February 2016 - American Maritime Officers

MARAD awards contracts for 48 NDRF vessels
Volume 46, Number 2
The Department of Transportation on
January 22 announced the award of
Maritime Administration contracts for the
operation, maintenance and manning of 48
National Defense Reserve Fleet vessels,
including 46 Ready Reserve Force ships
and two ships that support Missile Defense
Agency operations.
Companies operating ships under
contract with American Maritime Officers
were awarded MARAD contracts for the
following 27 ships:
•Crowley Technical Management,
Inc.: Cape Washington, Cape Wrath,
Curtiss, Wright
•Ocean Duchess, Inc.: Cape May,
Cape Mohican, Cape Intrepid, Cape
Inscription, Cape Isabel, Cape Island,
Algol, Capella
•Pacific-Gulf Marine: Gem State,
Grand Canyon State, Keystone State,
Flickertail State, Gopher State, Cornhusker
State
•TOTE Services, Inc.: Altair,
Bellatrix, Denebola, Pollux, Regulus,
Antares, Petersburg, Pacific Collector,
Pacific Tracker
The following is excerpted from an
article posted by the Maritime
February 2016
Administration January 22.
WASHINGTON
—
U.S.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx
today announced that DOT has awarded
contracts with a total award value of $1.96
billion over eight years to seven U.S. maritime firms to manage, maintain and operate
48 National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF)
vessels through January 2024. These
Maritime Administration contracts are
funded by the Department of Defense
(DoD) National Defense Sealift Fund to
support DoD’s strategic sealift mission.
“Since 1946, National Defense
Reserve Fleet vessels have facilitated U.S.
strategic sealift, natural disaster response,
and humanitarian operations all around the
world,” Foxx said. “From supporting our
proud to have successfully built the world’s
very first LNG-powered containerships.”
As part of a two-ship contract signed
in December 2012 with TOTE, the 764-foot
long Marlin Class containerships will be the
largest dry cargo ships powered by LNG,
making them the cleanest cargo-carrying
ships anywhere in the world. This groundbreaking green ship technology dramatically decreases emissions and increases fuel
troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and providing humanitarian support for Haiti, to supporting the United Nations’ at-sea neutralization of Syria’s chemical weapons — this
fleet reliably, economically, and efficiently
advances U.S. contributions to global peace
and prosperity.”
The 18 contracts awarded to seven
U.S. maritime firms total $953.5 million for
the four-year base contract, which runs
through January 2020. The contracts also
include two two-year options, bringing the
total award value to $1.96 billion. The contracts were awarded to companies that
offered the best value to the government.
These seven companies are responsible for
maintaining the ships in good mechanical
condition and ensuring that crews are available to operate them when needed.
Forty-six of the vessels are part of the
Department of Transportation’s Ready
Reserve Force, a fleet managed by the
Maritime Administration (MARAD) that
provides rapid mass movement of
Department of Defense equipment and supplies to support our Armed Forces, and also
responds to national and humanitarian
See RRF Contracts ◆ Page 12
Perla Del Caribe delivered by GD NASSCO
General Dynamics NASSCO on
January 22 delivered the world’s second
containership to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Perla Del
Caribe. The ship was delivered two
months ahead of schedule and is the sister ship of the world’s first LNG-powered containership, the Isla Bella, also
built by NASSCO for TOTE Maritime.
“The Perla Del Caribe and the
Isla Bella exemplify world-leading,
innovative technologies being used to
build ocean-going ships that are costeffective, friendly to the environment
and offer a competitive edge,” said
Kevin Graney, vice president and general manager at General Dynamics
NASSCO. “NASSCO shipbuilders are
VPAF: the direct link between
legislation and AMO jobs
efficiency when compared to conventionally-powered ships, the equivalent
of removing nearly 16,000 automobiles
from the road.
See Marlin Class ◆ Page 10
Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO
Page 2: Midway through the 114th Congress at the New Year, long term
job and benefit security had been sustained for AMO members employed
on some 125 deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland waters vessels through legislative work in 2015, an especially busy, productive year in Washington.
USNS Pathfinder rescues sailor from
sinking boat near Bahamas
Page 7: The officers and crew of the USNS Pathfinder on Christmas
Eve rescued Canadian national Eric Valois from his sinking sailboat,
Flamboyant, which was dead in the water in 30-knot winds and rough
seas near the Bahamas.
Page 7: Submitting STCW gap closing courses to USCG
Copyright © 2016 American Maritime Officers
■
editorial@amo-union.org
VPAF: the direct link between
legislation and AMO jobs
2 • American Maritime Officer
Billets on 125 deep-sea, Great Lakes and
inland vessels secured by gains on Capitol Hill
By Paul Doell
National President
Having served as our union’s
legislative director
for more than
seven years, I can
attest personally to
the
direct,
unbreakable link
between
the
American Maritime
Officers
Voluntary Political
Action Fund and every job held by every
AMO member and applicant for AMO
membership on every commercial vessel
operating under AMO contract in domestic
and international trades.
Midway through the 114th Congress
at the New Year, long term job and benefit
security had been sustained for AMO members employed on some 125 deep-sea, Great
Lakes and inland waters vessels through
legislative work in 2015, an especially busy,
productive year in Washington.
Significant gains for our union
included: a strengthened Maritime Security
Program; a four-year reprieve for the
Export-Import Bank of the United States;
increased funding of the PL-480 “Food for
Peace” program and tighter restriction on
the diversion of PL-480 money to “local
and regional purchase” or cash in lieu of
cargoes to recipient countries; and successful defense of the Jones Act on three fronts.
American Maritime Officers — long
acknowledged by Capitol Hill insiders as
the most politically influential of the three
U.S. merchant marine officers’ unions —
was the licensed labor lead on all these positive developments, calling on all the right
House and Senate offices at all the right
times, digging deeper into Congressional
corners typically inaccessible to the other
unions and making a clear, consistent and
credible case on each issue.
