Construction of LNG-powered Marlin Class vessels enters next phase

Volume 44, Number 8
August 2014
Construction of LNG-powered Marlin
Class vessels enters next phase
Engine and LNG
tanks delivered to
General Dynamics
NASSCO
The following article was released by
TOTE, Inc. Members of American Maritime
Officers will man the Marlin Class ships in
all licensed positions.
San Diego — July 15, 2014: The
arrival of the world’s first dual-fuel slowspeed engine to the General Dynamics
NASSCO shipyard marks the next phase of
construction for TOTE’s Marlin Class vessels, projected to be the world’s safest and
cleanest containerships.
Doosan Engine, under license from
MAN Diesel and Turbo, delivered the first
8L70ME-GI engine. Earlier this year,
Doosan completed the engine’s Factory
Acceptance Tests, a culmination of months
of testing to ensure compliance with U.S.
regulations and restrictions. TOTE is the
launch customer of the ME-GI engine, a
significant advancement in propulsion technology.
“The Marlin Class vessels, powered
by Doosan’s dual-fuel engine, will provide
the most modern and reliable service available,” stated Anthony Chiarello, President
and CEO of TOTE. “These ships will
increase shipping capacity, reduce air emissions, and ensure a cleaner environment for
our workers and port communities.”
In addition to the engines, two 900
cubic meter tanks, manufactured by Cryos,
were delivered. These massive stainless
steel cryogenic tanks weigh 380 tons each
and will store liquefied natural gas aboard
the Marlin ships.
“The arrival of the dual-fuel main
engine and LNG tanks at the NASSCO
shipyard marks a milestone in the lead ship
construction as well as a landmark in the era
of green ship technology,” said NASSCO
Program Manager for the TOTE Marlin
Class, Eric Icke. The first vessel is nearly 40
percent complete and the start of construction on the second Marlin vessel in late May
means the shipyard and its more than 3,000
skilled workers will be in full swing to
ensure delivery of the Marlins in late 2015
and early 2016.
See Marlin Class ◆ Page 11
Photo: TOTE, Inc.
Image: General Dynamics NASSCO
Two ships, two unions, two
operating companies — one team
AMO Plans: Status update on all
AMO Plans benefits
Pages 6-7: During a series of at-sea operations conducted in June, the
USNS Montford Point (MLP 1) was moored alongside the LMSR
USNS Bob Hope. The operations demonstrated the MLP’s ability to
perform skin-to-skin operations.
Page 3: Steven Nickerson, executive director of the American Maritime
Officers Plans, in July provided a status update on all AMO Plans benefits
for AMO Plans participants and announced an increase in the AMO
Defined Contribution Plan benefit scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2015.
Page 12: USNS Mendonca serves in JLOTS
Copyright © 2014 American Maritime Officers
■
editorial@amo-union.org
2 • American Maritime Officer
August 2014
USNS Montford Point
exercises capabilities
during Rim of the Pacific
2014 operations
As Rim of the Pacific 2014 (RIMPAC), a multinational maritime exercise
that takes place in the vicinity of the
Hawaiian Islands, headed into its underway phase off the coast of Hawaii, the
USNS Montford Point (MLP 1) tested
state-of-the-art sea basing capabilities
2,500 miles away near San Diego as part
of RIMPAC’s Southern California element, wrote James Marconi, Military
Sealift Command Public Affairs, in a blog
post on the MSC website.
The USNS Montford Point is operated for MSC by Ocean Ships, Inc. and is
manned in all licensed positions by
American Maritime Officers.
From July 8 to 10, the USNS
Montford Point participated in testing
exercises with Marine Amphibious
Assault Vehicles (AAV) and the Landing
Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) from Assault
Craft Unit Five based at Camp Pendleton.
Working off the coast of Camp Pendleton,
just north of San Diego, the ship conducted timed docking and launching exercises
with the Marine crafts, Marconi wrote.
The exercise is part of a series of
tests being conducted with the MLP
until the ship becomes fully operational, he wrote.
“Being included in RIMPAC 2014
is a great opportunity for Military Sealift
Command and the relatively new capabilities of the Mobile Landing Platform,”
said Cmdr. Ray Franklin, operations officer for Military Sealift Command Pacific.
“Exercises like RIMPAC give us the
opportunity to demonstrate our support to
the fleet and the Navy’s missions that are
on the horizon.”
This year marks the 24th Rim of the
Pacific exercise, which began in 1971.
Twenty-three nations, 49 surface
ships, 6 submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel participated,
including units from the United States,
Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile,
Colombia, France, India, Indonesia,
Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Norway, the People’s
Republic of China, Peru, the Republic of
Korea, the Republic of the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the
United Kingdom.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Joshua Scott/Released
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Joshua Scott/Released
A Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5
transports Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles to the mobile landing platform USNS Montford Point (MLP 1) as part of an amphibious operations demonstration during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014 off the coast of
Camp Pendleton, California.
A Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicle launches from the USNS Montford
Point.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Joshua Scott/Released
U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Donnell Evans/Released
Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles aboard the USNS Montford Point
prepare to deploy.
POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To:
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Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles disembark from a Landing Craft Air
Cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 onto the USNS
Montford Point.
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August 2014
American Maritime Officer • 3
AMO Plans: Status update on all AMO Plans benefits
Increase in Defined Contribution Plan benefit scheduled for January 1, 2015
As Executive Director of the American Maritime Officers (AMO) Plans, I am
addressing the status of the AMO Plans. A Board of Trustees comprised of an equal
number of employer trustees and union trustees administers the Plans. My primary
function as the Executive Director is to act in the best interest of the participants. It
is also my privilege to announce a benefit change, which will be introduced later in
this document.
There are no impending actions that include benefits cuts for AMO member
participants being considered by the Board of Trustees. AMO member participants in
the AMO Medical, Pension, Money Purchase Benefit, 401(k), Defined Contribution,
Vacation, and Safety and Education Plans will not be experiencing cuts in their benefits. The AMO Plans are in a good financial position to address the future.
As the Executive Director of the AMO Plans, I made a statement to the staff of
the AMO Plans that man-days would decline in the last half of the year due to the loss
of the Watson Class vessels. Faced with the opening of the collective bargaining
agreement covering the AMO Plans staff, I wanted to remind the staff that we are not
the members of AMO, but that we are here to serve the membership of AMO. I wanted to make sure our staff was aware that the membership is at sea, away from family and friends, and our job is to provide service to those members and their families.
We go home to our families and friends each night and we have our weekends free to
spend with our families and friends.
While I, as the Executive Director, imposed a wage freeze and lowered the Paid
Time Off of AMO Plans employees by 5 days, I did not have the power to implement
the action unless I received approval through the collective bargaining process. After
sending the memo to the staff, the union and I met to negotiate.
