New Jobs for AMO Aboard West Virginia Fourth Jones Act Tanker In

Volume 46, Number 9 September 2016

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Crowley Maritime Corp. on August 16 christened the West Virginia, the company’s fourth Jones Act product tanker in a series built ready for conversion for use of liquefied natural gas as a fuel by Philly Shipyard Inc. The West Virginia joins sister ships Louisiana, Ohio and Texas, which were received by Crowley in 2015 and 2016 as the first-ever tankers to receive the American Bureau of Shipping’s LNG- Ready Level 1 approval. Marathon Petroleum will utilize the West Virginia under a long-term charter. “Today represents a banner day for our company, Marathon Petroleum and Philly Shipyard as we welcome the West Virginia to our tanker fleet,” said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Crowley Maritime. “The christening of this vessel, along with its sister ships, represents the best of the U.S. maritime industry — from the men and women who built her to the men American Maritime Officers members working aboard the West Virginia, here during the christening ceremony in and women who will operate her with great Philadelphia on August 16, included (in no particular order) Captain Scott Davis, Chief Mate Michael Stutevoss Jr., Chief safety, integrity and high performance.” Mate David Hall, Second Mate Peter Guggina, Third Mate Sebastian Grant, Third Mate Alexander Jenkins, Chief Engineer ◆ Daniel Savoie, Chief Engineer Evan Park, First Assistant Engineer Daniel Figge and Third A.E. Thomas Millett. See West Virginia Page 6

Second Jones Act tanker in SEA-Vista AMO National Constitution available on series christened, launched union’s website: www.amo-union.org On August 27, the Constitution, the second ECO Class tanker in a series The complete text of the American Maritime Officers National of three being built for SEA-Vista by General Dynamics NASSCO, was Constitution will remain available for membership review via a link on christened and launched at the shipyard in San Diego, Calif. Coverage the home page of the union’s website: www.amo-union.org. The docu- of this event will be featured in the October edition. ment will no longer be published in the newspaper on a regular basis.

Unions confront bizarre threat to U.S. merchant fleet By Paul Doell all of the six state-operated academies. But the notion that you as seagoing profes- Marine Academy they oversee. National President we disagree completely with the Secretary sionals can’t distinguish between right and “The American people entrust the and the smokescreen strategy DOT and wrong, and that you’re incapable of self- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with A m e r i c a n MARAD have adopted to address this insti- control and mutual respect? Are you trou- developing some of America’s best Maritime Officers, tutional crisis. bled by the counterintuitive exemption young men and women into leaders of the Seafarers Inter- Last June, DOT and MARAD from ugly imagery made by DOT and exemplary character who proudly serve national Union, the announced what they said would be a tem- MARAD for private sector and civil ser- as officers in the U.S. merchant marine Marine Engineers’ porary suspension of Sea Year, the time vice mariners on government vessels? and our Armed Forces,” Secretary Foxx Beneficial Asso- when Kings Point midshipmen train at sea You should be. But you should also be wrote in his comments on the Manpower ciation and the on U.S.-flag deep-sea, Great Lakes and aware of the disturbing implications for Data Center survey report. International Org- inland waters cargo vessels. In July, this your long-term job and benefit security. anization of suspension was lifted — but only for ves- The hasty, senseless DOT-MARAD ‘Standards of honor’ Masters, Mates sels in the Military Sealift Command and strategy on this front could cause the loss of AMO, the SIU, MEBA and the and Pilots are tak- MARAD fleets. At the Labor Day break, government shipping contracts awarded to MM&P share that trust in USMMA. But we ing on a peculiar vessels operating in commercial markets — commercial U.S. fleets through competitive also trust our seagoing memberships as threat to the privately owned and operated including ships participating in the bidding and the loss of licensed and unli- responsible men and women, professionals U.S.-flag merchant fleet in commercial Maritime Security Program — remained off censed jobs in Military Sealift Command who measure up to the standards of honor deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland waters limits to Kings Point midshipmen. support services and in MARAD’s Ready and “exemplary character” that have distin- trades — the official response to reports of “Protecting the safety of the young Reserve Force sealift fleet. guished American merchant mariners in sexual assault and sexual harassment at the women and men at the United States This haphazard strategy could also economic and defense service to the U.S. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Merchant Marine Academy is our top pri- cause young people at USMMA — and, in since the American Revolution. Point, N.Y. ority at Department of Transportation,” time, at the state maritime academies — to Our four unions are circulating a col- A survey submitted to Congress in DOT said in a policy update August 22. abandon their plans for careers at sea, which laborative position statement on this bud- January 2015 by the Manpower Data “Secretary Foxx directed the Sea Year would in turn aggravate a persistent short- ding controversy. This statement is Center in the Department of Defense found stand-down in response to reported inci- age of qualified officers and crews for addressed to Secretary Foxx, but it’s mak- “weighted” estimates that up to 28 women dents of bullying, coercion, sexual harass- defense shipping billets in national security ing the rounds at MARAD and on Capitol and up to 24 men “were sexually assaulted ment and assault involving midshipmen emergencies. Hill. The statement elaborates on points and an estimated 63 percent of women and during their time at sea. DOT, the In addition, the Kings Point scandal made here, and it urges two specific policy 11 percent of men experienced sexual Maritime Administration and the and the reckless DOT-MARAD response recommendations: the assignment of Kings harassment” at Kings Point during the USMMA have made consistent efforts to could cost our industry a lot of the broad, Point midshipmen to commercial vessels 2013-2014 academic year. This survey was address these issues over the last few bipartisan Congressional support it has within 60 days, and the addition of at least required under a fiscal 2009 defense budget years, but we have not solved the problem earned over many years on such matters as two commercial mariners — one Chief bill, and comparable analyses must be con- with inappropriate behavior during Sea annual funding of the Maritime Security Engineer and one Captain, each with signif- ducted every other year. Year, and behavior issues that are affect- Program, defense of the Jones Act and icant experience — to a panel of what DOT “These results are unsatisfactory to ing the campus culture. We are looking at cargo preference law enforcement. The U.S. has called “independent outside experts” to me, to the leadership of the academy, the additional steps we can take to ensure the merchant fleet has powerful, determined “attempt to identify root causes and their Maritime Administration and the U.S. safety of our students at sea and on cam- critics who smell blood here — and they impacts to the academy culture and offer Department of Transportation,” DOT pus, and also to promote a culture of trans- could exploit an indefinite Sea Year stand- possible short term and long term corrective Secretary Anthony Foxx said of the sur- parency and respect for everyone.” down to our lasting disadvantage. actions to address the issues.” vey’s findings. “We will take every neces- As you can glean from the added AMO, the SIU, MEBA and the We’ll make this statement avail- sary measure to put a stop to this egregious emphasis, DOT and MARAD contend that MM&P have no tolerance for illegal or able to all AMO members — a large behavior and to ensure that (Kings Point) sexual misconduct and inappropriate behav- inappropriate sexual behavior within our Kings Point alumni bloc among them — midshipmen have a safe and supportive ior are common on U.S. merchant vessels respective ranks. The unions’ records indi- through Currents, this publication, and environment on campus and during their providing commercial services in domestic cate few cases of assault, abuse or harass- the AMO website, and we’ll let you Sea Year training.” waters and overseas. ment over many years — with offenders know the outcome. punished appropriately each time. But we Meanwhile, I welcome the input of ‘Smokescreen strategy’ An ‘offensive notion’ also have no tolerance for the scapegoating AMO members everywhere on this or Our four unions agree completely Are you insulted by the official of American merchant mariners in what any other subject. I can be reached by with Secretary Foxx. Sexual assault, abuse assertion that sexual assault and harass- may be an attempt by DOT and MARAD to phone at 954-921-2221, extension 1001, and harassment in all its forms are unac- ment are preferred pastimes for American draw political and public attention from on my cell at 954-881-5651 or by email ceptable, whether at USMMA or at one or merchant mariners? Are you offended by problems festering at the U.S. Merchant at [email protected].

