Construction Underway on Second Ship in Series for American

Volume 45, Number 1 January 2015

Construction underway on second ship in series for American Petroleum Tankers The following is excerpted from an start of construction is available online: American Petroleum Tankers at a steel cut- article released December 18 by General www.cbs8.com/story/27666485/nassco- ting ceremony at NASSCO’s San Diego- Dynamics NASSCO. American Maritime begins-construction-on-second-eco-tanker. based shipyard. U.S. Rep. Scott Peters sig- Officers will represent all licensed officers SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics naled the beginning of construction by aboard the ships being built for American NASSCO signaled the start of construction pressing a button to cut the first piece of Petroleum Tankers. A video report on the of a second “ECO” tanker to be built for steel. NASSCO began construction on the first tanker in September 2014. As part of a five-tanker contract, the new ECO tankers solidify a mutual commitment between General Dynamics NASSCO and American Petroleum Tankers to design, build and operate innov- ative and increased energy-efficient and fuel-saving products. Each of the five 50,000 deadweight ton product carriers will be LNG-conver- sion ready and will have a 330,000-barrel cargo capacity. With a specialized ECO design, the tankers are more energy effi- tankers in the world,” said Kevin Graney, cient and incorporate environmental pro- vice president and general manager of tection features, including a ballast water General Dynamics NASSCO. “The con- treatment system. struction of the first tanker for American “NASSCO is providing our cus- Petroleum Tankers is well underway at tomers with some of the most energy-effi- ◆ cient, fuel-saving, and cost-effective See APT Newbuild Page 2 Appropriations bill enacted with full funding for MSP in FY 2015 Legislation to fund most of the federal government through the end of fiscal year 2015 was approved by Congress and signed by the President in December. Among other things, the legislation provides full funding for the Maritime Security Program fleet of 60 U.S.-flagged ships through the end of the fiscal year. The appropriations package eliminated a potential $20 million cut in funding for the MSP this fiscal year. Legislation originating in the House of Representatives earlier in calendar year 2014 contained the funding cut. However, many supporters of the program and the U.S.-flag fleet worked to ensure the full funding level authorized by law for the program in this fiscal year, $186 million, was included in the appropriations bill. Leading the effort to secure full funding for the MSP were, among others, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Hal Rogers (R-KY); Congressman Tom Latham (R-IA), who is now retired; Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), then- chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations; and Congressman Ed Pastor (D-AZ), who is now retired. Also provided in the fiscal year 2015 appropriations package is $1.466 billion for Food for Peace Title II, the same amount appropriated in fiscal year 2014. The legislation keeps the Food for Peace Title II funding under the Department of Agriculture. Under current cargo preference requirements, 50 percent of U.S. food-aid shipments must be carried by U.S.-flagged vessels. Separately, the legislation funds the Department of Homeland Security through February, rather than the end of the fiscal year. Photo: Captain William Barrere

USCG proposed rule on Seafarers’ Congress reaffirms strong support Access to Maritime Facilities for Jones Act, domestic industry Page 12: The USCG has proposed regulations to require owners and Page 3: In December, Congress approved and the President signed leg- operators of maritime facilities to implement systems that provide seafar- islation containing a strong statement of support for the Jones Act and ers with access between vessels moored at a facility and the facility gate. the U.S. domestic maritime industry.

AMO policy consensus difficult, but not impossible By Paul Doell campaign behind him and get to work. results, but it is within no AMO official’s that I had conducted the meeting calmly, National President But, in what amounted to presiden- authority to overturn the outcome of bal- confidently and fairly, and that I had tial nullification of the election results in loting unilaterally. encouraged two-way talk amid evident With no the Great Lakes race, Bethel marginal- anger and discord. Several AMO mem- administrative ized Clemons for four years and denied On the fiscal front bers said the change in leadership style transition behind Clemons the opportunity to do his job. Mid-day January 1, newly and duly was not only immediately apparent, but me, I took office The incumbent defeated by Clemons in elected AMO National Secretary- also refreshing, encouraging and long as the newly and the union-wide election was kept on the Treasurer Charles Murdock and I met overdue. duly elected payroll and in charge for what was, in with AMO Controller Thomas Heaton to That I have to comment in political national president effect, a new but unofficial four-year discuss our union’s finances. Heaton was tones in this forum on all of these devel- of American term in office. forthcoming and professional in every opments is regrettable, but it was clear to Maritime Officers In time, the official position of way, and we three reviewed scores of me from the start on January 5 that the at midnight Great Lakes vice president was eliminat- documents; Heaton and his staff were election campaign did not end when the December 31, ed, effective January 1, 2015, and Toledo compiling additional data during the first election did on December 8. taking the oath of was closed as an AMO Constitutional week of new administrative leadership. Despite these difficulties, I believe office as specified in Article XI, Section port. The troubling cumulative conse- All of this critically and increasingly each member of the AMO National 5 of the AMO National Constitution. quence was that an estimated 350 dues- important information will result in Executive Board is at heart committed to From that point, and throughout New paying AMO members working on the sound, comprehensive fiscal reforms the legitimate and lasting professional Year’s Day, I took initial steps to fulfill Great Lakes as engineers, mates and focusing primarily on cost containment interests of the men and women each of my campaign promises to you on two key stewards were left without democratic and stabilization of AMO investment us is privileged to represent in American issues — restoration of democratic prin- representation on the policy setting AMO accounts. Maritime Officers. It will take time, but ciple in AMO and responsible manage- National Executive Board (It is worth tempers will cool, and emotions will ment of our union’s assets. noting in this context that there are fewer The meat of the meetings ease. I, for one, will apply myself fully to AMO members working in the inland On January 5, my first full day at the work and to the cause — inspired by The will of the voting majority waters fleets than on the lakes, but inland work as national president, I chaired a both my lifetime with AMO and the Upon completion of the oath of AMO members are represented officially morning meeting of the AMO National widespread AMO membership support I office, I appointed John Clemons to serve on the board). Executive Board. I agreed to call this have received since New Year’s Day. as special assistant to the national presi- We as a union must follow through meeting at the board’s request in the Meanwhile, I thank all of you who dent on the Great Lakes. This was an with appropriate amendments to the interest of conciliation and consensus — participated in the 2014 AMO election — imperative preliminary action to AMO National Constitution to reinstate each of these board members had no matter how you voted. I am, of course, acknowledge and respect the will of the the elective position of Great Lakes vice endorsed Tom Bethel and José Leonard grateful to you who supported me, but I voting AMO membership majority, president. Once this is accomplished, the in the 2014 election. see a secure secret ballot cast either way which elected Clemons to the position of job will be filled by appointment until the I went into this meeting in good as the most effective safeguard against Great Lakes vice president from an oppo- next AMO election. The individual cho- faith, but what I found was confrontation dangerous complacency and an sition slate in free and fair union-wide sen for the job in that election will stand rooted in lingering disbelief and disap- entrenched sense of entitlement. balloting in 2010. or fall on professional performance as pointment over the election results. There Best to all of you and to your fam- In a positive, enthusiastic piece determined exclusively by the voting were liberal amounts of division, dis- ilies and friends in the New Year — that ran in this publication after the AMO membership majority. agreement and drama. please feel free to contact me anytime for 2010 ballot count, Clemons pledged to This is how it must be in a democ- This charged atmosphere prevailed any reason. You can reach me through the work cooperatively with the AMO ratic union. The AMO National as well in that afternoon’s regularly headquarters phone lines at 954-921- administration led at the time by Constitution and U.S. Department of scheduled AMO membership meeting — 2221 or 800-362-0513 or through my National President Tom Bethel — Labor rules and regulations allow unsuc- my first as chairman. I was gratified to personal cell at 954-881-5651 or by Clemons was eager to put the election cessful candidates to challenge election hear from many members in attendance email at [email protected].