This unique access, these distinctions
and these considerable achievements would
not have been possible without the savvy
seagoing AMO membership’s traditionally
strong support of the American Maritime
Officers Voluntary Political Action Fund.
VPAF is used exclusively to support
the re-election campaigns of House and
Senate members who support the privately
owned and operated U.S.-flag merchant
fleet and American merchant mariners.
Political party affiliation, ideological alignment, and a candidate’s stand on issues
irrelevant to maritime labor and industry are
not factors behind the smart, strategic disbursement of campaign contributions
drawn from the AMO Voluntary Political
Action Fund.
As this summary shows, AMO’s
accomplishments in 2015 were especially
satisfying, given what many observers refer
to as Congressional “gridlock,” the perceived inability to get things done, and the
daunting budget climate.
Maritime Security Program
One week before Christmas, the
President signed an omnibus appropriations
bill to fund the government through fiscal
2016, which ends next September 30. One
provision in the package provided an
increase in Maritime Security Program
funding from $3.1 million per ship to $3.5
million per ship until fiscal 2017 next
October 1. The bill also authorized an MSP
increase from $3.5 million per ship per year
to $5 million per ship per year for five
years, beginning in fiscal year 2017.
These authorized increases and
matching appropriations would ensure continued employment for AMO engine and
deck officers on at least 15 U.S.-flag container, heavy lift and roll-on/roll-off ships
operating in international trade in the MSP’s
Maritime Security Fleet.
Export-Import Bank
On December 4, the President signed
into law a five-year surface transportation
measure that included a four-year charter
renewal for the Export-Import Bank of the
United States, or “Ex-Im Bank.” This selfsustaining bank underwrites the overseas
sale of goods manufactured in the U.S. In
fiscal 2015, Ex-Im Bank transactions
exceeded $17 billion in value, supported
109,000 private sector jobs nationwide, and
returned $431.6 million to the U.S. Treasury.
Under Public Resolution 17 — adopted in Congress upon creation of the ExportImport Bank in 1934 — 100 percent of the
export cargoes triggered by the bank are
held for U.S.-flag merchant ships.
For our union, this cargo preference
requirement provides an additional boost to
the heavy lift and container fleets.
‘Food for Peace’
Without question, funding of the PL480 “Food for Peace” program — specifically, Title II of the law, which provides for
the purchase of U.S.-grown farm commodities for humanitarian relief shipment overseas — is the most difficult year-to-year
issue addressed by AMO in the capital.
The White House and a bipartisan
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bloc of House and Senate members prefer
risky alternatives to the direct shipment of
food aid, including “local and regional purchase” of farm products, cash transfers or
vouchers in lieu of commodities, or some
combination of both. Some federal agencies
and elected officials also object to the application of U.S.-flag cargo preference to PL480 food aid shipments.
Despite these obstacles, the fiscal
2016 omnibus appropriations bill signed by
the President included $250 million more
for home-grown PL-480 Title II food aid
purchases for delivery abroad, and U.S.-flag
merchant ships are due at least 50 percent of
the resulting volume under the current cargo
preference requirement.
Equally important, PL-480 Title II
funding cannot be diverted to “local and
regional purchase” or to cash or cash equivalents for overseas food purchases.
These modest developments will
keep AMO members working on ocean
going bulk carriers and on container ships
that carry bagged PL-480 grains.
AMO this year will focus not only on
PL-480 funding and traditional Title II U.S.
sourced commodities and the statutory use of
U.S. ships for delivery to recipient countries,
but also on restoring the U.S.-flag food aid
share to 75 percent. This was the level in
place from 1985 until July 2012, when a late
night, last minute amendment to a surface
transportation bill reduced the U.S.-flag
cargo preference amount to 50 percent.
The Jones Act
Last year, we saw a Senate threat to
the Jones Act, which holds all domestic
waterborne commerce for merchant vessels
owned, built, flagged and crewed in the
U.S. Though limited in scope by targeting
only the law’s U.S. construction mandate,
this bid would have inspired comparable
initiatives against the law’s U.S. ownership,
registry and manning requirements.
We also saw a concerted effort to tie
the Jones Act inappropriately to the financial crisis in Puerto Rico and a powerful
push for Jones Act amendment or repeal as
part of the legislation that lifted the ban on
the export of U.S. crude oil.
Much to the continued frustration of
the Jones Act’s most ardent and determined
critics, all three strategies stalled. But we
expect Jones Act challenges to persist this
year, especially in the context of Puerto
Rico and legislation to assist the
Commonwealth — a bill addressing Puerto
Rico’s difficulties could be crafted as early
as March 2016.
Even a narrow Jones Act concession
February 2016
here would encourage business interests
seeking Jones Act exemptions for Hawaii
and Alaska. Even a thin win in the case of
Puerto Rico for Jones Act critics at home
would inspire foreign governments —
Japan, the European Union, the Nordic
countries, Panama, Mexico, Canada and
others — to press their longstanding
demands for access to U.S. domestic maritime markets for their merchant fleets
through multilateral, bilateral and regional
trade negotiations.
American Maritime Officers is in the
enviable position among the officers’
unions of having the most on the line in the
ongoing Jones Act debate. AMO engine and
deck officers are now at work on oceangoing ships operating between the State of
Washington and Alaska, between the U.S.
West Coast mainland and Hawaii and
between Florida and Puerto Rico.
In addition, AMO holds down the
licensed jobs on 25 Jones Act petroleum
product tankers and seven articulated tugbarges, and many more Jones Act tankers
and dry cargo ships under construction or
on order in U.S. shipyards will be added to
the AMO deep-sea fleet roster in the next
18 months.
On the Great Lakes, AMO licensed
engineers and licensed mates, as well as
stewards, fill jobs on 30 self-propelled, selfunloading Jones Act dry bulk carriers and
tug-barges and the legendary Lake
Michigan car ferry SS Badger.
Inland, AMO contracts cover 41
Jones Act tugs and tug-barges.
The agenda this year
Seagoing AMO members can be
comfortable with our union’s legislative triumphs in 2015, and they can be proud of
their participation in the American
Maritime Officers Voluntary Political
Action Fund. But they are cautioned against
complacency at this important point.
