense of humor, and for all the wonderfully animated stories he loved to tell, leaving everyone he knew feeling special.He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anita, a daughter, Robina (and her husband, Malcolm Marshall - and their son Malcolm “Callum”), a son, Scott MacIntyre (and his wife Jeanne), and their daughter Callie.

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 23 CAMM in the Industry

Cadet Chapter at California Maritime Academy Receives Charter Document

CMA Cadet Chapter

On October 24, the CAMM Cadet Chapter at California State University Maritime Academy (CSUMA or CMA) in Vallejo, CA conducted its Director of Labor Relations & Operations organize field trips to expose cadets to opening meeting for the 2018-2019 aca- at Patriot Contract Services; Captain various operations and activities with- demic year. The meeting began with Andy Murray (# 2991-RU), San Francisco in the local waterfront business com- Captain Manny Aschemeyer, CAMM’s Bar Pilots’ Association; Captain Hans munity. They expect to tour to one of National Secretary/Treasurer, present- Amador, served as Master of GTS; Admiral the San Francisco Bay Area container ing the Chapter’s Charter Document to Wm. M. Callaghan; Port Engineer Grant terminals, visit a working ship in port, their President Cadet Tom Christofk (# Donesley, Chevron Shipping Company tour the USCG Vessel Traffic Service 3422-A). The Charter officially recognizes LLC.; and Captain Nick Lewis (# 3034- Center and the Martine Exchange, visit the group as a CAMM Cadet Chapter. RU), Cadet Chapter Faculty Advisor. various Port Authorities in Northern In addition to Chapter President Each panelist outlined their respective California, visit the San Francisco Christofk, they have elected Cadet career paths and detailed their chal- Bar and Bay Pilots Head Quarters Aaron Harman, Vice President lenges, accomplishments, surprises and and visit a tug and barge company. (# 3458-AC), Cadet James Brook, satisfactions during their career. An Any cadet interested in joining the Treasurer (#3467-AC), Cadet Charles extensive question and answer session CAMM Cadet Chapter at CSUMA and McDonald, and Secretary (# 3421-AC). followed. The cadets in attendance found thereby becoming an Associate Cadet The meeting featured a panel of this meeting worthwhile as it enabled Member with CAMM National, should Maritime Professionals who shared their them to hear directly from experienced contact Chapter President Cadet Tom personal experiences, perspectives, and maritime professionals who had careers Christofk at [email protected] advice for pursuing various maritime at sea and ashore. Many in attendance ner.org or the CAMM Faculty Advisor, careers after graduation from CMA. picked up a CAMM membership appli- Captain Nick Lewis. Additional info about The panel was a big draw and there cation and we expect to see some real the CAMM Cadet Chapter at CSUMA was standing room only at the Compass growth for the CMA Cadet Chapter. can be found at their website: https:// Room. The Panel was moderated by The CMA Cadet Chapter will con- www.cmacamm.wixsite.com/home Captain Aschemeyer and consisted of tinue to offer informative and topical Captain Margaret Reasoner (# 3481-A), meetings. The Chapter also intends to

24 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. A Passion for Excellence! Ms. Julie Keim, Seattle Pacific Northwest Chapter’s Maritime Person of the Year

The private dining room at McCormick courses and has trained & Schmick’s restaurant in Bellevue was over 17,000 mariners. filled to the max on this special day to Keim is rightly proud of her honor Ms. Julie K. Keim. Julie Keim was school and especially the life- selected as CAMM Seattle’s 2018 Maritime boat davit. In 2009 the life- Person of the Year. Friends and fellow boat training requirements maritime educators were in attendance for the AB course were get- to honor the founder of Compass Courses. ting difficult to manage as it Keim has described herself as an entre- necessitated a trip to Clatsop preneur with a little bit of maritime Community College where experience. Her early years in Nampa, Compass Courses was able ID, included fishing with her brothers to rent a lifeboat training and water-skiing on Lake Lowell. During davit. This required a 420- her college years in Alaska, she fished mile round trip which placed on the Kenai River and played champi- a considerable burden on onship tennis at the Anchorage Racket the school and the students. Club. In the mid-1990s, she relocated Unable to find a closer mari- to Seattle and began work as a deck- time training school that was hand on passenger vessels with Alaska willing to share their equip- Sightseeing / Cruise West, accumulating ment, Keim explored the enough sea time to get a 100-ton Master possibility of acquiring her Julie Keim with mentor and long time friend Chuck Spence. Chuck license. On the Spirit of Endeavor, own gravity davit. She found has joined Julie as an instructor at Compass Courses Spirit of 98, Spirit of Columbia, she one that was being scrapped voyaged to Alaska, Columbia River, from a Liberty Ship, SS Gulf Farmer. been a strong supporter to Puget Sound Sacramento River, and south to Baja. Keim took on the project at consider- Maritime’s YMTA scholarship program. It was during the processes of cer- able expense and personally traveled to CAMM Seattle’s Recognition Day tification and shipping out that Julie Brownsville, TX to accompany the boat Luncheon has been an excellent venue began to realize there could be a better and davit back to Seattle. At Compass for CAMM to interact with the Puget way of doing the training which would Courses the davit was re-assembled per Sound Maritime Community. Many in make mariners and their work environ- naval architect plans; but Keim went a attendance learned about CAMM and ments safer. She ventured shoreside and step further – she had the davit installed its Mission for the first time. Especially worked at Seattle Maritime Academy on a flatbed to make it portable. The davit noteworthy this year were the many from 1999 -2001. One of her instructors, is USCG certified and is the jewel of her people who stood up to express acco- Chuck Spence, recognized her ability to training tools. Compass Courses is one lades about Maritime Person of the Year teach and encouraged her to keep at it. of only six maritime training schools in recipient Julie K. Keim. One of the more In early 2001, Keim, along with a the U.S. to have this piece of equipment. memorable quotations was from mari- couple of business partners, established In 2017, Keim was named the recip- time educator Chuck Spence, who stated: Compass Courses Maritime Training in ient of the first Seattle Propeller Club “Mariners need an advocate…. and they Edmonds, WA. The school’s first class, Maritime Social Good Award, given in got one with Julie Keim….” Basic Safety Training (BST) certifica- recognition of “the extraordinary work Julie Keim’s passion for mari- tion, was held in April 2001. Over the she has done in the Seattle commu- time training excellence is further years, classes, students, and certificates nity and beyond.” In the previ- evidenced by her participation on increased. Compass Courses serves 2,000 ous year, she had provided more than the Maritime Education Standards to 2,700 students annually. Currently, $54,000 in scholarships to mariners at the school has up to 26 USCG-certified Compass Courses. In addition, Keim has Contined next page >>>

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 25 CAMM in the Industry

CAMM at 2018 California Maritime Academy Career Fair!