I am proud to say that the staff recognized the ebb and flow of man-days and
also recognized that the future was bringing new vessels and that there will be new
growth. The staff recognized that the downturn of man-days is NOW, and with a few
Abstained Votes, there was unanimous acceptance of the cuts. The decision was made
by the staff to make sacrifices to reduce the impact of the downturn of man-days on
the AMO Plans. We as a staff are shore-side. Most of us have always been shore-side
and never faced the rigors and hardships faced by our sailing members. This was a
moment to show respect for that fact.
The staff looks forward to the 25 ships scheduled for delivery over the next few
years. While we focused on the immediate, the year has progressed. The Great Lakes
sector has two additional vessels operating and a third is scheduled to start in
September. The Deep Sea sector has increased its fleet by seven vessels. Three additional vessels should be entering the fleet around November. One of the vessels is
under protest; however, when it joins the fleet, the compliment will number up to 19
officers.
The staff of AMO Plans was proactive and accepted a freeze while maintaining
full service with no interruption (no strike, no slow-down) for our membership. We
as a shore-side staff recognize we have a job because of the AMO membership.
The loss of the eight Watson Class vessels was a blow. The other six vessels lost
this year were due to lack of cargo and age. The reduction in man-days equals 20.3
million dollars for a 12-month period. It is important to know that the majority of the
dollar amount consists of PASS THROUGH contributions. Contributions that would
have been paid out in Vacation Pay to the affected AMO member participants, 401(k)
contributions that would have gone into the accounts of the affected AMO member
participants, DC Contributions that would have gone into the accounts of the affected AMO member participants, and Money Purchase Benefit contributions that would
have gone into the accounts of the affected AMO member participants. In other
words, those are losses to the AMO member participants who are not working in covered employment, not losses to the AMO Plans.
AMO Plans
All Plans assets are at 880 million dollars, as opposed to the all time high of
889.9 million dollars prior to 2008. Further, the Plans have no debt.
AMO Pension Plan (Defined Benefit Plan)
The assets of the AMO Pension Plan are at 400 million dollars, while paying
2.6 million dollars a month to 2,194 pensioners.
Since the Plan was declared a Red Zone Plan and became a frozen plan, the
assets have earned annually as follows:
2010
2011
2012
2013
07/2014
10%
0%
23.5%
10.9%
12%
The Plan has been declared a Yellow Zone Plan and continues to move toward
the Green Zone, which is 80% to 100% Funded. The return on the assets has been
positive and the credit balance is no longer negative but positive. The fact that the ‘20
and out’ was preserved by the Trustees was costly. If the ‘20 and out’ was eliminated, the Plan would have been over funded. The cost to preserve the ‘20 and out’ was
over 250 million dollars. The Trustees maintain the Plan’s ‘20 and out’ provision and
removing this provision is not under consideration.
Two things impede our progress toward being 100% funded.
The first is that interest rates have continued to decline since 2009. There has
been a 40% decline in interest rates. The Plan year ending 9/2014 will be the first
year that interest rates will rise, thereby decreasing the liability.
The second is that a greater number of participants than was assumed by the
actuary have exercised the option of the ‘20 and out’, left the industry and retired.
The actuary is studying the adverse effects of this trend, but those effects
will not be known until the completion of the valuation that will not happen until
the October Board Meeting. Any actions taken by the Board of Trustees will be
published.
There is no crystal ball to determine what the interest rates will be, or to
determine interest earned. What is known is that we continue on the path to the
Green Zone, and when the Green Zone is reached, the Trustees have options that
can be considered.
The Trustees are well aware that this is an arduous process and continue to
work to improve the Defined Contribution Plan while we move toward full funding
of the Defined Benefit Plan.
The AMO Defined Contribution Plan (The DC Plan)
The assets in our members’ DC Plan accounts exceed 56 million dollars.
The Defined Contribution Plan is funded out of the Master Operating Trust.
This is possible because of numerous actions taken over the past years. The Master
Operating Trust must first pay all Vacation Benefits, Medical Benefits, Safety and
Education Plan benefits, the Joint Employment Committee and American Maritime
Officers Service. Any savings generated are then used to fund the Defined
Contribution Plan.
Savings are generated as follows:
• UMR pays our Medical Claims, and because they do, we receive approximately 2.5 million dollars more in discounts.
• There are zero operating costs in Toledo and this equates to approximately 1.5
million per year.
• STAR Center Commercial Training offsets contributions required for operating expenses.
• Staff has been reduced over the past years. We now operate with 140 staff versus the past high of 202 people.
All savings generate contributions for the DC Plan.
Last year, the actions of the Trustees led to establishing a minimum contribution of 6%. Also, it equated to a minimum 25% increase for all participants.
Effective January 1, 2015, the charts will again be increased by 10% and
establish a minimum contribution of 6.6%.
The AMO 401(k) Plan
The assets held in our members’ 401(k) accounts exceed 330 million dollars.
The AMO Money Purchase Benefit Plan
The assets held in our members’ MPB accounts exceed 72 million dollars.
The AMO Medical Plan
The AMO Medical Plan maintains a reserve of 20 million dollars.
The Medical Plan provides benefits to 8,746 members, retirees, spouses, and
dependents.
Over the last two years, the Affordable Care Act has been implemented. Over
five hundred dependents previously not eligible for coverage are enrolled because
they are under the age of 26.
Even with all of these changes, the medical costs have maintained stable levels.
Costs in 2013 compared to 2012 were negative 1% (-1%). The 2014 cost compared
to 2013 is also trending lower. The annual cost for medical runs at approximately 45
million dollars.
If we were not receiving the discounts through UMR and secondary network
discounts, that figure would be 67 million dollars.
The AMO Vacation Plan
The AMO Vacation Plan continues to pay vacation benefits at 75 million dollars a year.
The Safety and Education Plan
STAR Center continues to operate at the highest standards and is prepared to
handle all training requirements of the STCW imposed by the Coast Guard final rulemaking.
The facilities have implemented a preventative maintenance schedule and
upgrades to make the compound more accessible and enjoyable for all members and
their families.
The staff of the AMO Plans remains committed to the purpose of serving all
AMO members and their families.
Steven Nickerson
Executive Director
AMO Plans
August 2014
4 • American Maritime Officer
Navy League urges reauthorization of Ex-Im Bank
Export-Import Bank sustains U.S. jobs, supports U.S.-flag sealift capabilities
The current charter for the U.S.
Export-Import Bank is due to expire at the
end of September. Under U.S. cargo preference laws, U.S.-flagged vessels transport
manufactured U.S. goods purchased with
financing assistance from the ExportImport Bank. In the following letter dated
July 2, National Executive Director of the
Navy League of the United States Bruce
Butler urged Speaker of the House of
Representatives John Boehner, House
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and House
Minority Whip Steny Hoyer to support reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank.
