To All MEBA Members

Marine Engineers’ Beneficial
Association (AFL-CIO)
444 N. Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 800
Washington, DC 20001-1570
Hot Off the Press
TEL: (202) 257-2825
FAX: (202) 638-5369
To: All Ports
From: Marco Cannistraro
Total Pages Including Cover: 5
Date: 3/26/15
Telex Times
#13
E-Mail: marco@MEBAunion.org
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MARINE ENGINEERS’ BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION (AFL-CIO)
“On Watch in Peace and War Since 1875”
M.E.B.A. TELEX TIMES
The Official Union Newsletter
NUMBER 13
MARCH 26, 2015
In this issue//6th Annual Sail-In//MOLA Meeting at HQ//NMC Gap-Closing Requirement
Policy//Cesar Chavez, Harry Bridges Holidays//APL Port Engineer Needed//FMC’s Doyle
Confirmed for Five Years//Dues Arrears Notice//Cyber Attacks are a Threat to Shipping//
MARITIME INDUSTRY PEPPERS CONGRESS ON ISSUES DURING 6TH ANNUAL
SAIL-IN
A cross-section of maritime industry representatives took to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for the 6th
Annual Maritime Industry Congressional Sail-In. At least 100 industry advocates visited over
100 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisles to promote our issues and solidify
support with lawmakers for the betterment of U.S. maritime. As usual, it was a grueling yet
productive day on the Hill trumpeting the integral role of American mariners while warning
Members that their assistance in the halls of Congress is key for the survival of U.S.-flag
shipping.
M.E.B.A. and AMC officials and staffers were sprinkled throughout 21 groups made up of
representatives from various unions, companies and other associations appealing to Members of
Congress at this critical juncture. Lawmakers were informed about the dire need for increased
peacetime cargo to help sustain the foreign trade U.S.-flag fleet. They were reminded that their
support of the Jones Act, Maritime Security Program and new Academy training vessels is
critical. In addition, the rechartering of the Export-Import Bank was discussed and they were told
that the program provides another source of cargo to U.S.-flag vessels. The Bank needs the
approval of Congress to continue beyond June 30, 2015. Vocal and opinionated lawmakers on
each side of the issue promise to make the fight over the Bank’s reauthorization a battle royale.
As always, you are urged to write a letter or email your District and State legislators to urge them
to do the right thing when it comes to the maritime industry.
MOLA MEETING AT M.E.B.A. HQ
M.E.B.A. met with MM&P principals on Wednesday in advancement of the Merchant Officers
Labor Alliance (MOLA). Officials from the unions gathered at M.E.B.A. Headquarters to further
examine how they can pool resources on like-minded endeavors to the benefit of both
memberships. The MOLA’s Joint Operating Committee, made up of three top officials from
each union, had a positive and productive session that delved into a multitude of issues and
initiatives. Topics discussed included the sharing of union halls, the Pass-Through and Tri-Partite
agreements, common contracts and the Military to Mariner program, among other items.
The MOLA was formed between the unions almost a decade ago to strengthen our organizations
with an eye toward securing stronger contracts and increased job security. The unions seek to
achieve this by working together to cut costs, strengthen the positions of both organizations in
the maritime industry and present a united front on Capitol Hill. Before this meeting, the parties
last met in December and plan to meet again soon.
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Taking part in Wednesday’s meeting were M.E.B.A.’s President Marshall Ainley, Executive
V.P. Adam Vokac and Secretary-Treasurer Bill Van Loo. From the MM&P were President Don
Marcus, Secretary-Treasurer Steve Werse and Pacific Ports V.P. Dave Boatner.
NMC CLARIFIES STCW POLICY ON “GAP-CLOSING” REQUIREMENTS
The National Maritime Center has issued guidance concerning additional training/assessments
for certain STCW endorsements required after regulatory changes made a year ago. Mariners
with STCW endorsements secured under the previous regulatory requirements need to show
evidence of meeting the “gap closing” requirements or their endorsements could end up being
limited to “Not valid after 31 Dec. 2016.” NMC notes that STCW gap-closing requirements “do
not affect limitation or retention of national endorsements.” The NMC policy for processing
applications with and without gap--closing requirements is stated on their website at
www.uscg.mil/nmc/announcements/pdfs/stcw_gapclosing_bulletin.pdf A list of STCW
endorsements with gap-closing requirements follows:
Management Level (Master, Chief Mate - II/2, II/3)
• Leadership and Managerial Skills
• ECDIS (To be valid on vessels equipped with ECDIS)
Management Level (Chief Engineer, 1st A/E - III/2, III/3)
• Engine Resource Management (ERM) if not completed at the operational level
• Leadership and Managerial Skills
• Management of Electrical and Electronic Control Equipment Operational Level (OICNW - II/1,
II/3)
• Leadership and Teamwork Skills
• ECDIS (To be valid on vessels equipped with ECDIS)
Operational Level (OICEW - III/1)
• ERM
• Leadership and Teamwork Skills
NMC notes that mariners who have STCW endorsements removed or date-limited because gapclosing requirements were not completed, may have those STCW endorsements restored or the
date removed at any time by submitting a new application with evidence of meeting all gapclosing requirements. Further questions and clarifications are available from the NMC help line
at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) or IASKNMC@uscg.mil.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE NEXT WEEK; CESAR CHAVEZ, HARRY BRIDGES
West Coast Union halls will be closed on Tuesday, March 31st to honor labor leader César
Chávez upon the occasion of his birthday. In the early 1950s Chávez battled racial and economic
discrimination, coordinated voter registration drives and fought for better working conditions. He
was known for his use of non-violent tactics and he made the farm workers’ struggle a moral
cause with nationwide support. He co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962
that was chartered by the AFL-CIO four years later. This would later become the United Farm
Workers (UFW). César Chávez gained international notoriety as he led boycotts and fasted to
bring attention to wretched labor conditions and unfair contracts. He died in 1993.