Fall Larry Teague, SF Bay Area Career Fair Chapter Vice President; and Expo. The Cadet Tom Christofk, CAMM Fair was Cadet Chapter President. held on Oct CAMM’s booth attracted near- 23, on the ly 30 cadets who inquired about CSUMA CAMM. Many took CAMM (CMA) handout materials and member- campus in ship applications. Visitors also Vallejo, CA. included Academy President, CAMM was RADM Tom Cropper (# 3338-H); one of over Captain Sam Pecota (# 3204- 60 compa- RU); Master of the T/S GOLDEN nies, organi- BEAR, Robert Arp; CMAF zations, and Director and Vice President for agencies Development; and Eric Cooper, that partici- Director of Alumni Affairs. pated in the fair. The CAMM display pro- Several CMA Faculty and vided information and history on the orga- recent graduates (who were look- nization while stating the advantage and ing for job opportunities) found Captain Manny Aschemeyer,and Cadet Tom Christofk. pertinence for helping CMA Cadets pur- their way to the CAMM booth. They were education and afforded an opportunity to sue their career paths after graduation. told about CAMM and its mission and expand CAMM’s membership. Plans are in The CAMM information booth was given membership applications. The fair place for CAMM to attend the Spring 2019 staffed by Captain Manny Aschemeyer, was an excellent occasion to demonstrate Career Fair scheduled for February. National Secretary/Treasurer; Captain CAMM’s strong commitment to maritime

Keim >>> Cont’d from page 25

Julie Keim with her 2018 Maritime Person of the Year plaque, and past The Pride of Compass Courses. Their own portable gravity lifeboat davit. winners (L-R) Pat Hartle, Captains Deborah Dempsey, and Don Moore. This allows for hands on training for future mariners.

Council (MESC) which is a coalition of maritime schools working together to improve the quality of maritime educa- tion and to work closely with the USCG’s National Maritime Center to ensure compliance with policies and standards. A sign on the bulkhead at Compass Courses sums up Julies passion: “Train Like You Give a Damn!”

26 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. In the Industry

Admiral Jack Buono Takes Command at Kings Point

Maritime Academy (USMMA) at a spirited change Admini- of command ceremony at Kings Point. strator Maritime Administrator, Rear Mark Buzby Admiral, Mark H. Buzby, U.S. Navy announced (Ret.), kicked off the afternoon ceremo- Jack Buono ny, held in Ackerman Auditorium, by as the new officially introducing the new superinten- towards a shipmate is an act of disre- superin- dent to the Regiment of Midshipmen and spect towards the Regiment. Similarly, tendent for the Academy community-at-large. In his any act of support and encouragement the U.S. remarks, he mentioned Buono’s vision as towards a shipmate, is an act of sup- Merchant well as his extensive experience - both at port and encouragement towards us all.” Marine sea and ashore – which have prepared He told the near capacity crowd that Courtesy Academy on him to lead the Academy into the future. the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is a Kings Point Super Nov. 2, 2018. Admiral Buzby then read the com- national treasure that should not be the “As a Kings Point graduate who spent missioning order and promoted the best kept secret among the federal service his entire career in maritime leader- 13th Superintendent to Rear Admiral academies. He described those things that ship roles, Mr. Buono will help edu- in the U.S. Maritime Service. Admiral set USMMA apart from the other acade- cate and inspire the next generation Buzby followed by administering the mies – Acta Non Verba (Action Not Words), of maritime cadets,” said Maritime oath of office to the newly commissioned the Battle Standard, and licensing. Administrator Mark H. Buzby. superintendent. Once completed, the Admiral Buono then offered mul- Following his graduation from the Regiment erupted in applause and the tiple examples of mariners in action, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in USMMA Regimental Band, “George each time asking the question, “Should 1978, Admiral Buono worked his way M. Cohan’s Own,” rendered honors to that be a best kept secret?” and each up from a U.S. Coast Guard licensed the newly appointed superintendent. time receiving louder and louder sup- Third Mate to an unlimited Master Shortly after being sworn in, Rear portive responses culminating with the Mariner with ExxonMobil Corporation. Admiral Buono formally took command of audience of Midshipmen, faculty, staff In 1991, he transferred ashore and, the Academy, reporting to Rear Admiral and distinguished visitors on their feet after rising through several manage- Buzby in traditional Navy fashion, “Sir. cheering for the new Superintendent. ment positions, was elected to President I am in command of the U.S. Merchant The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at & CEO of SeaRiver Maritime, Inc., Marine Academy.” As RADM Buzby con- Kings Point, New York is one of the five where he served until his retirement in gratulated the new superintendent, the federal service academies. This year, it 2016 after 38 years with ExxonMobil Regiment of Midshipmen once celebrates its 75th Anniversary, having Corporation and SeaRiver Maritime, Inc. again erupted in cheers and been dedicated in September 1943 to “Jack Buono is the ideal candidate applause for their new leader. provide the nation with a steady source to take the Academy to the next level,” In his remarks, Admiral Buono chal- of highly trained merchant marine offi- said Maritime Administrator Mark H. lenged the Regiment to take care of one cers and naval reserve officers. Today, Buzby. “He has impeccable credentials another and to lift each other to great- graduates serve not only in the commer- on the waterfront and, as an alumnus, er heights. He said, “Our Academy has cial merchant marine, but also on active fully understands the Academy’s mis- navigated through turbulent waters over duty in all branches of the armed forces. sion to provide its students with the the past few years. NOW HEAR THIS: From MARAD press release and highest caliber of training and educa- whether in regimental formation, in our Kings Point Alumni Association tion needed to lead afloat and ashore.” classrooms or in athletic competition, Foundation. For more from Admiral “We shall be a secret no longer!” On leadership is NOT about standing tall- Buono, visit https://www.usmma.edu/ November 9, with those seven words, er than your shipmates. Leadership is about/communications/rear-admi- Rear Admiral Jack Buono took com- about helping your shipmates stand tall- ral-jack-buono-superintendent-unit- mand of the U.S. Merchant Marine er than yourself. ANY act of disrespect ed-states-merchant-marine-academy.