American Maritime Officers and American
Maritime Officers Service actively support
reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank.
On behalf of our 43,000 members,
the Navy League of the United States
strongly urges you to support the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. The
Navy League of the United States is a
civilian nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to informing the American
people and their government that the
United States of America is a maritime
nation, and that its national defense and
economic well being are dependent upon
strong sea services — U.S. Navy, U.S.
Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and
U.S.-flag merchant marine. The strength
of the U.S.-flag merchant marine depends
on the Export-Import Bank and we urge
Congress to reauthorize it.
The Export-Import Bank has promoted economic growth, created and sustained
U.S. jobs, including mariner jobs and those
tied to our national and economic security.
The Department of Defense depends on the
merchant marine for over 95 percent of our
national defense sealift needs in times of
war or national emergency, and ExportImport Bank financed project cargoes are
regularly carried on the most militarily useful vessels. Replacing this sealift capacity
would cost the Department of Defense tens
of billions of dollars.
The Navy League urges you to reauthorize the bank and preserve our national
sealift capability, necessary for our national
security and defense.
Meeting with apprentice engineer onboard ATB Corpus
Christi; recruiting for third TECH Program class begins
STAR Center Director of Training
Phil Shullo and STAR Center
Engineering Instructor Andrew
Davis visited the U.S. Shipping
Corp. ATB Corpus Christi during a
call at Port Everglades, Fla. to
talk with Apprentice Engineer
Cameron Siele about his experience in the TECH Program to
date. Both Siele and the officers
on the Corpus Christi said the
program is working as intended,
providing the training and handson experience needed to advance
motivated high school graduates
with mechanical aptitude to quali-
fy to test for a U.S. Coast Guard
unlimited third assistant engineer’s license, Shullo reported. In
this photo taken by Davis are First
Assistant
Engineer
Michael
Fahey, Siele, Captain Bob Corbett
and Chief Engineer Brian Kelly.
The second installment of the
TECH Program begins August 11
and recruiting has commenced for
the third TECH Program class,
scheduled to begin in early 2015.
Program details and instructions
for applying are available online
on the STAR Center website:
www.star-center.com.
Legislation seeks to provide veterans’ benefits to U.S.
merchant mariners who served during the Vietnam Era
Congressman Sanford Bishop (DGA) has introduced a bill in the House of
Representatives that, if approved by the
House and Senate and signed into law,
would provide eligibility for veterans’ benefits to U.S. merchant mariners who served
in the Southeast Asia theater of operations
during the Vietnam Era.
The legislation, H.R. 5112, was introduced on July 15 and has been referred to
the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Rep. Bishop is a member of the
House Appropriations Committee and is the
ranking member on the Military
Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related
Agencies Subcommittee.
H.R. 5112 would apply to U.S. merchant mariners who were crewmembers of
vessels in oceangoing service in the
Southeast Asia theater of operations during
the Vietnam Era and receive a certificate of
honorable discharge.
The legislation specifies: “The
Secretary of Defense shall, upon application, issue a certificate of honorable discharge to an individual in the United States
merchant marine who served as a
crewmember of a vessel that was in oceangoing service during the Vietnam Era in the
Southeast Asia theater of operations who, as
determined by the Secretary, engaged in
service of a nature and duration that warrants issuance of the certificate.”
The legislation defines the Vietnam
Era as “(A) the period beginning on
February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7,
1975, in the case of an individual in the
United States merchant marine who served
in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; and (B) the period beginning on August
5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, in all
other cases.”
The legislation has not yet been voted
on in the House or considered in the Senate.
U.S.-flag Lakes cargo total trails 2013 by 17 percent at mid-year
U.S.-flag cargo movement on the
Great Lakes stood at 27 million tons at
the end of June, a decrease of 17.4 percent compared with the same point in
2013.
The brutal winter of 2013/2014 was
the overriding factor behind the decrease,
the Lake Carriers’ Association reported.
Vessels lost significant time due to the
heavy ice formations, and then some vessels had to be removed from service to
repair damage suffered in the ice.
Shipments of iron ore for the steel
industry totaled 14 million tons at the end
of the second quarter, a decrease of 21.4
percent, or 3,816,000 tons. The 3.8 million ton shortfall is more than a season’s
work for a 1,000-foot-long vessel, the
LCA reported.
Coal cargos stood at 5.1 million
tons through June, a decrease of 9.4 percent, or 532,000 tons.
Limestone loadings totaled 6.2 mil-
lion tons at the end of the first half of
2014, a decrease of 16.6 percent, or
1,231,000 tons. Winter’s grip on the
stone trade was so tight that only one
limestone cargo had moved by midApril, the LCA reported.
U.S.-Flag Carriage: Month of June 2009-2014 — net tons
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Average
2009-2013
Iron Ore
2,178,200
4,301,637
4,827,555
4,676,553
4,584,791
4,903,895
4,597,634
Coal
2,547,003
2,683,792
2,005,543
1,684,252
1,988,141
2,145,980
2,090,432
Limestone
1,903,468
2,853,041
2,648,015
2,996,550
2,982,838
2,745,301
2,870,111
Cement
315,770
263,842
301,352
359,542
324,306
405,723
312,261
Salt
166,761
169,378
196,074
128,472
141,478
170,610
158,851
Sand
27,888
17,403
15,908
30,374
28,915
65,046
23,150
Grain
57,914
67,505
22,500
13,311
63,998
24,900
41,829
Total
7,197,004
10,356,598
10,016,947
9,889,054
10,114,467
10,461,455
10,094,267
Commodity
Source: Lake Carriers’ Association
August 2014
American Maritime Officer • 5
Additional Great Lakes vessels activated for service,
openings for AMO deep-sea engineers available
So far this season, two additional
ships operated under contract with
American Maritime Officers — the John
G. Munson and the John J. Boland —
have been activated for service on the
Great Lakes, and the Adam E. Cornelius is
scheduled for activation in September.
The increase in the number of vessels operating on the Lakes has generated
openings for AMO engineers. Five of the
ships in operation on the Lakes have
steam plants and provide opportunities for
AMO engineers with steam licenses.
AMO members who typically sail
deep sea are encouraged to contact the Great
Lakes Dispatching Department if they are
interested. AMO deep-sea engineers with
unlimited licenses will be eligible for available positions and would primarily be sailing as third assistant engineers.
“We would like to identify open
water engineers who are interested in these
jobs,” said AMO Senior National Assistant
Vice President Brian Krus. “Also, we’re
always interested in Great Lakes pilots. At
this time, we’ve met the demand for mates,
but if additional openings become available,
we’ll put out a notice.”
