New AMO jobs as MSC awards T

Transcription

Volume 39, Number 8
August 2009
New AMO jobs as MSC awards
T-AGS charter to 3PSC LLC
AMO members
approve new
headquarters
construction in
union-wide
referendum
Members of American Maritime Officers
approved the construction of a new headquarters building in Dania Beach, Fla., by a margin of 66 percent
in a 90-day union-wide referendum, which concluded
July 16. The new building will rise on property
owned outright by AMO on the east side of Federal
Highway where the building housing the AMO
Accounting Department is currently located.
“AMO deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland waters
members exercised their traditionally sound judgement in approving the construction of a new headquarters for our union,” said AMO National President
Tom Bethel. “Although this is a much-needed development, I felt a project of this size and scope warranted a union-wide referendum.
“The new building will increase efficiency,
accommodating all union departments in Dania under
one roof for the convenience of the membership,”
Bethel said. “It will allow for more effective administration and management, provide a suitable setting for
membership meetings and other AMO functions and
establish a professional presence for the nation’s
largest union of merchant marine officers.”
Eligible AMO members casting ballots in the
referendum voted 363-186 in favor of construction of
the new headquarters.
The project will be funded with a portion of the
proceeds from the sale of 6.5 acres of land and buildings owned outright by AMO to the AMO Safety and
Education Plan. The referendum was administered by
independent firm TrueBallot Inc. The reports of
TrueBallot Inc. and the AMO rank-and-file Tallying
Committee are published on Pages 10 and 11.
Contract covers operation
of six oceanographic ships
with option for a seventh
Military Sealift Command has awarded a contract for
the operation of six vessels with the option for a seventh to
3PSC LLC. American Maritime Officers represents all
licensed officers in the 3PSC fleet.
The T-AGS oceanographic survey ships operate in
MSC’s Special Mission Ships Program. Six of the ships
perform acoustic, biological, physical and geophysical surveys, providing much of the U.S. military’s information on
the ocean environment. The seventh oceanographic survey
ship collects data in coastal regions around the world.
“AMO officers have experience and an excellent
record manning these ships,” said AMO National
President Tom Bethel. “However, there is no way to predict the outcome of the bidding process companies engage
in for an RFP. We welcome the return of the T-AGS ships
to the AMO-contracted fleet and the new jobs for the
AMO membership.”
The six ships (Lot 1) are the US NS John
McDonnell, USNS Pathfinder, USNS Sumner, USNS
Bowditch, USNS Bruce Heezen and USNS Mary Sears.
STAR Center course
◆ schedule: Pages 8-9
STAR Center registration
◆ application: Page 11
◆ AMO directory: Page 10
AMO membership meeting
◆ schedule: Page 10
The USNS Bruce C. Heezen is one of seven oceanographic survey ships covered in the contract awarded to 3PSC LLC. The ships will be manned in all
licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.
The seventh vessel (Lot 2) is the USNS Henson.
Turnover of the ships is expected to begin in October
and take place over the last calendar-year quarter of 2009. If
all one-year options and award-term options are exercised,
the contract could extend to March 2017. More information
for AMO members is available on the AMO Currents Web
site at: www.amo-union.net/article.php?a=443.
New AMO jobs as third heavy-lift
ship joins Pacific-Gulf Marine fleet
Pacific-Gulf Marine (PGM) in August will add a
new heavy-lift vessel to its managed fleet of U.S.-flagged
ships, increasing the total number of commercial and
U.S. government vessels operated by PGM to nine and
opening new jobs for American Maritime Officers members.
The Ocean Charger, sister ship to the Ocean Atlas
and Ocean Titan, will be the third U.S.-flagged heavylift/project-cargo ship operated by PGM for Intermarine
Inc. and manned in all licensed positions by AMO.
“AMO is proud to be onboard with the expansion
of the PGM-managed fleet,” said AMO National
President Tom Bethel. “The addition of this new vessel
reflects PGM’s strong and longstanding commitment to
U.S.-flag shipping and provides new work for AMO officers in the commercial trades.”
The Ocean Charger is scheduled to be re-flagged
See Ocean Charger ◆ Page 2
AMO Essentials
Photo: Military Sealift Command
The M/V Ocean Charger is a sister ship of the Ocean
Titan and Ocean Atlas, operated by Pacific-Gulf
Marine and manned in all licensed positions by AMO.
AMO jobs secure
aboard new State
Class series of
Jones Act tankers
Deep-sea job
base to expand
with re-flagging of
ARC car carrier
MSC charter
awarded to Sealift
LLC for M/V Maj.
Bernard F. Fisher
Page 6: The Blackstone Group
announced that Crowley
Maritime Corporation has been
appointed to manage the State
Class tankers, including the
Golden State and Pelican State.
In August, ARC will re-flag a car
carrier, to be named the M/V
Endurance, into U.S. registry.
The ship will be operated by IAS
and manned in all licensed positions by AMO.
Page 7: Military Sealift
Command has awarded a time
charter to Sealift LLC for the M/V
Maj. Bernard F. Fisher. The
ship’s mission will be to preposition Marine Corps ammunition.
Copyright © 2009 American Maritime Officers ■ 2 West Dixie Highway ■ Dania Beach, FL 33004 ■ (800) 362-0513 ■ editorial@amo-union.org
2 • American Maritime Officer
August 2009
Vote reflects sound judgment of AMO membership
By Tom Bethel
National President
For the second time this year,
the voting membership majority
in
American
Maritime Officers
has acted in our
union’s best professional interest
while affirming
the lasting value
of greater participatory democracy
in AMO under my administration.
The action this time was to authorize
construction of a new AMO headquarters
building on AMO-owned property in Dania
Beach, across from the cramped, crowded
two-story building that now functions —
to the extent that it can — as AMO’s principal place of administrative business.
Deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland waters
AMO members approved the project by a
persuasive 66 percent margin in a unionwide 90-day secret ballot referendum that
ended July 16.
In a union-wide 90-day secret ballot
referendum that ended four months earlier,
the voting AMO membership majority
approved comprehensive amendments to
the American Maritime Officers National
Constitution — including a 50-percent
reduction in the size of our union’s
National Executive Board, beginning with
the term of official office that will start in
January 2011.
Both votes were in keeping with my
pledge to give the seagoing AMO membership a greater voice in union policy, and
both votes mean enhanced operating efficiency in AMO and improved service to all
deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland waters
AMO members and their families.
One truth about the new AMO headquarters building is that our union needs it
desperately. AMO members sacrifice comfort, convenience and confidentiality to
conduct routine business in the hopelessly
confined space of the existing building, and
they deserve better. The voting membership majority saw this appropriately as a
matter of principle.
Another truth is that the new building
will not be paid for from existing AMO
resources. The money will come from a portion of the proceeds from the imminent sale
of debt-free land in Dania Beach by
American Maritime Officers — the union
— to the AMO Safety and Education Plan,
and the remaining profit from the sale of the
property will count as a substantial cash
windfall to the AMO treasury. This was
seen fittingly as a practical consideration.
The next step is to complete the
temporary relocation of the AMO accounting department and the AMO membership
services desk from the one-story building
— a former bank — on the site where the
new building will rise to yet another
AMO-owned property nearby.
Once this is done, the bank building
will be demolished, the lot will be cleared
and construction of the new building will
begin in accordance with an architectural
design, preliminary plans and permits
already in place — all of which will shave
an estimated 18 months from the projected
construction time.
Licensed, insured and reliable local
union contractors selected through competitive bidding will do all of this work at
rates indicative of today’s difficult economy
— bids received thus far quote costs much
lower than had been projected.
When the building is completed,
each AMO official, representative and
employee will have sufficient space to do
his or her job effectively, and AMO members will be able to meet with union officials, representatives and employees privately and in a professional and accommodating atmosphere — no more pedestrian
traffic jams like those common in the
existing headquarters building.
In addition, AMO will — for the
first time ever — hold its regularly scheduled headquarters membership meetings
and the special meetings required in specific circumstances under the AMO National
Constitution in its own spacious hall,
which we expect will also host industry
and labor conferences. Our union now leases space from the AMO Safety and
Education Plan for its Dania Beach membership meetings.
The new headquarters building will
host collective bargaining with current
AMO employers and meetings with
prospective employers, thereby reducing
the need for and the frequency and expense
of official business travel.
With all AMO headquarters officials, representatives, dispatchers, accountants and administrative support personnel
in one place, deep-sea, Great Lakes and
inland waters AMO members and their
families would experience seamless, one-
stop service.
Meanwhile, the AMO Safety and
Education Plan will proceed with its plans
to expand the training programs available
at no cost to all AMO deep-sea, Great
Lakes and inland waters member at the
Plan’s Simulation, Training, Assessment
and Research Center — STAR Center,
which already provides the most advanced,
most far-reaching merchant marine officers’
training in the world.