The Maritime Security Program, allAmerican food aid sourced and shipped
under PL-480, and the Export-Import Bank
are subject to annual appropriations agreed
to by the House and Senate and signed by
the President — authorized spending does
not equate automatically to money actually
spent on any federal program.
The Jones Act is not a budget issue,
but it represents a substantial and increasing
number of jobs for AMO. It is our collective
responsibility to insulate this law against all
challenges arising stateside and abroad.
As always, American Maritime
Officers will be steeped in the struggle on
these matters and others that may develop.
Meanwhile, and on behalf of the National
Executive Board of AMO, I extend lasting
gratitude to seagoing AMO members and
applicants who join us in routine support of
the AMO Voluntary Political Action Fund. I
encourage all others to join in at amounts
they can be comfortable with — the fund is
a safe, reliable and practical investment
option known to yield real return.
I welcome all comments and questions about the AMO Voluntary Political
Action Fund — feel free to call me on the
AMO headquarters office line at 954921-2221 (Ext. 1001) or on my cell at
954-881-5651.
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Gen. McDew: Losing our sea legs
February 2016
This column originally appeared in
The Virginian-Pilot and is reprinted here
with permission.
By Gen. Darren McDew
Commander
U.S. Transportation Command
Twenty-five years ago today the
United States completed the largest deployment of combat power since World War II.
That effort represented the ultimate show of
national resolve in the face of aggression by
projecting a decisive combat force, around
the globe, to crush the world’s fourth largest
army in just 100 hours.
The sheer size and complexity of that
deployment was staggering. The material
moved was four times more than the D-Day
invasion and six and a half times more than
the peak of Vietnam. It was also the farthest
the United States had ever deployed forces.
We all remember the news clips
showing helicopters rolling off massive airplanes, but as a career Air Force officer, I
must tell you the reality is almost 95 percent
of all cargo went by ship. The mere 5 percent moved by air required near full mobilization of commercial industry and maxed
out our military airlift fleets. Indeed, sealift
transported more than 2.1 million tons of
cargo, which included everything from
2,000 main battle tanks to millions of Meals
Ready to Eat.
We often credit the decisive victory
of the “100-hour ground war” to the professionalism, strategy and technological edge
of our combat forces.
I submit to you, however, our overwhelming success was due in large part to
the 10,000 U.S. mariners who sped 220
shiploads of decisive U.S. combat power
throughout the buildup known as Operation
Desert Shield. Without those mariners and
vessels, our ability to project decisive force
and demonstrate our national resolve would
have been a mere fraction of what was
required to ensure the swift victory the
world witnessed. Simply put, moving an
army of decisive size and power can only be
accomplished by sea.
Unfortunately, our ability to project a
force the way we did 25 years ago is no
longer guaranteed. This should shock you.
It shocks me.
As a country, we have collectively
worked to maintain a strong maritime
industry that supports our needs. From
enacting the Cargo Preference Acts of 1904
and 1954 to the Jones Act of 1920, and from
a 1989 National Security Directive to the
Maritime Security Act of 1996, we have
sought to delay the day when U.S. national
security interests could no longer be supported by a U.S. mariner base springing
from our commercial sealift industry.
In the 1950s, there were more than
1,000 U.S. ships engaged in international
trade. Each of these vessels employed and
AMO aboard cable ship Resolute
American Maritime Officers members working aboard the cable ship Resolute in October included Captain Miroslaw
Salamonik, First Assistant Engineer Kristen Welf, First Officer Erik Bekkelund, Chief Engineer Chris Kapantais,
Chief Mate Steven Vogler, Second A.E. Lee Patrick, Second A.E. Matt Gonzales and Third A.E. James Gilhooly.
AMO represents all licensed officers aboard the Transoceanic Cable Ship vessel.
Export-Import Bank supports $17 billion in U.S.
exports, returns $431.6 million to U.S. Treasury
The Export-Import Bank of the
United States (Ex-Im Bank) has released its
fiscal year 2015 annual report, highlighting
its support of more than $17 billion in U.S.
exports and an estimated 109,000 U.S. jobs,
the Ex-Im Bank reported on January 14.
The bank also announced it has transferred
$431.6 million in deficit-reducing receipts
to the U.S. Treasury’s General Fund for fiscal year 2015.
The Ex-Im Bank is a self-sustaining
federal agency and operates at no cost to the
taxpayers. Over the last two decades, the
bank has generated a surplus of almost $7
billion for U.S. taxpayers.
The charter of the U.S. Export-Import
Bank was renewed December 4 as part of
five-year surface transportation authorization legislation, which included a provision
to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank
through fiscal year 2019.
Export cargoes financed with the
assistance of the Ex-Im Bank must be
shipped on U.S.-flagged commercial vessels, providing a strong source of cargo for
the U.S. merchant fleet operating in international trade.
“The bank is proud to help level the
playing field for American businesses who
offer the world’s highest-quality goods and
services to global markets,” said Ex-Im
Bank President and Chairman Fred
Hochberg. “In the months ahead, we will
redouble our efforts to ensure U.S. businesses — particularly small businesses —
have every tool available to be on equal
footing with their foreign competitors to
win sales and create more jobs.”
Among the highlights from the Ex-Im
Bank’s 2015 annual report:
•Ex-Im Bank activities supported
109,000 American jobs
See Ex-Im Bank ◆ Page 12
American Maritime Officer • 3
trained a pool of U.S. mariners we could
rely on in a time of war to sail our forces to
the fight. Today, there are only 78.
Just as the number of U.S. ships have
declined, so too has the amount of
American mariners who, unfortunately,
must follow the available jobs. While the
decline in American mariners gets some
attention, often lost in the discussion is the
reality that the mariners who move international trade and those who transport
wartime cargo come from the same dwindling pool of U.S. mariners. If that U.S.
mariner base gets too small, we will have to
rely on other countries to deploy our combat
power.