Officers will be required to have a
current U.S. Coast Guard physical com-
Lawmakers act to provide funding for
dredging, prioritize Great Lakes projects
Members of the House of
Representatives acted to ensure dredging
projects in the Great Lakes Navigation
System receive the funding and attention
they are due under the law with two
amendments to the 2015 Energy and
Water Development and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, which was approved
in the House July 10 by a bipartisan vote
of 253-170.
The legislation, which among other
things would provide funding for the
Army Corps of Engineers in fiscal year
2015, was referred to the Senate
Committee on Appropriations on July 14.
An amendment to the appropriations bill authored by Rep. Bill
Huizenga (R-MI) and Rep. Janice Hahn
(D-CA) to increase the Army Corps budget by $57.6 million was approved and
included in the legislation. The additional funding would bring the Corps’
dredging budget to the level specified in
the recently enacted Water Resources
Reform and Development Act, and
should result in more dredging dollars
for Great Lakes Navigation System projects if the legislation with this language
is enacted, the Great Lakes Maritime
Task Force reported.
“Properly dredged harbors along the
Great Lakes are critical to Michigan’s
economy and vital to job creation throughout West Michigan,” said Rep. Huizenga,
who received the Great Lakes Legislator
of the Year Award from the task force in
May. “Passage of this amendment demonstrates that harbors, including those in the
Great Lakes, are a priority.”
Representatives Marcy Kaptur (DOH), Dan Benishek (R-MI) and Rick
Nolan (D-MN) spoke in support of the
measure during floor debate.
An amendment authored by
Representatives Sean Duffy (R-WI) and
Mike Kelly (R-PA) to ensure 10 percent of
the allocation from the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund is applied to
dredging projects in the Great Lakes
Navigation System, as mandated by the
Water
Resources
Reform
and
Development Act, was also approved and
included in the appropriations bill passed
by the House.
pleted on the Merchant Mariner Physical
Exam Form (CG-719K), as well as a current drug-free certification, to be eligible
to sail on the Great Lakes. Standard physicals administered by Anderson-Kelly will
not be accepted.
Interested AMO members should
contact the Great Lakes Dispatching
Department by phone at (800) 221-9395
or via e-mail: mmoffitt@amo-union.org.
Rep. Duffy’s district includes the
Port of Superior and Rep. Kelly’s district
includes the Port of Erie. Ships servicing
Superior and Erie have not been able to
carry full loads for decades. Inadequate
funding for dredging has left more than 18
million cubic yards of sediment clogging
the Great Lakes Navigation System, the
task force reported.
“This amendment leaves no doubt
that Congress fully intends for the Corps
to allocate 10 percent of harbor maintenance funding provided above the 2012
baseline,” said Glen Nekvasil, secretary of
the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force.
“This, plus the increase in Corps funding
nationwide, keeps us moving steadily
toward our goal of vessels once again carrying full loads.”
The Great Lakes Maritime Task
Force, of which American Maritime
Officers is a member, is the largest coalition to ever speak for the Great Lakes
shipping community, and draws its membership from both labor and management.
AMO aboard the American Mariner
AMO members working aboard the
American Mariner in July, here at the
TORCO ore transfer facility in Toledo,
Ohio, included Third Mate Laura
Basile.
AMO members working aboard the American Mariner in July, here at the
TORCO ore transfer facility in Toledo, Ohio, included Second Assistant
Engineer Adam Saile and First A.E. Richey Duncan. With them are AMO
National Representative Stan Barnes and AMO Senior National Assistant
Vice President Brian Krus.
The American Mariner unloads iron
ore at the TORCO ore transfer facility
in Toledo, Ohio. American Maritime
Officers represents all licensed officers aboard the American Steamship
Company vessel.
Great Lakes water levels coming back, but not full cargo loads
The rise in Great Lakes water levels
has yet to translate into full loads for U.S.flagged freighters moving iron ore, coal,
limestone, cement and other cargoes, the
Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) reported
in July. Vessels continue to leave port with
less than a full load onboard and the need
for dredging in the Great Lakes Navigation
System remains dire.
The largest iron ore cargo moved by a
U.S.-flag laker through the Soo Locks in
June totaled 69,576 tons. The record iron
ore cargo for the “Head-of-the-Lakes
Trade” is 72,300 tons and was carried in
1997, a period of near record-high water
levels, the LCA reported.
The deepest draft ever recorded for a
transit of the Poe Lock is 29’ 03” in 1986. If
a 1,000-foot-long U.S.-flag laker could
transit the lock that deep today, the vessel
would be carrying 72,727 tons. Yet vessels
in the coal trade continued to depart loading
docks with capacity to spare. The largest
coal cargo through the Soo Locks totaled
67,992 tons, nearly 5 percent less than the
record of 70,903 tons, the LCA reported.
Vessels in the short-haul trades below the
Soo Locks likewise are still unable to maximize their carrying capacity.
“The rise in water levels has allowed
vessels to carry larger cargos than a year
ago,” said LCA President James Weakley.
“However, water levels will begin their seasonal decline in the fall, so the fact that even
more carrying capacity will be unusable
makes the recent passage of the Water
Resources Reform and Development Act
even more important to the Great Lakes
Navigation System. That legislation desig-
nates the Lakes as a system in terms of
dredging and increases spending from the
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Passage
could not have come at a better time, for it
is clear higher water levels cannot themselves restore the Great Lakes Navigation
System to even functional, let alone project
dimensions. Only increased funding will
end the dredging crisis on the Great Lakes.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
estimates approximately 18 million cubic
yards of sediment clog Great Lakes ports
and waterways.
August 2014
6 • American Maritime Officer
Two ships, two unions, two operating companies
ONE TEAM
During a series of at-sea operations conducted near Long Beach, Calif. in June, the Navy’s first mobile landing platform, USNS Montford
Point (MLP 1), was moored alongside the LMSR USNS Bob Hope. The MLP’s vehicle transfer ramp was deployed, attached to the LMSR,
and then recovered, demonstrating the capabilities of the vehicle transfer ramp and the vessel’s ability to perform skin-to-skin operations.
The USNS Montford Point is operated for MSC by Ocean Ships, Inc. The USNS Bob Hope is operated for MSC by General Dynamics
American Overseas Marine Corp. Both ships are manned in all licensed positions by AMO and in all unlicensed positions by the SIU.
At-sea operation successfully demonstrates core capabilities of MLP 1
During a series of at-sea operations
conducted near Long Beach, Calif. in June,
the Navy’s first mobile landing platform,
USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), successfully demonstrated key technologies that will
provide improved capabilities for largescale logistics movements, such as the
transfer of vehicles and equipment at sea.
During the at-sea testing, the USNS
Montford Point was moored alongside the
large medium-speed
roll-on/roll-off
(LMSR) USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR 300).