Because of this project, American
Maritime Officers will at long last have a
headquarters building more accurately
reflective of its status as the nation’s
largest and strongest union of merchant
marine officers, and we have the AMO
membership to thank for that. As they had
in the earlier referendum on the AMO
National Constitution, AMO members
proved that, given the facts and open discussion, they will do the right thing.
American Maritime Officer (USPS 316-920)
Official Publication of American Maritime Officers
2 West Dixie Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004
(954) 921-2221
Periodical Postage Paid at
Dania Beach, FL, and Additional Mailing Offices
Published Monthly
American Maritime Officers National Executive Board
Thomas Bethel, National President
José Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer
Robert Kiefer, National Executive Vice President
Joseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea
Donald Cree, National Vice President, Great Lakes
Brian Krus, National Assistant Vice President, Great Lakes
Michael Murphy, National Vice President At Large
Daniel Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large
David Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large
John Hafner, National Executive Board Member At Large
Donald Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea
Charles Murdock, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters
Ocean Charger
Continued from Page 1
into U.S. registry the first week of
August in Houston, Texas. The ship will
be engaged in the international trades,
moving commercial, U.S. military and
government-impelled cargoes.
“Given the current volatility in the
market, the investment in this third
heavy-lift vessel represents a major commitment by Intermarine,” said PGM
President and Chief Executive Officer
Todd Johnson. “PGM is very pleased to
be a part of the Ocean Charger operation
and what we hope will lead to further
expansion in the U.S.-flag arena.”
The Ocean Atlas and Ocean Titan
are operated by PGM in the Maritime
Security Program fleet.
Each of the 8,000 DWT heavy-lift sister ships is 393 feet long and each is equipped
with two 200-ton electro-hydraulic deck
cranes, bringing valuable capabilities to the
U.S.-flag commercial fleet.
Representative: Stan Barnes
Editor: Matt Burke
Assistant Editor: Amber Lupin
Contributing Editor: Paul Doell
POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To:
American Maritime Officers
ATTN: Member Services
P.O. Box 66
August 2009
American Maritime Officer • 3
Senate approves bill authorizing full MSP funding,
$30 million for Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantees
The Senate Commerce, Science and
Transportation Committee July 8 approved
fiscal year 2010 authorization legislation for
the Maritime Administration, including full
funding for the Maritime Security Program
and $30 million for new Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantees. The bill also sets forth
a plan to advance America’s Marine
Highway Program.
The Senate authorization legislation
was approved by the full Senate as part of a
Defense Department appropriations authorization bill.
However,
the
House
of
Representatives July 17 approved a
Department of Transportation budget with
no funding for new Title XI loan guarantees,
merely $3.6 million for administration of
current loans. The House legislation did
include full funding for the Maritime
Security Program, but cut MARAD training and operations budgets, bringing total
appropriations for MARAD under the
amount requested by the agency.
If the Senate approves appropriations
legislation commensurate with the Senate
authorization bill, the differences between
the House and Senate funding packages will
need to be reconciled in conference committee.
The Senate bill, introduced by
Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), would if
enacted into law provide important stimulus
Maritime labor shows strong support for Senate
MARAD authorization, marine highway grants
American seagoing unions and
maritime labor groups have expressed
strong
support
for
Maritime
Administration authorization legislation
sponsored by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (DNJ), chairman of the Subcommittee on
Surface Transportation, Merchant
Marine Infrastructure, Safety and
Security. The Senate approved the
MARAD authorization for fiscal year
2010 as part of a larger Defense
Department authorization bill.
In a letter to Sen. Lautenberg,
eleven unions and maritime labor groups
— including American Maritime
Officers — emphasized their support for
the MARAD authorization language, “especially for those provisions calling for the
establishment of a short sea transportation
grant program.
“We believe very strongly that the
establishment of a short sea shipping industry serves the national interest and should be
encouraged and supported by our government,” maritime labor stated. “The utilization of commercial vessels for the carriage of
cargo along our coasts will be a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally-sound
way to supplement and complement the rail
and truck traffic that is already pushed to
capacity in most major transportation corridors. A short sea shipping transportation net-
work will offer shippers an additional
means to transport the ever-increasing
volumes of imported cargo expected to
move in interstate commerce between
American ports in the coming years.
Most importantly, by moving this cargo
by ship, we will not be adding to the congestion that plagues our nation’s surface
transportation systems.”
The letter also lauded Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood “for his
remarks to the American Association of
Port Authorities on March 24, 2009,”
which “have helped to bring greater attention and support for the development” of
America’s marine highways.
to American shipbuilding and help revitalize
the Jones Act fleet through the Title XI
funding. The Obama administration did not
request funding for new shipbuilding loan
guarantees in its proposed 2010 budget.
Created by Congress to encourage
construction of merchant cargo ships in the
U.S., Title XI provides small and mediumsized companies access to affordable financing to replace aging vessels. Title XI is not
a subsidy program. Instead, the Maritime
Administration can guarantee private sector
financing for ship construction projects in
U.S. shipyards at up to 87.5 percent of a
given loan’s value. The program fosters
new construction of Jones Act qualified vessels and eases access to commercial credit
for U.S. ship owners that qualify for Title
XI loan guarantees.
The Senate legislation also provides
for the creation of a grant program to facilitate America’s Marine Highways, a program
that takes advantage of marine corridors for
the efficient movement of freight between
domestic ports. The Senate authorization
legislation does not appropriate funds for the
grant program, and the House appropriations bill does not reference the Marine
Highways Program.
“The strength of our freight transportation system is being threatened by
our overwhelmed roads and bridges – and
the simple, smart solution is to ship more
of America’s goods by sea,” Sen.
Lautenberg said.
Problems with medical NVIC, Coast Guard document
processing backlog addressed during House hearing
In a hearing July 9, members of the
House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation expressed disappointment over processing delays for merchant mariner credentials. The subcommittee also examined the reorganization of
the Coast Guard’s credentialing system and
the medical review process.
Subcommittee Chairman Elijah
Cummings (D-MD) urged the Coast Guard
to eliminate the backlog in applications.
“Given all that we are doing to stimulate
our economy and to support the growth of
jobs, it is inexcusable that any person
should be out of work because the government cannot process a professional credential in a timely manner,” he said.
American Maritime Officers, the
International Organization of Masters,
Mates and Pilots (MMP) and the Marine
Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA)
submitted testimony at the hearing. “For
mariners, licensing and documentation is
not about metrics, action plans, surging
resources, or outreach to the industry,” the
unions stated. “It is about their ability to
maintain employment that provides for
their families, maintains their health care
and pension benefits, and allows them to
advance in the seafaring profession.”
Over the last 18 months, the Coast
Guard has made significant changes to its
credentialing process. Applications are
now processed at the National Maritime
Center, rather than at the 17 Regional
Examination
Centers
(RECs).
Additionally, the Coast Guard consolidated
credentials, licenses, certificates of registry, endorsements and documents into
one passport-style merchant mariner credential (MMC). However, these changes
have further delayed processing times.
Rep. Cummings referenced Coast
Guard reports citing processing times in
the 80-day range for the first half of the
year, longer than processing times for
the last six months of 2008. “It appears
that the Coast Guard did not adequately
plan all aspects of the consolidated credential production process and the rollout of the MMC – and this has led to
extensive delays in the issuance of credentials,” he said.
In their written testimony, the
unions suggested possible solutions to the
Coast Guard’s processing issues. The
unions criticized the consolidation of processing centers and suggested a return to
the REC system, in whole or in part. The
unions also suggested developing a system
of “trusted agents” such as maritime academies or union training institutions that
could perform the licensing and documen-
tation functions for the Coast Guard.
The subcommittee and panel members had few words of praise for the Coast
Guard’s medical review process.
The
unions pointed to the reported 4,500-application backlog in medical applications.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that any
mariner should be out of work due solely
to the failure of the system to adequately
anticipate and plan for the problems we
have experienced,” they stated.
The unions offered a number of
solutions to help the Coast Guard process
the backlog and keep current on new applications. They suggested the Coast Guard
“place a greater emphasis on implementing efficient and effective licensing and
documentation programs and engage more
actively with the community of mariners.”
They called for the Coast Guard to adopt
reasonable policies to allow mariners who
manage their medical conditions safely to
continue working. Finally, the unions
strongly suggested the Coast Guard allow
medical professionals to determine fitness
for duty, rather than the current system of
reviewing medical paperwork at a remote
location.
AMO Director of New Business
Development Thomas Laird testified at the
hearing on the negative effect processing
delays can have on America’s reputation
abroad and on an American mariner’s ability to work in international trades.
American mariners “can do the job and be
competitive” but only if the documentation they need is provided in a timely manner, he remarked, referring to AMO members working in international fleets of
tankers and liquefied natural gas carriers.