Union’s Membership Assistance Program available to aid AMO members hit by natural disaster The American Maritime Officers Membership Assistance Program (MAP) is a voluntary disaster relief fund established to aid AMO members, applicants for membership in AMO, and AMO retirees who suffer damage to their property as the result of severe storms and natural disasters, such as the flooding that has devastated parts of Louisiana. Benefits from the MAP are paid in varying amounts determined exclusively by need. The application for relief benefits under the Membership Assistance Program is available online: www.amo-union.org/PDFs/mapapplication.pdf. The MAP is a permanent, independent, tax-exempt and voluntary disaster relief fund established by the AMO National Executive Board. The fund is now sustained by individual voluntary tax-deductible contributions. AMO members can make tax-deductible voluntary contributions to the AMO Membership Assistance Program by sending checks or money orders, as well as through authorized vacation deductions. September 2016 American Maritime Officer • 3

Congressional transportation and seapower leaders emphasize economic and national security benefits of sustaining Jones Act jurisdiction for U.S. domestic and non-contiguous shipping trades The following letter dated August 15 carries out its work, and since misinforma- tions like the Dominican Republic. experts and commentators have empha- and signed by Congressmen Duncan tion about the Jones Act is being dissemi- Allegations by some that shipping to the sized the importance of the Jones Act to Hunter (R-CA), chairman of the nated, the following information may be Virgin Islands is cheaper than Puerto Rico homeland security. Recent reports like Subcommittee on Coast Guard and useful to you and we are glad to discuss are flatly wrong. In fact, one analysis shows those from the Lexington Institute (e.g., Maritime Transportation, John these issues further. it is 40 percent more expensive to ship Venerable Jones Act Provides An Garamendi (D-CA), ranking member on The U.S. Government goods from the U.S. mainland on foreign Important Barrier To Terrorist Infiltration the subcommittee, J. Randy Forbes (R- Accountability Office (GAO) said vessels to the U.S. Virgin Islands (not sub- of the Homeland) emphasize the impor- VA), chairman of the Subcommittee on changes to the Jones Act in Puerto Rico ject to the Jones Act) than on Jones Act ves- tance of this law to keeping our nation Seapower and Projection Forces, and Joe could be destabilizing to the sels to Puerto Rico. Similarly, the GAO secure. One expert and former 9/11 Courtney (D-CT), ranking member on the Commonwealth. Congress’s first mission asserted that it is impossible to accurately Commission member said, “helping plug subcommittee, was sent to Representatives is “do no harm” by not making the situation assess the “cost” of the Jones Act, if any, a porous border is a benefit of the Jones Sean Duffy (R-WI), Nydia Velázquez (D- in Puerto Rico worse. At the request of because it is impossible to know what addi- Act that is far too often overlooked.” NY), Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) and Pedro Congress, the GAO recently completed tional American laws would be applied to The Jones Act creates American Pierluisi (D-PR). what has been described as the most foreign shipping companies were they ever jobs. The last thing Puerto Rico needs We look forward to seeing the report detailed study of the Jones Act in Puerto allowed to engage in the U.S. domestic today is the outsourcing of American ship- of the Congressional Task Force on Rico ever. It also is the rare study that trades, and too many factors impact freight ping jobs. Many of these jobs relate direct- Economic Growth in Puerto Rico (Task comes from a non-partisan, unbiased party. rates to assess a “cost” of the Jones Act. ly to the nearly $1 billion in Jones Act- Force), and we hope you are successful in A principal finding of that study was that Changes to the Jones Act in Puerto related private sector investments current- finding ways to create jobs in the the impacts of changes to the Jones Act in Rico could undermine national security, ly underway to renew the vessels, equip- Commonwealth. However, based on our Puerto Rico were “highly uncertain.” The according to the GAO. The GAO specifi- ment, and infrastructure serving Puerto review over many years of issues related to study found that the domestic maritime cally noted that the “military strategy of the Rico’s trade. Changes to the Jones Act in the U.S. maritime industry, national sealift industry provides “reliable, on-time ser- United States relies on the use of commer- Puerto Rico would undermine these needs and port security initiatives, we do vice” and “just in time” delivery to the cial U.S.-flag ships and crews and the avail- investments in modern, state-of-the-art not believe a review of the Jones Act by the island. Many Puerto Rican importers rely ability of a shipyard industrial base to sup- American vessels operating between the Task Force, on which neither our on this “prompt and regular shipping” to port national defense needs.” Leading rep- U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico. Committees nor our Subcommittees are avoid warehousing and inventory costs, resentatives of the U.S. Department of Moreover, changing the Jones Act in represented, is necessary. which are particularly high in Puerto Rico, Defense, Navy, and Coast Guard have all Puerto Rico will have negative impacts on The House Committee on according to the GAO. The agency further spoken about the military importance of the other parts of the domestic maritime Transportation and Infrastructure has juris- opined that changes to the Jones Act in Jones Act, as has Congress, in a clear and industry not directly serving the Puerto diction over the United States’ domestic Puerto Rico could undermine the crucial unambiguous way. In its study, the GAO Rican trades, such as the nation’s critically cabotage law, popularly known as the Jones northbound service from Puerto Rico to the discussed the possible negative conse- important shipbuilding industrial base and Act. The House Committee on Armed mainland. And, of course, the last thing quences of changes to the Jones Act in the pool of qualified mariners needed in Services has jurisdiction over the merchant Puerto Rico needs now is the disruption of Puerto Rico on military readiness. We urge time of war or national emergency. marine as it relates to national defense. its shipping or the outsourcing of its ship- you to keep the national security benefits of We have spent years studying and Those Committees and particularly the sub- ping jobs to other nations. the Jones Act front of mind. Also be aware understanding the implications of the Jones committees on which we serve as Chairmen Shipping rates to Puerto Rico on that changes to the Jones Act in one part of Act both from commercial and military per- and Ranking Members support the Jones Jones Act vessels from the mainland are the country would have important implica- spectives. Our subcommittees have heard Act, which protects good U.S. jobs, pro- the lowest in the region. You will hear tions in other parts of our nation, undermin- from numerous executive branch officials vides jobs and industrial skills needed to many “facts” about the cost impact of the ing future investment in every segment of (including defense officials) and industry support U.S. defense sealift, and provides a Jones Act in Puerto Rico and most have no the Jones Act industry from the Great Lakes representatives about the important benefits network of U.S. mariners who are on the basis. We do know that actual shipping rates to the U.S. inland waters to the Gulf of of the Jones Act. We do not believe the Task water and provide a knowledgeable first from the U.S. mainland to Puerto Rico on Mexico to coastal waterways. Force needs to address this issue. However, line of defense in our efforts to keep our Jones Act vessels are the lowest in the The Jones Act is important to if issues related to the Jones Act arise during trade ports and harbors secure. If questions Caribbean — lower than rates on non-Jones American homeland security. Within Task Force discussions, we urge you to arise about the Jones Act as the Task Force Act vessels from the U.S. mainland to loca- the last several months, numerous reach out to us.