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 27 CAMM in the Community

Gateway Follow Up - SS Gateway City Rescue Part III See October Sidelights, pages 24-25 for Part I & II

After youngest son, followed in Minh’s footsteps leaving the and graduated from Drake University Gateway in 2006, also as a Doctor of Pharmacy. City and saying Tu and Khoat’s Oldest Son good-bye In Khoat’s and Tu’s own words: Thomas Courtesy to Georg in was his name when he became a US citi- Maritime Executive Hong Kong, zen; he was born in 1973 and is my oldest Khoat son. We left him behind and he stayed van Nguyen and his family were under with Tu’s parents. You may wonder why the watch of the United Nations High we did not bring him with us. Here is Commissioner for refugees. They were the reason for our painful decision: sponsored by a cousin in Joliet, IL and After the America soldiers withdrew after 10 months in Hong Kong arrived in from Vietnam and the Americans no the United States in April, 1979. Khoat longer supported us to fight the com- began his life in the United States by work- munist in Vietnam, our country fell into Khoat van Nguyen as a lawyer in South ing menial jobs while his wife, Tu, stayed the hands of Vietnam communists. They Vietnam (circa 1975 home with their two-year-old son Minh. adopted a brutal dictatorship policy; they Knowing the value of education, Khoat do not use the educated people like us; obtained an Associate Degree in electron- they hated the rich and enforced policies like wild animals, poison ivy, getting lost ics. Tu trained as a Nail Technician and to to control all activities of the people, espe- in the jungle or getting robbed by local this day is a pedicure specialist. In 1981, cially with people who were related to old robbers or gangsters. Those who cross the Khoat began working as an Electronic government. All Vietnamese army offi- border by road are mostly people without Technician at AT&T and the same year cers were captured and put them in jail children o bring along. We have Minh, only their youngest son Michael was born. In or re-education camps in the jungle or far two- year-old, so we choose to go by sea. 1985 the van Nguyen family applied for away from the city where they lived. They By sea, you must have money (in US citizenship and began the paper work changed the currency to make people gold) to pay for fisherman who owns the to bring their oldest son Thomas (who become poor and we are one of those poor boat and who lives in the city near the had to be left behind in Vietnam) to the people. When people realized that they ocean. Payment in gold is calculated per United States. The next year they were couldn’t live in their own country any- capita rather than lump sum. I decided able to buy a house in Montgomery, IL. more, they sought to leave that inhumane to sell everything I own and change it to The family was reunited with their old- regime. My family also decided to do so. gold to pay them, but unfortunately, we est son Thomas in 1990, who after gradu- There were two illegal ways to escape only have enough gold for three people. ating high school joined the US Army and from Vietnam at that time: by road or by sea. My wife’s parents agreed to raise served 3 years in South Korea. After the By road, you have to walk across the Thomas, who was 5 years old at the Army, Thomas earned a BS degree from territory of Vietnam, Campuchia and/or time. We all knew there was a chance Devry College in Electronic Engineering. Lao in order to get into Thailand (free to sponsor him for family reunion, so He later earned a Master’s Degree in country). People have to walk through the we decided to leave the country with Business. Minh, the second son, grad- jungle to avoid the checkpoints in those myself, Tu and Minh (3 people). uated from Drake University in 2000 countries, There are many hazards wait- From then on, many times I just won- as a Doctor of Pharmacy. Michael, the ing for them when you are in the jungle der if my painful decision was right or

28 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. wrong. I still have not found the correct answer. The only thing we know for sure is that our decision saved our fam- ily. Our children, 2nd generation, now have a better life in US. We paid a high price for their life by working hard to save money, helping them through col- lege, encourage them and support them when needed. We’re proud of our deci- sion and that is the reward we got. Seattle Visit In late October of this year, Khoat and his wife Tu visited Captain Georg Pederson and his wife Nina in Seattle. Khoat and Tu were interviewed by local news Channel 13 and their story aired on October 27th. Khoat and Tu have a right to be proud of their suc- cess and that of their children. Their story illustrates how granting asylum to refugees contributes to our society and the betterment of the United States. 1980- A year after arriving in the United States L-R Tu, Minh, and Khoat

The van N family in October 2018. Front row L-R: Julie (Minh’s wife) with Miranda and Macie; Kimberly (Thomas’s wife) and Kaleb. Back row L-R: Minh, Khoat, Tu, Thomas and Michael

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 29 In the Industry

The Captains Way Can Shipping’s Traditions Survive Relentless Cost- cutting?

By Erik Kravets

Ship On board, your loyalty is to your crew cargo interests and making a profit or Captain s and ship or to other crews and ships investing in their fleets, often have no are made, contending against the same elements. other option but to pass along, in toto, not born Decisions come hard and fast and leave the pressure of the market to the ship’s (notable little room for error or second-guessing. In Captain. And the Captain, up to a point, exceptions, a tough situation, the Captain should call will act as the conduit to the crew for all of course). the shots. It’s arguably better than giving this negative energy – until he hits a line Almost all that responsibility to someone not on that he will not cross. The moment of are officers board and not facing the problem, let alone duty is not for the faint of heart, because first, but to someone observing from the relative every Captain eventually hits that line. Courtesy some get comfort of the shore office. We hope that In that moment, it’s a test of how far Maritime Executive their start Captains will decide in favor of safety and duty can be stretched without breaking. among the security, but sometimes economic forces As weakening profits put standards ship’s ratings. Formal training and edu- or career pressures are too much to resist. under pressure, the stretching gets more cation, as governed by international trea- A Captain, being only human, may and more tenuous each year, which is why ty and national laws, follow. It’s a rank make the easy decision everybody wants it’s more important than ever for Captain s earned through merit and hard work. instead of the hard decision he knows is to remember to maintain their profession- The creative tensions inherent in the right. As Oscar Wilde wrote in The Picture al standards. If shippers – and even own- rank of Captain can be difficult to reconcile ers – cannot be counted on, the safety and with the responsibility of having to look “[The Captain ] may not be security of shipping is in others’ hands. after the safety and security of both the What if the need to pick up cargo ship and the crew. It’s akin to a military hindered by the owner in making or quickly reach a port of call con- experience. Cramped isolation and fre- any and all decisions which, in flicts with proper maintenance of the quent boredom during a voyage contrast ship or the required rest hours of the vividly with brief periods of intense stim- his professional opinion, are crew? In cases like that, the Captain ulation – while in port clearing customs, necessary for the security of the doesn’t just need to be a leader and loading or offloading cargo or, more rarely a navigator, he must also be a politi- nowadays, on shore leave. Sometimes ship, for its safety at sea, for its cian and a dealmaker. Not an easy job. it’s life or death. But even when it isn’t, secure operation or for the safety As the first line of defense, the Captain Captaining a ship is a strenuous job with ’s power to stop perceived abuses are specialized skills and significant personal of its crew or other persons on the most broad and absolute. Instead responsibility for both valuable commer- board.” of relying on a supervising bureaucracy cial assets and human lives. It takes a toll. or an office that grants permits upon of Dorian Gray, “Each man lived his own application, for example, Section 121 The “Price for Living It” life and paid his own price for living it.” of the German Maritime Labor Code The sea is unique and demands its The “price for living it” is one that ship- states: “[The Captain ] may not be hin- own solutions. On land, a manager refus- pers rarely see. They want the cheapest dered by the owner in making any and ing his employer’s instructions could possible freight and details handled by all decisions which, in his professional be fired. But on board, the Captain’s the carrier. Better to subject the carrier to opinion, are necessary for the securi- word is law – even having more power an impossible-to-perform agreement and ty of the ship, for its safety at sea, for than the ship’s owner. And sometimes, maintain plausible deniability than see its secure operation or for the safety when there’s a lot at stake, the Captain all the corners cut due to cost reductions. of its crew or other persons on board.” is duty-bound to use his overriding It’s no different with owners who, walk- Giving the Captain ’s judgment legal authority to go against the ship’s owner. ing the tightrope between catering to force and fixing the standard as being his