As we look back over the last 25
years, sealift has deployed a decisive force
across the globe twice. Looking at the possibilities the next 25 years may present,
many would agree the global security environment is only getting more contested.
The current environment in the
Middle East and Korea are certainly enough
to justify those concerns. When you add the
complexities of further Russian aggression
and China’s ambitions in the South China
Sea, it is clear the United States must maintain the flexibility to deploy a decisive force
at the time and place of our choosing.
As a military professional and senior
leader, I think about and plan for what the
future may hold, and I would tell you we
must prepare for the real possibility we will
not enjoy the uncontested seas and broad
international support experienced in 1991.
If either of those possibilities becomes reality, and if we remain committed to responding to security incidents around the globe,
the only way of guaranteeing we decisively
meet our national objectives is with U.S.
ships operated by U.S. mariners.
That leaves us with a critical question. As a nation, are we resolved to retain
the ability to deploy overwhelming U.S.
power, a decisive combat power, at the time
and place of our choosing?
It is time now for that national
discussion.
AMO aboard
the Charleston
American Maritime Officers members working aboard the
Charleston in November, here in
Houston, included Third Mate
Tyler Redinger, Third Mate Luke
Carrick and Chief Mate Quentin
Peabody. With them is Tankerman
PIC Observer Vann Groseclos.
AMO represents all licensed officers aboard the U.S. Shipping
Corp. vessel.
AMO fund supports families of El Faro officers
February 2016
4 • American Maritime Officer
I thank everyone who has contributed
to the AMO El Faro Disaster Relief Fund,
and I ask those who have not yet contributed to the fund to consider making a
donation in support of the El Faro families.
The AMO El Faro Disaster Relief
Fund — approved by the American
Maritime Officers National Executive
Board — is intended to mitigate financial
loss to the families and to help dependents
meet unforeseen expenses as they cope with
grief and prolonged recovery.
Distributions from the fund to the El
Faro families are in addition to benefits due
from the AMO Medical, Vacation, Pension,
401(k) and Money Purchase Benefit Plans.
The joint union-employer trustees of these
AMO benefit funds have approved expedited claims processing and benefit payment
for
the
dependent
beneficiaries.
Distributions from the fund are also in addition to refunds issued by AMO to El Faro
families for dues paid for the fourth quarter
or later by AMO members lost in the sinking of the El Faro.
The AMO El Faro Disaster Relief
Fund is a separate entity from the AMO
Membership Assistance Program, which
helps AMO families who suffered property
damage during hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or other natural disasters.
Any individual, organization or business can contribute to the AMO El Faro
Disaster Relief Fund, which is administered
by Paradise Bank in Fort Lauderdale.
The fund has applied for tax-exempt
status under 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Service Code, which could make
contributions to the fund tax deductible,
depending on individual circumstances.
Payments to dependent beneficiaries may
also be tax-free to the extent allowed by law
under recent precedent.
American Maritime Officers provided an initial contribution to the fund
in memory of Captain Michael C.
Davidson, Chief Engineer Richard J.
Pusatere, Chief Mate Steven W. Shultz,
Chief Engineer Jeffrey A. Mathias,
Second Mate Danielle L. Randolph, First
Assistant Engineer Keith W. Griffin,
Third Mate Jeremie H. Riehm, Second
Assistant Engineer Howard J. Schoenly,
Third Assistant Engineer Michael L.
Holland, Third Assistant Engineer
Mitchell T. Kuflik and Third Assistant
Engineer Dylan O. Meklin.
AMO Inland Waters Vice President
Dave Weathers and AMO Dispatcher
Robert Anderson serve without compen-
Hearing set for Coast Guard Marine Board
of Investigation into El Faro sinking
The following article was released
January 26 by the U.S. Coast Guard.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast
Guard will conduct a public Marine
Board of Investigation hearing into the
loss of the United States-flagged steam
ship EL FARO, and its 33 crewmembers.
The first hearing session will focus on
the pre-accident historical events relating
to the loss, the regulatory compliance
record of the EL FARO, crewmember
duties and qualifications, past operations
of the vessel and the Coast Guard’s
Search and Rescue operations. During a
later hearing session (date to be determined) the accident voyage, including
cargo loading, weather conditions and
navigation will be examined in detail.
The National Transportation Safety
Board, which conducted its own investigation, will fully participate in the
Marine Board of Investigation hearings.
What: Marine Casualty Board of
Investigation
When: Daily 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. ET
Tuesday, February 16th — Friday, February
26th
Where:
Prime F. Osborn Convention Center
1000 Water Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
The investigation will determine as
closely as possible:
•The factors that contributed to the
accident;
•Whether there is evidence that any
act of misconduct, inattention to duty, negligence or willful violation of the law on the
part of any licensed or certificated person
contributed to the casualty; and
•Whether there is evidence that any
Coast Guard personnel or any representa-
tive or employee of any other government
agency or any other person caused or contributed to the casualty
Reporters must register to attend the
hearing by e-mail: alana.l.ingram@uscg.mil.
Media must register no later than 4 p.m.
Friday, February 12.
Ground Rules for the EL FARO
Hearing are:
Reporters may attend open sessions
of the Marine Board, as may members of
the public as long as they do not detract
from the decorum of the proceedings or
inhibit a witness’ willingness to testify. The
Coast Guard’s policy is to permit expanded
media coverage of marine casualty investigations therefore audio and video recordings are authorized.
•Media pooling will be required
•Witnesses will not be available
for interviews until the Marine Board
sation as trustees of the AMO El Faro
Disaster Relief Fund, along with AMO
Controller Thomas Heaton and Marie
Doruth, my special assistant at AMO
headquarters in Dania Beach.
Checks and money orders payable
to the AMO El Faro Disaster Relief Fund
can be sent to:
AMO El Faro Disaster Relief Fund
P.O. Box 38
Dania Beach FL 33004
Online contributions can be
made through PayPal via a link on the
AMO Web site home page at
www.amo-union.org.