In addition, the Honolulu Union hall will be closed on Monday, March 30th for Harry Bridges
Memorial Day marking 25 years since the labor giant died. Bridges’ involvement in the crisis on
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the San Francisco waterfront during the events of Bloody Thursday in 1934 led to vastly
improved labor conditions. He helped establish the International Longshoremen's and
Warehousemen's Union (ILWU) in 1937. Harry led the union for over 40 years. He died in 1990.
APL PORT ENGINEER AND/OR ASST. P.E. (TEMP./PERM.) NEEDED
American President Lines has opportunities for interested and qualified personnel for the
position of Port Engineer and/or Assistant Port Engineer (Temporary/Permanent). The
candidates should hold a valid license. Previous shoreside experience is a plus. The positions will
be located in Oakland, California. Qualified personnel should submit their resumes to: John
Dragone at john_dragone@aplmaritime.com and Christian Yuhas, Oakland M.E.B.A. Patrolman
at cyhuhas@mebaunion.org.
FMC’S DOYLE CONFIRMED TO NEW 5-YEAR TERM
The Federal Maritime Commission’s William Doyle has been confirmed for a five-year term as
Commissioner after Senators voted in his favor 89-0 this week. Doyle has served as one of the
five FMC Commissioners since January 2013 when he took over the expiring term of Joseph
Brennan. Bill Doyle got his start in the industry sailing around the world as an M.E.B.A.
engineer. He worked at our Headquarters in Washington D.C. for almost eight years before his
FMC appointment. His renomination for a new term had been sitting for over a year before this
week’s Senate action. The new term is retroactive to the expiration of his initial term and will run
until June 2018. Congrats Bill!
THOSE IN DUES ARREARS WILL BE DROPPED
Members or applicants two years in arrears on their dues and/or service charges will be put under
review by the District Investigating Committee (DIC) and DROPPED from the membership or
applicant rolls. The DIC issues their drop list in June.
If you are in arrears and desire to retain your membership or applicant status, you must contact
Headquarters immediately to make payment on your arrearage and return to good standing.
Members and applicants can make payments online in a secure manner. Visit the M.E.B.A.
homepage at www.mebaunion.org.
CYBER-ATTACKS A THREAT TO THE INDUSTRY
Last year was the safest year of shipping in the last decade with only 75 vessels lost
(sinkings/strandings/explosions) worldwide, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE’s (AGCS)
reported in their third annual Safety and Shipping Review. Shipping losses have declined by
50% since 2005.
However, cyber risks pose new challenges to shipping in the future. “A cyber-attack targeting
technology onboard, in particular electronic navigation systems, could possibly lead to a total
loss or even involve several vessels from one company,” said Sven Gerhard, Global Product
Leader Hull & Marine Liabilities, AGCS. Other scenarios include cyber criminals targeting a
major port, closing terminals, or interfering with containers or confidential data. Such attacks
could also result in significant business interruption costs, notwithstanding liability or
reputational losses.
“Cyber risk may be in its infancy in the sector today,” noted Captain Rahul Khanna. “But ships
and ports could become enticing targets for hackers in the future. Companies must simulate
potential scenarios and identify appropriate mitigation strategies.”
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SIGN UP FOR M.E.B.A. VACATION PLAN DIRECT DEPOSIT
Visit M.E.B.A. Plans website (www.mebaplans.org under Forms, Vacation). Contact (800) 8116322 or vacation@mebaplans.org for more info.
M.E.B.A. DATABASE UPDATE
Make sure to help update our database with your latest info. Fill out the form at a hall or online
at http://mebaunion.org/update.pdf
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS
Monday, April 6 – Boston@1200; Seattle@1300;
Tuesday, April 7 – Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School@1430; Charleston@1400;
Houston@1315; San Francisco (Oakland)@1230;
Wednesday, April 8 – Jacksonville@1300; New Orleans@1315;
Thursday, April 9 – L.A. (Wilmington)@1230; New York (New Jersey)@1300; Norfolk@1430;
Tampa@1300;
Friday, April 10 – Honolulu@1100.
-----FINISHED WITH ENGINES-----
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