Rep. Cummings asked the Coast
Guard to set a deadline for eliminating the
backlog and promised to continue following credentialing issues.
AMO aboard
the USNS Dahl
American Maritime Officers members working aboard the LMSR
USNS Dahl in July, here with
AMO National Vice President at
Large Michael Murphy, included
Chief Mate Gene Brown, First
Assistant Engineer Adam Brown,
Second A.E. Keith Bailey, Capt.
Brad Collins, Chief Engineer Dave
Catanzarite and Electronics
Officer Steve Erdell.
August 2009
AMO Plans Board of Trustees establishes Pension Plan timeline
The following article is distributed by Steven F. Nickerson, Executive Director, AMO
Pension Plan. Because of the volume of phone calls and inquiries the most efficient form of
communication is email.
Please email your questions regarding pensions to
amopension@amoplans.com.
what is known at this time and is subject to the actual finalization of a “Rehabilitation Plan.”
F. Notification will be provided prior to such an event so that all participants are allowed
to make an informed decision as to whether to formally retire.
Please do not rely on answers to questions that are word of
mouth, general knowledge or from anyone other than the Pension
Department.
IV. Default Plan
The following is an outline of events that occurred at the AMO Pension Board Meeting
held the week ending June 26th, 2009. A more detailed explanation of the individual events
listed in the outline and discussion related to why the events are occurring will follow in the
next two weeks. In response to the many questions that have been asked, a Q & A will also
be published now that answers can be more definitive.
A. If the “Rehabilitation Plan” recommended by the Trustees is not incorporated into
the Collective Bargaining Agreements a “Default Plan” will be mandated by law as of October
1, 2012.
B. The measures of the “Default Plan” could be more extreme than a “Rehabilitation
Plan”. Because of the extended timeline taken before measures are enacted to correct the
Funding Status of the Plan, the Funded Status of the Plan could be even more critical.
VERY IMPORTANT
V. Accrual of Future Benefits
To members who have been concerned that they have to meet the deadline of 9/1/2009
in order to take their “20 and Out Pension”, there is no longer a deadline of 9/1/2009. You
will be kept apprised of all deadlines during the year 2010. Members can continue to sail, and
when and if a Rehabilitation Plan is adopted that changes the requirements of the “20 and Out
Pension”, you will have plenty of time to make a decision. Further, you should be aware that
the Trustees have determined that an effective date of pension can be elected even if a member
is on a rotation and at sea. You will not receive credit beyond the effective date of pension;
however, you will not be required to leave a vessel in the middle of a rotation in order to have
the effective date.
A. Effective January 1, 2010, the Frozen Plan will not allow for benefit accrual on an
ongoing basis and accrual will not resume until such time as the Funded Status of the Plan
allows for the accrual of benefits.
B. The Funded Status of the Plan will improve based on contributions received, the performance of the assets under investment, and reduction of benefits. The performance of the
stock market is an ongoing economic issue outside the control of the Trustees. Contributions
are subject to collective bargaining and the results of collective bargaining are not known at
this time. Therefore, based on the actuarial report, the Trustees determined that benefit accruals must stop at this time (January 1, 2010).
C. Based on the actuarial report, it is unknown how long the accrual of benefits will be
suspended. There is concern over the indefinite timeline and there is a need for a vehicle to provide ongoing benefits. Therefore, the Trustees are considering a Defined Contribution Plan as
a vehicle to accrue ongoing benefits.
D. As the Parties to Collective Bargaining respond, the Plan will be in a position to
determine what course of action to take as the year ends and 2010 begins. The concern is that
if suspension of benefit accruals becomes an indefinite, a vehicle needs to be provided to allow
for ongoing benefits. The Parties to Collective Bargaining must agree on a course of action.
E. More information will be provided as discussions continue and action is taken.
The timeline of events has been established as follows:
I. October 1, 2009
A. The Actuary will file our Pension Plan as a Red Zone Plan effective October 1, 2009.
B. Effective October 1, 2009, Lump Sum Distributions will not be allowed to be paid,
as mandated by law.
C. The Pension Plan will continue to operate as in the past for all other benefits
through 12/31/2009.
1. Service will be accrued through the earlier of 12/31/2009 or Pension Effective Date.
a. For Vesting and Eligibility purposes; and
b. For Calculation of Benefit purposes
2. “20 and Out Pensions” will continue to be paid based on eligibility for the pension
and if a participant formally retires.
II. Frozen Plan Effective January 1, 2010
A. The Trustees have taken action to Freeze the Plan effective January 1, 2010.
B. Effective January 1, 2010, service will continue to accrue for eligibility and vesting
purposes only. For example, a participant who has 10 years as of the end of 2009 will begin
to accrue his 11th year of service in 2010 for eligibility purposes.
C. Effective January 1, 2010, service will not accrue for benefit calculation. For example, a participant who has 19 years as of the end of 2009 and accrues his 20th year of service
for eligibility purposes will be paid a pension based on 19 years previously accrued for benefit calculation.
D. The action of freezing the Plan is necessary to stabilize the funding of the Plan.
Continued accrual of benefits will compound the funding problem and make it impossible to
reorganize the funding status to an acceptable level.
E. This measure is temporary and until such time as the actuary informs the Trustees
that we can begin to accrue service for calculation purposes.
F. “20 and Out Pensions” will be allowed to be paid based upon eligibility and formal
retirement. If the Rehabilitation Plan is adopted and the “20 and Out Pension” provision cannot be maintained, notice will be provided prior to the event so that decisions regarding retirement can be made.
III. Rehabilitation Plan
A. The Trustees must adopt a “Rehabilitation Plan” to encompass all facets and steps
to be taken to rehabilitate the Pension Plan.
B. The Trustees can only recommend the “Rehabilitation Plan” and present it to the
Parties to Collective Bargaining.
C. The Collective Bargaining Parties then will meet and agree to adopt the
“Rehabilitation Plan” into the collective bargaining agreement or reject the “Rehabilitation
Plan” and not amend their collective bargaining agreement.
D. The “Rehabilitation Plan” cannot take effect until at least 70% of the Collective
Bargaining Agreements are amended to incorporate the “Rehabilitation Plan” into their
Collective Bargaining Agreement.
E. The “Rehabilitation Plan” will have to deal with the Funding Requirement of the
Subsidy of Early Retirement (20 & Out Pension” provision”). To re-establish the Funding, the
provision will be temporarily eliminated until Funding allows for its re-instatement. This is
Regulatory Updates
VI. Actions Considered by the Board of Trustees
A. The Trustees are willing for “20 and Out Pension” eligible participants to retire and
apply for their pensions. Further, the Trustees are willing for these eligible participants to suspend their monthly pension while under covered employment and return to work.
B. The issue is not whether the Trustees will allow this to happen, but whether the IRS
will allow for retirement and continuation of work when participants are not of “normal” retirement age. At this time, it is unknown if the IRS will allow for retirement and continuation
of work at age 55, or if a greater or lesser age will be allowed or imposed.
C. The retirement age question will be asked of the IRS and the Plan will continue to
operate until the end of 2009 or until a “Rehabilitation Plan” is adopted.
D. The “20 and Out Pension” provision is still intact and there is no longer a 9/1/2009
effective date of pension. The “20 and Out Pension” provision will continue until the adoption of the “Rehabilitation Plan” for at least 70% of the contracts. Participants will be notified well in advance of any exclusion of the “20 and Out Pension” provision in order to allow
participants to make an informed decision.
VII. Communication
A. Communications will follow with a more detailed explanation of the items addressed
in this outline.
B. Now that more details can be provided, answers to previous questions will be published.
C. Any further developments by action of the Trustees or the adoption of a
“Rehabilitation Plan” by the Parties to Collective Bargaining will be published.
VIII. Applications for Pensions
A. The Pension Department is in the process of opening a file on each member who
is currently eligible for a “20 and Out Pension”, or will be in the near future.
B. We request that any member eligible for a “20 and Out Pension” complete and submit an application for “20 and Out Pension” so that the Pension Department has an application on file and can begin the audit process.
C. At this time you should request a 1/1/2010 pension effective date and respond
“Unknown” to the question, “What is your last day of employment?”
D. With an application on file, the Pension Department can complete the process and
you will have the opportunity to adjust the effective date as information unfolds. Your Pension
will not become effective until you sign the ‘Irrevocable Letter of Intent’, even if that date is
after the pension effective date.
Guard says it is taking to expedite the processing of credential applications. These and
other NMC bulletins are available online at www.uscg.mil/nmc.
Coast Guard issues guidelines for posting Merchant Mariner Credential
Information on Merchant Mariner Credential, Medical NVIC online
The Coast Guard has issued a notice with posting guidelines for the new merchant
mariner credential (MMC). Mariners must display their MMCs in a “conspicuous place
on the vessel on which he/she is serving.”