30 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. “professional opinion” is quite unusual in flood of money and tonnage into the mar- sibility attracts a certain type to the this era of regulatory creep and top-down ket thanks to cheap interest rates and the sea. It’s not “9-to-5ers” who go to sea control, especially since the Captain is pernicious idea that the last remaining or sail to foreign shores. It takes an not a neutral government official. Not victorious shipping company will be the adventurous spirit and, sometimes, the all Captains are perfect, of course, and one big enough to stomp all competitors. desire for peace and quiet or a fresh neither is their evaluation of a situation And for every agile, clever owner who start away from civilization. With some always flawless. But it’s a lot better than manages to carve out a survivable niche, luck, these characteristics will con- relying on someone else’s external control. there are many other unscrupulous own- tinue to inspire future generations. ers who only swing the hammer of cost From my courses at the Maritime A Tradition of Self-Regulation reduction with the most frequent tar- Academy in Cuxhaven, I can vouch for the Beyond that, shipping is special in get being crews and Captains who are last few graduating classes of ship’s offi- that it is deeply rooted in a tradition of made to make do with less and less. cers. They’re all people who don’t have a self-regulation. A perfect example is that problem saying “no” and who would rather classification societies, i.e., private put their jobs on the line than risk organizations, oversee the approval their crew, passengers or ship. I and validation of ship designs, repairs would, without hesitation, set sail and even stowage and voyage plans. today with any one of them. But If you want to operate a motor vehi- the trouble is it’s tricky to predict cle on public roads, you must have how long they’ll stay like that it pass muster with the government. in the face of life’s hard knocks. In shipping, it’s your peers – other I do worry that the industry’s shipping experts – who will give you self-regulation is only a few acci- a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.” An dents away from disappearing. entire industry has grown up around We all know that failures are this principle, supporting diverse com- more likely when equipment is panies and thousands of employees pushed to the extreme. The same and giving the industry a deep bench is even more true of crews and of knowledge and insight that a gov- Captains. The industry has been ernment would find hard to replicate. running well past tolerances for If a ship has a collision, grounding some time now but somehow has or other accident, it’s assumed that been lucky enough to avoid a truly class is lost and must be regained. heinous catastrophe. When that Protection & Indemnity (P&I) clubs Photo credit: msc.navy.mil/sealift/2002/August/graphics happens, the public will conclude will regard a ship as non-insured if that the government is needed In a tough situation, the Captain should call the shots. Given the owner fails to consult the classifi- today’s instant communications and the ability to constantly and self-regulation has failed. cation society following such an inci- monitor ships, will someone observing from the relative comfort dent, thereby providing another layer of the shore office interfere with the Captain’s decision making? We expect that Captains will decide in favor of safety and Room to Maneuver of self-control. If it weren’t for how security, but will career pressures be too much to resist? Thankfully, life at sea is still its well classification societies function, own paradigm, full of paradoxes. there is no doubt that governments would And while a ship’s destination is often set quickly step in and try to fill the void – Mystery and Possibility in stone, the course can be set freely while with problematic results for all concerned. It would be wonderful to think that en route. There is leeway combined with In an ideal world, all of these groups shipping, old as it is, can withstand any a few non-negotiable items. Those rules – ship’s Captains, class societies, P&I shock and that, no matter how bad the that exist at sea, while few, are ironclad. If clubs, conscientious owners and, if a man market gets, maritime traditions and our luck holds going forward, maybe we’ll can dream, cargo interests who seek to institutions will survive. But the sea still have enough room to maneuver. balance quality and price – will together is ever-changing and full of possibility, give shipping what it needs to hold a often tempestuous and never rigid or This Article is re-printed with permission steady, sustainable course. But as dis- fixed. The sea is also mysterious, its from Maritime Executive. It originally cussed, the “price for living it” is getting intentions only visible at the surface. appeared in the May/June 2018 edition higher with each passing year of the “new It’s impossible for even the most experi- of Maritime Executive Magazine) The normal” of ultra-low charter rates, the enced sailor to know what the sea will do opinions expressed herein are the author’s slow tightening of the regulatory noose next. The same is true of our industry. and not necessarily those of Sidelights. (e.g., on ballast water treatment) and the The combination of mystery and pos-