AMO aboard tanker Pelican State in Jones Act trade

AMO members working aboard the Jones Act tanker Pelican State in July, Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the Jones Act here in Orange, Texas, included Chief Engineer Jon Noyes, Third Assistant tanker Pelican State in July, here in Orange, Texas, included Third Mate Engineer Gavin Cote, First A.E. Fred Loewen and Second A.E. John Gray. Paige Queen, Chief Mate Cole Davis, Captain Peter Whiting and Third With them is Massachusetts Maritime Academy Engine Cadet Myat Smith. Mate Kevin Grove. With them is AMO National Vice President, Inland The Pelican State is operated for American Petroleum Tankers by Intrepid Waters, David Weathers. Personnel and Provisioning and is manned in all licensed positions by AMO. 4 • American Maritime Officer September 2016

From the first audition, the NTSB Research and Engineering team will pro- duce a general characterization of the data NTSB: 26 hours of information recovered that details the number of hours, quality of data, quality of audio, presence of GPS, from El Faro voyage data recorder radar, and any other data captured. The NTSB’s next step is to convene The following article dated August 24 and the vessel’s list. The vessel’s loss of was successfully recovered from the ocean the VDR investigative group. Much like the was released by the National propulsion was mentioned on the bridge floor late Monday evening. other groups within the investigation, this Transportation Safety Board. audio about 6:13 a.m. Also captured was the The recovery of the capsule caps a group may consist of a member of each of WASHINGTON — The National master speaking on the telephone, notifying 10-month-long, multi-agency effort to the parties — NTSB, U.S. Coast Guard, Transportation Safety Board (has) shoreside personnel of the vessel’s critical retrieve the recorder, which was designed to American Bureau of Shipping and TOTE announced the convening of a voyage data situation, and preparing to abandon ship if record navigational data and communica- Services. These parties are requested to par- recorder group, Monday, to develop a necessary. The master ordered abandon ship tions between crewmembers on the ship’s ticipate as subject matter experts because detailed transcript of the sounds and dis- and sounded the alarm about 7:30 a.m., Oct. bridge. Investigators hope the recorder will they can provide expertise in analyzing the cernible words captured on the El Faro’s 1, 2015. The recording ended about 10 min- reveal information about the final hours of VDR information and creating a transcript. bridge audio, following the audition of the utes later when the El Faro was about 39 El Faro’s voyage and the circumstances The NTSB forbids lawyers, company ship’s VDR. nautical miles northeast of Crooked Island, leading up to the sinking. executives, or media representatives from The voyage data recorder from El Bahamas. These times are preliminary and The third mission to the El Faro participating as members of the VDR inves- Faro, a U.S.-flagged cargo ship that sank subject to change and final validation by the began Aug. 5, 2016, and the vessel arrived tigative group. Group members must sign a during Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015, voyage data recorder group. on scene August 8, and later that same strict non-disclosure agreement that pro- was successfully recovered from the ocean The VDR group’s technical experts evening the El Faro’s voyage data recorder hibits them from releasing any information floor Aug. 8, 2016, and transported to the will continue reviewing the entire record- was safely brought aboard the USNS from the audition to their organizations or to NTSB’s laboratory here Aug. 12. ing, including crew discussions regarding Apache by the Navy’s CURV-21 remotely anyone outside of the VDR group. Because Information from the El Faro’s VDR was the weather situation and the operation and operated vehicle, operated by Phoenix the VDR audition happens within the NTSB successfully recovered Aug. 15. condition of the ship. International. investigation party process, it is not consid- About 26 hours of information was Families of the El Faro’s crew The VDR was placed in fresh water ered a public disclosure. recovered from the VDR, including were briefed about the results of the to help prevent corrosion of the electronic The NTSB is prohibited by federal bridge audio, weather data and naviga- audition Wednesday prior to the NTSB’s components. U.S. Coast Guard and NTSB law from publicly releasing any audio cap- tional data. Investigators examined the public release of the characterization of personnel decided to disassemble and visu- tured from a VDR. Even within the agency, VDR, found it to be in good condition, the audition. ally examine the VDR while at sea to gain a and the team working on the investigation, and downloaded the memory module It remains unknown how long it will better understanding of the condition of the there are strict limitations on who is able to data in accordance with the manufactur- take to develop the final transcript of the El memory unit and to identify what steps are listen to the audio. er’s recommended procedures. Faro’s VDR. The length of the recording needed to recover the data. All of the com- The VDR group will work together to Numerous events leading up to the and high levels of background noise will ponents of the El Faro’s VDR were trans- create a transcript of any audio recovered loss of the El Faro are heard on the VDR’s make transcript development a time con- ported to the NTSB’s laboratory in from the VDR. The transcript will be used audio, recorded from microphones on the suming process. An update will be provided Washington, D.C., Aug. 12, 2016. to inform the future activities related to the ship’s bridge. The quality of the recording when warranted. The examination of the data that El Faro investigation, and any part of the is degraded because of high levels of may be contained on the El Faro’s data transcript that is considered relevant to the background noise. There are times during NTSB releases photos, video of El Faro recorder is set to begin Monday, Aug. 15, investigation will be released in the public the recording when the content of crew voyage data recorder recovery 2016. The examination, called an audi- docket. The NTSB will not publicly release discussion is difficult to determine, at The following article was released tion, will happen in two rounds. The initial the audio at any time. other times the content can be determined August 12 by the National Transportation round only includes the NTSB Office of To view or download video of using audio filtering. Safety Board. Marine Safety Acting Director, the NTSB Friday’s media briefing go to: The recording began about 5:37 a.m., The National Transportation Safety Research and Engineering Director, the https://youtu.be/_U4Uq5fYXzw. Sept. 30, 2015 — about 8 hours after the El Board has released video and photos of the NTSB’s Investigator in Charge, and the To view or download photos of the Faro departed Jacksonville, Florida, with retrieval and preliminary inspection of El U.S. Coast Guard’s Chief of VDR recovery go to: the ship about 150 nautical miles southeast Faro’s voyage data recorder. Investigations and Casualty Analysis. This https://www.flickr.com/photos/ntsb/. of the city. The bridge audio from the morn- The voyage data recorder from El audition is of the raw audio without any To view or download video of the ing of Oct. 1 captured the master and crew Faro, a U.S.-flagged cargo ship that sank clean up or filtering and helps to deter- VDR recovery go to: discussing their actions regarding flooding during Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015, mine the future scope of work. https://youtu.be/juA8RdYS8-k.

Engineering officers — Security endorsement on Merchant Mariner Credential required for deep-sea employment All licensed engineering and deck officers who sail in trades subject to STCW juris- The specific U.S. Coast Guard requirements are found in 46 CFR 12.625 and NVIC diction are required to have a Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed with either STCW 21-14, and include completing the required course, filling out and submitting a USCG 719B VI/6 — VPDSD (Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties) or STCW VI/5 (Vessel application, and obtaining the required MMC endorsement. Security Officer). STAR Center provides both the Vessel/Company Security Officer and the Vessel Any officer who does not have the required security endorsement may be inel- Personnel with Designated Security Duties courses. igible for employment in deep-sea trades, and can be relieved of duty by port-state American Maritime Officers members and applicants can contact STAR Center control authorities. Director of Member Training and Officer Development Jerry Pannell with questions regard- The requirement for a security endorsement entered into effect in 2013. This require- ing U.S. Coast Guard training requirements, required endorsements and submitting an ment is separate from and in addition to the STCW 2010 gap closing training requirements, application for a security endorsement on an MMC. He can be reached at (800) 942-3220 which all STCW-qualified officers must be in compliance with by December 31, 2016. Ext. 7507 or via e-mail: [email protected].