Paul Doell
National President
Chairman releases them from their
testimony
•Entering and exiting the hearing
room shall only be conducted during designated breaks
•No extreme close-ups of documents,
witnesses and/or members of the Marine
Board
•Bench conferences shall not be
recorded by audio or by extreme close-up
video or photography
•Media members must prominently
display their credentials at all times and
remain within assigned area
•Confidential
communications
between counsel and client or co-counsel
shall not be recorded by audio or by
extreme close-up video or photography
•Questions regarding the proceedings
shall be directed to the Coast Guard media
liaison. A liaison will be present at the
venue throughout the hearing
Failure to adhere to these rules or
other verbal instructions may result in
removal from the hearings.
Contacts:
Alana Ingram, Public Affairs Office,
alana.l.ingram@uscg.mil, 202-372-4632.
NTSB opens public docket on investigation into sinking
of El Faro; underwater images and video released
The following article was released January 3 by the National Transportation
Safety Board and is available on the National Transportation Safety Board’s website:
www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/PR01032016.aspx.
WASHINGTON — As part of its continuing investigation into the sinking of
the cargo ship El Faro in the Atlantic Ocean in October, the National Transportation
Safety Board has opened the accident docket and released underwater images and
video of the vessel.
The U.S.-flagged ship, owned by Sea Star Line, LLC, and operated by
TOTE Services, went missing on Oct. 1 during Hurricane Joaquin and was located
on Oct. 31 in about 15,000 feet of water in the vicinity of its last known position
near Crooked Island, Bahamas. Twenty-eight US crewmembers and five Polish
workers were on board.
The images on the El Faro investigation that the NTSB has released, including the
nine underwater photos published in the accident docket today, are available at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ntsb/sets/72157659149033059.
More than 47 minutes of video from CURV-21, the remotely operated vehicle
used to document the wreckage and debris field, is included in the docket. Excerpts from
that
video
are
available
on
the
NTSB’s
YouTube
channel:
https://youtu.be/q3h8HbloK0o.
The El Faro docket is available at http://go.usa.gov/c5vYV.
Additional information and resources are available on the NTSB’s webpage for
the El Faro accident investigation: http://go.usa.gov/3Smre.
USCG changes policy on acceptance of old version of CG-719K
form (Application for Merchant Mariner Medical Certificate)
The following bulletin was released by the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime
Center. As was reported, prior to this notice, the National Maritime Center intended to
require all CG-719K forms signed by a physician after December 31, 2015 to be the new
version of the form.
Application for Medical Certificate for Officer and Qualified Rating Endorsements:
Until further notice, the National Maritime Center (NMC) will continue to accept
applications for medical certificates submitted via the U.S. Coast Guard form CG-719K
Rev. (01-09) with an expiration date of June 30, 2012. Note that this form is not required;
it is an alternative to the current version, form CG-719K Rev. (01-14), with an expiration
date of January 31, 2016.
Mariners and other providers should contact the NMC Customer Service Center
using our chat function, by e-mail to IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888IASKNMC (427-5662) with any questions regarding these forms.
February 2016
American Maritime Officer • 5
U.S.-flag Lakes cargo float down 3.3 percent in 2015
U.S.-flagged Great Lakes vessels
moved 87.2 million tons of cargo in 2015,
a decrease of 3.3 percent compared to
2014. The year-end tally is also the lowest
since 2009 when the U.S.-flag float
totaled 66.5 million tons, the Lake
U.S.-flag Great
Lakes fleets
making strong
investments in
vessels in 2016
U.S.-flag vessel operators on the
Great Lakes have committed more than
$110 million to maintain and modernize
their vessels in 2016. Maintenance and
repair work typical of the winter layup period will cost approximately $60 million.
Projects that involve repowering vessels or
installing exhaust gas scrubbers will cost
upwards of $50 million, the Lake Carriers’
Association (LCA) reported.
When in service, Great Lakes vessels
stop only long enough to load or discharge
cargo. As a result, the winter layup is the
prime time to tune up the vessels for the
coming campaign. Massive power plants,
some capable of generating nearly 20,000
horsepower, will be carefully serviced. The
conveyor systems that are key to selfunloading vessels will be inspected and any
worn belts replaced. Navigation, firefighting and lifesaving equipment will be
checked over and replaced or upgraded as
needed, the LCA reported.
“This level of investment is a testimony to my members’ commitment to
Great Lakes shipping,” said LCA President
James Weakley. “The dumping of foreign
steel into the U.S. market has severely
impacted cargo movement during the final
months of 2015. Six of the most efficient
vessels in the fleet were withdrawn from
service in November because of steel
dumping. Still, my members are moving
forward with projects that will keep their
vessels safe and efficient and further reduce
their already small carbon footprint.”
Several vessels will be dry-docked as
required by law to allow U.S. Coast Guard
and American Bureau of Shipping representatives to inspect the hull below the
waterline.
The steamship John G. Munson,
which is operated by Key Lakes and has
Carriers’ Association (LCA) reported.
Iron ore cargoes tumbled 10.4 percent to 40.9 million tons — again, the
lowest total since 2009.
Coal cargoes totaled 17.65 million
tons, a decrease of less than one percent,
or 118,000 tons, which is the equivalent of
roughly two cargoes in a thousand-footer.
Limestone cargoes increased nearly
8 percent to 23.1 million tons, the highest
total since 2008.
U.S.-flag cement cargoes rose 6.3
percent to 3.45 million tons. Salt cargoes
were almost identical to 2014 — 1.4 million tons. Sand shipments dipped 15 percent to 320,000 tons. Grain cargoes
topped 350,000 tons, an increase of 37
percent, the LCA reported.
AMO aboard American Mariner, H. Lee White
The H. Lee White and American
Mariner in Toledo, Ohio for winter
layup — American Maritime
Officers represents all licensed
officers aboard the American
Steamship Company vessels.
AMO members working aboard
the American Mariner in January
included Third Assistant Engineer
Dan Ramsey, First A.E. Ralph
Biggs, Chief Engineer Robert
Hamilton and Second A.E. Joseph
Lentowich.