Mariners holding legacy licenses should continue to display their licenses. For reasons of security, mariners should not display their credentials when visiting a foreign port.
Additionally, the National Maritime Center, the Coast Guard’s new centralized
mariner documentation processing facility, issued a bulletin outlining steps the Coast
The U.S. Coast Guard publishes updates about the merchant mariner credential,
new medical requirements for mariners, the TWIC program and other regulatory requirements on the National Maritime Center home page at www.uscg.mil/nmc. Archived articles published by American Maritime Officers on these and other topics can be located
with the keyword search tool on AMO Currents at www.amo-union.net.
See Updates ◆ Page 12
August 2009
Great Lakes
New large Soo lock will ensure stability, create jobs
Ground broken for lock’s coffer dams; federal funding needed for project completion
Groundbreaking for the coffer dams
of a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste.
Marie, Mich. on June 30 sparked a
renewed focus on the need to secure the
funding necessary to complete the project.
The groundbreaking was an important first step toward construction of the
new lock, a vital infrastructure project that
has been in the works for more than 20
years.
The Poe Lock, which allows the
largest vessels to pass between Lake
Superior and the lower Great Lakes and St.
Lawrence Seaway, is absolutely critical to
Great Lakes shipping. Approximately 70
percent of U.S.-flag carrying capacity is
restricted to the Poe Lock.
“If it fails, an estimated 60 million
tons of commerce would need to be
shipped by alternate modes of transportation,” said AMO National Vice President
Steel production was to have
resumed recently at the Number 5 blast
furnace of ArcelorMittal’s Indiana Harbor
East facility.
The blast furnace had been idled
since Nov. 12, 2008.
The Toledo Blade, citing the president of United Steelworkers Local 1010,
reported that, with the resumption of pro-
duction, the Indiana Harbor East facility “will have production at its No. 5
and 7 blast furnaces, while the No. 6
blast furnace remains idle.”
Citing the supervisor of the No.
5 blast furnace, the Toledo Blade
reported that the furnace had undergone
numerous repairs during the shutdown
since it was idled.
AMO aboard
the Presque Isle
American Maritime Officers members working aboard the M/V
Presque Isle in June, here with
AMO National Vice President for
the Great Lakes Don Cree, included Chief Engineer Stephen
Roane.
American Maritime Officers members working aboard the Presque
Isle in June, here with AMO
National Assistant Vice President
for the Great Lakes Brian Krus,
included First Assistant Engineer
Michael Kolenda. The Presque
Isle is operated by Key Lakes Inc.
AMO represents the licensed officers and stewards working aboard
the vessel.
Production
increasing at
ArcelorMittal
steel facility
for the Great Lakes Don Cree, president of
the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force
(GLMTF). “If that happens, an Army
Corps of Engineers report has affirmed the
infrastructure now in place is not sufficient to support the vast quantities of bulk
cargo that would need to bypass the Poe
Lock.”
The GLMTF, industry groups,
unions, members of Congress and others
have lobbied for the construction of a second large lock at Sault Ste. Marie for
many years. Creating redundancy in the
system ensures traffic on the lakes will
continue to move and routine repairs can
be completed much more efficiently. “If
[the Poe Lock] were incapacitated for even
a short period of time, shipping on the
lakes would come to a virtual standstill,”
said Lake Carriers’ Association President
James Weakley, first vice president of the
Task Force.
Additionally, building the second
lock would create an estimated “15,000
jobs over the expected ten-year construction period,” Cree said. “This would
equate to an estimated $540 million in
wages for American workers” at a time
when the government is taking great
strides to put people to work.
The GLMTF noted Great Lakes
shipping saves its customers $3.6 billion
a year compared with land-based modes.
“We have to maintain and protect the system” by investing in an industry that saves
the American consumer money, causes
less pollution than other modes of transportation, and creates and supports
American jobs, Weakley said.
Authorized in the Water Resources
Development Act of 1986, the second Poesized lock was reauthorized in 2007 at full
federal expense, but full funding for construction has not been appropriated. The
lock is anticipated to cost $490 million
over a ten-year period.
At the groundbreaking ceremony,
Weakley thanked the legislators who have
worked to secure funding for the new lock,
including Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN),
Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN), Rep. Dave
Obey (D-WI), and Senators Carl Levin (DMI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
Recession restrains cargo loadings through June
The cargo float on the Great Lakes
continued to suffer in June as decreased
demand across the region kept loadings well
below average levels. Cargo movement on
U.S. vessels totaled just 7.2 million net
tons, a decrease of 37 percent compared with
last year, according to the Lake Carriers’
Association (LCA).
Iron ore continued to show the largest
decline with loadings totaling 2.2 million
tons, 57 percent less than totals for June
2008. Limestone movement totaled 1.9 million tons, a 39 percent decrease. Weakness in
the stone trade and lack of construction projects has driven down demand for limestone,
the LCA noted.
The coal trade showed the strongest
fortitude against the recession, with loadings
down just 5 percent from June 2008, at 2.5
million net tons. Shipments of low-sulfur
coal from Superior Midwest Energy Terminal
even increased slightly compared with last
year, the LCA reported.
Total U.S. carriage on the Great Lakes
for the year is down 47 percent compared
with a year ago. At the end of June, 48 U.S.-
flag vessels were operating on the lakes,
compared with 75 in June 2008, the LCA
reported. However, during the month of July,
American Steamship’s Adam E. Cornelius,
and the St. Marys Challenger, operated by
Port City Steamship, were activated.
U.S.-flag dry bulk carriage on the Great Lakes: June 2004-2009 — net tons
Commodity
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Average
Iron Ore
5,408,752
4,651,105
4,952,916
4,694,655
5,023,801
2,178,200
4,946,246
Coal
2,320,659
3,256,641
2,775,904
2,834,688
2,666,806
2,547,003
2,770,940
Limestone
3,503,374
3,472,528
3,381,277
3,125,349
3,113,166
1,903,468
3,319,139
Cement
500,081
417,276
481,941
391,019
384,756
315,770
435,015
Salt
149,402
130,820
181,011
150,526
146,943
166,761
151,740
Sand
76,762
90,425
52,208
50,063
32,246
27,888
60,341
Grain
45,531
14,519
28,772
61,214
20,392
57,914
34,086
Total
12,004,561
12,033,314
11,854,029
11,307,514
11,388,110
7,197,004
11,717,506
Source: Lake Carriers’ Association
August 2009
AMO jobs secure in new State Class tanker series
Crowley to manage five Jones Act tankers under agreement with Blackstone Group
American Maritime Officers will
continue to represent all licensed officers
aboard five State Class tankers under a new
vessel management agreement between
The Blackstone Group and Crowley
Maritime Corporation.
Blackstone has appointed Crowley
to be the vessel manager for the five State
Class tankers, three of which are under
construction at General Dynamics NASSCO and two of which — the Golden State
and Pelican State — are already in operation.
“The AMO members sailing aboard
these ships are doing excellent work and
we’re pleased that our union will continue
to represent the officers under the new
agreement,” said AMO National President
Tom Bethel. “As NASSCO delivers the
State Class tankers, new jobs are opened
for the AMO membership and new tonnage is added to the Jones Act fleet.”
The announcement of the new management agreement between Blackstone
and Crowley was made July 28 in a press
release. According to the press release:
The five tankers were to be owned
by a joint venture controlled primarily by
The M/T Pelican State nearing completion at General Dynamics NASSCO in
San Diego, Calif. — The Pelican State and the Golden State have been delivered and are in service under charters to Marathon and BP, respectively. Three
more tankers in the State Class are currently under construction at NASSCO.
affiliates of The Blackstone Group and
U.S. Shipping Partners. U.S. Shipping
filed for bankruptcy protection under
Chapter 11 earlier this year.
On July 17, 2009, the bankruptcy
court approved a settlement agreement,
under which U.S. Shipping agreed to
release its ownership interest and management role with the company. Blackstone
announced that the tanker company will
continue under the new name American
Petroleum Tankers LLC (APT). Crowley
will manage the ships for APT.
APT’s fleet includes: the Golden
State, which was delivered in January
2009 and is on long-term charter to BP;
the Pelican State, which was delivered in
June and is on long-term charter to
Marathon; and the Sunshine State, Empire
State and Evergreen State, which are under
construction and scheduled for delivery
later in 2009 and in 2010. The latter of the
two ships are to be charted to Military
Sealift Command.
AMO, Shell and the next generation of LNG officers
Job opportunities in the Shell-managed fleet of liquefied natural gas carriers
have extended to junior officer ratings
through memoranda of understanding
between American Maritime Officers and
Shell Ship Management Limited.