APT Newbuild Continued from Page 1 A reunion NASSCO and we are pleased to begin construction on a second tanker for the compa- aboard the ny today.” The five-tanker contract will also help sustain NASSCO’s workforce of near- H. Lee White ly 3,200 and will add approximately 300 more jobs in the near future. “This second tanker marks another milestone in our fleet expansion adding In November, American five state-of-the-art vessels constructed and Maritime Officers members Sam delivered by NASSCO,” said Rob Kurz, Beland, Leonard Scott and Jim vice president of Kinder Morgan Terminals Polluch were reunited after 26 and president of American Petroleum years. They worked together Tankers, a Kinder Morgan, Inc. subsidiary. aboard the (then) M/V William “The expansion is a result of the commit- R. Roesch in 1988. They are ment of our customers through their long- finishing this season together term charter support. We look forward to aboard the M/V H. Lee White. delivery of the vessels in mid-2017.”

POSTMASTER — Send Address Changes To: Periodical Postage Paid at: American Maritime Officers Dania Beach, FL ATTENTION: Member Services and Additional P.O. Box 66 Mailing Offices Dania Beach, FL 33004

American Maritime Officers National Executive Board American Maritime Officer Paul Doell, National President (USPS 316-920) Charles Murdock, National Secretary-Treasurer Official Publication of American Maritime Officers Robert Kiefer, National Executive Vice President 601 S. Federal Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 Joseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea (954) 921-2221 David Weathers, National Vice President, Inland Waters Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relations Published Monthly January 2015 American Maritime Officer • 3

Congress, President reaffirm strong support for Jones Act, U.S. domestic maritime industry The following is excerpted from an uct tankers to carry military cargoes; regulating, and overseeing all foreign- barges, chemical parcel tankers, rail- article released December 12 by the The Department of Defense benefits controlled, foreign-crewed vessels in road-on-barge carfloats, and river flotilla American Maritime Partnership, a coali- from a robust commercial shipyard and ship internal U.S. waters.” towing systems; tion of which American Maritime Officers repair industry and current growth in that The full text of the National (4) the national security benefits of Service is a member and which American sector is particularly important as Federal Defense Authorization Bill’s statement of the domestic maritime industry are Maritime Officers supports. budget cuts may reduce the number of new support for the American domestic mar- unquestioned as the Department of WASHINGTON, DC — The United constructed military vessels; and itime industry is as follows: Defense depends on United States domes- States Congress last week approved the The domestic fleet is essential to tic trades’ fleet of container ships, roll- strongest statement of support for the national security and was a primary source H.R. 3979 National Defense on/roll-off ships, and product tankers to Jones Act and the American domestic mar- of mariners needed to crew United States Authorization Act carry military cargoes; itime industry since the Merchant Marine Government-owned sealift vessels activat- SEC. 3503. SENSE OF CONGRESS (5) the Department of Defense ben- Act of 1936. The measure was included as ed from reserve status during Operations ON THE ROLE OF DOMESTIC MAR- efits from a robust commercial shipyard part of the National Defense Authorization Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom in the ITIME INDUSTRY IN NATIONAL and ship repair industry and current Act (H.R. 3979), which noted that the period 2002 through 2010. SECURITY growth in that sector is particularly impor- national security benefits of the domestic House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (a) FINDINGS — Congress finds tant as Federal budget cuts may reduce the maritime industry and the Jones Act are (R-LA) and Coast Guard and Maritime that — number of new constructed military ves- “unquestioned.” The bill states that the Transportation Subcommittee Chairman (1) the United States domestic mar- sels; and Jones Act and the American domestic mar- Duncan Hunter (R-CA) recently noted the itime industry carries hundreds of millions (6) the domestic fleet is essential to itime industry are vital to “the national Jones Act’s contributions to America’s of tons of cargo annually, supports nearly national security and was a primary source security and economic vitality of the national security, saying “without the 500,000 jobs, and provides nearly 100 bil- of mariners needed to crew United States United States and the efficient operation of Jones Act, vessels and crews from foreign lion in annual economic output; Government-owned sealift vessels acti- the United States transportation system.” nations could move freely on U.S. waters, (2) the Nation’s military sealift vated from reserve status during The legislation was signed into law creating a more porous border, increasing capacity will benefit from one of the Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi by the President. possible security threats and introducing fastest growing segments of the domestic Freedom in the period 2002 through 2010. “Today, Congress reaffirmed its vessels and mariners who do not adhere trades, 14 domestic trade tankers that are (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS — It is support for the American domestic mar- to U.S. standards into the bloodstream of on order to be constructed at United States the sense of Congress that United States itime industry, the Jones Act, and the crit- our nation.” shipyards as of February 1, 2014; coastwise trade laws promote a strong ical role both play in the national security According to a report from the (3) the domestic trades’ vessel domestic trade maritime industry, which and economic vitality of our nation,” said Lexington Institute, “Without the Jones innovations that transformed worldwide supports the national security and eco- American Maritime Partnership Act, the Department of Homeland maritime commerce include the develop- nomic vitality of the United States and the Chairman Tom Allegretti. “It is hard to Security would be confronted by the diffi- ment of containerships, self-unloading efficient operation of the United States imagine a more emphatic and unambigu- cult and very costly task of monitoring, vessels, articulated tug-barges, trailer transportation system. ous statement of support for the Jones Act than this legislation. The fact that it origi- nated from both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees is only fur- ther evidence of the national security benefits of the Act and the American domes- AMO aboard Jones Act tanker Golden State tic maritime industry. In fact, this is the strongest Congressional statement of support for the Jones Act since the Merchant Marine Act of 1936.” The Congressional statement of support for the Jones Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act specifically states: The national security benefits of the domestic maritime industry are unquestioned as the Department of Defense depends on United States domestic trades’ fleet of container ships, roll-on/roll-off ships, and prod-

Great Lakes Above: The Golden State arrives in Houston, Texas on December cargo float up 23. American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers in November aboard the Jones Act tanker, which U.S.-flagged Great Lakes freighters is operated for APT by Intrepid moved 9.3 million tons of dry-bulk cargo in Personnel and Provisioning. November, an increase of 6.2 percent com- Left: AMO members working pared with November of the previous year. aboard the Golden State in The total would have been higher, but there December included Second were a number of weather-related delays. Assistant Engineer Rob Fluharty, In fact, the November float actually repre- First A.E. John Arruda and Third sents a decrease of nearly 18 percent com- A.E. John Schad. With them is pared to October’s volume, the Lake AMO National Assistant Vice Carriers’ Association reported. President Dan Robichaux. Shipments of iron ore and coal regis- tered strong increases in November and AMO members working aboard the limestone cargoes were up slightly from the Golden State in December includ- same period of the previous year. ed Chief Mate Jeb Bowers, Brian The fleet’s year-to-date total at the Fleming (Tankerman PIC observ- end of November – 80.5 million tons – er), Third Mate Robert Whitby and remained nearly 2 percent off last year’s Second Mate Gus Martinez. With pace. Despite higher water levels and the them are Massachusetts Maritime activation of three additional hulls, the fleet Academy Deck Cadet Adam had yet to fully overcome the cargo short- Szloch and AMO National Assistant falls suffered when extreme levels of ice Vice President Dan Robichaux. packed the shipping lanes. 4 • American Maritime Officer January 2015

Amendments to AMO National Constitution approved The following two amendments to with the February 2015 edition of and compensated as recommended by the employees of this Union, when he deems the American Maritime Officers National American Maritime Officer. National President and approved by the it necessary and in the best interest of Constitution were approved by a majority National Executive Board. this Union. vote of the AMO National Executive Article IX, Section 3 has been Amended: Unless modified by a Board in January and were approved by a amended as follows: Article IX, Section 4 has been majority vote of the Union Membership, majority vote of AMO members attend- Previous language: All other classi- amended as follows: the National President, with approval of ing the regular monthly membership fications of employees shall be hired, dis- Previous language: Unless other- the National Executive Board, may con- meeting at AMO National Headquarters charged and compensated at the discre- wise ordered by a majority vote of the tract for, or retain, the services of any per- on January 5, 2015. The complete text of tion of the National President. membership, the National President may son, firm or corporation, not employees of the AMO National Constitution contain- Amended: All other classifications contract for, or retain, the services of this Union, when it is deemed in the best ing these amendments will be distributed of employees shall be hired, discharged any person, firm or corporation, not interest of this Union.