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 31 In the Industry

Invasive Species and Pollution Worry Great Lakes People the Most

Great it is not found and that causes allowing for the invasive aquatic spe- Lakes res- ecological and economic damage. cies to thrive, Brown-Lima said. The idents are The poll by the International Joint annual ice coverage of the Great Lakes more con- Commission and the Great Lakes decreased 71 percent between 1973 cerned Water Quality Board reveals the atti- and 2010, according to the Great Lakes about inva- tudes of more than 4,000 regional res- Integrated Sciences and Assessments, sive species idents regarding Great Lakes issues. a team from the National Oceanic than climate Those polled ranked invasive species and Atmospheric Administration that change, only below pollution in a list of con- focuses on adapting to climate change. according cerns about the Great Lakes water • The poll also found: to a recent quality and surrounding environment. • Most respondents (88 %) think pro- poll. But Seventeen percent said invasive species tecting the Great Lakes is crucial. By researchers was of highest concern. Only 3% listed cli- • About 95% of the 300 indigenous Anntaninnaj say the two mate change as one of their top worries. respondents said there were too few Biondo,Great Lakes are close- In warmer water, certain invasive fish regulations protecting the Great Lakes; Echo ly linked. have a higher metabolism which helps 50% of non-indigenous respondents “Climate them compete against native fish, Brown- said there were too few regulations. change is just one more disturbance that Lima said. They eat native food and the • The biggest environmental con- helps invasive species to rise,” said Carrie natives themselves. The process could cern that 30% of respondents Brown-Lima, director of the New York eliminate species that were once native to listed is pollution to the lakes. Invasive Species Research Institute at the region. Invasive plant species in the • Millennials 18-34 years old and Cornell University. “Invasive species are Great Lakes are much more resilient than those with liberal political views the first to adapt to warmer climate, but native species which makes them far more are more likely to support policy to native species don’t have that advantage.” likely to thrive and disrupt ecosystems. protect the Great Lakes than con- An invasive species is one trans- Increasing water temperatures in the servatives or other age groups. ported by people to places where lakes leads to shorter periods of ice,

The Great Lakes cover 94,250 Square Miles and have over 10,500 miles of coastline. Eight States (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota) and the Canadian province of Ontario boarder the Great lakes. The Great Lakes are open to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway. Ships from all over the world call at Great Lake ports. (photo of British Admiralty Chart #2059)

32 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. UNITY FORSAFETY AT SEA IFSMA CAMM’s voice in the IMO

IFSMA Report

Ongoing • Prevention of Marine Plastic Pollution when Germany, Norway and Spain pro- meetings of and Litter posed an option to limit the shaft power IMO have • Ballast Water Management Convention while ensuring a sufficient safety power been attend- and how to provide support to the EDP reserve in adverse weather conditions. ed by IFSMA The meeting was Chaired by Mr. This was presented as an amendment to Commodore Hideaki Saito (Japan) and Vice Chair Regulation 21.5 of MARPOL Annex VI. Scorer. Mr. Harry Conway (Liberia). At the IFSMA robustly supported the ICS Members of meeting there were several agenda items Paper with the following intervention: the IFSMA of particular importance to IFSMA. Chair, IFSMA very strongly supports the Executive Paper presented by ICS and others. If Committee Agenda Item 3 - Consideration regulation 21.5 of MARPOL Annex VI is by Captain (ExCo) are and Adoption of Amendments amended as recommended byGermany Calvin Huntziker presented to Mandatory Instruments and others, the only regulatory require- the outline ment addressing minimum power would of the upcoming meeting one to two During the debate on this agenda item, be removed. IFSMA agrees with ICS and weeks before, with Commodore Scorer’s Cruise Line International Association others and welcomes the Intervention by comments as to what he believes will (CLIA) submitted a paper and comments the distinguished delegation of Finland impact IFSMA members and Captains. on draft amendments to MARPOL Annex and others that this would be an unac- During this review, ExCo members are VI concerning the prohibition on the ceptable and retrograde step and should asked to comment and/or add concerns carriage of non-compliant fuel oil for not be supported by this Committee. to his notes. As an example, there is an combustion purposes for propulsion on Ship safety should not be optional and the ongoing discussion on allowing power board a ship. IFSMA closely monitored competent body to consider any changes reductions for vessels. I lodged a com- this debate as it could have an effect to the Organization's Minimum Power ment that IFSMA should coordinate with on Criminalization of the Shipmaster Requirements is the Maritime Safety IMPA (International Maritime Pilots if a ship were impounded. The EU Committee (MSC). Thank you Chair. Association) to ensure that these power Delegations were in opposition to the Basically, IFSMA maintained that this reductions would not impact the vessel’s CLIA Paper and IFSMA intervened was an issue for the MSC and not MEPC. ability to maneuver in pilotage waters. (joined the debate): IFSMA thanked After much discussion on points After a session is completed, the ExCo is CLIA for their Paper and fully supported and an intervention by ICS, the Chair given a comprehensive report on what was the line taken by CLIA to help clarify agreed that Plenary had agreed that accomplished, with notes on issues that this issue. Otherwise, this may well lead regulation 21.5 of MARPOL Annex will impact IFSMA and our associates. to collateral consequences and the unnec- VI should not be amended as recom- As an illustration, the Marine essary Criminalization of the Shipmaster mended by Germany and others. Environment Protection Committee which is currently happening in a recent- (MEPC 73) met during the week of ly publicized case. Thank you Chair. Agenda Item 7 - Reduction October 22. The Secretary General Regrettably, the CLIA Paper did not get of GHG Emissions from Welcomed all to MEPC 73 and support, and it was agreed that the CLIA Ships,Working Group 2 made the following key points: recommendation would not be accepted. • Identified ways and means of support- A report of the Intersessional Work ing the Blue Economy and showed a Agenda Item 5 - Air Pollution Group on Reduction of GHG from short video why shipping supports this. and Energy Efficiency, Working Ships was submitted. Delegations were What is needed is a National Maritime Group 1 instructed to submit proposals to assist Transport Policy • Prevention of atmospheric pollution This was a second item that IFSMA was from GHG in ships watching. IFSMA joined in this debate Continued page 35e

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 33 UNITY FORSAFETY AT SEA IFSMA CAMM’s voice in the IMO