The first group of AMO officers will
complete the Shell Junior Officer Induction
Course in the UK in August and will then
be deployed as entrants in the Shell-managed LNG fleet.
“This is an extremely important and
absolutely vital step for AMO’s future in
the LNG trades,” said AMO National
President Tom Bethel. “The program we’ve
established with Shell provides the platform for AMO members to enter as junior
officers and upgrade through experience and
training — and for that process to be repeated as demand for qualified officers grows in
these specialized trades.”
In the spring of 2009, Shell representatives visited the U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy and the State University
of New York Maritime Academy to inter-
New American Maritime Officers members preparing for jobs as junior officers in the Shell-managed
LNG fleet, here at AMO headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla., in July, included Alex Shushunov, Oren
Friedman, Karen Taylor, Alex Sterling, Brent Hopper, Nick Gunther, Dave Carroll, Adam Kroupa and
Michael Budesa. With them here are AMO National President Tom Bethel, National SecretaryTreasurer José Leonard, National Executive Vice President Robert Kiefer, National Deep-Sea Vice
President Joe Gremelsbacker, National Executive Board Members John Hafner and Charles Murdock
and Director of New Business Development Tom Laird.
view and hire 2009 graduates. The mariners
hired by Shell have joined AMO as Shell
junior officer entrants.
Those hired by Shell completed the
LNG Person-In-Charge Course at STAR
Center in July prior to entering the Shell
Junior Officer Induction Program.
“Our instructors did a tremendous job
in making rather tedious material interesting. There was a nice balance of theory
combined with its practical application
aboard vessels. The vast amount of industry experience that our instructors possessed
also made our training uniquely valuable,
Transportation secretary addresses USMMA
commencement, announces improvements
During his commencement speech at
the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at
King’s Point, N.Y., in June, Transportation
Secretary Ray LaHood announced $12 mil-
lion in new funding for operations and capital improvements and a blue-ribbon panel to
study the school’s long-term needs.
“There is no doubt in my mind that
King’s Point is one of the jewels in the
crown of our federal educational system,”
See LaHood ◆ Page 7
King’s Point cadets complete AMO internships
In July, U.S. Merchant Marine
Academy cadets Nathan Gresh
(second from left) and John Murphy
(right) completed summer internships with American Maritime
Officers and STAR Center. With
them here are AMO National
President Tom Bethel and STAR
Center Director of Training Phil
Shullo. The annual internship program provides King’s Point cadets
the opportunity to learn about union
administration at AMO and maritime
officer training at STAR Center.
especially when it came to conveying shipboard procedures. This instilled a better
understanding of what to expect when joining the Shell fleet. I thoroughly enjoyed
my time spent at the STAR Center and
look forward to attending more training sessions there in the future,” said Michael
Budesa, a recent graduate of the U.S.
Merchant Marine Academy who was hired
by Shell.
“The two weeks of the LNG Class
were my first introduction to the STAR
Center and to much of what AMO and
Plans have to offer,” said Karen Taylor, also
a recent King’s Point graduate starting with
Shell. “I found the class extremely educational, much thanks to instructor Greg
Musk being exceptionally knowledgeable,
thorough, interesting, and not to mention
helpful. The accommodations were above
and beyond what I expected. The staff was
very hospitable, offering anything I could
need during my stay. I was very impressed
with the expansion plans and look forward
to utilizing STAR Center in the future to
benefit my career.”
The Shell junior officer program is
being administered by AMO Director of
New Business Development Tom Laird,
and representation services are being provided by AMO officials and staff through
the union’s crew management system. The
AMO officers entering the Shell-managed
LNG fleet at junior ratings will complement AMO’s established presence in international LNG fleets at senior engine and
deck ratings.
August 2009
Sealift LLC awarded MSC charter for M/V Fisher
Military Sealift Command has
awarded a time charter to Sealift LLC for
the M/V Maj. Bernard F. Fisher.
The M/V Fisher’s primary mission
will be to preposition U.S. Marine Corps
ammunition and the ship is expected to
operate in and around Diego Garcia in the
Indian Ocean.
“Sealift’s consistent success with
MSC charters is a testament to the company’s effective operation and the professionalism and performance of the AMO
officers working aboard their ships,” said
AMO National Executive Vice President
Bob Kiefer. “The charter for the Fisher
The M/V
Maj. Bernard
F. Fisher is
owned and
operated by
Sealift LLC
and is one
of 11 vessels in the
Sealift fleet
that is
manned in
all licensed
positions by
AMO.
will provide steady employment for AMO
members serving a vital mission for the
Marine Corps.”
The charter is expected to commence in November 2009 and has a firm
period of 334 calendar days. If all options
in the contract are exercised, the charter
would extend to September 2014.
The M/V Fisher is one of 11 ships
in the Sealift LLC fleet manned in all
licensed positions by American Maritime
Officers.
The ship previously operated under
an MSC charter prepositioning equipment
for the Air Force.
EPA proposes
new emissions House approves substantial increase in
funding for U.S. Food for Peace program
standards for
House July 9 passed an agri- recent supplemental appropriations bill program is requested by the Department of
largest marine cultureTheappropriations
bill increasing signed into law June 24 allocating an addi- Agriculture and administered by the U.S.
funding for the Food for Peace program by tional $700 million over 2009 appropria- Agency for International Development
diesel engines more than 27 percent.
tions for the program.
(USAID).
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) on July 1 proposed new
emissions standards under the Clean Air Act
for newly built marine diesel engines. The
proposed standards are equivalent to those
contained in MARPOL Annex VI.
The proposed standards will apply to
marine compression-ignition engines at or
above 30 liters per cylinder, called Category
3 engines, newly installed on vessels registered or flagged in the United States. The
first phase of emissions standards – Tier 2 –
will go into effect in 2011 and limit the sulfur used in diesel fuel to 10,000 ppm. In
2016, Tier 3 diesel fuel must contain no
more than 1,000 ppm of sulfur.
As a result, Tier 2 standards will
require “more efficient use of engine technologies being used today, including
engine timing, engine cooling and
advanced computer controls.” Tier 3 standards will require “the use of high-efficiency aftertreatment technology such as selective catalytic reduction,” according to the
EPA.
The International Convention on the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is an international environmental
organization designed to minimize pollution
on the seas. Annex VI, adopted in 2005,
relates to air pollution. The United States
ratified MARPOL Annex VI in 2008 and its
provisions became enforceable in the U.S.
in January.
The EPA anticipates that foreign ves-
The legislation if signed into law
would provide $1.69 billion in funding for
Public Law 480 Title II grants, also
known as the Food for Peace program,
which allow the United States to help
meet emergency and nonemergency feeding needs in other countries. This represents a $464 million increase over fiscal
year 2009 funding levels.
The pending legislation follows a
The Food for Peace program provides
food aid for desperately poor countries.
Most of the funding must be used to purchase American agricultural products, the
majority of which will be shipped on
American vessels. Public Law 480 creates
and maintains vital jobs in many industries,
farm income, markets for agriculture processors, and revenue for American transportation providers and ports. Funding for the
According to USAID, the Food for
Peace program provided assistance to
approximately 56 million people in 49
countries in fiscal year 2008. AMO
members sailing aboard U.S.-flagged
ships deliver U.S. food-aid cargoes around
the world under P.L. 480.
The House bill (H.R. 2997) was
received in the Senate (S. 1406) on July
10 and placed on the Union calendar.
AMO aboard
the M/V Fisher
AMO members working aboard
the M/V Maj. Bernard F. Fisher
earlier this year in Yeosu, Korea,
included Second Assistant
Engineer Scott Larson, Third Mate
Pat Iacullo and Chief Mate Mark
Bell. The M/V Fisher is operated
by Sealift LLC and manned in all
licensed positions by AMO.
sels will be subject to similar emissions
standards when the International Maritime
Organization adopts the U.S.-Canada proposed Emissions Control Area (ECA). The
ECA will extend 200 miles along the coast
of both countries, including inland waters,
and intends to drastically reduce sulfur in
fuel and particulate matter and nitrogen
oxide emissions. All ships entering or operating in the ECA will be subject to the same
emissions standards.
The EPA is also considering a
Court denies request for injunction
on California diesel fuel standards
New state regulations in effect as of July 1
Stringent new regulations came into
effect July 1 restricting the sulfur content in
diesel fuel used within 24 miles of the
California coastline.
A federal court denied the request for an
injunction by the Pacific Merchant Shipping
Association (PMSA) to prevent the regulations
from being enforced.
Though the court denied the injunction,
the case has yet to be heard on its merits.
PMSA charges that the California Air
Resources Board (CARB) standards violate federal law by extending California’s jurisdiction
beyond its three-mile perimeter.
The operator hopes to avoid patchwork
vessel emission standards amongst U.S. ports.