Officers and crews of Ready Reserve Force ships recognized for service in Operation United Assistance The following article was posted the Cape Rise and Cape Wrath are home Cape Ray — the RRF ship that recently December 24 on the Department of for the holidays. performed so well in its mission to destroy Transportation’s Fast Lane blog. The Cape Last month, the two vessels were Syrian chemical weapons — the U.S. mer- Wrath, operated by Crowley Liner Services loaded with cargo — the Cape Rise at the chant mariners crewing the Cape Rise and and manned in all licensed positions by Port of Beaumont, TX, and the Cape Wrath Cape Wrath are trained to perform these American Maritime Officers, was among at the Port of Jacksonville, FL. The critical duties and prepared to leave their the Ready Reserve Force ships that were Humvees, forklifts, supplies, and other families on a moment’s notice on behalf of activated for Operation United Assistance, equipment they carried to West Africa is the nation. supporting medical personnel fighting the supporting Operation United Assistance, Wrath arrived in Baltimore last week, and When they all come home after this spread of Ebola in West Africa. aimed at providing relief to patients and the Cape Rise reached Portsmouth, extended deployment, they will do so safely America is leading the global effort helping stop the spread of the virus. Some Virginia, Monday. and healthily, having accomplished their to end the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. of the machinery, for example, is being The two Motor Vessels are part of goal of supporting the international effort to And part of the Obama Administration’s used to build specially-designed Ebola MARAD’s Ready Reserve Force (RRF), a stop the spread of Ebola. With their sacrifice, whole-of-government response has includ- Treatment Units in Liberia. 46-vessel fleet on-call to support the rapid they have given a gift of hope to the people ed some recent heavy lifting by two ships After delivering their cargo, the two worldwide deployment of U.S. military of West Africa and support for a mission that from the Maritime Administration’s vessels then returned to their respective forces and supplies for national defense, will keep on giving as we continue working (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force, the M/V ports of lading back in the U.S., off-loaded foreign humanitarian assistance, and dis- to eliminate the threat of Ebola. Cape Rise and the M/V Cape Wrath. surplus that had not been used in the mis- aster relief. The force plays a key role in We appreciate their service and On Tuesday, we’re happy to report sion — and had never left the ship — and the Military Sealift Command during wish them and their families the happi- that the volunteer civilian mariners crewing headed to their home ports. The Cape strategic sealifts. Like the crew of the est of holidays.

M/V Adam E. Cornelius arrives at winter berth in Ohio

AMO members working aboard the Adam E. Cornelius in January included First Assistant Engineer Ken Brcic, Third A.E. Robert Starks, Second A.E. The M/V Adam E. Cornelius arrived at the winter lay-up dock in Huron, Ohio Jeffrey Polek and Chief Engineer Gerard Anderson. With them is AMO on January 5. American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers Senior National Assistant Vice President Brian Krus. aboard the American Steamship Company vessel.

IRS Increases Contribution Limit and Catch-Up Contribution Limit for 401(k) Accounts for 2015 The Internal Revenue Service has increased the contribution limit and catch-up vidual 401(k) account in 2015. contribution limit for individual 401(k) accounts for 2015. These changes apply to all AMO Plans participants with questions regarding the 401(k) Plan or their participants of the American Maritime Officers 401(k) Plan. contributions can contact our financial advisers, the Atlantic Group at Morgan 401(k) Contributions: The contribution limit for an individual 401(k) account Stanley, at (800) 975-7061, or via e-mail: [email protected]. has increased from the previous level of $17,500 per year to $18,000 in 2015. Participants can also contact the Plan Office at (800) 348-6515 ext. 14, or via e- Catch-Up Contributions: The catch-up contribution limit for a 401(k) account mail: [email protected]. for an individual who will be age 50 or older in 2015 has increased from the previous To adjust contributions for 2015, or to establish a 401(k) account, download level of $5,500 per year to $6,000 in 2015. As a result of these increases, individuals the 2015 AMO 401(k) Plan Enrollment Form from the AMO Plans website: who will be age 50 or older in 2015 may contribute a maximum of $24,000 to an indi- www.amoplans.com/2015forms/401k/401k-EnrollmentForm2015.pdf. January 2015 American Maritime Officer • 5

Maritime loses a friend with death of Jean Fitzgerald The U.S. maritime industry lost a American Mar- “Jean was extremely active in many Murdock said. “He was a leader, a scholar dynamic figure and friend with the passing itime Officers, aspects of the maritime industry, and in the and a teacher, and he had a contribution to of Jean Fitzgerald, a former executive of which now rep- Port Everglades business community in make everywhere he went. He was the editor Hvide Shipping Incorporated (later Seabulk resents all particular,” said AMO National Secretary- of his wife Carol’s two books, both pub- International). Fitzgerald died of heart fail- licensed officers Treasurer Charles Murdock. “His involve- lished by the Library of Congress. Jack ure December 7 in Jacksonville, Fla. He in the fleet of ment made the difference in AMO’s oppor- O’Connell, speaking of Jean’s passion and was 88. tankers operated tunity to crew the growing fleet of what is prowess for editing, said Jean never saw an 8 In 1982 and 1983, he was vice presi- by Seabulk now Seabulk. 1/2 by 11 piece of paper he did not dislike.” dent, government relations, for Hvide Tankers, Inc. and “He helped the U.S. industry defend At various times, Fitzgerald was a Shipping. In 1999 and 2000, he returned to also represents the Jones Act, and led the fight to stop a member of the Maritime Policy Committee the company as chairman, president and officers and gasoline pipeline from Baton Rouge to Port of the Chamber of Shipping of America, the chief executive officer. During his time with crew members Everglades and to make sure U.S. coastwise Maritime Cabotage Task Force, and the the company, he played a central role in the working aboard tugs and ship docking tankers would continue to carry petroleum Jones Act Defense Committee of the establishment of labor agreements with modules operated by Seabulk Towing. products into and out of South Florida,” American Waterways Operators.

freshwater environment, longevity is a hallmark of the fleet. Navigation, fire fighting and life- U.S.-flag fleets to pump $75 million into saving equipment will also be carefully checked and replaced or upgraded as necessary. Great Lakes shipyards this winter The major shipyards on the Lakes The following article was released The $75 million to be spent this nearly 20,000 horsepower. are located in Sturgeon Bay, Superior and December 22 by the Lake Carriers’ winter comes on top of the nearly $6 mil- All the U.S.-flagged lakers in ser- Marinette, Wisconsin; Erie, Association. lion required in April and May to repair vice this year were self-unloaders and a Pennsylvania; and Toledo, Ohio. Smaller CLEVELAND — U.S.-flag Great damages suffered trying to meet the needs number of conveyor belts that move the “top-side” repair operations are located Lakes vessel operators plan to spend $75 of commerce when heavy ice blanketed cargo from the holds to the unloading in Cleveland, Ohio; Escanaba, Michigan; million this winter readying the fleet for the Lakes last winter and spring. boom will be replaced. Buffalo, New York; and several cities in the 2015 shipping season. One vessel is The work to be performed stretch- Some cargo holds will be relined Michigan. The industry’s annual payroll already in drydock undergoing the out-of- es from bow to stern. Main engines, with plastic to facilitate the unloading of for its 2,700 employees approaches $125 water hull inspection required by U.S. law which run virtually non-stop from sticky cargos such as certain coals. One million and it is estimated that an addi- every five years. The remainder of the spring fit-out to winter lay-up, will be ship will have all 24 cargo hatch covers tional $800,000 in economic activity is fleet will arrive at their winter berths in overhauled. The largest engines on U.S.- replaced for the first time since its chris- generated per vessel in the community in early to mid-January. flagged lakers are capable of generating tening in 1976. With the Lakes being a which it is wintering.