Swallowing the Anchor - How Not to Choke

When Culture shocks procurement. While the administration Making the Another common difficulty was adjust- tasks done on ship are a sound foundation Transition ing to working in an office environment, for developing the latter group, it can take from Ship where the pace of work lacked the urgen- longer to build the requisite people skills. to ShoreThe cy ex-seafarers are used to. A typical One chief engineer who came ashore prospect comment was at sea, “Things have to be to work as a class surveyor advised sea- of coming done and the results of them not happen- farers considering a transition to achieve ashore to ing are far more immediate and obvious. as much as possible while at sea, “That progress Ashore, people go home at 5pm. They additional rank could turn out to be really their career are not living the job.” There were other crucial. The difference between serving IMarEST from can be culture shocks: a need for greater diplo- as a chief engineer compared to 2nd or IFSMA Newsletter daunting to macy and patience and adjusting to a 3rd engineer is immense.” The manage- many working at sea, according to a sur- less hierarchical management structure. ment and responsibility skills needed on vey conducted by the Institute of Marine Management onshore tends to be much land, he continued, generally come with Engineering, Science & Technology flatter, but, as one respondent noted, this higher ranks. A comprehensive under- (IMarEST) into the experiences of those can actually complicate relationships: standing of the roles of class, P&I, flag who had made the ship-to-shore transition. “Sometimes the boundaries are unclear.” and how they interact is imperative. Many, understandably, reported feeling For the uninitiated, it can take time to apprehensive about climbing the ladder. learn and adapt to the slower pace and Potential development Those who found the transition rel- bureaucracy of this new environment. Several respondents said that sec- atively straightforward stressed the Life at sea, away from friends and fam- ondments ashore during their seago- importance of studying for certain qual- ily, is often described as lonely. However, ing careers would have (or had) helped ifications before leaving the sea. As one moving to shore means this loneliness prepare them to ‘swallow the anchor’. engineering superintendent explained, can take on a new shape, particularly An overwhelming 88% believed that the seagoing qualifications are acceptable if the new role is away from home ties. right sort of education or training would for operational level roles, but not the “It took time to come to terms with assist the transition. Two-thirds said they managerial roles that senior sea staff living in a new place and not knowing would have benefited from either man- are aiming for, “For that they need many people outside of the work envi- agement/business training or gaining a degree and postgraduate qualifications.” ronment,” said another technical super- higher education qualification such as a Many of those who struggled cited the intendent. Nevertheless, on reflection, he Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or both. practicalities of arranging interviews as added, it was worth persevering as “in “Leadership and management skills a major frustration. It often proved hard the end it opened up many opportunities are essential to prove your worth to an for seafarers to schedule interviews while for career advancement and promotion.” employer and to complement the range of on leave and then persuade a potential engineering skills that you have acquired employer to wait until they returned Soft skills at sea,” said one chief engineer who came from their next voyage for the next step. Technical skills and competence are ashore to take on a management role in One respondent warned that recruit- only part of the story, when it comes to gas processing. Gaining these qualifi- ment processes can take longer than your stepping ashore. They must be accompa- cations involves a lot of hard work. For leave, whilst another was forced to take nied by a mixture of soft skills needed for this reason, many seafarers like to get more drastic action by resigning from effective people and project management, ahead by studying for a degree or similar their current role in order to be ashore such as leadership, communication (ver- qualification through distance learning. long enough to see the process through. bal and report writing), negotiating and A chief engineer who rarely felt outside networking, and administration skills his comfort zone working on a ship said such as budgeting, finance, logistics and his new role as a senior technical man-

34 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. ager overseeing a wide range of projects Many of the seafarers surveyed compounded by the fact that some skills demanded a totally different approach reached the conclusion their skills were acquired at sea don’t translate readi- and attitude to seeing and doing things. not properly recognized or valued by ly to a commercial, shore-based setting. “Getting to grips with the interactions their shore-based colleagues. “I was seen One seafarer confessed that his between all the different disciplines real- as a jack-of-all- trades and insufficiently post-nominals, CEng MIMarEST, denot- ly made me appreciate the variety of the specialized rather than a flexible employ- ing Chartered Engineer and Member of maritime world,” they commented, adding ee with broad engineering expe- the IMarEST, were his main entry route to that it was “a quantum leap from the (rela- rience who could work gaining employment ashore. Apparently tively) routine business of running a ship”. independently,” was few recruiters could relate to his marine The IMarEST has developed a qual- a typical response. qualifications and experience. He was ification in Sustainable Maritime A common pre- eventually appointed as a senior lecturer Operations to answer precisely this type dica- at a marine academy. “I wholeheartedly of need. The distance learning program ment believe that “CEng” was my passport to can be studied whilst at sea, leading to was most of the interviews I attended, more either a post-graduate qualification or a explaining so than the years of maritime experience BSc/MSc degree. “Upskilling whilst how skills in a senior position,” he elaborated. This at sea allows seafarers to stay at gained at experience spurred him to become an sea longer whilst still helping them sea FIMarEST or Fellow of the IMarEST. move up the career ladder. Those would carry over This indicates a certain reverence who don’t feel the urge to come to roles on land. within the industry for professional reg- ashore are not forced to do so before As one respon- istration, whether Chartered, Registered/ they really want to,” said David dent pointed Incorporated or Technician status. David Loosley, Chief Executive, IMarEST. Loosley concludes, “That status functions as a simple indicator of professional excel- Lost in translation lence, especially in those without formal Over half (56%) of those surveyed were academic qualifications. The opportunity promoted to a higher position when they out, for seafarers to gain professional registra- came ashore. However some saw a sal- the diver- tion is one that should be taken by all those ary drop, which was often attributed sity of skills in the setting their sights on a promotion.” either to a lack of formal qualifications maritime environ- ment is largely Editor’s note: This item is reproduced or else a difficulty in communicating unrecognized, “I had to stop describ- by kind permission of IMarEST©. It [the relevance of] their skills. As one ing my experience for positions using first appeared on the IMarEST web- respondent more plainly put it: a per- maritime roles, instead everything needs site and is to be found at: http:// son working on board is always con- to be communicated in terms of transfer- www.tinyurl.com/y9fdgdpw, sidered a fresher when moving ashore. able skills.” Another added that this was

IFSMA Report >>> Cont’d from page 33 reduction in GHG to MEPC 74. Because marine plastic litter from ships was made IFSMA I offered the following con- of the high workload anticipated at available. Papers were introduced con- cerning ships safety power reserve: that meeting, there should be another secutively to ensure there was an holistic Intersessional Working Group. IFSMA discussion with everything on the table Jim, will attend this specifically to have input - the papers have some interesting and Thanks for the very informative report. on the discussion of Speed Caps or Speed valuable suggestions for the Action Plan. I am still concerned about the proposed Reductions and the need to ensure that While there was nothing directly for power reductions and would hope that the impact on Maritime Safety should be IFSMA on this issue as it stands, it will language stating the use of "reserve" fully investigated and taken into account. have an impact on Shipmasters as it will power be allowed in pilotage waters would Agenda Item 8 - Development of an involve special arrangements, in addition somehow be included in the proposal. Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic to what ships do now, and another opportu- Cal Litter from Ships was also of interest. nity for Criminalization of the Shipmaster. A Summary of IMO work on addressing As CAMM’s representative to