U.S. Coast Guard requirements USCG publishes updated for electronic TWIC inspections guidance regarding Zika virus In August, the U.S. Coast Guard published a bulletin containing updated will take effect in two years guidance regarding preventing the contraction and spread of the Zika virus. The bul- The U.S. Coast Guard on August 23 published its final rule on requirements for the letin begins as follows: electronic inspection of Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards by Widespread local transmission of Zika continues on the island of Puerto Rico certain waterfront facilities and vessels. and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. To date, 5,460 and 22 locally transmitted cases have The final rule takes effect August 23, 2018, and will require owners and operators of been reported in those locations, respectively. A full list of affected countries can be certain vessels and facilities regulated by the Coast Guard to provide for the electronic found here: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/active-countries.html. inspection of TWIC cards as an access-control measure, in addition to visual inspection of As of 05 Aug 16, 15 likely locally transmitted cases of Zika virus infection TWIC cards. Many mariners are almost certain to begin encountering electronic TWIC have been found in Miami-Dade County, Florida. inspection measures prior to the effective date of the final rule. The complete bulletin released by the Coast Guard is available online at: In the final rule published in the Federal Register, which includes supplementary https://www.uscg.mil/announcements/ALCOAST/293-16_ALCOAST.txt. information and responses to comments, the Coast Guard noted the requirements will affect 525 facilities and one vessel. September 2016 American Maritime Officer • 5

American maritime loses Retired Congressman a friend and tireless Steven LaTourette — a advocate with the death strong supporter of of Helen Bentley Great Lakes shipping, U.S. maritime industry

In this file photo, Helen Bentley con- gratulates Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) on his receipt of the Maritime Industry Salute to Congress Award in 2013. Bentley received the award from the Propeller Club in 1987. In this file photo, then-Congressman Steven LaTourette speaks at the ceremony during which Congressman Bob Gibbs (R-OH) was presented with A former U.S. congressional repre- the newspaper. As reported by the the Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Award in 2012. LaTourette received sentative, chair of the Federal Maritime Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, the award from the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force in 2000. Commission, journalist and author, she became the first woman to cover an Helen Delich Bentley was well known in American Federation of Labor conven- Retired Republican Congressman Steven LaTourette, who most recently maritime circles as a tireless advocate tion in 1947. served as the U.S. representative for Ohio’s 14th District and stood as a staunch and a lifelong friend whose passionate While working at The Baltimore supporter of Great Lakes shipping and the U.S. maritime industry as a whole support for promoting American jobs and Sun, she undertook a second job because throughout his nine terms in office, died August 3 following a battle with pan- industry on the waterfront and at sea “at that time they would not pay me what creatic cancer. He was 62. made a lasting and positive impact on the they were paying the men and I had to go “Steve LaTourette was a reliable advocate of a strong U.S. merchant fleet U.S. merchant marine. out and earn extra bucks,” according to and a faithful friend to American merchant mariners,” said American Maritime Bentley died August 6 in WBAL radio. She created and produced a Officers National President Paul Doell. “He saw Congressional support of the Timonium, Md. at the age of 92, suc- television series about the Port of American merchant marine as a matter of common sense. We will miss his cumbing to brain cancer. Baltimore, which ran on WMAR-TV for assistance and his counsel.” “Throughout decades of public ser- 15 years. He was first elected to Congress in 1994 as the representative for what was at vice, her straight talk and strong convic- In 1969, she was appointed chair of the time Ohio’s 19th Congressional District. During his tenure, LaTourette served on tion left no doubt as to where she stood on the Federal Maritime Commission by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House what the proper course for our nation President Richard Nixon. She was at that Appropriations Committee. should be on maritime matters,” said time one of the highest-ranking women in He was a strong supporter of the Jones Act, the Maritime Security American Maritime Officers National the executive branch of the federal gov- Program and U.S. cargo preference laws. He was a co-sponsor of the Saving President Paul Doell. ernment, where she served until 1975. Essential American Sailors Act of 2012, a bill that sought to rescind the 25 per- “She stood on the side of the people Following two previous unsuccessful cent reduction in the statutory U.S.-flag share of food-aid shipments, which was working in the U.S.-flag merchant fleet, in campaigns, Bentley won election to the enacted earlier that year. American shipyards, at our nation’s ports U.S. Congress in 1984. A Republican who LaTourette was an active advocate for the U.S.-flag Great Lakes shipping and in the U.S. manufacturing sector,” defied simple definition, she served on the industry. He took a leading role in the fight to secure needed U.S. Coast Guard ice- Doell said. “She knew the importance of Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee breaking assets for the Great Lakes Navigation System, as well as in the effort to the maritime trades to America’s strength and the Appropriations Committee in the ensure environmental regulations imposed on Great Lakes shipping were reasonable and success on both the local and national House of Representatives, where she and uniform in accordance with the domestic industry’s vital role as an artery of com- levels, and she believed in the potential of fought for trade policies that would seek to merce and the most efficient and environmentally friendly form of cargo transporta- a properly supported U.S. maritime indus- protect American maritime and manufac- tion available. try to do even more good. turing jobs. In 2000, he received the Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Award from the “She made a diverse and fearless A classic exchange involving then- Great Lakes Maritime Task Force for his consistent and effective support on issues career of applying her knowledge and pas- Representative Bentley and an admiral critical to maritime industry and labor on the Lakes. sion to the education of the public and the regarding the purchase of foreign-made Frustrated by increasing partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill, and known for his creation of public policy,” Doell said. equipment for Navy vessels was relayed sense of duty in public service, LaTourette announced he would be retiring from “She celebrated the gains of the U.S.-flag by the Washington Post. Congress in 2012 after serving in office for 18 years. fleet, fought the setbacks dealt to our “It’s like this, Mrs. Bentley — they industry and way of life, and pushed make these parts cheaper in Korea,” the everyone involved to always do more and admiral said. for her old seat in Congress. her,” said Maritime Trades Department do better.” “Well, admiral, they make admirals She co-authored a book, The Great President Michael Sacco. “She was a Bentley was born in Nevada. After cheaper in Korea, too, and maybe we Port of Baltimore: Its First 300 Years. In fighter for what she believed in — and she earning a journalism degree from the should buy some!” Bentley replied. 2006, Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich believed in our industry and the men and University of Missouri in 1944 and work- Bentley left her congressional seat renamed the port the Helen Delich women who work in it. No one could top ing briefly for a wire service, she was in 1994 to run for governor of Maryland, Bentley Port of Baltimore in honor of her her dedication and devotion to the U.S.- hired by The Baltimore Sun, and covered but was defeated in the primary race. In many years of service. flag merchant marine. All of us will miss labor issues and the Port of Baltimore for 2002, she launched an unsuccessful bid “There will never be another like her tremendously.” 6 • American Maritime Officer September 2016

West Virginia Continued from Page 1

Anne Swearingen, wife of John Swearingen, senior vice president, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, per- formed the time-honored tradition of christening the vessel by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne across the West Virginia’s hull at Philly Shipyard. American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers aboard the new Crowley tankers. The West Virginia is 50,000 dead- weight-tons (dwt) and capable of carrying 330,000 barrels of product. The new tankers are based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Members of American Maritime Officers and the Seafarers International Union comprising the crew of the West Virginia Dockyards (HMD) design that incorporates were honored on stage during the ship’s christening ceremony. numerous fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability and the latest regulatory Crowley to providing the best perfor- building and crewing. We congratulate ciated a strong partnership with Crowley, requirements. The vessel is 600 feet long mance for our customers with efficiency Philly Shipyard for reaching this mile- stemming from the previous two Crowley and is capable of carrying crude oil or and innovative solutions,” said Crowley’s stone, as well as the dedicated, hard-work- tankers delivered in both 2012 and 2013, refined petroleum products, as well as vari- Rob Grune, senior vice president and gen- ing men and women who build and crew and today we are proud to add these four ous chemical cargoes. eral manager, petroleum services. “The these ships.” safe and quality vessels to its growing The West Virginia was delivered to completion of West Virginia and its sister Said Philly Shipyard’s President and fleet. On behalf of the men and women at Crowley on August 12. ships demonstrates our belief in the Jones CEO Steinar Nerbovik: “Today’s delivery the shipyard, we send our well wishes to “The delivery of the West Virginia Act trade, and our commitment to sup- marks the successful completion of a four the dedicated crew that will operate the represents our total commitment at porting our economy through U.S. ship- tanker series for Crowley. We have appre- West Virginia.”