Great Lakes AMO aboard Maritime Task M/V Joseph L. Force honors Block The M/V Joseph L. Block loads Sen. Carl Levin coal in Toledo, Ohio bound for Burns Harbor, Ind. on December 23. American Maritime Officers represents the licensed officers and stewards aboard the Block, which is operated by Central Marine Logistics.

AMO members working aboard the M/V Joseph L. Block in December included Third Mate David Schwarz and First Mate John Herrington. With them is AMO Senior National Assistant Vice President Brian Krus.

The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, of which American Maritime Officers is a member, presented Michigan Senator Carl Levin (D) its Silver Shovel Award in his office in Washington on December 8. The award was presented by James Weakley, president of the task force. The award recognized his decades- AMO members working aboard long commitment to Great Lakes shipping. the M/V Joseph L. Block in Levin championed getting the Lakes their December included Second fair share of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Assistant Engineer Aaron Fund, and the provisions he guided into the Vonsprecken, Third A.E. Albert final Water Resources Reform and Oswald and First A.E. Joyce Development Act of 2014 should achieve Greenisen. With them is AMO that goal. Levin was also a big supporter of Senior National Assistant Vice a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, President Brian Krus. Michigan, adequate Coast Guard icebreak- ing resources, and the Jones Act. Levin retired at the end of the 113th Congress after six terms in the Senate. 6 • American Maritime Officer January 2015

facilitate the employment of veterans in the U.S. merchant marine. The legislation will reduce barriers USCG authorization bill enacted with faced by veterans with seagoing military experience when making the transition to work in the U.S. merchant marine. Among provisions to bolster maritime industry other things, the legislation will: The Howard Coble Coast Guard and In an announcement released Science and Transportation Committee — •Extend the sea time “recency” thresh- Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, leg- December 10, Congressmen Bill Shuster in highlighting the importance of the leg- old for military personnel from three months islation that includes provisions to bolster (R-PA) and Nick Rahall II (D-WV) — the islation. Congressmen Duncan Hunter (R- within the past three years to three months the maritime industry and facilitate the chairman and ranking member of the CA) and John Garamendi (D-CA) — the within the past seven years transition from military service to work in House Transportation and Infrastructure chairman and ranking member on the •Maximize credit for military sea ser- the U.S. merchant marine, was approved Committee — were joined by Senators Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation vice, certification and training toward a by the U.S. House of Representatives and Jay Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and John Subcommittee — championed key provi- Merchant Mariner Credential and STCW Senate, and was signed by the President Thune (R-SD) — the (then) chairman and sions that were included in the final bill to certification December 18. ranking member of the Senate Commerce, bolster the U.S. maritime industry and American Maritime Officers was among the maritime labor and industry groups that advocated lifting barriers faced by members of the military when making the transition to work in the U.S. merchant AMO aboard RRF ships Cape Island, Cape Intrepid marine. AMO specifically advocated extend- ing the “recency” threshold so that military sea service performed during the previous seven years (as opposed to the previous three years) would count toward the acquisition of a qualifying Merchant Mariner Credential. The provisions in this legislation, cou- pled with additional federal proposals, are expected to expand the presence of veterans in the U.S.-flag maritime workforce, and will support the Military to Maritime recruiting and career program. The legislation requires the creation of a national maritime strategy that includes recommendations for easing regulatory burdens on U.S.-flag vessel owners, improving the competitiveness of the U.S.- flag fleet, increasing the domestic use of short sea shipping and enhancing U.S. shipbuilding capacity. This provision adds impetus to the work being done by the Maritime Administration. The legislation also contains a provision to promote the use of U.S.-flagged vessels and the employment of American mariners in the transportation of liquefied natural gas being exported from U.S. deep- water ports. The bill requires a report to be American Maritime Officers members working aboard the Ready Reserve Force ships Cape Island and Cape presented to the House Transportation and Intrepid in Tacoma, Wash. in December included Second Assistant Engineer Morris Mickelson (Island), Third A.E. Infrastructure Committee and the Senate S.F. Williams (Island), First A.E. Richard Moore (Island), Chief Engineer Chris Baril (Island), Chief Engineer Brian Commerce, Science and Transportation Sinausky (Intrepid), Chief Mate Matt Piper (Intrepid), First A.E. Joe Scuteri (Intrepid), Second A.E. Chris Davis Committee documenting the number of (Intrepid) and Third A.E. Nabil Ahmed (Intrepid). The ships are operated by Crowley Liner Services and are manned jobs that would be created each year by the in all licensed positions by AMO. use of American vessels to export LNG from the U.S.

Jones Act critics would sacrifice U.S. national security, booming domestic industry for less than a penny per gallon

The American Maritime Partnership ed. American maritime is flourishing and “Downstream operations, which refine oil foreign-controlled, foreign-crewed vessels in (AMP), a coalition of which American stronger than ever. In fact, the most modern into gasoline and other products, become internal U.S. waters.” Maritime Officers Service is a member and vessels in the world are being built in more profitable when the oil they use is According to Congressmen Steve which American Maritime Officers supports, record numbers in U.S. shipyards all cheaper. Prices of refined products such as Scalise (R-LA) and Duncan Hunter (R-CA): in December released a response to misinfor- around the country, the industry is respond- gasoline typically don’t fall as quickly as “The security importance of this law is mation being promulgated through national ing to the changing energy market caused those for crude. ‘The combination of a glut of equally, if not more important than the eco- media regarding the role of the Jones Act and by the shale oil revolution, and the U.S. U.S. oil and natural gas and a ban on export- nomic benefits. Without the Jones Act, ves- the U.S. domestic merchant fleet in U.S maritime industry is growing as a result. It ing most oil already gave U.S. refineries sels and crews from foreign nations could national, homeland and economic security. is an exciting time to be a part of this lower costs,’ says Bernstein Research move freely on U.S. waters, creating a more The U.S. domestic maritime industry dynamic industry, and the nation is benefit- Analyst Oswald Clint.” porous border, increasing possible security supports nearly 500,000 jobs and contributes ing from the service we provide.” According to OilPrice.com: “This threats and introducing vessels and mariners nearly $100 billion to the nation’s economy AMP opened its Jones Act fact check surge in supply also has lowered costs for who do not adhere to U.S. standards into the each year, and includes about 40,000 vessels by countering the baseless claim that the refinery operators, simply because domestic bloodstream of our nation.” that operate in U.S. waters employing law must be addressed with any action on crude is less expensive than imported oil.” U.S Navy is a strong supporter of the American mariners. the U.S. crude oil export ban. The Jones Responding to the claim that the Jones Jones Act because it is critical to national “The Jones Act enjoys rock solid Act has no connection to the current debate Act does not play a role in America’s nation- security: “As a maritime nation, the United support from lawmakers in Congress and over exporting crude oil. AMP pointed out al and homeland security, AMP pointed out: States depends not only on a strong Navy, the administration because leaders from that, in order to protect their record profits “The Jones Act fleet of American-owned, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, it also both sides of the aisle understand this law is and vested financial interests, U.S. refiners American-built and American-crewed ves- requires a strong commercial maritime vital to America’s national, homeland and are willing to sacrifice America’s national sels ensures that the ships navigating our industry. The Jones Act must be maintained economic security,” said AMP Chairman security for less than a penny per gallon of coastal and inland waterways abide by U.S. so that the U.S. citizen mariners can continue Tom Allegretti. “It is troubling that U.S. the price of gasoline. In fact, refineries are laws and operate under the oversight of the to provide the economic and military support refiners pushing for changes to the Jones experiencing record profits by refining U.S. government.” that is critical to our national interests.” Act as part of the crude oil export debate cheap domestic crude and selling the gaso- According to the Lexington Institute: Responding to the claim that shipping are putting their vested financial interests line, jet, diesel, and other refined products “Without the Jones Act, DHS would be con- on Jones Act vessels is three times more over the national and homeland security of overseas at higher margins. fronted by the difficult and very costly task of ◆ our nation. The two issues are not connect- According to the Wall Street Journal: monitoring, regulating, and overseeing all See Jones Act Page 7 January 2015 American Maritime Officer • 7