The USNS Montford Point’s vehicle transfer
ramp was deployed, attached to the LMSR,
and then recovered, demonstrating the capabilities of the vehicle transfer ramp and the
vessel’s ability to perform skin-to-skin
operations.
The MLP with core capability set
(CCS) was developed primarily to provide a
surface interface between Maritime
Prepositioning Ship Squadron vessels and
connectors. The platform’s unique CCS
makes it possible for the ship to easily transfer vehicles, personnel and equipment from
other vessels, such as an LMSR, onto landing craft, air cushioned (LCAC) vehicles for
transportation to shore.
The MLP class of modular, flexible
ships belongs to Military Sealift
Command’s Maritime Prepositioning
Force as a mobile sea-base option that
The officers and crews of the USNS Montford Point and USNS Bob Hope in
June served in a series of robust test and evaluation events near Long Beach,
Calif. The USNS Montford Point is operated for MSC by Ocean Ships, Inc. The
USNS Bob Hope is operated for MSC by General Dynamics American
Overseas Marine Corp. Both ships are manned in all licensed positions by
American Maritime Officers and in all unlicensed positions by the Seafarers
International Union.
provides the fleet with critical afloat
capabilities, supporting the flexible
deployment of forces and supplies.
Contract civilian mariners operate and
navigate two MLPs on behalf of the
Navy and Marine Corps.
The USNS Montford Point is operated for MSC by Ocean Ships, Inc. The USNS
Bob Hope is operated for MSC by General
Dynamics American Overseas Marine
Corp. Both ships are manned in all licensed
positions by American Maritime Officers
and in all unlicensed positions by the
Seafarers International Union.
“The officers and crew of USNS
Montford Point are dedicated to providing
MSC and the U.S. Marine Corps with a reliable platform for conducting transfers at
sea,” said Captain Michael Sands, master
on MLP 1. “USNS Montford Point and
USNS Bob Hope have excelled in all areas
of testing to date. We especially would like
to thank the crew of the USNS Bob Hope for
their professionalism and support during
this testing evolution and look forward to
working with them in the future.”
The USNS Montford Point had the
core capability set installed in April. A
series of robust test and evaluation events in
June served as preparation for Initial
Operational Test and Evaluation events
scheduled to take place later this year.
August 2014
American Maritime Officer • 7
Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the USNS Montford Point in June during operations with the USNS Bob Hope included Third Mate
Tom Kozarski, Third Mate Gene Brown, Second Mate Joshua Jordan, Captain Michael Sands, Chief Engineer Joseph Gelhaus, First Assistant Engineer
Michael Long, Third A.E. Chris Beaton, Second A.E. Joe Moore and Electronics Officer Timmy Cannon. The USNS Montford Point is operated for MSC by
Ocean Ships, Inc.
Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the USNS Bob Hope in June during
operations with the USNS Montford Point included Third Mate William Spooner, Captain
Robert Silva, Chief Mate John Nowak, Chief Engineer Frank Coe, First Assistant Engineer
John Towles, Second A.E. Paul Lindholm, Second Mate Michael Thomas and Chief Mate Scott
Kreger. With them is AMO National Assistant Vice President Daniel Shea. The USNS Bob
Hope is operated for MSC by General Dynamics American Overseas Marine Corp.
At right: USNS Montford Point Chief Mate Douglas Garee and USNS Bob Hope Chief Mate
Scott Kreger shake hands as the MLP’s vehicle transfer ramp is connected to the LMSR.
Photo: Military Sealift
Command
AMO audited financial statements, LM-2 available online
The audited financial statements of
American Maritime Officers for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are
available for AMO membership review in
the secure section of the AMO website:
www.amo-union.org.
The audited financial statements
include a side-by-side comparison of the
union’s operating income and expenses
for each of the last two fiscal years.
AMO’s fiscal year begins on April 1 and
ends on March 31.
way data is reported. The financial statements report AMO’s revenue earned and
expenses incurred during the fiscal year,
regardless of when revenue is received or
when expenses are paid. The LM-2 reports
the amount of cash collected and cash disbursed for the fiscal year.
The secure section of the AMO
website is accessible to active AMO members and applicants. AMO members will
need to click on the “Member Log In” tab
on the AMO home page and log into the
secure section of the AMO website with
their user ID and password for the AMO
Dispatching website.
Once logged in, AMO members can
click on the link at the top of the page,
“View AMO Financial Reports,” to access
the documents.
Links are available on the log-in
page for AMO members who need to register for an online account with AMO
Dispatching, and for retrieving a lost or
forgotten password.
National Maritime Center policy on postdating
for Merchant Mariner Credential renewals
with their MMC renewal application,” said
AMO National Vice President, Government
Relations, Mike Murphy. “With this NMC
policy, it is no longer necessary to send this
request with the application for renewal.”
Under this policy, mariners must
carry both the old and new MMC while
signed aboard a vessel until the older document’s expiration date.
The NMC bulletin pertaining to this
policy, which was circulated via AMO
Currents in March, is available online at
www.uscg.mil/nmc/announcements/pdfs/
postdating_mmcs.pdf.
As a reminder to AMO members, the
U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime
Center has implemented a policy on the
delayed issuance of Merchant Mariner
Credentials (MMCs). Applications for
MMC renewal that are submitted within
eight months of the expiration date of a current MMC will result in a new MMC being
Also available for AMO membership review in the secure section of the
AMO website is the American Maritime
Officers LM-2 report for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2014.
AMO files the LM-2 financial disclosure report each year with the U.S.
Department of Labor, and the public document is also available through the
Department of Labor.
The financial statements differ from
the LM-2 financial disclosure report in the
issued postdated to the day following the
expiration of the current MMC.
This policy applies only to applications for MMC renewal, and it does not
apply if there is any other credential
activity requested during the renewal
process, such as the addition of endorsements to an MMC.
The National Maritime Center will
not hold renewed documents until the
issuance date. Applications for renewal will
continue to be processed, and renewed documents printed and mailed to mariners.
“For many years, I had been advising
AMO members to include a letter requesting delayed issuance of a new credential
August 2014
8 • American Maritime Officer
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 and
5, 12, 19, 26
January
2, 9, 16, 23
February
2, 9, 16, 23
March
8 September
27 October
3 November
1, 15 Dec.