“Our concerns in this case are not based upon air
quality goals, but how the shipping industry can
achieve emissions goals in California and on a
global basis,” PMSA president John McLaurin
said in a written statement.
If the International Maritime Organization
adopts the proposed North American Emissions
Control Area, California’s new fuel standards will
become obsolete, as the ECA standards are more
comprehensive. The ECA emissions standards
and requirements “would achieve more meaningful results,” McLaurin said.
Voluntary Marine Verification Program to
address emissions from existing vessels.
The EPA will accept comments on the proposed standards until Sept. 5, 2009. More
information is available online at
www.epa.gov/otaq/oceanvessels.htm.
LaHood
LaHood said. “It is right and proper that, if the United States asks King’s
Pointers to serve their country with distinction, we should provide the tools
and resources to support that effort.”
LaHood highlighted recent administration investments in intermodalism, including 1.5 billion in grants for projects linking surface and maritime
operations. King’s Point 2009 graduates may work on projects funded by
these grants, he said.
LaHood mentioned a new focus on America’s Marine Highways in the
Transportation Department. Expansion of marine highways could help
relieve congestion on highways by utilizing our “under-used highways.”
He concluded with warm wishes for the graduates and stated the importance of maritime investment. “Maintaining the status quo is simply not
an option for us – or for the graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine
Academy. Clearly, the federal government recognizes that, in order to keep
our maritime industry going strong, we must continue to invest in both capital improvements and in new ideas and approaches.”
August 2009
American Maritime Officers Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center
2 West Dixie Highway • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • (954) 920-3222
GENERAL COURSES
ISO 9001:2000 Lead
Auditor Training
ABS NS5 Fleet
Management Software
Advanced Fire Fighting
Basic Safety Training—All 4
modules MUST be completed
within 12 months
Personal Survival
Techniques (MondayTuesday)
Personal Safety & Social
Responsibility
(Tuesday
p.m.)
Elementary First Aid
(Wednesday)
5 days
Please Call
3 days
14 October
5 November
22 March
5 days
17 August
14 September
12 October
9 November
7 December
5 days
21 September
14 December
25 January
8 February
15 March
1 1/2 days
Basic Safety Training
8 March - For Great
Lakes Engineers
1/2 day
9 March - For Great
Lakes Engineers
1 day
16 December
27 January
10 February
17 March
5 October
2 November
19 January
1 March
30 November
18 January
22 February
22 March
11 January
22 February
25 January
22 February
7 December
1 February (P.M. class)
Fire Fighting & Fire
Prevention (ThursdayFriday)—Not required if
2 days
“Combined Basic &
Advanced Fire Fighting”
completed within 12 months
Basic Safety Training Refresher
3 days
23 September
Crowd Management
1 day
Please Call
Crisis Management &
Human Behavior
1 day
Please Call
Effective Supervision
2 1/2 days
11 January
Fast Rescue Boat
4 days
31 August
28 September
GMDSS
10 days
2 November
4 January
Tankerman PIC LNG
8 days
14 September
6 January
LNG Simulator Training—Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course is
given to qualified member candidates for employment and/or observation oppor5 days
tunities with AMO contracted LNG companies. Completion of the Tankerman
LNG PIC classroom course is a prerequisite.
Ocean Ranger Program
6 days
Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat)
1 February
1 March
Please Call
4 days
24 August
19 October
16 November
5 days
17 August
26 October
8 February
15 March
10 days
14 September
7 December
25 January
Train The Trainer—Requires after hours homework
5 days
17 August
5, 19 October
30 November
Vessel/Company/Port
Facility Security Officer
2 days
9 September
9 November
21 January
18 February
5 days
31 August
9 November
22 February
5 days
5 October
15 February
17 August
21 September
Tankerman PIC DL Classroom
Tankerman PIC DL Simulator
4 January
8 March
DECK COURSES
Advanced Bridge
Resource Management
Advanced Shiphandling for Masters—(No equivalency) Must have sailed
as Chief Mate Unlimited
Advanced Shiphandling for Third Mates—(60 days seatime equivalency for
10 days
Third Mates)
Advanced (or emergency)
Shiphandling for First
Class Pilots, Great Lakes
Bridge Resource
Management Seminar
5 days
4 January
3 days
17 November
Integrated Bridge System/Podded Propulsion
5 days
Locking & Docking—First
Class Pilots, Great Lakes
5 days
11 January
STCW Deck Officer
Refresher
3 days
Please Call
12 October
Towing Officer Record Assessment—Third mate (Unlimited or Great Lakes)
5 days
or 1600-ton master license AND OICNW required
Tug Training
5 days
Visual Communications
1 day
(Flashing Light)—test only
30 November
14 September
30 November
15 March
Please call
ENGINEERING COURSES
Advanced Slow Speed Diesel
10 days
19 October
Basic Electricity
10 days
26 October
8 February
Diesel Crossover
4 weeks
8 February
Electrical, Electronic, Control Engineering
21 September
1 March
Engine Room Resource Management
5 days
28 September
14 December
1 March (P.M. class)
Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator)
3 days
19 November
19 January
15 March
Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days
17 August
9 November
4 January
High Voltage Safety
19 October
29 March
3 days
4 weeks
8 March
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)—An understanding of electricity is
required. Priority will be afforded to 2 AEs and 3 AEs.
Steam Crossover
4 weeks
5 days
9 November
22 February
24 August
7 December
4 January
Welding & Metallurgy—course is open to eligible chief mates and masters on
a space-available basis. Applications will only be confirmed two weeks prior to 2 weeks
start of course.
15 March
MSC TRAINING PROGRAM—includes self-study courses Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator, Anti-Terrorism Level 1 and Crew Endurance Management (see that section).
CBRD Orientation
1 day
1 October
3 December
28 January
Damage Control
2 days
27 August
22 October
26 February
Heat Stress Afloat /
Hearing Conservation
Afloat
1 day
24 August
28 September
25 January
Helicopter Fire Fighting
1 day
19 March
25 September
17 December
Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day
22 January
18 March
Medical PIC Refresher—
Note: Not MSC approved.
22 February
3 days
Small Arms - Initial & Refresher Training—Note:
Open to members/applicants eligible for employment
through AMO within one year on MSC or MARAD
vessels
3 days
24 August
Water Sanitation Afloat
22 January
18 March
1/2 day
14, 28 September
4 March
19 October
30 November
14 December
11, 25 January
August 2009
MARAD TRAINING PROGRAM—(11 day package composed of the courses below) Students will be nominated and assigned by their contracted company and shall attend all 11 days. Any places not
taken by the contracted companies shall be made available to the membership on a chronological order basis.
Small Arms Training (Initial & Refresher)—
Note: Open to members/applicants eligible for
employment through AMO within one year on
MSC or MARAD vessels
3 days
2 November
22 February
Elementary First Aid
1 day
5 November
25 February
Drug Collector Training
1 day
6 November
26 February
Breath Alcohol Test Collector
1 day
7 November
27 February
Advanced Fire Fighting
5 days
9 November
1 March
25 August
29 September
20 October
1 December
5, 19 January
16 February
2 March
26 August
30 September
21 October
2 December
6, 20 January
17 February
3 March
31 August
26 October
7 December
11 January
1 February
8 March
MEDICAL COURSES
Elementary First Aid—Note: Prerequisite for
1 day
Medical Care Provider within preceding 12
months
Medical Care Provider—Note: Prerequisite for
Medical Person In Charge within preceding 12
3 days
months. Please fax EFA certificate when registering
Medical Person In Charge—Note: Please
FAX Medical Care Provider certificate when
5 days
registering
Medical PIC Refresher—Note: Not MSC
approved.