AMO members working aboard
the H. Lee White in January
included Chief Engineer Darryl
Bertrand, First Assistant Engineer
Jim Polluch, Third A.E. Bruce
Callahan and Second A.E. Sam
Beland.
been in service since the 1950s, is one of
the vessels being repowered with state-ofthe-art diesel engines. The Great Lakes
freshwater environment allows vessel
operators to continually reinvest in their
American Maritime Officers members working aboard the M/V Buffalo in
January, here in Toledo, Ohio, included Third Assistant Engineer Craig
Niedzielski, Second A.E. Bryce Sharpe, First A.E. Tim Brenno and Chief
Engineer Garvie Crane. With them is SIU member QMED Jim Norick.
vessels rather than bear the expense of
newbuilds.
A U.S. Maritime Administration
report has noted that repowering a Great
Lakes freighter typically achieves 80 per-
cent of the efficiencies of a new build at 20
percent of the cost.
The major shipyards on the Lakes are
See Winter Work ◆ Page 7
AMO aboard the M/V Buffalo
The M/V Buffalo in Toledo, Ohio for winter layup — AMO represents all
licensed officers aboard the American Steamship Company vessel.
Great Lakes vice presidency restored
to AMO National Executive Board
February 2016
6 • American Maritime Officer
The official position of Great Lakes
Vice President has been restored to the
National Executive Board of American
Maritime Officers.
The position was reinstated January 4
through a resolution to amend the AMO
National Constitution to reflect the change
in administrative structure. The resolution
was approved by the AMO National
Executive Board and by majority vote
among seagoing AMO members participating in the regularly scheduled monthly
membership meeting at AMO headquarters
in Dania Beach, Fla.
The votes by the National Executive
Board and by the seagoing AMO members
complied with Article XXV of the AMO
National Constitution. Article XXV specifies procedures for revising the union’s governing document.
The resolution amended Article VI
Section 4(a) of the AMO National
Constitution by adding “National Vice
President, Great Lakes” to the roster of
National Executive Board members, effective immediately. The resolution and amendment reversed a September 2011 amendment
that eliminated the Great Lakes position from
the board as of December 31, 2014.
Under authority provided in Article
VIII Section 5 of the AMO National
Constitution, AMO National President Paul
Doell appointed John Clemons to serve as
National Vice President, Great Lakes.
Clemons had been elected to the post in
union-wide secret ballot voting in 2010.
The position of National Vice
President, Great Lakes, will be on the ballot
in AMO elections, Doell said.
“By adopting this resolution on the
first full day of union business in the New
Year, the AMO National Executive Board
and a representative bloc of seagoing AMO
members voted to uphold democratic principle in our union,” Doell said. “Engineers,
mates and stewards sailing the Great Lakes
as dues-paying AMO members are no
longer without equal representation on the
board.”
The January 4 resolution did not
restore Toledo as a Constitutional port hold-
ing official monthly AMO membership
meetings.
“Designating
Toledo
as
a
Constitutional port again is an impractical
option for our union at this point,” Doell
said. “The logistical complications resulting
in recent years from demographic shifts,
harmful economic and competitive influences on the state and size of the U.S. Great
Lakes bulk fleet, a corresponding reduction
in the fleet’s engineer, mate and steward
complements, and the necessary sale of
AMO properties in Toledo were all factors
behind this difficult decision.
“This administration will work to
find effective, efficient ways to bring AMO
membership meetings to Great Lakes
ports,” Doell added. “We will focus as well
on ways to increase participation by Great
Lakes AMO members in important rank
and file committee work that is required
from time to time under the AMO National
Constitution. We welcome AMO members’
comments and suggestions.”
TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico successfully performs
first LNG bunkering at Jacksonville port
The following is excerpted from an
article released by TOTE Maritime.
American Maritime Officers represents
all licensed officers aboard the Marlin
Class ships.
January 12, 2016 — Jacksonville,
FL: On Saturday, January 9, 2016, TOTE
Maritime Puerto Rico successfully loaded
LNG bunkers aboard the world’s first
LNG powered containership, Isla Bella.
Approximately 100,000 LNG gallons
transported by 12 TOTE-owned LNG ISO
containers were loaded on schedule. The
bunkering was conducted under strict US
Coast Guard oversight while Isla Bella
was also undergoing cargo operations.
The liquefied natural gas was transferred from the ISO tank containers using
a specially developed transfer skid developed by TOTE’s partner Applied
Cryogenics Technologies (ACT) of
Houston, Texas. The transfer skid is
designed to allow four ISO tanks to be
transferred to Isla Bella at once, dramatically reducing transfer time.
The LNG was sourced by TOTE’s
partner, JAX LNG, LLC, from AGL
Resources’ LNG production facility in
Macon, Georgia. Genox Transportation, a
specialized LNG trucking partner of
TOTE, transported the fuel to
Jacksonville. Pivotal LNG, a subsidiary of
AGL Resources, also provided transfer
expertise to TOTE Maritime with its highly trained LNG experts, ensured the operation was conducted safely and in accordance with best industry practices.
Oversight of the operation both at
shipside and on shore was provided by
TOTE Services, Inc. (TSI), TOTE
Maritime’s sister company that manages
the vessels.
“We are very pleased with the
results of this initial LNG bunker event
and know that the use of LNG in our
Marlin Class vessels will provide unprecedented environmental benefits both here
in Jacksonville and in Puerto Rico,” said
Tim Nolan, President of TOTE Maritime
Puerto Rico. “We are indebted to USCG
Sector Jacksonville for their diligent oversight and assistance that was invaluable
and helped make this event a success. Our
partners ACT, Pivotal LNG and Genox
were also major components of our success. Our sister company, TSI, has developed significant expertise in LNG as a
maritime fuel and ensures that our vessels
operate safely and efficiently using this
environmentally superior fuel.”
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 web-
site is accessible to active AMO members
and applicants. AMO members will need to
click on the “AMO 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, “View AMO Financial
Reports,” to access the documents.