Anne Swearingen, the sponsor of the West Virginia, christens the ship in American Maritime Officers members working aboard the West Virginia, here in Philadelphia on August 16. Anne is the wife of John Swearingen, senior vice the ship’s engine room in Philadelphia on August 16, included (in no particular president, Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The new tanker is operating under order) Chief Engineers Daniel Savoie and Evan Park, First Assistant Engineer a long-term charter to Marathon. Daniel Figge, Second A.E. James Brown and Third A.E. Thomas Millett.

weakened condition, on shaking everyone’s hands ... he was so thankful to be Ocean Glory rescues distressed fisherman alive,” said Hill. An Indonesian ambulance and The following is excerpted from an medical team came aboard as soon as the article by Grady Fontana, which was pub- gangway was down in Tanjungwangi. lished August 18 by the U.S. Navy. The shoreside medical team transported American Maritime Officers represents all the survivor to the hospital for further licensed officers aboard the Ocean Glory. medical treatment. M/V OCEAN GLORY, At Sea “But not before the ship’s crew and (NNS) — Military Sealift Command’s on-board members of the U.S. Army (MSC) voyage-charter M/V Ocean Glory passed the hat,” said Hill. rescued an Indonesian fisherman in the Through donations, they provided vicinity of the Bali Strait while en route to the unexpected shipmate with shoes, Banyuwangi, Indonesia, Aug. 14. clothes and money to help speed his “I stepped onto the bridge fully recovery and his return home. expecting to take a routine arrival a few Ocean Glory, a commercial multi- hours later into the Port of Tanjungwangi, purpose, heavy-lift ship from Intermarine, Indonesia,” said Capt. Christopher Hill, had been sailing under an MSC charter for merchant mariner and master of Ocean the previous few months in support of Glory. “Instead, the officer of the watch Pacific Pathways 16-2 (PP16-2), a U.S. reported a man standing atop an over- Army Pacific (USARPAC) mobility oper- turned, outrigger fishing boat.” ation that supports three USARPAC exer- The fisherman and the remains of cises and links them into a single opera- his boat were caught in a strong current tion by using a single MSC commercial and were quickly being swept out of the for confirmation of coast guard assistance. heaving line alongside the ship’s hull, vessel to carry a designated task force and Bali Strait and into the open, unfrequented In the process of passing the heav- thence to the ladder.” their force package equipment for the Indian Ocean. ing line and while waiting for local coast Upon reaching the ladder, the man entire duration. PP16-2 was supporting “Later, I would learn that the small guard to arrive, it became apparent the in the water let go of the heaving line and exercises Hanuman Guardian in Thailand, boat had capsized the previous day in a fisherman could not wait to be rescued, began to climb. After hours stranded at sea Keris Strike in Malaysia, and Garuda squall and that the lone fisherman had according to Hill. and as soon as he was on the decks of Shield in Indonesia. been adrift in very rough seas for about 20 “He lost his footing on the upside- Ocean Glory, he collapsed and was quick- PP16-2 was a combined operation hours before Ocean Glory’s arrival on down boat and took to the water holding ly taken to medical. between the U.S. Army and each of the scene,” said Hill. only the bitter end of the ship’s heaving “While being treated for exhaustion armed forces of Thailand, Malaysia, and Ocean Glory notified the Indonesian line,” said Hill. “The ship’s pilot ladder and dehydration by the ship’s medical Indonesia — where the last of the U.S. coast guard, and attempted to pass a life- was quickly rigged and all hands on deck officer, he tearfully thanked everyone Army’s equipment was backloaded for jacket via ship’s heaving line to the dis- worked together and with quick precision around him without knowing or needing a return to Pearl Harbor and Tacoma, tressed fisherman while waiting on station to drag the fisherman at the end of the word of English and insisted, even in his Washington. September 2016 American Maritime Officer • 7

Maritime Academy Recruiting Assistance Program helping to build next generation of AMO officers As the American Maritime Officers job base expands with newly built ships and diverse job opportunities, the union is ush- ering in the next generation of licensed mariners through its unique recruiting programs aimed at attracting engineers from outside the industry, military veterans, and talented maritime academy cadets. The Maritime Academy Recruiting Assistance Program (MARAP) was initiat- ed just a few years ago but has already attracted dozens of motivated academy cadets prepared to build the next generation of AMO officers. Since its inception in 2014, MARAP has produced 15 engine and deck maritime academy graduates qualified to sail as AMO members. Some have already started their careers at sea. Another 15 are currently pro- gressing through the program and some will be joining the AMO ranks as early as the Above: Cadets participating in the summer of 2017. American Maritime Officers and “MARAP is an outstanding program, STAR Center Maritime Academy both for the cadets participating and for Recruiting Assistance Program who AMO,” said AMO National Executive Vice visited American Maritime Officers President Daniel Shea, who has been at the Headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla. forefront of recruiting for MARAP. “I’m in August included Luke Kurelja really proud of the cadets participating in (Massachusetts Maritime Academy), the program for their work and dedication, Thomas Knizewski (State University and those who have graduated and are now of New York Maritime College), John sailing with AMO.” Marchione (Mass Maritime), Eric One of the goals of MARAP is to Murphy (Mass Maritime), Summer invest in cadets who might not otherwise Cawley (Mass Maritime), and have considered committing to member- Caroline Curtis (Maine Maritime ship in any particular union. So far the Academy). With them is AMO strategy has paid off, thanks in part to National Executive Vice President AMO sailing members who identify tal- Daniel Shea.

Above right: MARAP participants ented cadets while they are at sea. Many Theodore Grammatico and Kempton of MARAP’s graduates were recommend- Baldridge, both deck cadets at Great ed for the program while they were com- Lakes Maritime Academy, visited AMO pleting sea time requirements for their Headquarters and STAR Center in respective academies. Dania Beach, Fla. in March. MARAP has also given AMO members a chance for their relatives to continue in the AMO tradition. MARAP contributes a $150 monthly stipend to as many as three cadets from each maritime academy after their sophomore At right: MARAP cadets visiting year. The stipend increases to $200 the fol- STAR Center and AMO Headquarters lowing year and includes a week-long ori- in March included Ryan Malamphy, entation at STAR Center and AMO Austin Neuman and Boren Chambers Headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla. Jr. With them is STAR Center Director “MARAP is a chance to reward of Member Training and Officer cadets who members run into and see doing Development Jerry Pannell. a good job, as well as those on campus. When they get here, they are already motivated,” said Graeme Holman, head of school operations at STAR Center, who also coordinates site visits for MARAP cadets. “These candidates are already pro-AMO First class completes TECH Program and ready to become that next wave of licensed mariners.” After graduation, MARAP cadets receive priority hiring status with AMO. In return, each cadet pledges to a specific sea service commitment following graduation, which will hopefully trans- late to a complete sailing career as an AMO member. MARAP also comes at very little expense to the union. Recognizing the need for talented officers, several AMO–contracted companies have opted to sponsor cadets and pick up the tab on the stipends. Often, that has led to cadets being hired to The first class of apprentice engineers to complete The Engineering Candidate Hawsepipe Program received work on ships owned and/or operated by the their completion certificates at the AMO monthly membership meeting in August. Joseph Parsons III, Brandon sponsor companies. Mackie, John Peterson and Cameron Siele will sit for the U.S. Coast Guard third assistant engineer license “MARAP is a winner for everyone exams this fall. With them are STAR Center Director of Training Phil Shullo and Head of the STAR Center involved and we’ll be building on the pro- Engineering Department Matt Grose. gram’s success as the AMO-contracted fleet continues to grow,” Shea said. 8 • American Maritime Officer September 2016