3 days
9 November
22 February
Urinalysis Collector Training
1 day
14 December
8 February
Breath Alcohol Test
1 day
9 February
16, 30 March
Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only
1/2 day
8 September
15 December
10 February
17 March
31 March
Radar Recertification
1 day
24 August
11 September
6 October
9, 30 November
4 December
ARPA
4 days
25 August
10 November
2 February
Western Rivers Recertification
1 day
Please Call
Radar Recertification & ARPA
5 days
24 August
26 October
1 February
ECDIS
5 days
28 September
7 December
1, 15 March
Original Radar Observer Unlimited
5 days
2 November
11 January
29 March
15, 29 March
RADAR COURSES
6 January
1 February
SELF-STUDY CD & ONLINE PROGRAMS—Available for use when attending other approved classroom courses
Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator (CD)
Anti-Terrorism Level 1 (Online)
DoT - Hazardous Materials Transportation Training (CD)
Crew Endurance Management (CD)
Prudent Mariner’s Guide to Right Whale Protection (CD)
EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification Examination
OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH—Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as third mate and second mate on vessels of
500 or more gross tonnage (ITC)
Terrestrial Navigation
10 days
15 March
26 April
Ship Construction & Stability
5 days
1 February
Electronic Navigation
5 days
17 August
8 March
Meteorology
5 days
24 August
15 February
Watchkeeping
10 days
31 August
29 March
Cargo Handling & Stowage
5 days
14 September
22 February
Basic Shiphandling at the Operational Level
5 days
21 September
12 April
Emergency Procedures and SAR
4 days
28 September
8 February
Celestial Navigation
10 days
5 October
18 January
Magnetic & Gyro Compass
3 days
19 October
1 March
10 May
24 May
OICNW— Additional required courses with priority to students enrolled in the OICNW program — GALLEY COURSES
Original License (Great Lakes) Courses (Deck &
Engine)
As Required
11 January
RFPNW Assessments
1 day
25 October
4 March
Marlin Spike
1 day
26 October
5 March
40-Hour Able Seaman
5 days
2 November
19 April
EFA/MCP
4 days
22 March
Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat)
4 days
29 March
Original Radar
5 days
11 January
29 March
5 days
15 March
GMDSS
10 days
15 March
Food Safety, Sanitation & Nutrition (ServSafe)
5 days
25 January
Culinary Fundamentals
10 days
1 February
Advanced Steward Course
5 days
15 February
GALLEY COURSES
DECK LICENSE UPGRADE: SECOND OFFICER TO CHIEF MATE / MASTER—Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on
vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). This program will complete ALL 53 Control Sheet assessments of the training requirements for STCW. Course completion certificates do not expire. Operational
level officers (3/M and 2/M) interested in advancing to Chief Mate/Master (Management) Level are encouraged to start obtaining the required courses as soon as practical after acquiring OICNW experience.
Advanced Navigation and a USCG approved ECDIS course must be completed within 12 months of each other to satisfy the Management Level upgrade course and assessment requirements.
Cargo Operations
9 days
14 September
7 December
19 January
8 March
Celestial Navigation—Note: A thorough review and understanding
of the topics covered in Parts 4 & 5 of Pub. Number 9, The
American Practical Navigator (Bowditch), is a prerequisite.
5 days
26 October
4 January
22 February
Marine Propulsion Plants
5 days
21 September
2 November
4 January
1 February
Shipboard Management
5 days
17 August
2, 30 November
1 February
22 March
Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology
5 days
31 August
19 October
14 December
11 January
Upgrade: Advanced Navigation - ECDIS—Advanced Navigation
and a USCG-approved ECDIS to be completed within 12 months of
each other
5 days
21 September
16 November
14 December
15 February
Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (Includes Simulator)
5 days
14 September
9 November
7 December
8 February
Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level
10 days
19 October
9 November
18 January
8 March
Upgrade: Stability—Note: It is recommended that chapters 1-13 in
the book Stability and Trim for the Ship’s Officer be reviewed prior to 5 days
attending this course
24 August
30 November
8 February
29 March
Watchkeeping 1 (Bridge Resource Management)—Note:
Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2 MUST be completed within 12 months 3 days
of each other.
7 October
9 December
6 January
24 February
Watchkeeping 2 (COLREGS)—Note: Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2
5 days
MUST be completed within 12 months of each other.
12 October
14 December
11 January
1 March
22 March
1 March
29 March
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.
August 2009
GALVESTON, TX 77551
2724 61st Street, Suite B
PMB 192
David E. Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large
(dweathers@amo-union.org)
(800) 362-0513 ext. 2001
Mobile: (409) 996-7362
HEADQUARTERS
DANIA BEACH, FL 33004
(954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513
Thomas J. Bethel, National President (tbethel@amo-union.org)
José E. Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer (jleonard@amo-union.org)
Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President
(jbranthover@amo-union.org)
FAX: (954) 926-5112
Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea
(jgremelsbacker@amo-union.org)
John K. Hafner, National Executive Board Member At Large
(jhafner@amo-union.org)
Charles A. Murdock, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters
(cmurdock@amo-union.org)
FAX: (954) 920-3257
Dispatch: (800) 345-3410
FAX: (954) 926-5126
Brendan Keller, Dispatcher (bkeller@amo-union.org)
Robert Anderson, Dispatcher (randerson@amo-union.org)
Member Services: Extension 1050 (memberservices@amo-union.org)
PORTS
TOLEDO, OH 43604
The Melvin H. Pelfrey Building
One Maritime Plaza
(419) 255-3940
(800) 221-9395
FAX: (419) 255-2350
Donald N. Cree, National Vice President Great Lakes
(dcree@amo-union.org)
Brian D. Krus, National Assistant Vice President Great Lakes
(bkrus@amo-union.org)
Stan Barnes, National Representative (wbarnes@amo-union.org)
Bruce DeWerth, Dispatcher (bdewerth@amo-union.org)
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19113
Two International Plaza
Suite 422
Robert J. Kiefer, National Executive Vice President
(rkiefer@amo-union.org)
Mobile: (215) 859-1059
SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 94607
1121 7th Street, Second Floor
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-5301
(800) 362-0513 ext. 5001
Daniel E. Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large
(dshea@amo-union.org)
FAX: (510) 444-5165
NORWOOD, NJ 07648
463 Livingston Street, Suite 102
PMB 60
Donald R. Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea
(dnilsson@amo-union.org)
(800) 362-0513 ext. 3004
Mobile: (201) 913-2209
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024
490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204
(202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001
J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President At Large
(mmurphy@amo-union.org)
Paul Doell, Legislative Director (pauldoell51@yahoo.com)
Phree Baker, Assistant Legislative Director (pbaker@amo-union.org)
FAX: (202) 479-1188
STAR CENTER
STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION
(954) 920-3222 ext. 201 / (800) 942-3220 ext. 201
Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 ext. 200
FAX: (954) 920-3140
24 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999
TRAINING RECORDS SYSTEM:
Lisa Marra
(954) 920-3222 ext. 7118
FAX: (954) 925-5681
TRS@star-center.com
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
MARITIME MEDICAL CENTER
(954) 927-5213
FAX: (954) 929-1415
AMO PLANS
(800) 348-6515
FAX: (954) 922-7539
LEGAL
Joel Glanstein, General Counsel
305 Madison Ave. Suite 2240
New York, NY 10165
(212) 370-5100
FAX: (212) 697-6299
Michael Reny
AMO Coast Guard Legal
Aid Program
(419) 243-1105 / (888) 853-4662
Mobile: (419) 346-1485
MikeReny@BEX.NET
Report of TrueBallot Inc. — AMO Building Referendum
The following report was submitted by John
Seibel, president of TrueBallot Inc.
Certificate of Result for:
American Maritime Officers
Building Referendum
1250901 Ballot Concluded at 1:20
p. m.
July 16, 2009
TrueBallot, Inc. was appointed
Impartial Balloting Agency to supervise the
conduct of the Ballot with respect to the
Building Referendum. The ballot was tabulated on July 16, 2009.
The ballot and materials were
approved as to form. A total of 2755 ballots
were sent to eligible voters. 68 Voters were
added during the voting period and ballots
were sent to them.
A total of 20 duplicate ballots were
sent to 20 voters. 20 ballots were returned as
undeliverable. The balloting period was
from April 17, 2009 to July 16, 2009. The
United States Post Office in Dania Beach,
FL, acted as Depository for receipt of all
ballots. TrueBallot, Inc. was authorized to
act as Impartial Balloting Agent during the
balloting period to mail duplicate ballots to
any member on authorized request for a
duplicate ballot and to keep a record of all
duplicate ballots mailed.
The representatives of the union’s
Tallying Committee and the undersigned
retrieved the returned ballots from the post
office and returned them to the count site on
July 16, 2009.
Of the Ballots mailed to the eligible
Membership entitled to vote 547 Ballots
were returned, registered against the list of
eligible voters, and any duplicates or ineligible ballots were removed. The ballots
were removed from their secret ballot
envelopes and 549 ballots were counted.
Two ballots were inadvertently counted. 382
additional ballots were received at the Post
Office but were not counted by the Tallying
Committee because the individuals who
submitted these ballot envelopes were disqualified due to being in arrears in their dues
to the AMO. 1 ballot was rejected as unidentifiable.
After the ballots were registered, the
Tallying Committee opened the envelopes,
and TrueBallot optically imaged the ballots and processed them to obtain the data
See TrueBallot Report ◆ Page 11
Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the week
following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. Meetings will be
held on Monday at Headquarters in Dania (on Tuesday when Monday is a
contract holiday) and on Wednesday in Toledo. The next meetings will take
place on the following dates:
DANIA BEACH:
TOLEDO:
September 8*, October 5
September 9, October 7
*Union offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day.