Photo: TOTE Maritime
AMO audited financial statements, LM-2 available online
The audited financial statements of
American Maritime Officers for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are
available for AMO membership review in
the members’ 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.
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, 2015. AMO files the LM-2 financial disclosure report each year with the U.S.
Department of Labor (DOL), and the public
document is also available through the DOL.
The financial statements differ from
the LM-2 financial disclosure report in the
way data is reported. The financial statements report AMO’s revenue earned and
expenses incurred during the fiscal year,
AMO aboard the John G. Munson for winter work
American Maritime Officers members
working aboard the John G. Munson
in December included First Assistant
Engineer Daniel Wadzinski, Second
A.E. Jeffrey Darga and Chief
Engineer Steve Thompson. With
them is AMO Senior National
Assistant Vice President Brian Krus.
The Munson entered winter layup on
December 17 at the Bay Shipbuilding
Co. shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.,
and will be converted from steam to
diesel propulsion.
USNS Pathfinder rescues sailor near Bahamas
February 2016
The officers and crew of the USNS
Pathfinder on Christmas Eve rescued a
sailor from a sinking boat in heavy weather
near the Bahamas.
The USNS Pathfinder, one of six TAGS vessels operated for Military Sealift
Command by U.S. Marine Management,
Inc. and manned in all licensed positions by
American Maritime Officers, rescued
Canadian national Eric Valois from his sinking sailboat, Flamboyant, after receiving a
distress call. When the call was made,
Flamboyant was dead in the water. The vessel had lost its mast, which had punctured
the hull, and the mast shrouds had fouled
the propeller, causing an engine failure in
30-knot winds and rough seas.
On the morning of December 24, the
USNS Pathfinder was on maneuvers near
the Bahamas and held a memorial for the
crew of El Faro.
When the distress call was received
12 hours following the memorial, Captain
Thomas Pearse-Drance, master on the
USNS Pathfinder, immediately diverted to
Flamboyant’s position, a distance of
approximately five nautical miles. Valois
was brought onboard the USNS Pathfinder
and provided with food and dry clothing.
The USNS Pathfinder attempted to tow the
damaged sailboat but was unable to save the
Flamboyant.
“When my watch officer alerted me
to the MAYDAY, we immediately started
heading that way for assistance, as there is
an old law of the sea to render assistance to
a mariner in distress,” Pearse-Drance said.
“Of course when a life is at risk we were
happy that we were in good position to render prompt assistance. We had to make a
careful approach because there was a life
onboard. My entire crew was very responsive and acted professionally, understanding
how important it was to get Eric Valois
onboard as quickly and safely as possible.”
The crew of USNS Pathfinder notified
the proper authorities and agencies in order
to ease Valois’ return to his home country,
and dropped him off at its next port of call.
Valois, who had lost most of his possessions on Flamboyant, told a Canadian
television station the rescue was his
American Maritime Officer • 7
At left: The crew the USNS Pathfinder
held a memorial for the crew of El
Faro on the morning of Christmas
Eve. Later that day, they rescued a
Canadian sailor near the Bahamas.
AMO officers aboard the USNS
Pathfinder included (in no particular
order) Captain Tom Pearse-Drance,
Chief Mate Gary Carlson, First
Assistant Engineer Richard Cherry,
Chief Engineer Kevin Krogh, Third
Mate John Birdwell, Second A.E.
Jordan Cuddy, Third A.E. Zach
Gainsley, and Radio Officer Eric
Bodner. Not in the photo is Second
Mate Kyle Dupuis.
Photos courtesy of Captain Tom Pearse-Drance
The USNS Pathfinder rescued Canadian national Eric Valois on Christmas
Eve from his sinking sailboat Flamboyant in heavy weather near the Bahamas.
The USNS Pathfinder is operated for Military Sealift Command by U.S. Marine
Management, Inc. and is manned in all licensed positions by American
Maritime Officers.
“Christmas present,” and he was grateful
for the heroic efforts of the crew of USNS
Pathfinder.
Commander of Military Sealift
Command Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon
contacted Captain Pearse-Drance and commended the crew of the USNS Pathfinder.
“Congratulations to you and crew of
PATHFINDER for swiftly responding and
executing the safe rescue of a Canadian
sailor on Christmas Eve,” Rear Adm.
Shannon wrote. “Your quick response to the
MAYDAY call from the disabled sailboat
‘FLAMBOYANT’ was exceptional. I
applaud the skill and enthusiasm of you and
your crew to provide assistance to those in
need. I understand the difficulty in executing a rescue in rough seas and the associated
hazards to the ship and crew. You and your
crew brought great credit to yourselves and
our organization.”
A Bravo Zulu was also extended by
Capt. Douglas McGoff, commander,
Military Sealift Command Atlantic.
“I want to personally thank the entire
crew of Pathfinder for your superb performance in coming to the aid of a fellow
sailor in distress. I am sure that at least this
one Canadian sailor will always look back
on your actions as a bit of a ‘Christmas miracle’,” Capt. McGoff wrote. “Please accept
my sincere appreciation and congratulations
for a job well done.”
Reports of the rescue also made
national news in Canada.
Submitting gap closing courses to the USCG and removing
STCW 2010 limitations on your Merchant Mariner Credential
In order to remove the limitations on the STCW endorsement as part of your
Merchant Mariner Credential — including the expiration date of December 31, 2016 — and
to ensure your STCW 2010 gap closing courses are included in your U.S. Coast Guard file,
you must submit an application to the USCG. Additional information can be found on the
STAR Center website: www.star-center.com/stcw2010-remove.limits.html.