10 November
8 December
12, 26 January
9, 23 February
9, 23 March
1 day
22, 23 January
March 30, 31
2 days
1 December
4 December
15 December
18 December
12, 15, January 2, 5 February
1 day
3, 17 December 14 January
ABS NS5 Fleet Management Software
3 days
Please call
Advanced Fire Fighting
5 days
18 August
15 September
20 October
17 November
12 January
9 February
Basic Safety Training — All 4 modules must be completed within 12 months:
Personal Safety Techniques (Mon/Tues — 1.5 days), Personal Safety & Social
Responsibility (Tues pm — .5 days), Elementary First Aid (Wed — 1 day), Fire Fighting &
Fire Prevention (Thurs/Fri — 2 days) — not required. if Combined Basic & Adv. Fire
Fighting completed within 12 months
5 days
11 August
8 September
13, 27 October
8 December
26 January
2 March
Basic Safety Training — Refresher
3 days
13 August
10 September
15, 29 October
12 November
10 December
28 January
4 March
Chemical Safety — Advanced
5 days
8 September
9 February
ECDIS
5 days
8 September
20 October
10 November
8 December
January 5
9 February
9 March
Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator)
3 days
29 September
5 January
Fast Rescue Boat
4 days
2 September
6 October
2 December
5 January
17 February
16 March
GMDSS — Requires after-hour homework
10 days
9 February
LNG Tankerman PIC
8 days
11 March
to qualified member candidates for employment and/or observation opportunities with
AMO contracted LNG companies. In all cases successful completion of the LNG PNC
classroom course is prerequisite.
5 days
23 March
Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat)
4 days
22 September
20 January
23 February
23 March
Safety Officer Course
2 days
18 September
12 March
Tankerman PIC DL — Classroom
5 days
29 September
12 January
Tankerman PIC DL — Simulator
10 days
7 July
11 August
20 October
8 December
26 January
23 February
Tankerman PIC DL — Accelerated Program
10 days TBA
Train the Trainer
5 days
22 September
27 October
15 December
12 January
9 March
Train the Trainer — Simulator Instructors
5 days
Please call
Vessel/Company Security Officer — Includes Anti-Piracy
3 days
15 September
3 December
9 March
5 days
25 Aug. (PM)
8, 15 Sept. (PM) 27 October
3, 17 Nov.
15 December
5 days
25 August
29 September
13 October
10 November
2 March
Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates — 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rd Mates
10 days
11 August
1 September
13 Oct (PM)
1 December
5 January
Advanced Emergency Shiphandling — First Class Pilots, Great Lakes
5 days
Please Call
Bridge Resource Management Seminar
3 days
Please call
Dynamic Positioning — Basic
5 days
3 November
2 February
Dynamic Positioning — Advanced
5 days
15 September
1 December
Integrated Bridge System (IBS) / Prodded Propulsion Training
5 days
Please call
STCW Deck Officer Refresher — Great Lakes
3 days
Please call
TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) — Third Mate (Unlimited or Great
Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required
5 days
25 August
Tug Training — ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive)
5 days
29 September
Visual Communications (Flashing Light) — Test only!
1 day
Scheduled as required
Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017)
Leadership & Teamwork (Mates) (Operational Level Mates only by 1 Jan 2017)
Engine Room Resource Management — Classroom (Engineers)
(Required by ALL Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017)
Management of Electrical, Electronic Controllers (Engineers) (Required
by ALL management level Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017)
Leadership & Teamwork (Engineers) (Only required by those Engineers who
completed old ERM class)
Basic Training & Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation (Required by first
credential renewal AFTER 1 Jan 2017)
EFA (Scheduled with Basic Training Revalidation BUT NOT REQUIRED
FOR STCW 2010)
5 days
17 November
1, 8, 15 Dec
1 day
13 November
14 November
5 days
11 August
5 days
5, 19 January
2, 16 February
2, 16 March
4 February
General Courses
9 March
LNG Simulator Training — Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course is given
Deck Courses
Advanced Bridge Resource Management
Advanced Shiphandling for Masters — (No equivalency) Must have sailed as
Chief Mate Unlimited
22 September
23 March
15 December
19 January
23 March
Engineering Courses
Advanced Slow Speed Diesel
10 days
29 September
16 March
Basic Electricity
10 days
6 October
2 February
Diesel Crossover
4 weeks
9 February
Gas Turbine Endorsement
10 days
8 December
High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom)
3 days
27 October
Hydraulics/ Pneumatics
10 days
20 October
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
5 days
20 October
18 February
Refrigeration (Operational Level)
5 days
18 August
10 November
16 March
17 November
23 March
Refrigeration (Management Level)
5 days
25 August
4 weeks
12 January
Electronics (Management) — NEW
1 week
3 November
Instrumentation (Management) — NEW
10 days
18 August
Steam Endorsement
Welding & Metallurgy Skills & Practices — Open to eligible Chief Mates and Masters on a space available basis.
Interested participants should apply and will be confirmed 2 weeks prior to start date.
23 February
5 January
2 weeks
8 September
27 October
9 February
19, 26 January
2 March
9, 23 Feb. (PM) 9 March
August 2014
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
Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology
5 days
19 January
Advanced Stability
5 days
26 January
2 1/2 days
2 February
Search & Rescue
5 January
Management of Medical Care
1/2 day
4 February
Leadership & Management
5 days
9 February
Advanced Cargo
5 days
16 February
Marine Propulsion Plants
5 days
23 February
Advanced Celestial
5 days
2 March
Advanced Navigation
5 days
9 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.
Celestial Navigation — Requires after-hour homework
5 days
13 October
1 December
2 March
Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hour homework
5 days
1 September
27 October
15 December
Cargo Operations
9 days
22 September
11 November
2 February
Marine Propulsion Plants
5 days
15 September
3 November
15 December
23 February
Upgrade: Stability
5 days
8 September
20 October
8 December
26 January
Watchkeeping 1: BRM
3 days
6 August
3 September
15 October
3 December
23 March
5 days
11 August
8 September
20 October
8 December
26 March
Watchkeeping 2: COLREGS — Watchkeeping 1 & 2 must be completed within 12
months of each other
19 January
Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level
10 days
15 September
27 October
8 Dec. (P.M)
5 January
Shipboard Management
5 days
18 August
6 October
17 November
16 February
Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (includes Simulator)
5 days
18 August
29 September
10 November
9 March
5 days
25 August
6 October
17 November
16 March
CMEO for Junior Engineers
5 days
Please call
Basic CBR Defense
1 day
29 August
31 October
19 December
27 February
Damage Control
1 day
28 August
30 October
18 December
26 February
Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat
1 day
Please call
Helicopter Fire Fighting
1 day
9 September
11 November
9 December
27 January
31 October
19 December
27 February
ECDIS — Advanced Navigation and the USCG approved ECDIS to be completed within
12 months of each other. Suggested dates follow. See also deck courses above.
MSC Training Program
Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD)
1/2 day
29 August
Marine Sanitation Devices
1/2 day
2 October
Medical PIC Refresher — Note: Not MSC approved
3 days
3 September
MSC Readiness Refresher — Must have completed full CBRD & DC once in career.
5 days
8 September
10 November
26 January
2 March
MSC Watchstander — BASIC — Once in career, SST grads grandfathered
2 days
25 September
4 December
12 February
26 March
MSC Watchstander — ADVANCED — Required for all SRF members
1 day
11, 29 Sept.