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 35 Rescue Diver from China to Be Recognized with IMO Exceptional Bravery at Sea Award

The Mr. Zhong then dived down 2018 IMO to the cargo hold alongside a Award for teammate, bringing scuba div- Exceptional ing equipment for those trapped Bravery at underneath. In the afternoon of Sea will be 28 November, Mr. Zhong dived presented down six times. He taught sur- during an vivors how to put on and use IMO Press Briefing IMO Awards scuba diving equipment and per- ceremony to sonally rescued three of them in be held on 6 December 2018 at the space of one hour, despite IMO Headquarters in London. becoming extremely exhausted. A rescue diver from China. Mr. Of a total of 22 qualifying Zhong Haifeng, who made a series nominations, received from 15 of underwater dives to rescue Member States and two non-gov- three people from a sunken cargo ernmental organizations, a fur- ship will receive the Award. A ther three will receive Certificates Panel of Judges decided that the of Commendation and eight will rescue merited the highest award. receive Letters of Commendation. The decision was endorsed by the The annual Award for Exceptional IMO Council at its 120th session Bravery at Sea was established by in London (2-5 July). Mr. Zhong IMO to provide international recog- was nominated for the award nition for those who, at the risk of by China. The Panel of Judges losing their own life, perform acts agreed that by personally exert- of exceptional bravery, displaying ing tireless efforts under highly outstanding courage in attempting dangerous circumstances, Mr. to save life at sea or in attempt- Zhong demonstrated truly excep- ing to prevent or mitigate dam- tional bravery and human spirit. Pic: Guangzhou Salvage, China age to the marine environment. Following a collision with Mr. Zhong Haifeng, senior diver and deputy of the Engineering Nominations are scrutinized by another ship, in Guangzhou Port, Team of Guangzhou Salvage, will receive the IMO Award for an Assessment Panel made up Exceptional Bravery At Sea for rescue three people from a China, in the early morning of 27 sunken cargo ship. of members of non-governmental November 2017, the bulk carrier organizations in consultative status M.V.Jin Ze Lun sank. Of the 14 with IMO, under the chairmanship crew on board, two were immediately deputy of the Engineering Team of of the Secretary-General. Subsequently, a rescued by local maritime authorities Guangzhou Salvage was put in charge of panel of judges (made up of the Chairs but 12 remained missing. The bulk car- the desperate search for survivors. After of several IMO bodies) meets to consider rier was lying on the seabed, in the 36 hours of repeated dives, six survi- the recommendations of the Assessment main channel into the port. A strong cur- vors were located - trapped in the cargo Panel and to select the recipients. rent would make the underwater search hold. Mr. Zhong instructed his team to and rescue operation extremely difficult. replenish oxygen to the cabin and talk Mr. Zhong Haifeng, senior diver and to the trapped survivors, to calm them.

36 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. Implementation of Sulphur 2020 Limit - Carriage Ban Adopted An amendment to support consis- limit, the MEPC approved guidance on human health impacts of SOx emissions tent implementation of the forthcoming ship implementation planning. The guid- from ships, submitted to IMO’s Marine 0.50% limit on Sulphur in ships fuel ance is part of a set of guidelines being Environment Protection Committee oil was adopted by the International developed by IMO for consistent imple- (MEPC) in 2016estimated that by not Maritime Organization (IMO) on 26 mentation of the MARPOL regulation reducing the SOx limit for ships from October, during the current session of coming into effect from 1 January 2020. 2020, the air pollution from ships would the Marine Environment Protection The ship implementation plan- contribute to more than 570,000 addition- Committee (MEPC 73). The new 0.50% ning guidance includes sections on: al premature deaths worldwide between limit (reduced from 3.50% currently) 2020-2025. So, a reduction in the limit on Sulphur in ships’ fuel oil will be • risk assessment and mitigation plan for Sulphur in fuel oil used on board in force from 1 January 2020, under (impact of new fuels); ships will have tangible health bene- IMO’s MARPOL treaty, with benefits • ·fuel oil system modifications and tank fits, particularly for populations living for the environment and human health. cleaning (if needed); close to ports and major shipping routes. The complementary MARPOL amend- • fuel oil capacity and segregation capa- The 1 January 2020 implementation ment will prohibit the carriage of bility; date was adopted in 2008 and confirmed non-compliant fuel oil for combustion • procurement of compliant fuel; by IMO in October 2016, giving certainty purposes for propulsion or operation on • fuel oil changeover plan (conventional to refineries, bunkering and shipping board a ship - unless the ship has an residual fuel oils to 0.50% Sulphur com- sectors. The new limit will be applicable exhaust gas cleaning system (“scrubber”) pliant fuel oil); and globally - while in designated emission fitted. Installing a scrubber is accepted • documentation and reporting. control areas (ECAs) the limit will remain by flag States as an alternative means to even lower, at 0.10%. IMO has been meet the Sulphur limit requirement. The IMO Sulphur 2020 working with Member States and the complementary amendment is expect- The new lower 0.50% limit on Sulphur industry to support implementation of ed to enter into force on 1 March 2020. in ships’ fuel oil will be in force from 1 the new limit. Enforcement, compliance The amendment does not change in any January 2020, under IMO’s MARPOL with and monitoring of the new Sulphur way the entry into force date of the 0.50% treaty, with benefits for the environ- limit is the remit and responsibility of limit from 1 January 2020. It is intended as ment and human health. A study on the States Party to MARPOL Annex VI. an additional measure to support consis- tent implementation and compliance and provide a means for effective enforcement by States, particularly port State control. Most ships are expected to utilize CAMM Input Request new blends of fuel oil which will be produced to meet the 0.50% limit on Sulphur in fuel oil. Currently, the max- Captain Pete Booth is working on tion, there are an equal number of imum Sulphur limit in fuel oil is 3.50% a third edition of Aircraft Carrier thoughts on ship and master com- globally (and 0.10 % in the four ECAs: Command and would appreciate CAMM mand advice to those coming up the the Baltic Sea area; the North Sea area; thoughts on any maritime accidents ladder (including civilian Captains the North American area (covering desig- that he may include as lessons learned. Tom Gibson and Rick Comeau). nated coastal areas off the United States Previous editions have featured some As an aside, Carrier Command is and Canada); and the United States 25 major accidents, both Navy and front and center in our Navy at the Caribbean Sea area (around Puerto Rico civilian with a brief analysis of each; Surface Warfare Officer Training and the United States Virgin Islands)). the sad El Faro sinking will be front School in Newport, RI with some and center as a stark reminder of 100 copies shipped earlier this Ship implementation planning sleeping complacency, both with the year. Check out the simple web guidance approved master and the folks ashore. In addi- site at www.peterbbooth.com. To assist ship operators and owners to plan ahead for the 0.50% Sulphur 2020