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 3, 10, 17, 24, 5 days 12, 19, 26 Sept. 7, 14, 28 Nov. 5, 12 December 16 January 6, 27 February 20 March 17 April and Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 31 October

Engine Room Resource Management — Classroom (Engineers) 5 days (Required by ALL Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 12, 26 Sept. 10, 24 October 7, 28 November 12 December 9 January 20 February 13 March 24 April

Management of Electrical, Electronic Controllers (Engineers) (Required 5 days by ALL management level Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 19 September 3, 17, 31 Oct. 14 November 5 December 23 January 13 February 6 March Leadership & Teamwork (Engineers) (Only required by those Engineers 1 day Leadership & Teamworking assessments, in the few cases required, should be completed and signed off onboard. who completed old ERM class)

Basic Training & Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation (Required by first 2 days 12, 13 Sept. 23 February 20 March 3 April credential renewal AFTER 1 Jan 2017) 7 November 9 January

EFA (Scheduled with Basic Training Revalidation BUT NOT REQUIRED 1 day 14 September 9 November 11 January 22 February 22 March 5 April FOR STCW 2010)

General Courses

IGF Code Training 5 days 3 October 28 November 9 January 24 April

Confined Space Entry 3 days 31 October 5 December 6 March

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 28 November 13 February 17 April

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), 5 days 19 September 24 October 12 December 30 January Elementary First Aid (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 21 September 26 October 14 December 1 February

Chemical Safety — Advanced 5 days 13 February

ECDIS 5 days 12, 19 Sept. 31 October 5 December 23 January 27 February 17 April

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 12 December 27 March

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 11 October 17 January 13 March

GMDSS — Requires after-hour homework 10 days 24 October 30 January 27 March

LNG Tankerman PIC 8 days 17 October 22 February

LNG Simulator Training — Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course is given to qualified member candidates for employment and/or observation opportunities with AMO contracted LNG companies. In all 5 days 31 October 6 March cases successful completion of the LNG PNC classroom course is prerequisite.

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 17 October 6 February 10 April

Safety Officer Course 2 days 2 March

Tankerman PIC DL — Classroom 5 days 7 November 20 March

Tankerman PIC DL — Simulator 10 days 19 September 5 December 23 January 27 March

Tankerman PIC DL — Accelerated Program 10 days Please call

Train the Trainer 5 days 3 October 14 November 5 December 9 January 6 March

Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties — VPDSD 2 days 26 January 27 April

Vessel/Company Security Officer — Includes Anti-Piracy 3 days 8 November 27 February

Deck Courses Meets STCW 2010 Advanced Bridge Resource Management — 5 days Leadership & Management gap closing requirements 12 September 10 October 28 November (No equivalency) Must have Advanced Shiphandling for Masters — 5 days sailed as Chief Mate Unlimited 3 October 5 December 27 March 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rd Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates — 10 days 6 March Mates 19 September 17, 31 October 23 January

Advanced & Emergency Shiphandling — First Class Pilots, Great Lakes 5 days 6 February

Bridge Resource Management Seminar 3 days Please call

Dynamic Positioning — Basic 5 days 31 October 30 January

Dynamic Positioning — Advanced 5 days 5 December 20 March

Navigation & Watchkeeping Standardization & Assessment Program 5 days 31 October 30 January 6 March

STCW Deck Officer Refresher — Great Lakes 3 days Please call Third Mate (Unlimited or TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) — 5 days 7 November 23 January Great Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required

Tug Training — ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive) 5 days 12 September 12 December 27 March

Engineering Courses

Basic Electricity 10 days 7 November

Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 12 September

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 7 November 6 March

High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 12 October 13 February

Hydraulics/ Pneumatics 5 days 26 September 12 December

Ocean Ranger Program 6 days 3 April Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 5 days 6 February

Refrigeration (Operational Level) 5 days 24 October 27 February

Refrigeration (Management Level) 5 days 31 October 6 March

Steam Endorsement 4 weeks 23 January 17 April

Electronics (Management) — NEW 1 week Please call

Instrumentation (Management) — NEW 10 days Please call

Open to eligible Chief Mates and Masters on a space available Welding & Metallurgy Skills & Practices — 2 weeks 12 September 5 December 23 January 27 February basis. Interested participants should apply online and will be confirmed 2 weeks prior to start date. September 2016 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 17 October 9 January 17 April Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hours homework 5 days 31 October 23 January Advanced Stability 5 days 7 November 30 January Search & Rescue 2 1/2 days 14 November 13 February Management of Medical Care 1/2 day 16 November 15 February Leadership & Management 5 days 10 October 6 February Advanced Cargo — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 28 November 20 February Marine Propulsion Plants — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 12 September 28 November 27 February

Advanced Celestial — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 5 December 6 March

Advanced Navigation — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 19 September 12 December 13 March

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. SPECIFIC GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND ON THE STAR CENTER WEBSITE AT https://www.star-center.com

Celestial Navigation — Requires after-hour homework 5 days 5 September 5 December

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hour homework 5 days 31 October

Cargo Operations 9 days Please call

Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 12 September 28 November

Upgrade: Stability 5 days 7 November

Watchkeeping 1: BRM 3 days 5 October 30 November

Watchkeeping 2: COLREGS 5 days 10 October 5 December

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 17 October

Search and Rescue 2 days 3 October 28 November

Shipboard Management 5 days 14 November

Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (includes Simulator) 5 days 19 September 12 December

ECDIS 5 days 12 September 5 December

MSC Training Program Basic CBR Defense 1 day 4 November 9, 12 December 3 February 10, 31 March 7 April Damage Control 1 day 3 November 8, 13 December 2 February 9, 30 March 6 April Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 13, 27 March

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 20 September 25 October 31 January 10 February

Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD) 1/2 day 4 November 9 December 3 February 10, 31 March 7 April

Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 14 March

Medical PIC Refresher — Note: MSC approved 3 days Please call Must have completed full CBRD & DC once in MSC Readiness Refresher — 2 days 19 September 24 October 30 January career.

MSC Watchstander — BASIC — Once in career, SST grads grandfathered 2 days 20 October 19 January 23 March

MSC Watchstander — ADVANCED — Required for all SRF members 1 day 16 September 14, 28 October 18 November 2, 16 December 13, 27 January 17 February 3, 31 March 28 April

MSC Ship Reaction Force — Required every three years for SRF members 3 days 31 October 5 December 30 January 6 March 3 April

Small Arms — Initial & Sustainment (Refresher) Training — Open to members & applicants eligible for employment through AMO (w/in 1 year) or 4 days 12, 26 Sept. 10, 24 October 14, 28 Nov. 12 December 9, 23 January 13, 27 February 13, 27 March 10, 24 April MSC on MARAD contracted vessels.

Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 7 March Medical Courses

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 13 March 3 April

Elementary First Aid — Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 12 months 1 day 11 October 6 December 17 January 14 March 4 April

Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 12 Medical Care Provider — 3 days 12 October 7 December 18 January 15 March 5 April months. Please fax EFA certificate when registering

Medical PIC — Please fax MCP certificate when registering 5 days 12 September 17 October 12 December 23 January 20 March

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 14 November 5 December 30 January 27 March

Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) — Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only 1 day 15 November 31 January 28 March

Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only 1/2 day 16 November 1 February 29 March

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

Engine Upgrade — STCW 2010 — Management Level (NVIC 15-14) — If sea service or Radar Courses training towards management level (1A/E-Chief Eng.) 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 Radar Recertification 1 day 7, 8 Nov. 20 Jan. 20 Feb. 14, 16 March 10, 25, 27 April all Task Assessments required by NVIC 15-14. By completing the series, no expiration limitation will be placed on your STCW credential. See STAR Center’s website for full details: https://www.star-center.com/stcw2010- ARPA 4 days 21 February engine.upgrade.html

Radar Recertification & 5 days 20 February Leadership & Managerial Skills (G500 as amended) — 5 days 16 January ARPA REQUIRED Original Radar Observer 5 days 13 February ERM (E050 as amended) — REQUIRED (unless 5 days 9 January Unlimited previously taken for gap closing or original license) Engine STCW / Original Engineer Training Routes — Engine STCW training routes are aimed Upgrade: Electrical, Electronics & Control Engineering at Great Lakes members wishing to transition to deep sea. Original engineer training is available to members, (Management Level) (E133 as amended) (UPGRADE with 10 days 23 January applicants and sponsored students seeking an original license. tasks) Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 31 October STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — General Engineering & Procedure (E135 as amended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can 5 days 6 February Basic Safety Training 5 days 24 October be signed off onboard EFA/MCP 4 days 11 October STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Motor (E120 as 3 days 13 February amended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 17 October STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Steam (E121 as 5 days 20 February amended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard Basic Electricity (original engineers only) 10 days 7 November STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Gas Turbine (E122 as 5 days 27 February Original 3 A/E Preparation and Exams A/R 28 November amended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard

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 September 2016

TOLEDO, OH 43604 The Melvin H. Pelfrey Building One Maritime Plaza, Third Floor (800) 221-9395 / FAX: (419) 255-2350 John E. Clemons, National Vice President, Great Lakes [email protected] Mobile: (419) 205-3509 Brian D. Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice President AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS [email protected] Mobile: (216) 571-9666 DANIA BEACH, FL 33004-4109 Michelle Moffitt, Dispatcher 601 S. Federal Highway [email protected] (954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513 Mobile: (419) 481-3470 Paul Doell, National President [email protected] GALVESTON, TX 77551 Extension 1001 2724 61st Street, Suite B, PMB 192 Mobile: (954) 881-5651 David M. Weathers, National Vice President, Inland Waters FAX: (954) 926-5112 [email protected] Charles A. Murdock, National Secretary-Treasurer (800) 362-0513 ext. 2001 [email protected] Mobile: (409) 996-7362 Extension 1004 / Mobile: (954) 531-9977 / FAX: (954) 367-1025 FAX: (409) 737-4454 Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea [email protected] SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 94607 Extension 1009 / Mobile: (954) 673-0680 / FAX: (954) 367-1029 1121 7th Street, Second Floor Todd Christensen, East Coast Representative Oakland, CA 94607 [email protected] / Mobile: (561) 806-3768 Daniel E. Shea, National Executive Vice President ([email protected]) Marie Doruth, Executive Assistant to the National President (510) 444-5301 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 5001 [email protected] Mobile: (415) 269-5795 Extension 1017 / Mobile: (954) 290-8109 FAX: (954) 367-1064 FAX: (954) 926-5112 Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 / FAX: (954) 926-5126 NEW ORLEANS / COVINGTON, LA 70434 Brendan Keller, Dispatcher ([email protected]) P.O. Box 5424 Extension 1061 / Mobile: (954) 817-4000 Covington, LA 70434 Robert Anderson, Dispatcher ([email protected]) Daniel J. Robichaux, National Assistant Vice President Extension 1060 / Mobile: (954) 599-9771 [email protected] Member Services: (954) 367-1036 / Mobile: (985) 201-5462 / FAX: (954) 367-1062 Extension 1050 / FAX: (954) 367-1066 / [email protected] STAR CENTER OFFICES STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024 2 West Dixie Highway 490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204 Dania Beach, FL 33004-4312 (202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001 (954) 920-3222 ext. 201 / (800) 942-3220 ext. 201 Paul Doell, National President Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 ext. 200 [email protected] 24 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999 / FAX: (954) 920-3140 Extension 7004 Mobile: (954) 881-5651 SERVICES J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relations [email protected] / [email protected] FINANCIAL ADVISERS: THE ATLANTIC GROUP AT MORGAN STANLEY Extension 7013 / Mobile: (202) 560-6889 (800) 975-7061 / www.morganstanleyfa.com/theatlanticgroup T. Christian Spain, National Assistant Vice President, Government Relations [email protected] MEDICAL CLINIC AMO PLANS Extension 7010 2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie Highway Mobile: (202) 658-8887 Dania Beach, FL 33004-4312 Dania Beach, FL 33004-4312 FAX: (202) 479-1188 (954) 927-5213 (800) 348-6515 FAX: (954) 929-1415 FAX: (954) 922-7539 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19113 1 International Plaza, Suite 550 LEGAL Chris Holmes, Contract Analyst (cholmes@amo‐union.org) (800) 362‐0513 ext. 4002 AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid General Counsel Mobile: (856) 693‐0694 Program Glanstein LLP Michael Reny 711 Third Ave., 17th Floor UPDATE CREDENTIALS, DOCUMENTS, TRAINING RECORDS Mobile: (419) 346-1485 New York, NY 10017 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

USCG now using new marine casualty reporting forms; previous edition of CG-2692 can be utilized until Jan. 1, 2017 The U.S. Coast Guard has announced it is utilizing new marine casualty reporting Guard Legal Aid Attorney Mike Reny before filling out any U.S. Coast Guard forms forms and that the previous edition of CG-2692 can be utilized until January 1, 2017. regarding a marine casualty. An article with important information about the new forms Any member or applicant of American Maritime Officers should contact AMO Coast is available on the AMO Currents website: http://amo-union.net/article.php?a=2910.

American Maritime Officer (USPS 316-920) Official Publication of American Maritime Officers 601 S. Federal Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 921-2221 POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To: American Maritime Officers — ATTENTION: Member Services Periodical Postage Paid at P.O. Box 66 Dania Beach, FL and Additional Mailing Offices ISO 9001:2008 Dania Beach, FL 33004 Published Monthly Certificate #33975 September 2016 American Maritime Officer • 11

Barnes earns endorsement as first Harewood earns original engineering license after preparing at STAR Center class pilot for key Great Lakes regions Head of the STAR Center Engineering Department Matt Grose and Instructor Shawn Cannon congratulate Lisa Harewood, who earned her original third assistant engineer’s license in August after preparing at STAR Center and successfully completing all the Raina Barnes, a licensed unlimited third mate, in August successfully completed all U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Coast Guard exams to earn the first class pilot endorsement for the key regions license exams. in the Great Lakes system. She completed her sea time through a pilotage program established by American Maritime Officers and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.