International Transport Workers’ Federation calls for implementation of IMO measures on safe manning The International Transport Workers’ Maritime Safety Committee adopted a these provisions and having them enacted. become more proactive by using the media Federation is getting set for changes in 2015 change to SOLAS and made an amendment ITF IMO accredited representative and legal system to force the proper deter- in the determination of safe manning of ves- to the International Safety Management Branko Berlan explained, “Although regu- mination of vessel manning in a transparent sels, which come as a result of new (ISM) Code to ensure vessels are properly latory changes happened in 2011 and 2012, way. Ultimately these changes are about International Maritime Organization (IMO) manned. administrations, companies and port state seafarer safety, that’s why we’re so keen to requirements. The ITF Maritime Safety Committee, control inspectors have yet to implement make sure our affiliates know about them Over the past three years, the IMO of which American Maritime Officers them. The cumulative effect of these latest and can take steps to make them a reality. has redefined the concept of safe manning National Vice President, Government actions is that they will be legally required Only a concerted effort to force the imple- of vessels, and as a result, as of January, Relations, Mike Murphy serves as chair- to do so. mentation of these IMO instruments will conditions should change. Flag states and man, worked extensively on developing “Seafarers’ organizations need to result in properly manned vessels.” shipowners must now safely and transpar- ently meet the unique operational and administrative needs of each vessel. Until now, minimum safe manning was certified in accordance with company A day with AMO in proposals that were then rubber-stamped by the flag state, and which took into account only the vessel’s ability to navigate and Washington, D.C. manage basic emergencies. No allowance had been made for other crew duties, taking into account frequency of port calls, cargo American Maritime Officers member operations, maintenance or administrative Captain Kevin Stith, who sails in the tasks. This process has been open to abuse Military Sealift Command fleet, in by companies seeking to cut costs by cut- December visited the AMO office in ting crew size. Washington, D.C., where he met with Minimally manned vessels have been AMO National Vice President, shown to directly impact crew fatigue and Government Relations, Mike Murphy and have been cited in numerous high profile AMO National Assistant Vice President groundings and collisions, many of which Christian Spain. Stith joined both for a had disastrous consequences for the seafar- meeting with Maritime Administrator Paul ers and the environment. “Chip” Jaenichen, was introduced to IMO Assembly Resolution A Deputy Maritime Administrator Mike 27/Res.1047 outlines elements to consider Rodriguez, and participated in meetings when determining safe manning for all with MSC personnel. functions on a vessel. In addition, the

“Foreign carriers operating in the U.S. coast- Service (OPIS): “Apart from the national are currently under contract or construc- Jones Act wise trade could be required to comply with security argument, some tanker analysts said tion in U.S. shipyards.” other U.S. laws and regulations, which could that the high demand for Jones Act tankers is According to BLOOMBERG: “U.S. Continued from Page 6 increase foreign carriers’ costs and may also supported by better economics and prac- shipyards are the busiest in almost two expensive than foreign vessels, AMP noted affect the rates they could charge.” ticality when compared with pipelines.” decades as surging domestic energy produc- that foreign-flagged ships are not subject to Responding to the claim that the Jones Responding to the charge that there tion increases cargoes for the merchant fleet, U.S. taxation, U.S. immigration and U.S. Act increases energy prices, AMP pointed are not currently enough U.S-flagged according to the Department of safety laws, among others. Contrasting Jones out: According to the Department of vessels to meet the demands of the Transportation.” Act vessels and foreign vessels is an “apples Energy’s Energy Information Administration nation’s energy boom, AMP noted: “Last According to MarineLink.com: to oranges” comparison. Foreign-flagged (EIA), taxes and refining make up more than year, the construction of inland tank “The state of the U.S. commercial ship- vessels operating in the domestic trades twenty-one percent of the price of a gallon of barges reached an all-time high with 336 yard industry is the strongest it has been in would be subject to the same laws as U.S.- gas, while in markets where ocean-going new vessels delivered, totaling more than decades. The industry includes thousands flagged vessels, drastically affecting any per- transportation plays a key role in distribution, 8.2 million barrels of capacity, and some of businesses supporting vessel construc- ceived cost savings. the average transportation costs are less than 26 large tankers and articulated-tank tion (and) is a vibrant manufacturing sec- The Government Accountability one penny per gallon of gasoline. barges, including options, with another tor employing hundreds of thousands of Office (GAO) recently debunked this myth: According to the Oil Price Information combined 7.6 million barrels of capacity, Americans in all 50 states.”

AMO aboard Alliance Fairfax in Maritime Security Program fleet AMO members working aboard the American Maritime Alliance Fairfax in Officers members November included working aboard the Third Assistant Alliance Fairfax in Engineer Cassandra November, here in Sattler and Second Beaumont, Texas, A.E. Tom Hooper. With included Captain Tim them is AMO National English, Captain Chris Vice President, Inland Bartlett and Second Waters, David Mate Paul Szalus. Weathers.

AMO members working aboard the Alliance Fairfax in November included Chief Mate Tomas Malo. With him were TECH Program Kings Point Deck Apprentice Engineer Cadet Kyle Arpaia William Sharp and TECH Program received hands-on Apprentice Engineer training aboard the William Sharp. Alliance Fairfax. 8 • American Maritime Officer January 2015

AMO Safety and Education Plan — Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center (954) 920-3222 / (800) 942-3220 — 2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004

STCW 2010 Gap Closing Courses — Required by all existing STCW credentialed officers by 1 January 2017

Leadership & Management (required by ALL management level Deck 2, 9, 16, 23 2, 9, 16, 23 6, 13, 20, 27 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 6, 13, 20, 27 3, 10, 17, 24 5 days 19, 26 January 4, 11, 18 May and Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) February March April June July August

Engine Room Resource Management — Classroom (Engineers) 5 days (Required by ALL Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 19 January 2, 16 February 2, 16 March 6, 20, April 4, 18 May 1, 15, 29 June 13, 27 July 10, 24 August

Management of Electrical, Electronic Controllers (Engineers) (Required 3, 17, 31 5 days 26 January 9, 23 February 9, 23 March 13, 27, April 11 May 8, 22 June 6, 20 July by ALL management level Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) August