August 2009
Report of AMO Tallying Committee — AMO Building Referendum
Report of the Tallying Committee for
the 2009 AMO Headquarters Building
Referendum:
The Tallying Committee comprised
of Brothers Patrick Rogers, Chairman;
Ricardo Araiza, Secretary; Mike Thomas;
Alex Sedlacek, Moshe Tzalel, James
Mayhew, Harry Dusseau, met at the AMO
National Headquarters, 2 West Dixie
Highway, Dania Beach, FL, 33004-4312 at
9:00 a.m. on July 16,2009. The Committee
was taken by van to the Dania Beach, FL,
Post Office, which had received the
Referendum ballots returned by those members who had exercised their right to vote in
the Referendum.
The Committee in attendance met
with Joel Glanstein, the AMO General
Counsel, at Headquarters. The General
Counsel discussed applicable provisions of
the AMO National Constitution. The
Committee also met with the Impartial
Administrator, John Seibel, and his staff
from True Ballot. Mr. Seibel discussed the
procedures to be followed in the collection
of the ballot packages from the U.S. Post
Office in Dania Beach and the transportation
of the ballot packages to Headquarters by
van in a secured container. Committee
members carried ballot envelopes to the second floor banquet room of the STAR
Center, the building adjacent to AMO
Headquarters.
The Committee divided into two (2)
person teams and began counting the ballot
envelope packages separating such packages
that were defective on their face because of
uncoded outer envelopes, no names, and no
return ballot in the envelope or no indication
of the code required on the outer envelope.
The total number of ballot envelopes
mailed was 2,823 including new ballots
mailed during the period of the Referendum.
949 ballots were returned, and 917 were
found eligible to be counted, 382 were
TrueBallot Report
the conduct of this referendum were
applied to the data so as to remove void
data from the tally.
Questionable ballots were audited as
needed.
The results of the Balloting are here-
therefrom. The applicable provisions of
the AMO Constitution and the Rules for
rejected because of failure to be current in
their dues, one (1) was rejected because of no
identification. 547 ballots were registered
against the eligible list.
The results of the Tally were as follows:
363 Yes
186 No
Total: 549 Ballots
Therefore, the Tallying Committee
finds that there is no reason to further review
the ballot envelopes that were disqualified
for the failure of those casting them to pay
dues through the third quarter of 2009, as
required for eligibility.
Two ballots were inadvertently counted despite having been properly rejected. The
Committee finds this cannot affect the outcome of this Referendum.
The Tallying Committee has also
reviewed the report of True Ballot, Inc., the
impartial agency, dated July 16, 2009, and
finds the report complete, accurate and
accepts same to be attached this report of the
Tallying Committee. The Tallying
Committee finds that the Referendum has
been approved by the Membership of AMO.
Respectfully submitted,
Tallying Committee 2009 AMO
Headquarters Building Referendum
American Maritime Officers members serving on the Tallying Committee for the
2009 Headquarters Building Referendum were Patrick Rogers Jr. (chairman),
Rick Araiza (secretary), Mike Thomas, Alex Sedlacek, Moshe Tzalel, James
Mayhew and Harry Dusseau (in no particular order).
with certified and are attached hereto.
It is our opinion as Impartial
Balloting Agency that the results of the
Balloting are true and accurate, the Ballots
were properly counted, and rigid safeguards
were maintained to protect the secrecy of
(s) Patrick Rogers, Chairman
(s) Ricardo Araiza, Secretary
(s) Mike Thomas, Member
(s) Alex Sedlacek, Member
(s) Moshe Tzalel, Member
(s) James Mayhew, Member
(s) Harry Dusseau, Member
Dated: July 16, 2009
Dania Beach, Florida
the Ballot. At the conclusion of the counting, all Ballots and material were placed in
appropriate containers, sealed and delivered
to the organization. A CD-ROM with all
of the ballot data and ballot images was
delivered along with the ballot materials.
August 2009
Bravo Zulu to
USNS Sisler,
USNS Williams
AMO members aboard M/V Patriot earn
Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals
M/V Patriot First Assistant
Engineer Marek Vronsky receives
the Merchant Marine
Expeditionary Medal June 11
from Maritime Administration
Supervisory Marine Surveyor Billy
Greer and Capt. Darren
McGowan, master of the M/V
Patriot, during the ship’s record
cargo discharge of 8,256 tons,
137,000 square feet, with a
stowage factor of 1.13.
In a recent letter, U.S. Navy Captain
Anthony Martin commended the captains
and crews of the USNS Sisler, USNS
Williams and USNS Obregon for their outstanding service as part of Maritime
Prepositioning Squadron Two. The USNS
Sisler and USNS Williams are manned in
all licensed positions by American Maritime
Officers.
“Captains … you have commanded
three wonderful ships and their crews,”
Capt. Martin wrote. “The professionalism
displayed in your day-to-day operations and
interactions with my staff has been nothing
short of exemplary.”
In a separate letter of appreciation,
Capt. Martin recognized the crew of the
USNS Sisler for its “outstanding performance” while supporting Maritime
Prepositioning re-stow operations.
“The entire crew’s hard work and dedication were key in the extremely difficult
task,” Capt. Martin said. “Your effort and
support were instrumental in the success of
this highly visible and important mission.
The professionalism, reliability and devotion to mission accomplishment you have
exhibited are a direct reflection of the outstanding character you possess.”
The US NS S isler and US NS
Williams are part of the Military Sealift
Command’s prepositioning program in
Diego Garcia. Vessels in the prepositioning program are specially configured to
transport supplies for the U.S. Marine
Corps and are available in case of need for
combat cargoes or humanitarian aid.
Photos: courtesy of Capt. Darren McGowan
M/V Patriot Second Assistant
Engineer Philip Miceli receives the
Merchant Marine Expeditionary
Medal June 11. All cargo for the
record discharge was loaded in
Kuwait from May 10 to 13. The
M/V Patriot is operated by
Interocean American Shipping
Corporation for American RollOn/Roll-Off Carrier and is manned
in all licensed positions by
American Maritime Officers.
Legislation introduced to facilitate Arctic marine transportation
Rep. Don Young (R-AK) on June 12
introduced legislation (H.R. 2865) to
ensure safe, secure and reliable maritime
shipping in the Arctic. On July 24, Sen.
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced companion legislation (S. 1514) in the Senate.
Both bills are currently awaiting committee action.
“The Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas
are becoming increasingly accessible to
shipping,” the legislation states. “It is in
the interests of the United States to work
with the State of Alaska and our neighbors
in the Arctic region to ensure that ship-
ping in the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas
is safe for mariners, protective of the natural environment … and mindful of the
needs of longstanding subsistence users of
Arctic resources.”
The bills direct the Coast Guard to
work through the International Maritime
Organization and with the governments of
Arctic nations to ensure placement and
maintenance of aids to navigation, icebreaking, tug and salvage capabilities, oil
spill prevention and response capability,
maritime domain awareness, including
long-range vessel tracking, and search and
rescue capabilities.
“We must begin the process to build
new modern heavy icebreakers and this legislation authorizes the construction of two
replacement vessels,” Sen. Murkowski said.
“As activity in the Arctic increases, the
United States must have a maritime presence
in the Arctic to ensure safety and security in
the region.”
The two bills are nearly identical,
with the omission in the Senate version of
specific mention of several seafaring countries. H.R. 2865 was referred to the
Committee on Transportation and
Retirement party
aboard El Yunque
A retirement party was held June
24 aboard the S/S El Yunque for
American Maritime Officers member Howard Hamocks (third from
left), aboard which he was sailing
as third assistant engineer.
Photos: courtesy of Capt. Louis Hartmann
Capt. Louis Hartmann (left) and
Steward Tyrell Thabit (right) present American Maritime Officers
member Howard Hamocks with a
cake during the retirement party
for Hamocks aboard the S/S El
Yunque June 24. Hamocks joined
AMO in 1988.
Infrastructure. S. 1514 was referred to the
Committee on Commerce, Science and
Transportation.
Updates
Online Coast Guard portal to check
Merchant Mariner Credentials
The U.S. Coast Guard has created an
online portal to verify the validity of a merchant mariner credential (MMC).
Intended for mariners, employers and
port states, the portal will return only data
contained on the actual credential, including
basic mariner biographical information, credential type, credential serial number, issue
and expiration dates and status. If the system
returns an error, it does not necessarily mean
there is something wrong with a credential.
Users should contact the National Maritime
Center for further information if they receive
an error.
Users can search for a credential by
using a credential serial number, mariner reference number and last name, or last name,
date of birth and last four digits of a social
security number.
The Coast Guard noted in a press
release that legacy credentials will continue to
show as valid until the original expiration
date, in addition to the MMC. Credentials in
‘continuity status’ will show as valid, but the
Coast Guard intends to address this issue.
The merchant mariner credential verification
tool
is
available
online
at
homeport.uscg.mil/mmcv. More information on the portal is available online at
www.uscg.mil/nmc/announcements/mmcv_
bulletin.pdf.

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