AMO on the Lakes aboard the H. Lee White

AMO members working aboard the H. Lee White in May, here in Toledo, Ohio, included Chief Engineer Darryl Bertrand and Captain Patrick Bensman. AMO represents all licensed officers AMO members working aboard the H. Lee White in July, here in aboard the Toledo, Ohio, included First Mate Todd Tittel, Third Mate Ross Waisanen, American Chief Engineer Samuel Beland and First Assistant Engineer Craig Detlefsen. Steamship With them are Great Lakes Maritime Academy Deck Cadet Jerry Jordan (left) Company vessel. and AMO National Vice President, Great Lakes, John Clemons. 12 • American Maritime Officer September 2016

Military Sealift Command hosts change of command The following is excerpted from an Sea Base (T-ESB) and Expeditionary ensure the Navy is ready to fight and win article published August 26 by the U.S. Transfer Dock (T-ESD) platforms into the anywhere in the maritime domain, making Navy. Attending the change of command maritime seabasing concept. America safer for our families today and for American Maritime Officers were “Serving as the commander of MSC for future generations,” said Mewbourne. AMO National President Paul Doell and and working with our team of Mariners, His previous command tours AMO National Assistant Vice President, Sailors and shore-based civil servants has include: Electronic Attack Squadron Government Relations, Christian Spain. truly been an honor,” said Shannon. “I (VAQ) 139 embarked in USS Abraham NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) — Rear look forward to seeing our talented team of Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Nashville (LPD Adm. Dee Mewbourne relieved Rear Adm. professionals continue to do our nation’s 13), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN T. K. Shannon as commander, Military important work providing sealift and mar- 69), USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Harry Sealift Command, during a change of com- itime transportation.” S. Truman (CVN 75), Naval Service mand ceremony aboard USNS Lewis B. A graduate of the United States Training Command, and Carrier Strike Puller (T-ESB 3). Naval Academy and native of Ormond Groups THREE and ELEVEN. Gen. Darren W. McDew, comman- Beach, Florida, Mewbourne assumed com- Mewbourne’s completed sea assign- der, U.S. Transportation Command, and mand of MSC today following his latest ments include flying the A-6E Intruder air- Adm. Philip S. Davidson, commander, tour of duty as the director of maritime craft in Attack Squadron (VA) 34 U.S. Fleet Forces Command, were the Rear Adm. Dee Mewbourne operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, embarked in USS America (CV 66); VA-75 guest speakers. in Norfolk, Virginia. embarked in USS John F. Kennedy (CV Shannon, a native of Calais, Maine, world. Additionally, he oversaw the intro- “Building on the legacy of Admiral 67); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Three assumed command of MSC May 10, 2013, duction of our Navy’s first Expeditionary Shannon, Military Sealift Command will embarked in Eisenhower; and as the exec- and ensured ready logistics support for car- utive officer of VA-196 embarked in USS rier strike groups, expeditionary strike Carl Vinson (CVN 70). After transitioning groups and ground force commanders to the EA-6B Prowler aircraft, he served as operating forward every day. USNS Montford Point serves in CARAT ‘16 the executive officer of VAQ-139 While under Shannon’s command, embarked in Lincoln. He also served as the MSC ships delivered services, supplies executive officer in USS George and equipment to all branches of the U.S. Washington (CVN 73). military and their combatant commanders Ashore, Mewbourne served as a around the world. flight instructor in VA-42, the East Coast During his tenure, Shannon expanded A-6E Fleet Replacement Squadron, and the Expeditionary Fast Transport (T-EPF) project officer at the Strike Aircraft Test class from two ships in the delivery and ini- Directorate. Later, he served as military tial operations stage to seven ships with four assistant and trip coordinator for the sec- of them forward deployed. His foresight retary and deputy secretary of defense; Photo: U.S. Navy and leadership expanded the platform mis- chief of staff for Navy Cyber Forces and sion from a fast-transport cargo ship to a Ships participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training on the staff of Commander, Naval Air multi-mission Theater Security Cooperation (CARAT) Indonesia 2016 steam in formation August 6. CARAT is a series Force Atlantic. and Intelligence, Surveillance, and of annual maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps Following the change of command Reconnaissance platform conducting and the armed forces of nine partner nations. ceremony, Shannon retired after 34 years national-level strategic missions around the of faithful service to our Navy and nation.

Lexington Institute study calls Jones Act essential for securing U.S. borders from international terrorism The following article was released by from the threat of international terrorism. terrorist could reach America’s heart- vessels engaged in cabotage be U.S. citi- the American Maritime Partnership, a “Were the Jones Act not in exis- land and many of its largest and most zens goes a long way to reducing the risk coalition of which American Maritime tence, the Department of Homeland important urban centers. [These water- that terrorists could get onboard or exe- Officers Service is a member and which Security would be confronted by the dif- ways] carry an enormous weight of the cute an attack on a U.S. target.” American Maritime Officers supports. ficult and costly requirement of monitor- nation’s internal commerce ... The study also notes the continued WASHINGTON — The Lexington ing, regulating, and overseeing foreign- Guarding every potential target along importance of a U.S. shipbuilding, mainte- Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit think controlled, foreign crewed vessels in the inland waterways against terrorist nance and repair industrial base to U.S. tank, has released a study stressing the crit- coastal and internal U.S. waters.” attack is an impossible task.” national defense. ical role that the American maritime indus- The study highlights the “impossible In addition, the study reinforces the “Today, the Jones Act remains try and the Jones Act play in strengthening task” of guarding the U.S. against threats importance of skilled American mariners to critical to the maintenance of a U.S. U.S. border security and helping to prevent from foreign ships and foreign crews oper- protect the U.S. marine transportation sys- shipbuilding and repair industry and international terrorism. ating in the heartland of the U.S. tem, which encompasses 361 ports, over associated skilled workforce to support The study notes that, since 9/11, the “The prospect of terrorists on the 3,000 facilities and more than 14,000 regu- the Navy.” Jones Act has taken on new significance for inland waterways system is a particu- lated domestic vessels. In case you missed it, view the study national security, with the law playing a crit- larly daunting challenge to homeland “The requirement that all the offi- here: http://lexingtoninstitute.org/jones- ical role in helping to secure the homeland security. Via the inland waterways, a cers and fully 75 percent of the crews of act-homeland-security-21st-century/.

Merchant Mariner Credentials lost due to Louisiana flooding The following article was released don’t know the reference number, include dential should be returned to: If you have questions or feedback August 31 by the U.S. Coast Guard’s the Social Security number.) regarding duplicate credentials, please con- National Maritime Center. •The mailing address that the replace- Commanding Officer tact the NMC by using our Online Chat or In accordance with Federal ment credential should be sent to U.S. Coast Guard Ticketing System on the NMC website Regulations, duplicate Merchant Mariner •Current phone number and/or e-mail National Maritime Center (http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/), by e-mailing Credentials (MMCs) may be issued free of address that we can use to contact the 100 Forbes Drive [email protected], or by calling 1-888- charge to mariners whose credentials were mariner in the event of questions Martinsburg, WV 25404 IASKNMC (427-5662). lost or destroyed as a result of recent flood- •Description of the circumstances ing in Louisiana and neighboring states. surrounding the loss/destruction of the Mariners should follow the steps below to credential. AMO Monthly Membership Meeting Schedule obtain an expedited replacement credential. We will make every effort to have Fax (1-304-433-3412) or e-mail duplicate credentials mailed out the next Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the week fol- ([email protected]) a statement of loss business day. Alternatively, mariners may lowing the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. Meetings will be held to the National Maritime Center (NMC). submit a CG-719B application to one of the on Monday at AMO National Headquarters (on Tuesday when Monday is a con- The statement should contain the following: Regional Exam Centers (RECs) with the tract holiday). The next meetings will take place on the following dates: •Mariner’s full name information above. If your credential is •Mariner’s date of birth unserviceable due to damage, or your lost AMO National Headquarters: October 3, November 7 •Mariner’s Reference Number (If you credential is subsequently found, that cre-