The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 37 NDED 1 FOU 936 ICAN M Join forces with ER AS M TE A R F M O

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T Master Mariners I NC 3 OR 196 PORATED With vessels that are ever larger and more complex, the ability of the Shipmaster Dedicated to to control his/her destiny has seriously eroded. The modern Shipmaster and/or supporting and Pilot can fi nd their views and expertise ignored, and in the fast-moving stream strengthening of “progress,” the voice of a single Master is easily overwhelmed by the tide of change. CAMM off ers a channel to be heard. the position of American Master CAMM’s issues are your issues Mariner CAMM is active on issues that are of concern to masters and those working in the maritime industry. CAMM currently has 22 positions of support or opposition to major issues aff ecting mariners. Some current positions focus on the Criminalization of Shipmasters, Ports of Refuge, Watch Stander’s Fatigue & Task-based Manning, and Regulatory Burden on Ship Masters. A CAMM Position is a statement which has been voted on by the membership at CAMM’s Annual General Meeting and expresses the majority opinion of the membership. CAMM advances the professional profi le of our industry CAMM is dedicated to improving maritime and nautical science by promoting the Captain Cal Hunziker, CAMM Past exchange of information and the sharing of experience among professional ship President and IFSMA VP, at the IFSMA AGA in Baltimore, MD 2017 masters and members of allied professions. CAMM builds partnerships CAMM is devoted to fostering a spirit of common purpose among all organizations whose members believe in the importance of a strong U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine. CAMM works with professional maritime organizations around the world to protect the rights of seamen from all nations. Representation at IMO through IFSMA Captain RJ Klein CAMM Immediate CAMM is a member of the International Federation of Ship Masters Associations Past President, with Congressman John Garamendi, Captain Jeff Cowan, Camm (IFSMA), which has consultant status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) National President, and Captain Joe of the United Nations. CAMM’s actively sailing masters are automatically enrolled as Hartnett, CAMM First Vice President members of IFSMA. CAMM is on your side CAMM is dedicated to promoting an effi cient, prosperous American Merchant Marine. The expertise of CAMM members is recognized throughout the world maritime community. There are frequent requests to provide expert witness testimony in maritime legal cases and opinions on maritime regulations.

Above: Captain Coulombe, Captain Madden, and Captain McCann (Canada) CAMM supports maritime education share a moment at the Joint CAMM IFSMA 2017 Conference. Below: Captain CAMM supports maritime education through maritime high schools, Sea Scouts, and George Quick makes a point about the support of cadets at maritime academies. Local CAMM chapters lead the eff ort in autonomous ships at CAMM 2017. educating the public about the Merchant Marine. Apply at www.mastermariner.org/membership

Mission Statement: The Council of American Master Mariners is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the United States Merchant Marine and the position of the Master by fostering the exchange of maritime information and sharing our experience. We are committed to the promotion of nautical education, the improvement of 38 Sidelights December 2018 training standards, and the support of the publication of professional literature. The Council The Council of American monitors, Master comments, Mariners, Inc. and takes positions on local, state, federal and international legislation and regulation that aff ect the Master. Membership Application The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc.

I, ______, hereby apply for membership in The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc., and attest to my qualifications below. Birthplace (city, state, country): ______DOB: ______Home Business Address City, State, Zip Email Phone Land: Cell: Office: Cell:

Present Occupation: At Sea: Position: ______Vessel: ______Company: ______Ashore: Position: ______Vessel: ______Company: ______Retired: Position: ______Date: ______Company: ______Cadet: Academy: ______Expected Graduation Date: ______Current USCG License: Type: Limit: Expiration: Endorsements: Limits:

Original USCG License: Type: Date Obtained: Place/Institution obtained:

Membership Class: Please check. See CAMM Constitution for more details of class requirements. All members must be U.S. citizens with the exception of AF membership. R - Regular: (RU) Unlimited Master Mariner License and commanded vessels over 5,000 GRT on voyages. (RP) Senior or First Class Pilot with minimum of one year experience on vessels 20,000 GRT or more. S - Special: (S) Valid USCG Unlimited Master’s license and has not commanded a vessel(s) over 5,000 GRT on voyages. (SP) Second or Third Class Pilot on vessels less than 20,000 GRT. (S16) Valid USCG 1600 ton Master’s license and commanded a vessel or vessels on voyages. (S5) Valid USCG 500 ton Master’s License and commanded vessel or vessels on voyages. A - Associate: (A) U.S. Military equivalent of Master’s license; maritime official serving in an executive, administrative or operational capacity; Person of Distinction in maritime fields of: education, training, research, regulation or government. (AL) Valid USCG Deck Officers license for Any Gross Tons currently sailing on vessels over 5,000 GRT. (AF) Foreign Master Mariner: Valid Unlimited Master License and commanded vessels over 5,000 GRT on voyages. (AC) Cadet/Midshipman enrolled at a maritime academy as a deck cadet/midshipman.

Sea-Going Qualifications: Years of Service: ______(Check boxes that apply. See above for key) Vessel Served GRT Date(s) Route(s) R S AL

Pilotage Qualifications: Years of Service: ______(Check boxes that apply. See above for key) Vessel Served GRT Route(s) (dock/harbor sea bouy) License Issuing Authority R S

Please return this application with a copy of your Master’s or Pilot’s license, and a copy of your last discharge along with a $115 check ($75 annual dues + $40 application fee) payable to: The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. Mail to Captain George Zeluff, CAMM Membership Chair, 3774 Tennyson St., San Diego, CA. 92107-2410. Email: [email protected] To the best of my knowledge, the above information is correct and I agree, if elected member, to abide by the Constitution and By-Laws of TheThe Council Council of of AmericanAmerican Master Master Mariners, Mariners, Inc. Inc. December 2018 Sidelights 39

Signature: ______Date: ______

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40 Sidelights December 2018 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc.