New Jobs in Place Under Faststream Agreement Unique Base Developing Quickly with New Seagoing Opportunities for AMO Officers

Volume 38, Number 3 March 2008 New jobs in place under Faststream agreement Unique base developing quickly with new seagoing opportunities for AMO officers

The number of new jobs directly or seagoing market,” said Faststream Vice Crowley on the ocean ranger proposal hubs, and California has already followed indirectly generated through the pioneering President Craig Johnson. “The shoreside marks the first major foray on behalf of Alaska’s lead in introducing legislation to agreement between American Maritime employment for AMO members is the AMO, as well as the first success. require ocean rangers aboard cruise ships Officers and Faststream Recruitment Inc., added bonus.” “I’m very encouraged that we’re see- while they are in Californian waters. signed in December 2007, is fast approach- Faststream is a leading recruitment ing so much interest from chief engineers Another productive aspect of the ing 40, and more opportunities through firm for the U.S. and international maritime and first assistant engineers, since the mini- AMO agreement with Faststream is market- Faststream are now available to members of industries, with a broad network of contacts, mum requirement for these positions is a ing and employer-recruitment. the union. a deep portfolio of experience and an exten- third assistant engineer’s license,” said AMO continues to invest time and Faststream’s involvement was a sig- sive track record of success and excellence Faststream Cruise Consultant Roy Sunden effort in developing relationships with nificant factor in the recent award of a con- in placing qualified personnel in key shore- of the strong response from AMO officers owner/operators in the international ener- tract by the State of Alaska to Crowley side positions throughout the industry. to the Alaska ocean ranger program. “This gy transportation trades, particularly Liner Services to provide 35 ocean rangers The company’s experience and repu- will make it easier for the cruise lines to LNG shipping. The AMO team is work- to work aboard international cruise ships in tation with international owner/operators cooperate because they will be getting engi- ing with a select group of quality compa- Alaskan waters. AMO engineers are now places both it and AMO in an ideal position neers with much more experience. It will be nies and is focusing its efforts on negotia- being recruited and trained for these posi- to meet the surging demand for qualified a win-win.” tions with the potential to secure new tions. Employing its experience with and officers in emerging growth markets, such Similar ocean ranger programs are direct and indirect contracts. knowledge of the international cruise indus- as liquefied natural gas transportation. expected to develop in the future in other try, Faststream collaborated with Crowley Faststream’s collaboration with U.S. states that serve as international cruise See Faststream N Page 2 on the development of their response to Alaska’s request for proposals. Additionally, one AMO member now New AMO jobs has covered employment in a shore-based ship surveying position through the union’s agreement with Faststream. Currently, three as APL Balboa more shoreside opportunities are available to AMO officers through Faststream, enters service including two site superintendent positions overseeing newbuilds for an oil major, and under U.S. flag one position as a health, safety and environ- AMO members Chief Engineer Roy mental team leader. Graham (left) and Capt. Noah Myrus The AMO online dispatching sys- (right) aboard the APL Balboa as tem is currently being adapted to display Coast Guard Inspector Scott all positions available through Faststream Chroninger presents the certificate of to AMO members with access to the Web inspection to APL Maritime Limited site. For the time being, AMO officers Vice President Brian Constable in interested in available positions can send Singapore in February. their resumes to AMO Director of New Business Development Tom Laird at [email protected]. Hiring for positions available through Faststream is on a The APL Balboa has been re- competitive basis. flagged into U.S. registry. The 397- The union’s agreement with foot containership operates in a Faststream is multi-faceted, although the commercial feeder service in the primary thrust is new seagoing employment Arabian Gulf for APL's liner fleet car- for AMO members with international rying containerized cargo. The APL owner/operators not typically accessible to Balboa is operated by APL Maritime American unions. Nonetheless, AMO’s Limited and manned in all licensed unique agreement with Faststream provides positions by American Maritime for these jobs to be covered employment for Officers. Built in 1998, the ship has AMO officers, with all required contribu- been operating in the company's tions to the AMO Plans. international fleet. “Our primary job at Faststream is to open up doors for AMO in the international

AMO Essentials Maritime I want to be an Great Lakes News Washington ocean ranger N RTM STAR Center, Florida schedule: Pages 8-9 Page 7: Maritime Page 2: American Maritime Administrator Sean Officers is building a base of RTM STAR Center, Ohio N Connaughton goes to the roots qualified ocean rangers, and is schedule: Page 9 of U.S. maritime policy with actively seeking members who N RTM STAR Center the presidency of George are licensed engineers and are application: Page 11 Washington and the laws enact- interested in working as ocean ed by our nation’s first rangers aboard international N AMO directory: Page 10 President and Congresses in a cruise ships in Alaska. The Page 5: AMO’s annual area N AMO membership meeting column authored for American training requirements and job meetings provide forums for schedule: Page 10 Maritime Officer. description are included. open, informative discussion.

Copyright © 2008 American Maritime Officers I 2 West Dixie Highway I Dania Beach, FL 33004 I (800) 362-0513 I [email protected] 2 • American Maritime Officer March 2008 AMO seeking resumés for Alaska ocean ranger jobs

American Maritime Officers is active- serve as independent observers monitoring Employment will be from April through assistant engineer or higher ly recruiting AMO members who are compliance with state and federal require- September. This is covered employment •Pass pre-employment question- licensed engineers for the State of Alaska’s ments pertaining to marine discharge and through Crowley Liner Services, with full naire to include disclosure if the ocean Ocean Ranger Program. Ocean rangers will pollution on large passenger vessels. contributions to the AMO Plans. ranger applicant has had a DUI/DWI con- viction within the last ten years—major Employment involves: felonies would be identified during the Faststream international conference. Working together, •Assignment to various cruise ships TWIC investigation they will be able to meet directly with com- while in Alaskan waters Once selected for the program, pany representatives and discuss the advan- Continued from Page 1 •Rotating ship assignment every one ocean rangers must complete a cus- tages of hiring AMO officers, who are well- to four weeks tomized five-day training course at RTM At the same time, Faststream will be experienced and already have access to •Overnight stays in shore side hotels STAR Center. This course will include attending and marketing at Gastech 2008 in established and sound benefit programs and during ship transfers training in: Bangkok, the largest gas conference in the the most comprehensive quality maritime •Assignment duration from May •State of Alaska and ADEC admin- world. The conference is well attended by training institution in the U.S. through September istrative and enforcement procedures international owner/operators in the energy While AMO cultivates new opportu- •Rangers will carry a Transportation •Inspection and verification of the transportation trades, and Faststream will be nities for it membership in international Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) systems and procedures onboard large promoting the employment of American seagoing trades, and in shoreside employ- •A sea service letter will be provided commercial passenger vessels required to officers through its agreement with AMO ment in the U.S. and international maritime documenting sea time (one for three) meet state and federal marine discharge with companies to which an American industries, the union will maintain its drive and pollution requirements union would not traditionally have access. and dedication in expanding existing job Ocean Ranger Job Description •Occupational safety and health “Gastech is a strong potential source bases in U.S. commercial, military sealift Using the provided examination guide •Maritime security awareness of seagoing employment in the LNG and government charter fleets. and checklist produced by Crowley, the •Professional and ethical conduct trades,” Johnson said. More information is “Our commitment to the U.S. fleet ocean ranger will observe waste streams and All AMO members interested in available online at www.gastech.co.uk. and our leadership in American maritime inspect waste management systems to verify applying for this program should immedi- Following Gastech, representatives policy will not waver,” said the AMO compliance and report possible violations of ately send their resumé to: of AMO, Faststream and RTM STAR national president. “This is simply a new state and federal environmental regulations. Center will be attending the Connecticut avenue of expansion for AMO and of Ocean rangers independently perform Roy Sunden Maritime Association’s Shipping 2008 opportunity for the membership.” technical work as Crowley representatives Faststream Inc. Cruise Division in monitoring the performance of LCPV 1500 Cordova Rd. (Large Commercial Passenger Vessel) offi- Suite 210 Kings Point superintendent cers and crew concerning their actions to Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 comply with State of Alaska and federal FAX: (954) 467-9616 visits RTM STAR Center marine discharge and pollution require- [email protected] ments. Ocean rangers will be responsible for observing and detecting suspected violations AMO members should direct all and assisting in investigations of suspected salary and benefit inquiries to: violations for enforcement actions in accordance with the ADEC Enforcement Manual. The AMO national executive board member for inland waters Ocean rangers must: (954) 367-1012 •Be a U.S. Coast Guard licensed third [email protected]

AMO members Greg Stuart (class of 1987) and John Evans (class of 2000) American Maritime Officer (USPS 316-920) greet U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Joseph Official Publication of American Maritime Officers Stewart at a South Florida Kings Point Alumni Association function held March 2 West Dixie Highway 4 in RTM STAR Center at AMO headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla. Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 921-2221 Periodical Postage Paid at Brooklyn, NY, and Additional Mailing Offices Published Monthly

American Maritime Officers National Executive Board

Thomas Bethel, National President José Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Smith, National Executive Vice President Joseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea Donald Cree, National Vice President, Great Lakes Brian Krus, National Assistant Vice President, Great Lakes Brian Long, director of STAR Center in Dania Beach, demonstrates the Edward Kelly, National Vice President At Large capabilities of the 360-degree bridge simulator for Vice Adm. Stewart. Robert Kiefer, National Assistant Vice President At Large Paul Cates, National Executive Board Member At Large Daniel Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large David Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large Donald Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea John Hafner, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters

Representatives: Stan Barnes, Charles Murdock

Editor: Matt Burke Assistant Editor: Phree Baker

POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To: American Maritime Officers ATTN: Member Services Long and Bruce Fuchs, department leader of modeling and research, con- P.O. Box 66 ducted a tour of STAR Center for Vice Adm. Stewart and U.S. Merchant Dania Beach, FL 33004 Marine Academy Vice President for Development Nick Vendikos. March 2008 American Maritime Officer • 3

American Maritime Officers members USNS Algol Third Mate Phil McFarland, Lt. S. Plunket and Capt. Mike Ryan on the bridge of the USNS Algol with the U.S. delivers for Army Central Command G4. Lt. Plunket was serving reserve duty when this photo was taken. The Algol depart- U.S. troops ed North Carolina in early February for Afghanistan with a shipment of Marine Corps cargo and mine-resistant, in rapid ambush-protected vehicles destined for U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. activation Photo courtesy of Capt. Mike Ryan The fast sealift ship USNS Algol departed Wilmington, N.C., in early February carrying about 66,000 square The facts on the new Maersk ships feet of Marine Corps cargo destined for Afghanistan and more than 50 mine-resis- The following article is provided to (WSC), an MMP/MEBA contracted com- MLL acquired E-Ships Inc. in tant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) address questions from American pany, held MSP Operating Agreements for 2007. E-Ships was the ship management destined for Iraq, Military Sealift Maritime Officers members regarding two such “grandfathered vessels”—the company for Farrell Lines. E-Ships held Command reported in Sealift. vessels recently re-flagged by Maersk Buenos Aires and Santa Cruz. WSC time- collective bargaining contracts with the The Algol, operated by Maersk Line Line Limited for the Maritime Security chartered the vessels to Farrell Lines, a MMP/MEBA/SIU and NMU. Two of the Limited and manned in all licensed posi- Program. U.S.-flag liner company formally owned by ships were manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers, Despite perceptions to the contrary, Royal P&O Nedlloyd, which was acquired tions by MEBA. These two ships were received activation orders Jan. 23. Four Maersk Line Limited (MLL) has not by Maersk in 2006. Farrell had a contractu- built by the MEBA pension trust and are days later, the ship left its layberth in given Masters, Mates and Pilots (MMP) al obligation to WSC to replace the Buenos now trading as the Maersk Nebraska and Louisiana and traveled to South Carolina or the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Aires and Santa Cruz by March 31, 2008, Maersk Nevada. These ships were to load the MRAPs, Sealift reported. Association (MEBA) a single job that with tonnage that meets the new MSP enrolled in the MSP and were also facing Following that, the Algol arrived in they did not already have jurisdictional requirements. age restriction. DOD requested they be North Carolina Jan. 31, and in 18 hours rights to through existing, valid collective MLL owns the Maersk Alabama and replaced with roll-on/roll-off tonnage. loaded 600 pieces of equipment, including bargaining agreements. That being said, Maersk Arkansas, which are enrolled in the MLL in-flagged two RO/ROs to replace vehicles, weapons and containers, Sealift MLL has acquired companies who MSP. These vessels replaced two former the Maersk Nevada and Maersk reported. already had collective bargaining agree- USSM vessels, which were facing MSP age Nebraska. The officers and crews from The abbreviated timeline for this ments (CBAs) in place with these other restriction and as such have MMP/MEBA the Maersk Nevada and Maersk Nebraska sealift operation was due to a change in officer associations that MLL was obliged contracts. transferred to the two RO/ROs. the deployment orders of the 24th Marine to honor. However, to put things in per- MLL and WSC reached an agreement The ships now trading as the Expeditionary Unit, Sealift reported. spective, the number of MMP/MEBA whereby MLL is demise (bareboat) charter- Maersk Nebraska and Maersk Nevada The Algol shipped the cargo for the jobs have actually decreased significantly ing the Maersk Alabama and Maersk were under MEBA contract before the 24th MEU to the United Arab Emirates since MLL acquired those companies Arkansas to WSC. WSC, the holder of the MSP existed and are still under MEBA and off-loaded in late February. The rapid (U.S. Ship Management went from 19 to MSP operating agreements for the Buenos contract now that they are no longer in the delivery ensured the Surface Deployment 15 ships and E-Ships went from six to five Aires and Santa Cruz, is enrolling them as MSP. and Distribution Command would be able ships). suitable replacement vessels. DOD and The CBA for the officers and crew to deliver the equipment to the Marines in The Maritime Security Program MARAD have approved the application. remains between E-Ships and MEBA for Afghanistan when they needed it, Sealift (MSP) requires militarily and commer- MLL must therefore replace the the MSP RO/ROs. The Maersk Nevada reported. cially useful vessels, as determined by the Maersk Alabama and Maersk Arkansas and and Maersk Nebraska are no longer eligi- From there, the ship continued to a Department of Defense and the Maritime is purchasing and in-flagging two suitable ble for MSP. The CBA between E-Ships nearby port in the Persian Gulf and deliv- Administration, with certain age require- vessels—the Agnette Maersk and Christian and the MEBA contains a job preservation ered the MRAPs, Sealift reported. ments depending on the type of vessel. Maersk, to be renamed Maersk Arizona and clause while the vessels are trading under The USNS Algol is one of eight fast Some companies with vessels enrolled in Maersk California. These names were the U.S. flag. E-Ships and the MEBA and sealift ships operated by Maersk Line the first MSP were “grandfathered” into selected because they are known to the cus- the SIU negotiated new wage conditions Limited for the Maritime Administration the new program with the requirement tomer and in the trading area, and as such commensurate with the non-MSP bulk and manned in all licensed positions by that they replace any vessels facing age have commercial value. DOD and MARAD grain trade, where the ships are currently AMO. The other seven ships are the USNS restriction by March 31, 2008, with ton- have approved this as well. employed on a voyage-to-voyage basis. Altair, USNS Antares, USNS Bellatrix, nage that met the new requirements. The above transaction results in no AMO members with any questions USNS Capella, USNS Denebola, USNS Waterman Steamship Company new jobs for the MMP/MEBA. can contact the AMO National President. Pollux and USNS Regulus. Membership report from the AMO National Executive Board meetings

I met various members of AMO and unions and to hear of their commitment to SIU counsels. Litigation is a constant deter- a strong future for all of us. In my opinion rent to our strength as a cohesive body. AMO is making strides to keep our Some litigation is inevitable, but some is members employed for the future. These By Susan McKenna business. frivolous, and costs us hundreds of thou- are hard times that we are in now. I know. I The lobby- sands of dollars unnecessarily. That is just lost my job on an LMSR ship. However, From February 5 to 8, 2008, I was ing which goes on shameful. after attending these meetings, I feel even privileged to be an AMO member observer in Washington, As an observer, I attended the meet- more encouraged and hopeful that AMO is during the AMO Executive Board and D.C., for our jobs ings with the Plans trustees from the vari- moving in the right direction. We have AMO Plans Board of Trustees meetings. I is done by mem- ous shipping companies that AMO has con- some hard work ahead, but the dedication have been a member of AMO for many bers and staff who tracts with. Once again, these folks are peo- by our board is unquestionable. At present years and previously a member of SIU. have spent years ple who have been on the board for many we have a board that is made up of a great Prior to the onset of the meetings, I and years building years, some upwards of 20 years. The con- mix of newly elected and seasoned mem- thought that I was aware of most of the relationships with tracted companies have a vested interest in bers who are fully committed to positive highlights of the inner workings of our the political par- what goes on in our union. After all, they change for AMO. In just a year, the results union. I have used the Medical Plan. I am ties, and have are putting their reputation on the line when of their efforts are coming to fruition. It is invested in a 401(k) and Pension Plan, and probably been the least understood. How they hire AMO officers. Their name is truly refreshing! Remember that the indus- I attend classes and have upgraded all of many members think about the VPAF? Do linked with us, and it is important that we try and other unions are keeping a very my deep-sea licenses at the STAR Center. you know how it works? It is so important conduct ourselves as professionally as we close eye on us. We can’t afford to be irre- I could not have believed how much to support it. can. sponsible. We can’t afford to be divided. goes on during these meetings and how Our Medical, Pension and 401(k) The board had the pleasure of being I would encourage any member of completely transparent and open the meet- Plans are very well funded. The people in addressed by an executive of MMP and by AMO to attend an Executive Board and ings are. I have learned how hard the exec- charge of these departments are also well the president of SIU. Both of these gentle- Plans trustees’ meeting as an observer. It utive board members and the members at versed in their responsibilities and have men spoke of unity, strength, proper leader- will open your eyes to the highly complex large work on a daily basis at making AMO been diligent in their fiduciary duties. Most ship, integrity and openness in our dealings workings of our union and benefit plans. I the strongest maritime officers’ union in the have been with AMO for years also. The with each other and with our members. It can truly say that I came away from the country. This union is complex and con- Plans are in very good shape and getting was very impressive to hear our union meetings extremely proud to be a member trols millions of dollars. This is serious better all the time. receive commendation from these other of AMO—now, more than ever. 4 • American Maritime Officer March 2008 MEBA Article XX violation on M/V Cort upheld by subcommittee of AFL-CIO Executive Council

A subcommittee of the AFL-CIO have to sever ties with AMO and join Executive Council in February upheld the MEBA to keep their jobs on the ship. ruling of an impartial umpire that the Interlake offered $10,000 bonuses to some Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association AMO members to switch unions, and violated Article XX of the AFL-CIO offered others more. In the end, all except Constitution by manning the M/V Stewart J. one refused and were fired by Interlake. Cort for Interlake Leasing III after In a letter dated March 5, 2007, American Maritime Officers members Interlake notified AMO that it would not working aboard the vessel refused to switch sign the agreed-upon contract. unions and were terminated by the compa- AMO went on strike against Interlake ny. Leasing III March 10, 2007, and MEBA The AFL-CIO has already imposed sent its members to work on the M/V Cort sanctions on MEBA for its prior and contin- behind the AMO and International uing violation on the Interlake tug/barge Brotherhood of Electrical Workers picket Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder. MEBA violated line. Article XX when it claimed to represent the In his report on the M/V Cort, Lesnick officers working aboard that vessel, despite determined MEBA had violated Section 2 the fact that AMO was their exclusive col- The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) sent its members to work of Article XX. He cited MEBA’s claim that lective bargaining agent. Under Article XX, for Interlake Leasing III on the M/V Stewart J. Cort behind the AMO and “AMO could have made a different offer one AFL-CIO affiliated union cannot International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers picket line last year. than the one it made” and “Interlake chose encroach upon the established bargaining to go another route.” Lesnick pointed out and/or work jurisdiction of another affiliat- umpire will go into full force and effect as bodied agreement with Interlake Leasing that “Section 2 seeks to prevent a rival affil- ed union. provided in Section 13(a) of Article XX,” III. The agreement expired in 2006 and was iate from making it possible for an employ- In a report dated Jan. 7, 2008, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney wrote in extended indefinitely while a successor er to ‘go another route’ while remaining a Impartial Umpire Howard Lesnick deter- a letter dated Feb. 13. “President Keefe agreement was negotiated. In February union shop.” mined MEBA had violated Article XX a shall advise me, within 14 days of receipt of 2007, Interlake and AMO reached an oral The Seafarers International Union of second time by manning the M/V Cort for this letter, what steps MEBA intends to take agreement on a contract covering the M/V North America, of which AMO is an affili- Interlake Leasing III. to comply with the determination.” Cort. ate, had also appealed a portion of the deter- MEBA, led by current President Don Under sanctions from the AFL-CIO, Early in March of 2007, Interlake mination on behalf of AMO, and sought to Keefe, appealed Lesnick’s ruling. A sub- MEBA no longer has protection or recourse held a company meeting at a resort in expand the ruling for the M/V Cort to committee of the Federation’s Executive under Article XX if its fleets are “raided” by Florida and had senior officers of the M/V include a violation of Section 3 of Article Council considered the appeal, and upheld rival unions. Cort and their families attend. At the resort, XX. The Federation subcommittee upheld the ruling of the impartial umpire. AMO represented the officers and Interlake Chief Executive Officer James the impartial umpire’s determination as it “The determination of the impartial stewards aboard the M/V Cort under a full- Barker told AMO members they would was written without granting either appeal. Wisconsin & Michigan sells David Z, Earl W, Wolverine

Wisconsin & Michigan Steamship second quarter of 2007. During the sec- aboard AMO-contracted vessels on the said. “Despite the difficulties of a pro- Company has sold the three vessels ond quarter of 2006 the ships had con- Great Lakes, the successor language longed strike, we refused to compromise American Maritime Officers had been tributed $5.5 million to Rand revenues, ensures that, if a vessel is sold, the offi- the interests of the membership and the striking since last year. according to Trade Winds. cers and stewards will continue to work integrity of our pattern agreement to Rand Logistics purchased the AMO went on strike against aboard it under AMO contract at the same obtain a short-term concessionary con- David Z, Earl W and Wolverine from Wisconsin & Michigan in May 2007 pay and benefit levels. tract with Wisconsin & Michigan. Wisconsin & Michigan. One of the three when contract negotiations stalled during “We knew Wisconsin & Michigan “With the support of the officers vessels, the Wolverine, will be transferred economic re-opener discussions for the was trying to sell these vessels, and they and stewards from these vessels, AMO from U.S. to Canadian registry. three vessels. AMO’s contract provided even informed us that our successor was able to protect job and benefit securi- The three vessels had been operated the union the right to strike under these clause would make selling the boats diffi- ty for all AMO members sailing on the for Wisconsin & Michigan by Rand sub- circumstances. cult,” said the AMO National Vice Great Lakes,” he said. sidiary Lower Lakes Transportation. The Although the company accepted President for the Great Lakes. “Our con- Rand Logistics exercised a pur- sale was made as Rand posted a $2.2 mil- most provisions of the AMO pattern tract language is the only reason AMO chase option in the operating charter with lion loss in the fourth quarter, compared agreement, it would not sign a contract members kept their jobs on these three Lower Lakes Transportation to buy the with earnings of $232,000 during the that included the union’s standard Great vessels when Wisconsin & Michigan three 20,000-ton vessels, according to same period the previous year, according Lakes successor language. This language bought them from Oglebay. Trade Winds. Rand subsidiary Grand to a report in Trade Winds. ensures AMO’s continued jurisdiction on “Under the circumstances, preserv- River Navigation paid a total of $20 mil- The ships themselves contributed a ship if it is sold. ing this clause in our pattern agreement lion for the three vessels, which were all just $1.8 million to Rand’s earnings in the For officers and stewards working became more important than ever,” he built in the early 1970s. Federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2009 would cut funding for critical Great Lakes dredging operations

The Bush administration’s $3.1 tril- waterborne transportation system, markedly Resources Development Act directs the gov- 10,000 tons of cargo. We thought we had lion budget request for fiscal year 2009 reducing its efficiency and increasing sup- ernment to expedite dredging operations to turned the corner with the increase in dredg- would cut funding for the maintenance of ply-chain costs. restore Great Lakes navigational features ing funds for 2008 that our Congressional Great Lakes maritime infrastructure, includ- Congressman James Oberstar (D- and connecting channels to project depths. delegation won after much hard work. It is ing dredging, by 35.5 percent. MN), chairman of the Transportation and The law authorizes approximately $23 bil- totally irresponsible for the administration to The proposed reduction in the U.S. Infrastructure Committee, criticized the lon worth of studies and construction pro- propose any cut in Great Lakes maintenance Army Corps of Engineers budget comes at a administration’s budget proposal for trans- jects by the Army Corps of Engineers. funds at this or any foreseeable time.” time when water levels on the Great Lakes portation projects, remarking it presents lit- However, the administration’s 2009 Cargo movement on the Great Lakes are at near-to-record lows. Combined with tle that is new, and much that is disappoint- budget request seeks only $89.3 million for and St. Lawrence Seaway can approach 250 years of inadequate funding for dredging ing. Great Lakes dredging. This compared with million tons per year, the Task Force report- operations, now shallow harbors and chan- “We got the same old, stale propos- the nearly $140 million approved by ed. The Army Corps of Engineers acknowl- nels are forcing the fleet of Great Lakes bulk als—the same neglect of our nation’s infra- Congress and the President in 2008. edged it needs more than $215 million to reduce their loads significantly on each voy- structure needs,” he said. “The Great Lakes have been plagued clear the backlog of dredging projects age. Rep. Oberstar was the principal spon- by inadequate funding for maintenance for throughout the Great Lakes navigation sys- The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force sor of the Water Resources Development decades,” said the AMO National Executive tem. warned that chronically declining cargo Act of 2007 and spearheaded the Vice President, who serves as first vice pres- “Any reduction in the Corps dredging movement on the lakes will result in a far- Congressional effort to successfully override ident of the Maritime Task Force. “Some budget for the lakes would be a double reaching economic impact throughout the the President’s veto of the legislation and vessels were forfeiting 15 percent of their whammy of the worst kind,” said Patrick J. region. The dredging crisis has placed a enact it into law. carrying capacity by the end of 2007. For a tremendous burden on the Great Lakes Among other things, the Water 1,000-foot-long vessel, that’s more than See Dredging N Page 5 March 2008 American Maritime Officer • 5 Great Lakes AMO area informational meetings: a tradition of service

During the 2008 Great Lakes area mariners working in all trades. meetings, American Maritime Officers AMO Plans Executive Director Steve members received a thorough briefing on Nickerson made presentations at each area developments with the union and AMO meeting this year, as he has in the past. Plans over the past year and participated in Nickerson provided a detailed report on the discussions of issues currently facing AMO strong financial and operational status of the and its membership. benefit plans, provided an overview of the The series of Great Lakes area meet- potential impact and complex ramifications ings are held each year in Tampa, Fla.; Green of the Pension Protection Act for AMO Plans Bay, Wis.; Duluth, Minn.; Traverse City, participants—the exact effect of which AMO Mich.; Alpena, Mich.; Cleveland/Ashtabula, Plans is still working to gauge—and fielded Ohio; and Toledo, Ohio. The various loca- questions from members on AMO benefits. tions of the Great Lakes area meetings pro- Larry Goldstock, a vice president with vide opportunities for AMO members who Smith-Barney whose investment team man- do not live near AMO offices in Toledo, ages the AMO 401(k) Plan and Money Dania Beach or Brooklyn, and are not easily Purchase Benefit, discussed the thriving state able to attend regular AMO membership of these benefit plans, the immediate effect of meetings, to receive comprehensive reports the recent downturn in the market and the on union affairs and developments with ben- long-term outlook for market investments. efit plans, as well as to have any questions Attorney Mike Reny of the AMO AMO members attend the area informational meeting in Toledo, Ohio. answered directly by the administration of Coast Guard Legal Aid Program discussed AMO and the directors of AMO Plans. the program’s cost-free coverage for AMO The meetings were led by the AMO members and the benefits it provides. Reny national vice president for the Great Lakes, also reminded AMO members to apply for and included a presentation on all major their Transportation Worker Identification developments with the AMO fleet, as well as Credential as soon as possible. those within the industry that affect AMO- Based on the proven benefit to the manned vessels. Among other things, he membership provided by the annual Great reported the shipping companies’ order Lakes area meetings, the union has books for the upcoming season are full and expanded the tradition to include area activation of the entire AMO-manned Great informational meetings for AMO mem- Lakes fleet is anticipated. bers in all sectors in various locations Also attending, making presentations around the nation. The first series was and answering questions at the area meetings held in 2007 and included Baltimore, Md.; were the AMO national president—who had Portsmouth, Va.; New Orleans, La.; also attended and addressed the 2007 Great Houston, Texas; Oakland, Calif.; Tacoma, Lakes area meetings—the AMO national AMO members attend the Great Lakes area meeting in Duluth, Minn. Wash.; and South Portland, Maine. secretary-treasurer and the AMO national executive vice president, who participates in the meetings each year. AMO members train at RTM STAR Center, Toledo AMO Director of Government Relations Mike Murphy addressed the area meetings, discussing the status of federal American Maritime Officers mem- policies and regulations that affect American bers working for American Steamship Company and complet- Dredging ing Bridge Resource Management at RTM STAR Center in February Continued from Page 4 with instructor Larry Reimer includ- O’Hern, president of the Great Lakes ed Ralph Yanik, Scott Powell, Barry Maritime Task Force, and vice president of Prosak, Dan Fischer and John Bay Shipbuilding Company. “The Lakes are Sarns, here with Helmsmen Mike already suffering with extremely low water Larson and Orville Hill. levels. “An adequately-funded maintenance program doesn’t solve the problem, but it certainly helps offset the impacts of falling water levels,” O’Hern said. “Now is absolutely the worst imaginable time for any reduction in Great Lakes dredging funds.” James Weakley, second vice president American Maritime Officers member of the Task Force and president of the Lake Steve Yogler practices administer- Carriers’ Association, pointed out that the ing injections during the Medical money for dredging operations is available Person In Charge course at RTM in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. STAR Center in Toledo, Ohio, with “Instead of cutting dredging funds, the Instructor Sheila Hayes in February. Administration must establish a Great Lakes navigation improvement fund in this and future budgets,” Weakley said. “Unless we are funding the Great Lakes marine transportation system with $170 million a year, we are contributing to its decay and putting American manufacturers and power produc- ers at a competitive disadvantage. American Maritime Officers mem- “Dredging of deep-draft ports and bers completing Basic Welding at waterways is funded by a tax on cargo RTM STAR Center in Toledo, Ohio, movement, yet the Harbor Maintenance in February with Instructor Bob Trust Fund has a surplus of more than $3.5 Woda were Ralph Gittinger, Tim billion and continues to grow,” he said. “It’s O’Connell, Jim Mayhew, Rodney time to apply those trust fund dollars to their Halterman and Gary Brannon. intended purpose. If we don’t restore the lakes navigation system to project dimen- sions, the industry will not be able to meet the needs of commerce.” 6 • American Maritime Officer March 2008 American Tern, Gianella deliver in Deep Freeze ‘08

The M/V American Tern and ice- At left: The American Tern en route strengthened tanker USNS Lawrence H. to McMurdo Station Gianella in February completed the annual re-supply mission to the National Photo courtesy of Michael Thomas Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica for Operation Deep Freeze 2008. The American Tern is operated by APL Maritime Limited and the USNS Gianella is operated by Ocean Ships Inc. Both ships are manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers. The Gianella arrived at McMurdo’s ice pier Jan. 28 and delivered nearly 6 million gallons of fuel to power the station’s generators, vehicles, helicopters and research Above: The Gianella pitches into a boats. The Gianella departed Feb. 3. head sea in the Southern Ocean dur- The American Tern arrived Feb. 8, ing Operation Deep Freeze 2008. and 12 million pounds of equipment and At left: The USNS Gianella dis- supplies were offloaded for the station’s charges cargo and refuels the 1,500 researchers and support personnel. research vessel Nathanial Palmer “Without the cargo delivered by our during Operation Deep Freeze 2008. ships each year, McMurdo would not be able to function,” said Rick Appling of Below: Orcas swim alongside the Military Sealift Command’s Sealift USNS Gianella. Logistics Command Pacific. MSC vessels deliver more than 70 per- photos courtesy of Capt. Robert Lee cent of the dry cargo and 100 percent of fuel that is taken to the continent each year. Equally important is the backhaul cargo from Antarctica. This year, nearly 5 million pounds of cargo, ranging from ice core samples to the waste that McMurdo Station has accumulated over the past year, were loaded onto American Tern before it departed. Additionally, fuel was successfully transferred to the Swedish icebreaker Oden, which arrived in the area in advance of the two MSC ships and broke USNS Gianella fuels operations at a channel through about 18 miles of ice that blocked the ships’ access to McMurdo. McMurdo Station for another year Rep. Taylor By Capt. Robert Lee February 21, 2008 to receive The USNS Lawrence H. Gianella is now returning to the U.S. after participating in Operation Deep Freeze 2008. Salute to The crew of the Gianella brought down 6 million gallons of fuel that will keep the U.S. operations at McMurdo Base and Congress the South Pole station running for another year. The pack ice was very thick this Award year and never opened completely until late February. Also, the Southern Ocean The Propeller Club has selected storms were active, as usual, serving up Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) to 30-foot seas almost daily. The conditions receive the Salute to Congress Award for were harsh, but the AMO-SIU crew was 2008. The award will be presented April 29. up to the task. Some appeared a bit green The AMO and SIU crew aboard the USNS Lawrence H. Gianella during Rep. Taylor was selected for the 2008 around the gills coming through the Operation Deep Freeze 2008 included Capt. Robert Lee, Ice Pilot Robert Mills, award for his strong and consistent support storm belt of the Southern Sea, but that’s Chief Mate Patrick Rathbun, Second Mate James Cunningham, Third Mate of the U.S. maritime industry. The award expected in the roughest ocean of the Amanda Roberson, Third Mate Timothy Beaugard, Bosun Trevorous Ellison, ceremony honoring Rep. Taylor will be world. None complained and all contin- Assistant Bosun James Hall, Assistant Bosun Yves Marcel Goiset, Assisstant attended by members of Congress, ued to do their job in a very professional Bosun Clifton Doonis, Assisstant Bosun Stag Rye, Assisstant Bosun Ronald Executive Branch officials, maritime indus- manner. Williams Jr., Chief Engineer George Arsenault, First Assisstant Engineer try leaders and members of the Propeller This was the first such trip for Casey Cooper, Third A.E. Jamie Landeira, Pumpman Darrell McDonald, Club of the United States. many in the crew and their eyes were QMED James Summers, QMED Lamar Parker, DEU Victor Stewart, DEU Rep. Taylor, of Bay St. Louis, served wide open as we pulled into the ice chan- Enrique Nunez, Steward Mary Brayman, Chief Cook Alfonsa Eligio, GSU Ali in the Coast Guard Reserve from 1971 to nel that was full of penguins, orcas, Salim, GSU Regina Flores Miguel, Engine Cadet David Hume, Deck Cadet 1984 as the skipper of a search and rescue whales and seals. Upon arriving at Laura Ladd and SIU Apprentice Christopher Shivalier. Photo courtesy of Capt. boat. He received the commandant’s letter McMurdo Station, the hectic schedule of Robert Lee of commendation for fire fighting, and a let- discharging cargo, refueling other ves- ter of commendation for saving the life of a sels, cleaning tanks, loading storm ballast knots of wind trying to blow the rigging off but I still see some iron in their eyes after crew member. and giving ship tours to scientists and the bare poles of a large square rigger. All pulling lines in a blizzard, wrenching out Prior to his election to Congress in local workers all occurred efficiently and the while, a helmsman struggles against the the Gieslinger, hand-steering for days 1989, he served as a member of the Bay St. without incident. hydraulics of it all, and a captain fears the through the ice or putting out meals in a Louis City Council and the Mississippi When you venture to Antarctica by icebergs surely hidden in the cool fog. They rolling galley—a job well done, indeed. State Senate. sea, your mind always contemplates the were truly iron men and wooden ships. Capt. Robert Lee is master of the In the U.S. House of Representatives, experiences the early explorers enjoyed, The soft sweep of the radar and click- USNS Gianella, which is operated by Rep. Taylor serves on two major commit- or just endured. You consider the bone- ing of the gyro repeater remind me how Ocean Ships Inc. for Military Sealift tees, the House Armed Services Committee chilling experience of surfing down 30 much things have changed. Today much of Command and manned in all licensed and the House Transportation and foot seas in 33-degree water, with 45 the iron is in the ship and her machinery, positions by American Maritime Officers. Infrastructure Committee. March 2008 American Maritime Officer • 7

American built and American manned. •Government and Regulation of Maritime Washington Seaman in the Merchant Service (July 20, 1790)—establishing federal oversight of By Maritime Administrator Sean depended on the merchant mariners and seafarer protection Connaughton waterways for per- and relief, including requiring shipping sonal and commer- agreements, stipulating the duty and conduct Every year on President’s Day, the cial transportation. of masters and seafarers, establishing mini- Mount Vernon Ladies’Association opens the Mount Vernon’s mum food provisions and medical care, and doors of Mount Vernon, waives admission exports of wheat, requiring vessels to be seaworthy. Many of fees and stages a daylong celebration of the whiskey and fish, these provisions still exist in modern law. life and achievements of our first President, as well as imports •Establishment of the Treasury George Washington. Mount Vernon was the of finished and Department (September 2, 1789)—The fol- beloved home of George and Martha manufactured lowing year (1790), Secretary of the Washington from the time of their marriage products, move by Treasury Alexander Hamilton established Portrait of George Washington by in 1759 until Washington’s death in 1799. ship to and from the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, the fore- Gilbert Stuart, 1795 The manor home and the grounds are metic- other parts of runner of the modern day Coast Guard. ulously kept, and a new visitor center and Virginia, the other colonies/states, and Executive Departments and passing the first •Naval Armament provided (March museum have recently been opened. In abroad. If one wanted to visit another plan- twelve amendments to the U.S. 22, 1794)—Congress ordered the construc- accordance with his will, George and Martha tation or nearby town, it was usually easier Constitution, 10 of which are otherwise tion and manning of six frigates to protect Washington both rest in peace in the tomb on and faster to travel via boat. Simply put, known as the Bill of Rights! American merchant ships which were being the estate, even though a crypt was built without marine transportation there was no The laws enacted by the First harassed by the belligerents in Europe and specifically for him in the U.S. Capitol. America. Congress, as well as those passed by the sub- the Barbary pirates. This Act was the foun- Even though the crowds are unusually The significance of the maritime sequent Congresses during Washington’s dation of the United States Navy. large that day and parking usually atrocious, industry was underscored when Washington two terms in office, were precedent setting. The laws and the programs I always try to take my family each year (not was elected President. The new capital was They laid the foundation of federal maritime Washington and the first Congresses enacted always willingly). I believe that George New York, then as now a major shipping programs that were to continue to this day. were intended to foster trade and the Washington, as an individual and a public center. On April 30, 1789, Washington Among the most important were: American maritime industry; they succeed- servant, is a role model for all of us. He was boarded a ceremonial barge at Elizabethport, •An Act for the establishment and ed tremendously. In 1790, the percent of a fearless soldier, peerless statesman and New Jersey, for his triumphant entrance to support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys and U.S. exports/imports carried by U.S. vessels exemplary citizen who viewed public ser- Manhattan Island via a harbor filled with public piers (August 7, 1789)—This provid- was 39.5 percent; by 1796, U.S. vessels car- vice as an obligation, not a career. He merchant vessels of all sorts firing salutes to ed for a federal system for the construction ried 92.9 percent. The American shipbuild- always responded to the public’s call to ser- the new President. The celebration was and operation of aids to navigation and nav- ing industry became one of the largest in the vice, but he also longed to return to his fam- organized in part by The Marine Society of igation safety; in fact, some of the lighthous- world. American ships prowled the world. ily, farming and pursuing entrepreneurial the City of New York. Six years earlier, es authorized by the law can still be seen, U.S. international trade increased over 200 enterprises. We all have much to learn from Washington had become a member of The such as the one at Cape Henry, Virginia. percent between 1790 and 1796. The coun- this man, but especially those of us who Marine Society, declaring he was “extreme- The Coast Guard and Army Corps of try’s economy was booming. enter public service today. ly happy in becoming a member of their Engineers administer this program today. Today, a little over 200 years later, the What I am struck by every year are the humane and excellent institution.” Try find- •Pilotage—Section 4 of the Act of City of Washington is home to the programs large crowds that always gather on the south ing a merchant ship anywhere near a modern Congress of 7 of August 1789 recognized that Washington and the first Congresses lawn of the Mount Vernon manor house. No day Presidential Inauguration in the City of the preeminence of state pilotage by explic- established, and they are constantly under matter what the weather or time of day, peo- Washington! itly delegating back to the states the right to discussion and revision. The maritime ple are drawn to the breathtaking views of More important is what Washington regulate pilots. industry continues to play a vital role in the the Potomac River. They marvel at the and the first Congresses did once they •Registering and clearing of vessels in American economy and supports the mili- beauty but have little comprehension of the assumed office. Some of the first matters the coasting trade and regulating the coast- tary in times of crisis. However, maritime practical aspects of the siting of this and they dealt with directly pertained to the ing trade (September 1, 1789) – This act pro- transportation is no longer on the minds of other colonial plantations. American maritime industry; in fact, six of vided for the registering and recording of most Americans even though the global In Washington’s time, the waterways the 26 laws enacted by the First Congress in vessels, the predecessor of today’s vessel economy makes the industry more impor- were the lifeline of America’s economy. The its first session were maritime-related. This documentation program administered by the tant than at anytime since the nation’s found- overwhelming majority of America’s popu- preoccupation with maritime matters is even Coast Guard. This law also established the ing. Maybe more people need to visit lation lived along the oceans, rivers, harbors more impressive given that the First first cabotage rules that led to today’s Jones Mount Vernon to remember! and bays of the Atlantic seaboard. With few Congress also had to deal with a multitude Act, which restricts interstate maritime com- This article was written expressly for roads and no alternatives, goods and people of important issues, such as establishing the merce to vessels that are American owned, publication by American Maritime Officers. USNS Seay responds to save four lives in Straits of Gibraltar The large medium-speed roll-on/roll-off vessel Greg Johnson and Lookout Ron Poole did what they USNS Seay Feb. 9 provided critical support in the res- were supposed to do. The deck gang, led by Chief cue of four people from a fishing boat in harsh weath- Mate Dave Centofanti, and assisted by Third Mate er in the Straits of Gibraltar. Kevin Zeller and Bosun John Wells, rigged all needed At 0050, the 950-foot military cargo ship was gear for personnel recovery and provided needed situ- notified by the Tarifa Rescue Coordination Center ational information. The engineroom, led by Chief (RCC) in Tarifa, Spain, that a small craft had issued a Engineer Mo Oliver, First Assistant Engineer Paul distress signal and was in need of assistance. The Seay Ebaugh and Third Assistant Engineer John turned to the vessel’s last known position, and at 0112 Thompson, provided support on such an immediate a small wooden fishing vessel was sighted. The request faster than I have ever seen. They had all weather included winds of 25 to 25 knots, with gusts aspects of bow thrusters and engines ready for what- Capt. Thomas Madden, master of the USNS Seay, commend- of up to 45 knots, and nine to 12 foot seas, Capt. Tom ever was needed. The Navy force protection team, led ed the officers and crew for their actions and success in the tra- Madden, master of the USNS Seay, reported. by GM1 Robert Prine and GM1 Carl Ward, were right dition of aiding fellow mariners in distress. The approximately 25-foot boat had four pas- with the deck gang to assist in the humanitarian sengers onboard—three adults and one child. Over the aspect, as well as being positioned to provide security, next hour, the Seay maneuvered to shield the vessel if needed. Their assistance on the bridge was a major from high winds until a rescue craft from the Tarifa help in keeping the information flow fresh. Rescue Coordination Center arrived to pick up the “The continued praise by the RCC let everyone four passengers from the boat. aboard know that the Seay had succeeded in the tradi- “The rescue boat made contact with the Seay at tion of the sea to aid a fellow seaman in distress,” 0151,” Capt. Madden reported. At “0200 to 0208, the Capt. Madden said. rescue boat came around the windward to the leeward The USNS Seay is one of nine LMSRs operated side of the Seay, and even with the small boat lit up by for the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command by the search light and maxi-beam, they had a tough time American Overseas Marine Corp. and manned in all getting a visual on them. By 0210, the rescue boat was licensed positions by American Maritime Officers. AMO members participating in the rescue operation included alongside the craft and the personnel transfer was The following day, the Seay arrived at port in Chief Engineer Maurice Oliver, Third Mate Kevin Zeller, First done. Rota, Spain, to load helicopters and equipment Assistant Engineer Paul Ebaugh, Third A.E. Chris Beaton, “The crew performed flawlessly,” Capt. used by the U.S. Army’s 82nd Combat Aviation Third A.E. John Thompson, Second A.E. James Silcox and Madden said. “The bridge team of Third Mate Terry Brigade in Afghanistan. The equipment is being Third Mate Terry Simmons. Simmons, Second Mate Garrett Winner, Helmsman redeployed to the U.S. 8 • American Maritime Officer March 2008 The Raymond T. McKay Center For Advanced Maritime Officers Training 2 West Dixie Highway • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • (954) 920-3222

GENERAL COURSES

ISO 9001:2000 Lead Auditor Training 5 days 28 April

ABS NS5 (“Safe Net” update) 3 days 30 June

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 14 April 12 May 16 June 14 July 18 August 15 September 13 October

Advanced Shiphandling for Masters—(No equivalency) 5 days 14 April 28 July 20 October Must have sailed as Chief Mate Unlimited Advanced Shiphandling for Third Mates—(60 days 10 days 12 May 18 August seatime equivalency for Third Mates) Basic Safety Training—All 4 modules MUST be completed 5 days 23 June 22 September within 12 months Personal Survival Techniques (Monday-Tuesday a.m.) 1 1/2 days 23 June 22 September

Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (Tuesday p.m.) 1/2 day 24 June 23 September

Elementary First Aid (Wednesday) 1 day 25 June 24 September Fire Fighting & Fire Prevention (Thursday-Friday)—Not required if “Combined Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting” com- 2 days 26 June 25 September pleted within 12 months Basic Safety Training -Refresher 3 days 25 June 24 September

Bridge Resource Management Seminar 3 days 28 May

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 31 March 5 May 14 July 29 September

GMDSS 10 days 2-Jun

Integrated Bridge System/Podded Propulsion 5 days 2 June 22 September

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 28 April 25 August

Tankerman PIC DL - Classroom 5 days 31 March 16 June 25 August

Tankerman PIC DL - Simulator 10 days 28 April

Tankerman PIC LNG 8 days 7 April 2 June 21 July 15 September 20 October

LNG Simulator Training 5 days 12 May 7 July 11 August 6 October

LNG Addendum to SIGTTO Standards 1 day 17 April 12 June 1 August 25 September 30 October

Train The Trainer—Requires after hours homework 5 days 3 March 31 March 28 July 27 October

Vessel/Company/Port Facility Security Officer 3 days 27 May 23 July 3 September 15 October

Visual Communications (Flashing Light)—test only 1 days Please call ENGINEERING COURSES

Electrical, Electronic, Control Engineering 4 weeks 9 June 8 September

Engine Room Resource Management 5 days 2 June 6 October

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 21 April 19 May 25 June 13 August 20 October

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 5 May 18 August 27 October

High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 19 May 28 July 15 October

Steam Crossover 4 weeks 7 July MSC TRAINING PROGRAM—includes self-study courses Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator, Anti-Terrorism Level 1 and Crew Endurance Management (see below). Additional courses, including Marine Sanitation Devices and Water Sanitation Afloat will be included soon. CBRD Orientation 1 day 22 May 24 July 25 September

Damage Control 2 days 24 April 26 June 28 August 23 October

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 21 April 27 May 16 June 14 July 15 September

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 22 May 11 August

ICODES Training—For Masters/Chief Mates aboard MARAD ships and others chartered by MSC. Follows deck upgrade 1 day Please call cargo class

Medical PIC Refresher—Note: Not MSC approved. 3 days 19 May 27 August

Small Arms - Initial & Refresher Training 3 days 21 April 19 May 23 June 21 July 25 August 22 September MARAD TRAINING PROGRAM—(11 day package composed of the courses below) Students will be nominated and assigned by their contracted company and shall attend all 11 days. Any places not taken by the contracted companies shall be made available to the membership on a chronological order basis. Small Arms Training (Initial & Refresher) 3 days 7 April 5 May 9 June 7 July 11 August 8 September

Elementary First Aid 1 day 10 April 8 May 12 June 10 July 14 August 11 September

Drug Collector Training 1 day 11 April 9 May 13 June 11 July 15 August 12 September

Breath Alcohol Test Collector 1 day 12 April 10 May 14 June 12 July 16 August 13 September

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 14 April 12 May 16 June 14 July 18 August 15 September MEDICAL COURSES

Elementary First Aid—Note: Prerequisite for Medical Care 1 day 22 April 17 June 15 July 16 September 14 October Provider within preceding 12 months Medical Care Provider—Note: Prerequisite for Medical Person In Charge within preceding 12 months. Please fax 3 days 23 April 18 June 16 July 17 September 15 October EFA certificate when registering Medical Person In Charge—Note: Please FAX Medical 5 days 28 April 23 June 21 July 22 September 20 October Care Provider certificate when registering

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 5 May 25 August 29 September 27 October

Breath Alcohol Test 1 day 6 May 26 August 30 September 28 October RADAR COURSES

Radar Recertification 1 day 18 April 19 May 12 June 3 July 8 August 15 September 10 October

ARPA 4 days 2 September

Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days Please Call

ECDIS 5 days 5 May 29 September

Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days 25 August SELF-STUDY CD & ONLINE PROGRAMS—Available for use when attending other approved classroom courses

Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator (CD) Anti-Terrorism Level 1 (Online) Crew Endurance Management (CD)

DoT - Hazardous Materials Transportation Training (CD) Prudent Mariner’s Guide to Right Whale Protection (CD) March 2008 American Maritime Officer • 9 The Raymond T. McKay Center For Advanced Maritime Officers Training 2 West Dixie Highway • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • (954) 920-3222

DECK LICENSE UPGRADE: SECOND OFFICER TO CHIEF MATE / MASTER—Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). This program will complete ALL 53 Control Sheet assessments.

Cargo Operations 9 days 16 June 15 September

Celestial Navigation—Note: A thorough review and understanding of the topics covered in Parts 4 & 5 of 5 days 19 May 28 July Pub. Number 9, The American Practical Navigator (Bowditch), is a prerequisite.

Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 21 April 28 April 4 August 11 August 15 September 20 October

Shipboard Management 5 days 21 April 12 May 23 June 18 August 25 August 27 October

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology 5 days 5 May 7 July 29 September 27 October

Upgrade: Navigation 10 days 7 April 12 May 9 June 21 July 8 September 13 October

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 28 April 14 July 1 September 6 October

Upgrade: Stability—Note: It is recommended that chap- ters 1-13 in the book Stability and Trim for the Ship’s 5 days 2 June 25 August 6 October Officer be reviewed prior to attending this course

Watchkeeping 1 (Bridge Resource Management)— Note: Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2 MUST be completed 3 days 4 June 6 August 24 September within 12 months of each other.

Watchkeeping 2 (COLREGS)—Note: Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2 MUST be completed within 12 months of 5 days 9 June 11August 29 September each other.

The Raymond T. McKay Center For Advanced Maritime Officers’ Training One Maritime Plaza • Toledo, Ohio 43604 • (419) 255-3940

ARPA CERTIFICATION DIESEL ENDORSEMENT FIRE PREVENTION & FIRE FIGHTING Course Length—Four Days (Monday-Thursday Course Length—23 Days Course Length—Two Days April 8 May 20 June 30 April 21 September 8 April 17, 24 June 19, 26 August 21, 28

ORIGINAL RADAR CERTIFICATION BASIC SAFETY TRAINING BASIC WELDING Course Length—Five Days Course Length—One Week Course Length—10 Days May 12 June 23 August 4 April 14, 21 June 16, 23 August 18, 25 July 7 December 1 RADAR RECERTIFICATION PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT Officer in charge of a navigational watch: Successful com- Course Length—One Day Course Length—Four Days pletion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for April 4, 7, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 May 2, 5, 9, 16, 19, 30 May 27 July 21 September 2 STCW certification as third mate and second mate on vessels June 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 27 July 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC) ECDIS/ECPINS ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION RECERT & ARPA Course Length—Three Days (Monday-Wednesday) Course Length—Five Days Course Length—Five Days Call for scheduled courses March 31 July 7 April 7 May 19 August 11 8.5-HOUR ELEMENTARY FIRST AID/CPR BASIC SHIPHANDLING AT OPERATIONAL LEVEL BRIDGE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Course Length—One Day (prerequisite for 24-hour MCP) Course Length—Five Days Three-Day Course—Open To All Deck Officers April 28 June 30 September 2 April 21 July 21 April 14 June 16 August 4 CARGO HANDLING AND STOWAGE 24-HOUR MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER Course Length—Five Days FAST RESCUE BOAT Course Length—Three Days April 7 July 14 Course Length—Four Days April 29 July 1 September 3 June 2 July 28 September 8 SHIP CONSTRUCTION AND STABILITY 40-HOUR MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER Course Length—Five Days GMDSS Course Length—One Week April 14 July 28 Course Length—10 Days May 5 July 7 September 8 April 28 July 7 November 10 TERRESTRIAL NAVIGATION CBRD Course Length—Two Weeks ADVANCED SHIPHANDLING FOR THIRD MATES Course Length—One Day April 28 August 4 Course Length—Two Weeks Call for scheduled courses METEOROLOGY June 9 October 27 Course Length—Five Days VESSEL/COMPANY/PORT SECURITY OFFICER June 2 September 8 40-HOUR ABLE SEAMAN Course Length—Three Days Course Length—One Week June 9 September 15 December 8 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND SAR May 19 July 14 August 25 Course Length—Four Days PERSONAL SAFETY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY May 27 September 2 MARLIN SPIKE Course Length—4 Hours Course Length—One Day WATCHKEEPING April 16, 23 June 18, 25 August 20, 27 July 25 October 24 Course Length—10 Days May 12 August 18 RFPNW (Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch) ELEMENTARY FIRST AID/CPR CELESTIAL NAVIGATION Course Length—One Day Course Length—One Day Course Length—Two Weeks Call for scheduled courses April 14, 21 June 16, 23 August 18, 25 June 9 September 15 PERSONAL SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES STCW DECK OFFICER REFRESHER MAGNETIC & GYRO COMPASS Course Length—12 Hours Course Length—Three Days Course Length—Three Days April 15, 22 June 17, 24 August 19, 26 April 7 September 29 June 23 September 29

NOTICE: AMO members planning to attend the union’s RTM Center for Advanced Maritime Officers’ Training/STAR Center in Dania Beach, Florida—either to prepare for license upgrading or to undergo specialty training—are asked to call the school to confirm course schedule and space availability in advance.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The Raymond T. McKay Centers For Advanced Maritime Officers Training (CAMOT) and Simulation Training Assessment and Research Centers (STAR), established under the auspices of the American Maritime Officers Safety and Education Plan, admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin or sex to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Centers. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or sex in administration of its educational policies, admission policies and other programs administered by the Centers. 10 • American Maritime Officer March 2008

GALVESTON, TX 77554 13730 FM 3005, SUITE 170 David Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large ([email protected]) (800) 362-0513 ext. 2001 / Mobile: (409) 996-7362

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19148 HEADQUARTERS 2604 S. 4th Street (800) 362-0513 ext. 4001 DANIA BEACH, FL 33004 Robert Kiefer, National Assistant Vice President At Large 2 West Dixie Highway ([email protected]) (954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513 FAX: (215) 755-2574 Tom Bethel, National President ([email protected]) José E. Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer ([email protected]) WASHINGTON, D.C. Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President ([email protected]) WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024 FAX: (954) 926-5112 490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW Joseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea Suite 7204 ([email protected]) (202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001 Paul Cates, National Executive Board Member At Large Edward Kelly, National Vice President At Large ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Charles Crangle, Director of Congressional and Legislative Affairs John Hafner, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Paul Doell, Special Assistant to the National President Charles Murdock, National Representative ([email protected]) ([email protected]) FAX: (954) 920-3257 FAX: (202) 479-1188 Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 FAX: (954) 926-5126 RTM CAMOT/STAR CENTERS Brendan Keller ([email protected]) Robert Anderson ([email protected]) STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING COURSE INFORMATION Member Services: Extension 1050 ([email protected]) 2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 Dania Beach, FL 33004 PORTS (954) 920-3222 ext.7109 (954) 920-3222 ext.7112 BROOKLYN, NY 11232 (800) 942-3220 ext.7109 (800) 942-3220 ext.7112 652 Fourth Avenue FAX: (954) 920-3140 FAX: (954) 920-3140 (800) 545-9589 24 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999 Don Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea ([email protected]) CAMOT/STAR TOLEDO TRAINING RECORDS FAX: (718) 965-1766 One Maritime Plaza SYSTEM MANAGER: Toledo, Ohio 43604 Lisa Marra SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 94607 (419) 255-3940 (954) 920-3222 ext. 7118 1121 7th Street, Second Floor FAX: (419) 255-8833 FAX: (954) 925-5681 Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-5301 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 5001 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Daniel Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large ([email protected]) MARITIME MEDICAL CENTER AMO PLANS FAX: (510) 444-5165 2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 Dania Beach, FL 33004 TOLEDO, OH 43604 (954) 927-5213 (800) 348-6515 The Melvin H. Pelfrey Building FAX: (954) 929-1415 FAX: (954) 922-7539 One Maritime Plaza (419) 255-3940 / (800) 221-9395 LEGAL FAX: (419) 255-2350 Daniel Smith, National Executive Vice President ([email protected]) Joel Glanstein, General Counsel Michael Reny Donald Cree, National Vice President Great Lakes ([email protected]) 305 Madison Ave. Suite 2240 AMO Coast Guard Legal Brian Krus, National Assistant Vice President Great Lakes New York, NY 10165 Aid Program ([email protected]) (212) 370-5100 (419) 243-1105 / (888) 853-4662 Stan Barnes, National Representative ([email protected]) FAX: (212) 697-6299 Mobile: (419) 346-1485 Phillip Kelley, Dispatcher ([email protected]) [email protected]

RESOLVED THAT, the AMO National ship meetings held in the month of 2008 Resolution (2) of the AMO Executive Board hereby proposes, pursuant February 2008, and that, if the proposed to Article XXV of the AMO National amendment is adopted it shall be effective National Executive Board: Port Constitution that the amendment of Article July 1, 2008. II, Section 2, second sentence of the AMO National Constitution be submitted to the Date: February 5, 2008 of Brooklyn Closing membership at regular monthly member- Adopted: February 5, 2008

This resolution was adopted by the membership participation, and AMO National Executive Board and WHEREAS, the AMO National approved unanimously by AMO members Executive Board hereby determines that at the March regular monthly membership upon adoption of this resolution, the AMO meetings in Dania Beach, Fla., and Toledo, National Constitution, Article VI, Section Ohio. No quorum was present for the meet- 2, be amended to provide as follows effec- ing in Brooklyn, N.Y.: tive July 1, 2008. Article VI, Section 2, second sentence, shall state as follows: Port of Brooklyn Closing “Constitutional Ports shall be located WHEREAS, the AMO National in Dania Beach, Florida, and Toledo, Ohio.” Executive Board has become aware of the Article VI, Section 2, shall, follow- Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the week fact that the monthly membership meetings ing adoption of the amendment set forth following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. Meetings will be cannot be held on a regular basis in the above, states that, held on Monday at Headquarters in Dania (on Tuesday when Monday is a Constitutional Port of Brooklyn in the City “National Headquarters shall be contract holiday), on Wednesday in Toledo, and on Friday in Brooklyn. The of New York, NY, due to a continuing lack located in Dania Beach, Florida. next meetings will take place on the following dates: of a quorum, and Constitutional Ports shall be located in WHEREAS, the AMO National Dania Beach, Florida, and Toledo, Ohio. Executive Board believes that the designa- The functions of this union shall be admin- DANIA BEACH: April 7, May 5 tion of a Constitutional Port should only be istered at and by National Headquarters TOLEDO: April 9, May 7 maintained where the functions of this and the Constitutional Ports.” NEW YORK: April 11, May 9 union can be administered with sufficient NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT March 2008 American Maritime Officer • 11 Celestial navigation — upgrading to chief mate, unlimited