17 October
20 November
8 December
MSC Ship Reaction Force — Required every three years for SRF members
3 days
30 September
9 December
17 February
31 March
Small Arms — Initial & Sustainment (Refresher) Training — Open to
members & applicants eligible for employment through AMO (w/in 1 year) or MSC on
MARAD contracted vessels. Remedial shoot will be afforded on Day 4 for at least 1
weapon if passing score not attained. STCW Endorsement required.
3 days
11, 25 August
8, 22 Sep
14, 27 October
Water Sanitation Afloat
1/2 day
2 October
Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat
1 day
Please call
Elementary First Aid — Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 12 months
1 day
30 September
21 October
Medical Care Provider — Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 12 months.
Please fax EFA certificate when registering
3 days
1, 22 October
Medical PIC — Please fax MCP certificate when registering
5 days
Urinalysis Collector Training
Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) — Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only
3 March
15 January
16 February
12, 30 March
17 November
1, 15 Dec.
12, 26 January
9, 23 February
2 December
6 January
24 February
3 December
7 January
25 February
6, 27 October
8 December
12 January
2 March
1 day
20 October
3 November
1 December
23 February
9 March
1 day
4 November
10 March
Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only
1/2 day
5 November
11 March
Medical PIC Refresher — Note: Not MSC approved
3 days
3 September
1 day
2 September
14 November
22, 23 January
30, 31 March
1 day
Please call
ARPA
4 days
Please call
Radar Recertification & ARPA
5 days
Please call
Original Radar Observer Unlimited
5 days
Please call
9, 23 March
Medical Courses
Radar Courses
Radar Recertification
Radar Recertification at Toledo Maritime Academy — Non-Resident
Training, apply to Student Services, Dania Beach
13 November
Engine STCW / Original Engineer Training Routes — Engine STCW training routes are aimed at Great Lakes members wishing to transition to deep sea.
Original engineer training is available to members,
applicants and sponsored students seeking an original license.
Advanced Fire Fighting
5 days
15 September
12 January
Basic Safety Training
5 days
8 September
26 January
EFA/MCP
4 days
30 September
6 January
Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat)
4 days
22 September
20 January
Basic Electricity (original engineers only)
10 days
6 October
2 February
A/R
20 October
Original 3 A/E Preparation and Exams
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 2014
10 • American Maritime Officer
AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
DANIA BEACH, FL 33004
601 S. Federal Highway
(954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513
Thomas J. Bethel, National President
tommybethel@aol.com
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)
Charles A. Murdock, National Vice President, Inland Waters
(cmurdock@amo-union.org)
Mobile: (954) 531-9977
FAX: (954) 367-1025
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)
TOLEDO, OH 43604
The Melvin H. Pelfrey Building
One Maritime Plaza, Third Floor
(419) 255-3940
(800) 221-9395
FAX: (419) 255-2350
John E. Clemons, National Vice President, Great Lakes
(johnclemons@amo-union.org)
Brian D. Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice President
(bkrus@amo-union.org)
Stan Barnes, National Representative
(wbarnes@amo-union.org)
Michelle Moffitt, Dispatcher
(mmoffitt@amo-union.org)
GALVESTON, TX 77551
2724 61st Street, Suite B, PMB 192
David M. Weathers, National Assistant Vice President
(dweathers@amo-union.org)
(800) 362-0513 ext. 2001
Mobile: (409) 996-7362
FAX: (409) 737-4454
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 Assistant Vice President
(dshea@amo-union.org)
FAX: (954) 367-1064
STAR CENTER
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024
490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204
(202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001
Thomas J. Bethel, National President
tommybethel@aol.com
tbethel@amo-union.org
J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relations
mmurphy@amo-union.org
Mobile: (202) 560-6889
T. Christian Spain, National Assistant Vice President, Government Relations
cspain@amo-union.org
Mobile: (202) 658-9635
John K. DeCrosta, Director of Political Affairs
jdecrosta@amo-union.org
Mobile: (202) 557-9190
FAX: (202) 479-1188
PORTS
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19113
2 International Plaza, Suite 422
Robert J. Kiefer, National Executive Vice President
(rkiefer@amo-union.org)
(800) 362-0513 ext. 4001
Mobile: (215) 859-1059
FAX: (610) 521-1301
Chris Holmes, Contract Analyst (cholmes@amo‐union.org)
(800) 362‐0513 ext. 4002
Mobile: (856) 693‐0694
STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION
2 West Dixie Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004
(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
MEDICAL CLINIC
2 West Dixie Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004
(954) 927-5213
FAX: (954) 929-1415
AMO PLANS
2 West Dixie Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004
(800) 348-6515
FAX: (954) 922-7539
LEGAL
AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid
Program
Michael Reny
Mobile: (419) 346-1485
(419) 243-1105 / (888) 853-4662
MikeReny@BEX.NET
Joel Glanstein, General Counsel
437 Madison Ave
35th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 370-5100
FAX: (212) 697-6299
Maersk Arkansas — final U.S. crew
Captain Mark Rhodes submitted this photo of the final U.S. crew of the Maersk
Arkansas. The ship’s last day under U.S. registry was July 19. In the photo are
First Assistant Engineer Alexander Koroteyev, Chief Mate Dan Healey, Captain
Rhodes, Third Mate Linsey Knight, Chief Engineer Werner Kraemer, Electrician
Linarys Castillo-Ortiz, Deck Cadet Max Chase, Second Mate Henry Matthew, SA
Denis Cossio, AB/DM Rotillio Moreira-Alvarez, AB Miguel Matos, Chief Steward
Glenn Taan, Third A.E. Timothy Schneider, Second A.E. Robert Atkinson and
Chief Cook David Moses. Not in the picture are Bosun Charles Mul, AB/DM
Louis Indelicato, AB Sean Jones, AB Kaamil Gray and QMED Jeffery Bull.
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 AMO National Headquarters (on Tuesday when
Monday is a contract holiday). The next meetings will take
place on the following dates:
AMO National Headquarters: September 8, October 6
August 2014
American Maritime Officer • 11
AMO members encouraged to complete STCW 2010
gap closing training as soon as possible
Enrollment at STAR Center is
underway for courses to meet the requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard’s implementation of STCW 2010. Members of
American Maritime Officers are encouraged to register for the training they will
need to meet these requirements as soon
as possible, and well before the Jan. 1,
2017 implementation date.
Merchant Mariner Credentials
(MMCs) can be renewed between now
and the implementation date with no new
requirements. However, MMCs that are
renewed without the gap closing training
requirements having being met will have
an STCW endorsement expiration date of
Dec. 31, 2016.
The expiration date limitation can be
avoided by submitting a renewal application with documentation showing gap closing training has been completed. The
STCW expiration limitation can also be lifted at a later date by submitting a separate
application with documentation showing
gap closing training has been completed.