Leadership & Teamwork (Engineers) (Only required by those Engineers 1 day 22, 23 January March 30, 31 who completed old ERM class) 28, 29 May 23, 24 July 6, 9, 27, 30 8, 11, 22, 25 Basic Training & Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation (Required by first 2 days 2, 5 February 13, 16 July 17, 20 August credential renewal AFTER 1 Jan 2017) April June

EFA (Scheduled with Basic Training Revalidation BUT NOT REQUIRED 1 day 4 February 8, 29 April 10, 24 June 15 July 19 August FOR STCW 2010)

General Courses

ABS NS5 Fleet Management Software 3 days 20 January 3 August

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 9 February 9 March 18 May 31 August

Basic Safety Training — All 4 modules must be completed within 12 months: Personal Safety Techniques (Mon/Tues — 1.5 days), Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (Tues pm — .5 days), Elementary First Aid 5 days 26 January 2 March 13 April 4 May 1 June 10, 24 August (Wed — 1 day), Fire Fighting & Fire Prevention (Thurs/Fri — 2 days) — not required. if Combined Basic & Adv. Fire Fighting completed within 12 months

Basic Safety Training — Refresher 3 days 28 January 4 March 3 June 26 August

Chemical Safety — Advanced 5 days 9 February 31 August

ECDIS 5 days 9 February 9 March 20 April 11 May 6 July 10 August

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 26 May

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 17 February 16 March 29 June 13 July 3 August

GMDSS — Requires after-hour homework 10 days 9 February 9 March 1 June 24 August

LNG Tankerman PIC 8 days 11 March

LNG Simulator Training — Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course is given to qualified member candidates for employment and/or observation 5 days 23 March opportunities with AMO contracted LNG companies. In all cases successful completion of the LNG PNC classroom course is prerequisite.

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 20 January 23 March 26 May

Safety Officer Course 2 days 12 March

Tankerman PIC DL — Classroom 5 days 13 April 20 July 17 August

Tankerman PIC DL — Simulator 10 days 26 January 23 February 27 April 11 May 15 June 3 August

Tankerman PIC DL — Accelerated Program 10 days TBA

Train the Trainer 5 days 9 March 4 May 20 July 17 August

Train the Trainer — Simulator Instructors 5 days Please call

Vessel/Company Security Officer — Includes Anti-Piracy 3 days 9 March 27 May 27 July

Deck Courses Meets STCW 2010 Advanced Bridge Resource Management — 5 days Leadership & Management gap closing requirements 19, 26 January 9, 23 Feb. (P.M.) 9 March 20, 27 April 11 May 1, 15, June 27 July 3, 31 August (No equivalency) Must have Advanced Shiphandling for Masters — 5 days sailed as Chief Mate Unlimited 2 March 17 August 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rd Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates — 10 days 2 March 11 May 3, 24 August Mates

Advanced Emergency Shiphandling — First Class Pilots, Great Lakes 5 days Please call

Bridge Resource Management Seminar 3 days Please call

Dynamic Positioning — Basic 5 days 2 February 9 March 4 May 27 July

Dynamic Positioning — Advanced 5 days 18 May 31 August

Integrated Bridge System (IBS) / Prodded Propulsion Training 5 days Please call

STCW Deck Officer Refresher — Great Lakes 3 days Please call Third Mate (Unlimited or TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) — 5 days 19 January 20 April 1 June 17 August Great Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required

Tug Training — ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive) 5 days 23 March 22 June

Engineering Courses

Advanced Slow Speed Diesel 10 days 16 March

Basic Electricity 10 days 2 February 8 June 10 August

Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 9 February 27 July

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 13 April

High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 23 February 31 August

Hydraulics/ Pneumatics 5 days 2 March 6 July

Ocean Ranger Program 6 days 6 April Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 5 days 16 February 24 August

Refrigeration (Operational Level) 5 days 16 March 13 July

Refrigeration (Management Level) 5 days 23 March 20 July

Steam Endorsement 4 weeks 1 June

Electronics (Management) — NEW 1 week 18 May

Instrumentation (Management) — NEW 10 days Please call

Open to eligible Chief Mates and Masters on a space available Welding & Metallurgy Skills & Practices — 2 weeks 9 February 4 May basis. Interested participants should apply and will be confirmed 2 weeks prior to start date. January 2015 American Maritime Officer • 9 Deck Upgrade — STCW 2010 — Management Level (NVIC 10-14)— If sea service or training towards management level (Chief Mate/Master) upgrade started ON OR AFTER 24 March 2014 you must adhere to this new program of training. Completion of both required and optional courses listed below will include all Task Assessments required by NVIC 10-14 , providing ECDIS, GMDSS and ARPA have been previously completed. Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 6 April 13 July Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hours homework 5 days 19 January 20 April 27 July Advanced Stability 5 days 26 January 27 April 3 August Search & Rescue 2 1/2 days 2 February 4 May 10 August Management of Medical Care 1/2 day 4 February 6 May 12 August Leadership & Management 5 days 9 February 11 May 17 August Advanced Cargo — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 16 February 18 May 24 August Marine Propulsion Plants — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 23 February 1 June 31 August

Advanced Celestial — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 2 March 25 May

Advanced Navigation — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 9 March 8 June

Deck Upgrade at the Management Level (Policy Letter 04-02) — This upgrade program is for those who started sea service or training towards management level (Chief Mate/Master) upgrade BEFORE 24 March 2014. Failure to complete by 31 December 2016 will most likely result in significant delays and additional training or assessment requirements. 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) under previous. This program will complete ALL 53 Control Sheet assessments of the training requirements for STCW under policy letter 04-02. Course completion certificates and control sheets expire 12/31/16. Anyone using the previous regulations to upgrade in this manner must complete all requirements ,including USCG testing, by 12/31/16. Deck Management Level gap closing training must also be completed by 12/31/16 in order for the new credential to valid after this date.

Celestial Navigation — Requires after-hour homework 5 days 2 March 25 May

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hour homework 5 days 19 January 20 April 27 July

Cargo Operations 9 days 2 February 4 May 10 August

Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 23 February 1 June 31 August

Upgrade: Stability 5 days 26 January 27 April 3 August

Watchkeeping 1: BRM 3 days 23 March 17 June

Watchkeeping 2: COLREGS 5 days 26 March 22 June

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 6 April 13 July

Shipboard Management 5 days 16 February 18 May 24 August

Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (includes Simulator) 5 days 9 March 8 June

ECDIS 5 days 16 March 15 June

MSC Training Program CMEO for Junior Engineers 5 days Please call Basic CBR Defense 1 day 27 February 17 April 15 May 31 July Damage Control 1 day 26 February 16 April 14 May 30 July Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day Please call

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 27 January 3 March 2 June 25 August

Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD) 1/2 day 27 February 17 April 15 May 31 July

Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 29 May

Medical PIC Refresher — Note: MSC approved 3 days Please call Must have completed full CBRD & DC once in MSC Readiness Refresher — 5 days 26 January 2 March 1 June 24 August career.

MSC Watchstander — BASIC — Once in career, SST grads grandfathered 2 days 12 February 26 March 18 June 13 August

MSC Watchstander — ADVANCED — Required for all SRF members 1 day 16 February 12, 30 March 30 April 29 May 22 June 2, 16 July 17 August

MSC Ship Reaction Force — Required every three years for SRF members 3 days 17 February 31 March 23 June 18 August

Small Arms — Initial & Sustainment (Refresher) Training — Open to members & applicants eligible for employment through AMO (w/in 1 year) or MSC on MARAD contracted vessels. Remedial shoot will be afforded on Day 3 days 26 January 9, 23 February 9, 23 March 13, 27 April 11, 26, May 15, 29 June 13, 27 July 10, 31 August 4 for at least 1 weapon if passing score not attained. STCW Endorsement required.

Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 29 May

Medical Courses

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day Please call

Elementary First Aid — Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 12 months 1 day 24 February 7 April 12 May 29 June 28 July

Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 12 Medical Care Provider — 3 days 25 February 8 April 13 May 30 June 29 July months. Please fax EFA certificate when registering

Medical PIC — Please fax MCP certificate when registering 5 days 2 March 13 April 18 May 6 July 3 August

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 23 February 9 March 11 May 27 July 10 August

Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) — Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only 1 day 10 March 11 August

Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only 1/2 day 11 March 12 August

Medical PIC Refresher — Note: MSC approved 3 days Please call

Radar Courses

Radar Recertification 1 day 22, 23 January 30, 31 March 28, 29 May 23, 24 July

Non-Resident Radar Recertification at Toledo Maritime Academy — 1 day 4 February Training, apply to Student Services, Dania Beach

ARPA 4 days Please call

Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days Please call

Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days Please call

Engine STCW / Original Engineer Training Routes — Engine STCW training routes are aimed at Great Lakes members wishing to transition to deep sea. Original engineer training is available to members, applicants and sponsored students seeking an original license.

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 1 June

Basic Safety Training 5 days 26 January 1 June

EFA/MCP 4 days 1 June

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 20 January 26 May

Basic Electricity (original engineers only) 10 days 2 February 8 June

Original 3 A/E Preparation and Exams A/R Please call

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

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The Center For Advanced Maritime Officers Training (CAMOT) and Simulation Training Assessment and Research Center (STAR), established under the auspices of the American Maritime Officers Safety and Education Plan, admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin or sex to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Center. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or sex in administration of its educational policies, admission policies and other programs administered by the Center. 10 • American Maritime Officer January 2015

TOLEDO, OH 43604 The Melvin H. Pelfrey Building One Maritime Plaza, Third Floor (800) 221-9395 / FAX: (419) 255-2350 John E. Clemons, Special Assistant to the National President (Great Lakes) ([email protected]) Brian D. Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice President ([email protected]) AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Michelle Moffitt, Dispatcher ([email protected]) DANIA BEACH, FL 33004 601 S. Federal Highway GALVESTON, TX 77551 (954) 921-2221 2724 61st Street, Suite B, PMB 192 (800) 362-0513 David M. Weathers, National Vice President, Inland Waters Paul Doell, National President ([email protected]) ([email protected]) (800) 362-0513 ext. 2001 Mobile: (954) 881-5651 Mobile: (409) 996-7362 Charles A. Murdock, National Secretary-Treasurer FAX: (409) 737-4454 ([email protected]) Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 94607 ([email protected]) 1121 7th Street, Second Floor FAX: (954) 926-5112 Oakland, CA 94607 Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea Daniel E. Shea, National Assistant Vice President ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Mobile: (954) 531-9977 (510) 444-5301 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 5001 FAX: (954) 367-1025 FAX: (954) 367-1064 Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 / FAX: (954) 926-5126 Brendan Keller, Dispatcher ([email protected]) NEW ORLEANS / COVINGTON, LA 70434 Robert Anderson, Dispatcher ([email protected]) P.O. Box 5424 Member Services: Extension 1050 ([email protected]) Covington, LA 70434 Daniel J. Robichaux, National Assistant Vice President OFFICES ([email protected]) (954) 367-1036 / Mobile: (985) 201-5462 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024 490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204 STAR CENTER (202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001 Paul Doell, National President STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION ([email protected]) 2 West Dixie Highway Mobile: (954) 881-5651 Dania Beach, FL 33004 J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relations (954) 920-3222 ext. 201 / (800) 942-3220 ext. 201 ([email protected] / [email protected]) Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 ext. 200 Mobile: (202) 560-6889 24 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999 / FAX: (954) 920-3140 T. Christian Spain, National Assistant Vice President, Government Relations ([email protected]) SERVICES Mobile: (202) 658-9635 FAX: (202) 479-1188 FINANCIAL ADVISERS: THE ATLANTIC GROUP AT MORGAN STANLEY (800) 975-7061 / www.morganstanleyfa.com/theatlanticgroup PHILADELPHIA, PA 19113 2 International Plaza, Suite 336 MEDICAL CLINIC AMO PLANS Robert J. Kiefer, National Executive Vice President 2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie Highway ([email protected]) Dania Beach, FL 33004 Dania Beach, FL 33004 (800) 362-0513 ext. 4001 (954) 927-5213 (800) 348-6515 Mobile: (215) 859-1059 FAX: (954) 929-1415 FAX: (954) 922-7539 FAX: (610) 521-1301 Chris Holmes, Contract Analyst LEGAL (cholmes@amo‐union.org) (800) 362‐0513 ext. 4002 AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid Joel Glanstein, General Counsel Mobile: (856) 693‐0694 Program David Glanstein Michael Reny 437 Madison Ave. 35th Floor UPDATE CREDENTIALS, DOCUMENTS, TRAINING RECORDS Mobile: (419) 346-1485 New York, NY 10022 Secure File Upload: https://securetransfer.amo-union.org/ (419) 243-1105 (212) 370-5100 E-mail: [email protected] (888) 853-4662 (954) 662-9407 Questions: (800) 362-0513 ext. 1050 [email protected] FAX: (212) 697-6299

Updated information on TWIC application process The following information regarding the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) application process was reported by AMO National Assistant Vice President Christian Spain, who attended the Transportation Security Administration TWIC Stakeholder Communication Committee meeting December 11. 1. As of July 1, 2015, all TWIC applicants will need to provide proof of citizenship during their visit to the application center. All AMO members should take their passport with them for this purpose. Prior to July 1, application centers will continue to accept a dri- ver’s license for identification. 2. As many are aware, you can now apply for the TWIC card in person and the new card will be mailed to you. No longer do you need to make a second trip to the application center to pick up the TWIC. 3. The surge of applications at the enrollment centers has slowed; however, delays are being reported to the call centers. The hold up has been found in the background check Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the process. Currently, applications with no hits during the background check take seven to 14 week following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. days. Applications with a hit on the background check go to adjudication and are now aver- Meetings will be held on Monday at AMO National Headquarters (on aging more than a month for issuance. Please make sure that you apply for your TWIC card Tuesday when Monday is a contract holiday). The next meetings will at least three months in advance of its expiration. take place on the following dates: More information can be found on the TSA website: AMO National Headquarters: February 2, March 2 http://www.tsa.gov/stakeholders/transportation-worker-identification-credential-twic January 2015 American Maritime Officer • 11

American Maritime Officers members train at STAR Center

AMO members participating in STCW 2010 gap closing Engine Room Resource AMO members participating in STCW 2010 gap closing Leadership and Management training at STAR Center in December with Instructor Shawn Management training at STAR Center in December included (in no particular Cannon included (in no particular order) Byron Gibson, Chris Duarte, Craig order) Andrew Centala, John Schafer, James O’Leary, Scott Chisholm, Bill Chisholm, Robert Allen, Danny Broadwater, David Catanzarite, Mark Trentin, Szigat, Richard King, Douglas Konefal and Alexander Fyodorovykh. David Weathers, Ted Elmendorf and Paul Matz.

AMO members participating in STCW 2010 gap closing Leadership and AMO members participating in Tankerman PIC DL training at STAR Center Management training at STAR Center in December with Instructors Kathleen September included (in no particular order) Nelson Crespo, Michael Nowicki, Friel and Frank Brand included (in no particular order) Christopher Richards, Todd Geary, Sue Corliss, Michael Leary, Frederick Goodin, John Coyne, Joel Emmanuel Roldan, Mohamed Eljahmi, Horatiu Vintila, Bill Plemitscher, Mikhail Lyon, William Plemitscher and Joshua Devos. Kozlov, Alan Gobeli and Earl Morrill. 12 • American Maritime Officer January 2015

Coast Guard publishes proposed rule on Seafarers’ Access to Maritime Facilities, requests comments On December 29, the U.S. Coast Guard published its proposed regulations in the described in this section. Federal Register to require each owner or operator of 2,498 maritime facilities regulated by (5) Monitored pedestrian access routes between the vessel and facility gate. the Coast Guard to implement a system that provides seafarers and other individuals with (6) A method, other than those in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(5) of this section, access between vessels moored at the facility and the facility gate in a timely manner and at approved by the COTP. no cost to the seafarer or other individual. This proposed regulation seeks to ensure that no (7) If an access method relies on a third party, a back-up access method that will be facility owner or operator denies or makes it impractical for seafarers or other individuals to used if the third-party is unable to or does not provide the required access in any instance. An transit through the facility, and would require them to document their access procedures in owner or operator must ensure that the access required in paragraph (a) of this section is actu- their Facility Security Plans (FSPs). It implements an Act of Congress requiring terminals to ally provided in all instances. provide access to seafarers in a timely manner at no cost to the seafarer. (e) No cost to individuals. The facility owner or operator must provide the access Denial of access through maritime facilities has been a long-standing problem for sea- described in this section at no cost to the individual to whom such access is provided. farers and other individuals needing access to ships and the USCG rulemaking is a major step (f) Described in the Facility Security Plan (FSP). On or before (insert date 10 forward in addressing the problem. The proposed rule places the requirement to provide months after publication of the final rule), the facility owner or operator must document access directly on the terminal facility owner or operator. Accordingly, facility owners and the facility’s system for providing the access described in this section in the approved operators would not be permitted to rely solely on third parties, such as taxi services or sea- FSP in accordance with 33 CFR 105.410 or 33 CFR 105.415. The description of the farers’ welfare organizations, to provide access between the vessel and facility gate. If they facility’s system must include: rely on one or more third parties as their primary method of providing the required access (1) Location of transit area(s) used for providing the access described in they would also be required to include a back-up method of providing timely, no-cost access this section; provisions in their FSPs. (2) Duties and number of facility personnel assigned to each duty associated The USCG is requesting written comments from the public on the new regulations in with providing the access described in this section; addition to holding a public meeting in Washington, D.C. to obtain input on the proposed reg- (3) Methods of escorting and/or monitoring individuals transiting through ulations on January 23, 2015. It is expected that there will be substantial push back from ter- the facility; minals owners or operators to avoid responsibility for providing access. It is important that (4) Agreements or arrangements between the facility and private parties, nonprofit seafarers and others affected by lack of timely access provide comments to the USCG docket organizations, or other parties, to facilitate the access described in this section; and supporting the proposed regulations. (5) Maximum length of time an individual would wait for the access described in American Maritime Officers will be submitting comments for the record; however, this section, based on the provided access method(s). individual comments on the proposed rulemaking from affected mariners will be extremely important. The deadline for submitting comments is February 27, 2015, and guidelines for ****** submitting comments are included at the end of this article. The text of the proposed regulation follows: The U.S. Coast Guard will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change the proposed rule based on the comments received. So, it § 105.237 System for seafarers’ access is important that seafarers provide input from their perspective on the need for timely access. (a) Access Required. Each facility owner or operator must implement a system by (365 The U.S. Coast Guard specifically requests comments on the following: days after date of publication of final rule) for providing access through the facility that 1. Whether one (1) year is an appropriate timeframe to implement the system that enables individuals to transit to and from a vessel moored at the facility and the facility gate would be required under the proposed rule. in accordance with the requirements in this section. The system must provide timely access 2. Whether the proposed rule provides an appropriately inclusive list of individuals as described in paragraph (c) of this section and incorporate the access methods described in who should be allowed to access a vessel, or whether the list is too broad or too narrow. paragraph (d) of this section at no cost to the individuals covered. The system must comply 3. Instead of proposing a single regulatory definition of “timely access” that would with the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) provisions in this part. apply to all facilities, the proposal lists factors for facility owners and operators to consider (b) Individuals Covered. The individuals to whom the facility owner or operator must (and document in the FSP) so that they provide “timely access” without unreasonable delay. provide the access described in this section include — Comments are requested on whether this approach is reasonable and provides the flexibility (1) The seafarers assigned to a vessel moored at the facility; needed to cover the diverse circumstances of different facilities and ships with COTP over- (2) The pilots and other authorized personnel performing work for a vessel moored sight to ensure that “timely access” is reasonable in each case. at the facility; 4. Whether the proposed “Access Methods” (33 CFR 105.237(d) above) provide an (3) Representatives of seafarers’ welfare and labor organizations; and appropriately inclusive list of methods for providing seafarers’ access, or whether there are (4) Other authorized individuals in accordance with the Declaration of Security any other methods that should be on the list. (DoS) or other arrangement between the vessel and facility. 5. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that there is a 10.3 percent non-compliance rate of (c) Timely Access. The facility owner or operator must provide the access described in MTSA-regulated facilities with respect to providing seafarers access. Comments are request- this section without unreasonable delay, subject to review by the Captain of the Port (COTP). ed as to whether this is a reasonable estimate based on the experience of seafarers and other The facility owner or operator must consider the following when establishing timely access individuals. without unreasonable delay: The complete text of the Federal Register notice containing background infor- (1) Length of time the vessel is in port. mation and discussion of the issues can be found on the AMO Currents website (2) Distance of egress/ingress between the vessel and facility gate. (www.amo-union.net/documents/2014-30013.pdf) or at the Federal eRulemaking (3) The vessel watch schedules. Portal under docket number USCG-2013-1087. (4) The facility’s safety and security procedures as required by law. Comments must be submitted on or before February 27, 2015 or reach the docket (5) Any other factors specific to the vessel or facility that could affect access to and management facility by that date. from the vessel. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2013- (d) Access Methods. The facility owner or operator must ensure that the access 1087 using any one of the following methods: described in this section is provided through one or more of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov (1) Regularly scheduled escort between the vessel and the facility gate that con- (2) Fax: 202-493-2251 forms to the vessel’s watch schedule as agreed upon between the vessel and facility. (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, (2) An on-call escort between the vessel and the facility gate. West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, (3) Arrangements with taxi services, ensuring that any costs for providing the DC 20590-0001 access described in this section, above the taxi’s standard fees charged to any customer, are If you have comments on the accuracy of the background data discussed in the notice not charged to the individual to whom such access is provided. If a facility provides arrange- you must also send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), ments with taxi services as the only method for providing the access described in this section, Office of Management and Budget by e-mail to [email protected] (include the the facility is responsible to pay the taxi fees for transit within the facility. docket number and “Attention: Desk Officer for Coast Guard, DHS” in the subject line of (4) Arrangements with seafarers’ welfare organizations to facilitate the access the e-mail) or fax at 202-395-6566.

AMO aboard Jones Act tanker Seabulk Challenge Left: AMO members working aboard the Jones Act tanker Seabulk Challenge in October included Third Mate Bernie Culas, Chief Mate Robert Bremner and Third Mate Steve Michalos.

Right: AMO members working aboard the Seabulk Challenge in October, here in Corpus Christi, Texas, included Second Assistant Engineer Vijay Shanmugan and First A.E. Matt Lindholm. With them is Kings Point Engineering Cadet Devin Ellison (center).