To upgrade from second mate to To serve as a shipboard assessor for a practical assessment must sign the Practical Navigator (Bowditch 1995 edi- chief mate, unlimited, the U.S. Coast a practical demonstration of skills, and to assessment standard (control sheet) and tion), is a prerequisite. This five-day Guard requires that the following six sign the control sheets, a mariner must: indicate they read and followed the guid- Coast Guard certified course is a fast- celestial navigation practical assessment •Work aboard the vessel upon ance in the manual. A shipboard assessor paced intensive review with minimal control sheets be completed in accor- which the person seeking to upgrade is who has read this document and uses the instruction. In order to receive credit for dance with Coast Guard National employed assessment standard (control sheet) in the practical demonstrations, all six con- Maritime Center Policy letter 04-02. •Hold a chief mate’s or master’s NMC Policy letter 04-02 will ensure a trol sheets and a written assessment The six control sheets are: license fair, standardized assessment of an offi- required by the Coast Guard need to be •M-1-2A: Ex-meridian Observation •Attest they have read the Coast cer’s ability to completely perform the completed. The control sheets cannot be •M-1-2B: Meridian Passage Guard document “Conducting Mariner assessed task. signed separately at STAR Center without Observation Assessments: A Practical Manual For For AMO members who take the the course completion certificate. •M-1-2C: Identifying Unknown Assessors”—this document is available STAR Center Deck Upgrade Celestial For more information, contact Jerry Stars online at: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/asses- Navigation class, a thorough review of Pannell, director of member training and •M-1-2D: Selecting Stars or Planets sorman.pdf the topics covered in Tab 4 (pages 225- officer development, at (800) 445-4522 •M-1-2E: Plotting a LOP A shipboard assessor who witnesses 325) of Pub. No 9, The American ext. 7507 or [email protected]. •M-1-2F: Plotting a Running Fix NMC policy letter 04-02 is available online at: New Advanced Shiphandling for Masters www.uscg.mil/stcw/marpers/pag/04-02.pdf. The required practical assessment control sheets may be completed in two course draws rave reviews from AMO officers ways: AMO officers completing the new •Complete the sheets onboard a Advanced Shiphandling for Masters ship and have them signed in accordance course at RTM STAR Center in with NMC Policy Letter 04-02 Dania Beach, Fla., with instructors •Successfully complete the Deck Larry Reimer (left) and Mark License Upgrade Celestial Navigation Rupprecht (third from right) were Course at RTM STAR Center—this Ryan White, Joseph Schwartzstein, course includes completion of the Robert Glover and Eric Beecher. All required practical assessments, and an officers in the course gave it high additional written exam as required by marks and positive feedback, and Coast Guard one member described it like this: STAR Center recommends AMO “for sailing masters, the most members complete the control sheets and important course one can take have them signed onboard their vessels offered at AMO/STAR Center—a whenever possible, as this is the most great confidence building course. efficient method for meeting the require- Keep in mind a large part of that is ment. The Coast Guard does not require due to the instructors.” The next that a celestial navigation course be com- course is scheduled for April 14. pleted, only the practical assessments. 12 • American Maritime Officer March 2008 AMO officers onboard in support of satellite interception

Two vessels manned in all licensed for Military Sealift Command (MSC) and American Shipping Corporation under a positions by American Maritime Officers manned in all licensed positions by AMO. charter from the U.S. Missile Defense assisted in the U.S. Navy’s interception and The guided missile cruiser USS Lake Agency and is manned in all licensed posi- tracking of a 5,000-pound non-functioning Erie launched the SM-3 missile to intercept tions by AMO. National Reconnaissance Office satellite the satellite, MSC reported. In late January, the U.S. government over the Pacific Ocean earlier this month. The Sea Based X-band radar plat- notified other nations that the satellite was The range instrumentation ship form (SBX) was deployed in the area to unresponsive and would make an uncon- USNS Observation Island provided teleme- support independently the discrimination trolled reentry in late February or early try information. The ship, which can moni- and tracking of the destroyed satellite. March, MSC reported. tor objects in space, tracked the satellite Other U.S. military sensors and satellites The President decided to bring down and collected data on it both before and were deployed in the area and were also the satellite because of the likelihood that after the missile launch, Military Sealift used for evaluation of the intercept, the the satellite could release hydrazine fuel Command reported. The Observation The SBX platform is manned in all Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance report- upon impact, possibly in populated areas, Island is operated by Maersk Line Limited licensed positions by AMO. ed. The SBX is operated by Interocean MSC reported. Seabulk Power delivers PL-480 Tug Galveston launched for grain cargo for World Food Program second new U.S. Shipping AMO member Capt. Richard Boone, mas- articulated tug/barge unit ter of the Seabulk Power, on a recent U.S. Shipping Partners in February entered service in the Jones Act trades in PL-480 grain run, here announced the launch of the tug portion of July 2007. The company is also building a with Logistics Officer its second new articulated tug/barge unit at series of tankers. Lemma Jembere of the Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. ship- Construction began in January on the the Mombasa office of yard in Panama City, Fla. second new tanker in the series being built the World Food Outfitting and commissioning of the for U.S. Shipping at National Steel and Program for Africa tug Galveston will take place in the coming Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, Calif. months and is on schedule. Completion of The 600-foot, 49,000-deadweight-ton the barge portion of the ATB is proceeding product carrier is due to be delivered in the at Manitowoc Marine Group shipyard, and second quarter of 2009. The ships in the U.S. Shipping expects to take delivery of series will have a cargo capacity of 331,000 the barge on schedule in August of this year. barrels each, and are designed to carry The U.S. Shipping fleet includes six petroleum and chemical products in the integrated tug/barges, one product tanker, Jones Act trades. The first is slated for deliv- three chemical tankers and one ATB. ery in early 2009. American Maritime Officers represents all U.S. Shipping has secured charters licensed officers working in the fleet and for four of the nine new tankers being built. recently secured a new contract with the Two of the charters are with major oil com- company. panies and the other two are with Military Seabulk Magnachem Chief Engineer Rex kelley (left) and Master Hazen The ATB Freeport/Chemical Sealift Command, replacing two T-5 Dennison with Capt. Boone of the Seabulk Power in Port Sudan Transporter is the first in the series of new tankers expected to reach the end of their ATBs being built by U.S. Shipping, and service life in 2010. AMO members probe modern piracy in new documentary

A new documentary has been released that explores 21st century hooks from fast boats, seeking a bounty from the ship’s safe piracy and exposes both the audience and its principals—American and often victimizing mariners. Maritime Officers members Michael Rawlins and Bob Duke Jr.—to a “At sea, we would get these piracy reports every group of pirates operating on the Malacca Straits and the resurgence of day from the Piracy Reporting Center in Kuala an epidemic in recent years. Lumpur,” Rawlins said. “Story after story of crew The Green Ray Films documentary, “Porampo: Pirates of the members robbed, beaten and killed in the areas we Malacca Straits,” was produced and directed by Rawlins, and follows went to. And they’re expected to defend them- both Rawlins and Duke through Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia on selves with what, a charged fire hose versus an a search for answers on the elusive subject modern piracy. AK-47? So I said: ‘someone needs to look The documentary, filmed entirely on location in Southeast Asia, into this.’ It might as well be me.” focuses its lens on one of the world’s busiest waterways. As film The IMB has reported attacks on points out: in the straits and on the streets, piracy is a sub- ships numbered 263 during 2007, com- ject that is avoided by many of its victims. As Rawlins pared with the 239 attacks recorded and Duke discover, officials and residents of the region in 2006, based on statistics com- are also reluctant to discuss it. piled by the Piracy Reporting Their journey takes them to Aceh Province in Center in Kuala Lumpur. Northern Sumatra Island, and despite their pursuit According to the film, it is esti- of a taboo topic, Rawlins and Duke are able to mated that fewer than 10 percent interview an ex-Porampo (the Indonesian word of pirate attacks are reported to for pirate). authorities. Their search then leads them to a pirate Green Ray Films has camp and the filming of an attempted pirate announced broadcast deals with attack on a ship in the straits in infrared Belgian and Danish television, light, as well as interviews with the and that Canamedia pirates on the raid. Productions of Toronto is The documentary cites developing a television series, International Maritime Bureau “Pirate Hunters,” based on (IMB) statistics, stating in 2003 Porampo. Green Ray also there were 445 reported pirate announced an agreement with attacks worldwide, with 21 sailors History Channel Malaysia to killed and 71 missing. Of those, 150 broadcast Porampo, and that were in the Malacca Straits. That an article about the film will year, the straits were considered a appear in an upcoming edition of “hotspot” of pirate activity, an area Professional Mariner. where crew members on vessels More information and a trailer under attack may face heavily-armed of the film are available online at pirates who board vessels with grappling www.porampo.com.