Planning to complete required training well ahead of the deadline, and if possible, ahead of the renewal of a current
MMC will help prevent the need for submitting additional documentation to the
U.S. Coast Guard.
STAR Center has posted presentations online describing the gap closing
requirements for different ratings. The pre-
sentations are available in a variety of formats on the STAR Center website
(www.star-center.com). STAR Center has
also prepared a guidance sheet, which lists
STCW 2010 gap closing requirements and
compliance dates for existing mariners who
already hold the required credentials to sail.
The U.S. Coast Guard has so far
released 19 of the 26 NVICs related to the
final rule, and STAR Center has been able
to use the information to plan and sched-
ule the necessary courses to accommodate
AMO members. STAR Center has
released the set schedule for all gap closing courses for STCW through 2015.
AMO members are encouraged to enroll
in the courses they will individually need
as soon as possible. AMO members can
register online for courses.
STAR Center will be releasing additional information as it becomes available
on gap closing and upgrading programs.
Upgrading to master after preparing at STAR Center
Marlin Class
Continued from Page 1
“These vessels are the largest investment in our company’s history,” said Denise
Tabbutt, one of the three sisters who are primary shareholders in TOTE’s parent company, Saltchuk Resources. “We have a
tremendous amount of confidence in the
NASSCO team ... and we are lucky to have
such incredible partners.”
American Maritime Officers
member Richard Benish in June
successfully completed all
exams at REC Miami to
upgrade to master, Great
Lakes, any gross tons, after
preparing at STAR Center.
August 2014
12 • American Maritime Officer
Reps. Garamendi, Hunter co-sponsor
Growing American Shipping Act
Legislation promotes revitalization of the industry
through the export of liquefied natural gas
The following article was released
July 30 by the office of Congressman John
Garamendi (D-CA).
WASHINGTON, DC — Today,
Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA03), Ranking Member of the House
Transportation and Infrastructure’s
Coast
Guard
and
Maritime
Transportation Subcommittee, introduced H.R. 5270, the Growing American
Shipping Act, to strengthen the U.S.
maritime industry. The Subcommittee’s
Chairman, Congressman Duncan Hunter
(R-CA-50), joined the legislation as an
original cosponsor.
Existing law, written before the
natural gas boom when we thought
America would be a liquefied natural gas
(LNG) importer, authorizes the
Secretary of Transportation to develop
and implement a program to promote the
transportation of imported LNG on U.S.-
flag vessels. Under the Deepwater Ports
Act, the Secretary is also required to
give top priority to the processing of
licenses for LNG import facilities that
will utilize U.S.-flag vessels.
This bill would modernize these
laws, ensuring that our commitment to
U.S. maritime is maintained as we consider export opportunities. It would:
•Authorize the Secretary of
Transportation to develop and implement
a program to promote the export of LNG
on U.S.-flag vessels, and
•Require the Secretary to give priority processing of export applications for
deepwater port terminals that would utilize U.S.-flag vessels.
Ranking Member Garamendi said,
“In order for businesses to grow, they
must identify new opportunities and seize
them. The export market for LNG, a
strategic national asset, is ready to take
off. At the same time, our nation’s maritime industry has been declining for
years. Our nation must take the bull by the
horns. When it is deemed appropriate to
export LNG, it should be on Americanflagged vessels.”
Chairman Hunter said, “A strong
U.S. maritime industry is essential to the
national economy and global security.
This legislation will help strengthen this
industry by promoting LNG export opportunities on U.S. flag vessels — which is
most certainly in the national interest.”
Senate confirms Jaenichen as maritime administrator
The Senate has confirmed Paul
“Chip” Jaenichen as U.S. maritime
administrator.
“Chip is working hard on behalf
of our industry and his confirmation is
very positive for MARAD and for U.S.
merchant mariners,” said American
Maritime Officers National Vice
President, Government Relations, Mike
Murphy. “He has developed good relationships with the stakeholders of the U.S. maritime industry and we’re optimistic about
what MARAD can accomplish under his
leadership.”
Chairman of the American Maritime
Partnership (AMP) Thomas Allegretti
said: “AMP members appreciate
Administrator Jaenichen’s understanding
that a strong domestic maritime industry is
critical for U.S. economic, national, and
homeland security and that this essential
industry is best supported by maintaining
the Jones Act, which serves as the foundation of the nation’s vibrant domestic mar-
USNS Mendonca serves in JLOTS 2014
Members of American Maritime
Officers aboard the USNS Mendonca
remained cool under pressure as they
took part in Military Sealift Command’s
annual Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore
exercise, held in Alaska from March 27
to April 2.
The exercise, sponsored by the
U.S. Transportation Command, is
designed to move military and disaster
relief supplies from ships at sea to shore in
areas where port infrastructure is not
available. The USNS Mendonca, a large
medium-speed roll-on/roll-off ship, is ideally suited for such maneuvers, particularly in icy conditions due to the vessel’s
unique onboard systems.
Still, the climate proved to be a
challenge during the military exercise.
“The extreme tides, strong currents
and floating ice made a big challenge even
bigger,” said AMO member Captain
Michael Wachter, master on the USNS
Mendonca. “The key players from all the
services pulled together and made the
near-impossible [seem] routine.”
The USNS Mendonca is operated
for Military Sealift Command by General
Dynamics American Overseas Marine
Corp. and is manned in all licensed posi-
itime policy. We look forward to working with him to ensure that the
American maritime sector can grow
and thrive as we proudly continue our
service to the nation.” AMP is a coalition of which American Maritime
Officers Service is a member and
which AMO supports.
tions by American Maritime Officers.
During the seven-day exercise,
the USNS Mendonca and its crew supported MSC’s Expeditionary Port Units
116 and 117 and the Army’s 7th
Transportation Brigade, as reported in
Sealift, the official publication of MSC.
This year’s JLOTS operation included
14 linked disaster-response scenarios
that might arise if a major earthquake
were to strike in Alaska. MSC based the
magnitude of the natural disaster on the
real-life event of 1964.
Above: The USNS Mendonca
participated in the annual Joint
Logistics Over-the-Shore exercise, held this year in Alaska
from March 27 to April 2.
Above: AMO officers aboard
the USNS Mendonca worked
with MSC’s Expeditionary Port
Units 116 and 117 and the
Army’s 7th Transportation
Brigade during the seven-day
JLOTS exercise in Alaska.
At right: The USNS Mendonca
offloaded disaster relief cargo
and military vehicles that could
be used in relief efforts, including amphibious vehicles and
watercraft.
At left: The USNS Mendonca
worked successfully with other
military vessels to complete
ship-to-shore exercises during
MSC’s annual JLOTS event in
Alaska.