The following steps outline a simplified procedure for submitting gap closing course
completion certificates and removing STCW 2010 limitations ONLY:
1. Complete gap closing courses required for your license (see STAR Center website: www.star-center.com/stcw2010.html)
2. Complete USCG 719B application (www.uscg.mil/forms/cg/CG_719B.pdf) with
the following:
•Transaction box: check ‘STCW Certificate’ and ‘Endorsement’ boxes
•In the ‘Applying For’ section write: “Remove STCW 2010 limitations” (Section II:
Requested Coast Guard Credential(s), Credential or Endorsement Type(s) Requested >
Description of Endorsement(s) Desired)
3. Submit application and copies of gap closing certificates to any USCG REC
(www.uscg.mil/nmc/recs/default.asp)
4. Applications can be submitted via e-mail, FAX, mail or in person
5. If submitting by e-mail:
•The 719B form and gap closing certificates must be scanned at a resolution not
exceeding 300 dpi, saved in PDF format, and the files must not exceed 8 megabytes (MB)
total in size. If e-mail size (including file attachments) exceeds 8 MB, send the documents
in multiple e-mails.
•Select your desired REC from the list on the left hand side of the REC page on the
NMC website (www.uscg.mil/nmc/recs/default.asp) and then select the ‘E-mail Application’
button at the top left of that REC’s webpage, or you may use the list of REC e-mail addresses
provided (www.uscg.mil/nmc/announcements/pdfs/industry_notice_e_submission.pdf).
•The subject line of your e-mail must be: last name, first name, middle initial,
mariner reference number (for example: Smith, Jonathan, A, 12345).
•Ensure all required files are attached to the e-mail and the total file size of the e-mail
with attachments does not exceed 8 MB prior to sending.
6. Once your application is processed by the U.S. Coast Guard, one of two
things will happen:
•If your current MMC contains the STCW limitation “NOT VALID AFTER
12/31/16,” you will receive a sticker back from the USCG with no limitations in the STCW
section. Place the sticker in your MMC; or
•If your current MMC does not contain the above noted limitation, the USCG will
send you a letter stating that your current MMC is in order and the gap closing certificates
you submitted will be included in your file for your next MMC renewal.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact STAR Center
Director of Member Training and Officer Development Jerry Pannell at (800) 942-3220
Ext. 7507 or via e-mail: jpannell@star-center.com.
Winter Work
Continued from Page 5
located in Sturgeon Bay, Superior and
Marinette, Wisconsin; Erie, Pennsylvania;
and Toledo, Ohio. Smaller “top-side”
repair operations are located in Cleveland,
Ohio; Escanaba, Michigan; Buffalo, New
York; and several cities in Michigan. The
industry’s annual payroll for its 2,700
employees approaches $125 million and it
is estimated that a wintering vessel generates an additional $800,000 in economic
activity in the community in which it is
moored, the LCA reported.
February 2016
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
4, 11, 18, 25
April
2, 9, 16, 23 May
14 March
4, 18 April
Leadership & Management (required by ALL management level Deck
and Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017)
5 days
15, 22, 29 Feb
7, 14, 28 March
Management of Electrical, Electronic Controllers (Engineers) (Required
by ALL management level Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017)
5 days
5 days
8, 22 Feb
7, 28 March
Engine Room Resource Management — Classroom (Engineers)
(Required by ALL Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017)
Leadership & Teamwork (Engineers) (Only required by those Engineers
who completed old ERM class)
15, 29 Feb
11, 25 April
6, 13, 20, 27
June
4, 11, 18, 25
July
1, 8, 15, 22 Aug 12, 19, 26 Sept
2, 16 May
6, 20 June
4, 18 July
1, 15, 29
August
9, 23 May
13, 27 June
11, 25 July
8, 22 August
1 day
Leadership & Teamworking assessments, in the few cases required, should be completed and signed off onboard.
2 days
25, 26 April
7, 8 July
12, 13 Sept
1 day
27 April
6 July
14 September
IGF Code Training
5 days
27 June
15 February
28 March
16 May
20 June
26 September
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
8, 22 February
25 April
23 May
29 August
19 September
Basic Safety Training — Refresher
3 days
25 May
31 August
21 September
ECDIS
5 days
8, 15 February
7 March
18 April
9 May
8 August
12 September
29 March
18 April
2 May
27 June
25 July
1 August
15 August
19 September
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)
General Courses
Advanced Fire Fighting
Chemical Safety — Advanced
Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator)
Fast Rescue Boat
5 days
8 February
5 days
3 days
18 April
6 June
15 February
25 April
8 February
4 days
GMDSS — Requires after-hour homework
10 days
LNG Simulator Training — Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course
is given to qualified member candidates for employment and/or observation
opportunities with AMO contracted LNG companies. In all cases successful
completion of the LNG PNC classroom course is prerequisite.
5 days
11 April
Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat)
4 days
21 March
31 May
Tankerman PIC DL — Classroom
5 days
14 March
11 July
LNG Tankerman PIC
Safety Officer Course
2 May
13 June
25 July
5 days
29 February
4, 25 April
18 July
29 August
3 days
14 March
13 June
Train the Trainer
Vessel/Company Security Officer — Includes Anti-Piracy
Deck Courses
10 days Please call
Please call
5 days
Advanced Bridge Resource Management — Meets STCW 2010
Leadership & Management gap closing requirements
5 days
Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates — 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rd
Mates
10 days 29 February
Bridge Resource Management Seminar
3 days
Advanced Shiphandling for Masters — (No equivalency) Must have
sailed as Chief Mate Unlimited
Advanced & Emergency Shiphandling — First Class Pilots, Great Lakes
8 February
29 February
5 days
5 days
Please call
Dynamic Positioning — Basic
5 days
2 May
Watchkeeping Standardization & Assessment Program
5 days
Dynamic Positioning — Advanced
STCW Deck Officer Refresher — Great Lakes
TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) — Third Mate (Unlimited or
Great Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required
Tug Training — ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive)
Engineering Courses
Basic Electricity
Diesel Crossover
Gas Turbine Endorsement
High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom)
Hydraulics/ Pneumatics
Ocean Ranger Program
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Refrigeration (Operational Level)
Refrigeration (Management Level)
Please call
5 days
7 March
3 days
Please call
5 days
7 March
18, 25 April
23 May
9 May
1 August
19 September
25 July
11 July
4 April
1, 29 August
2, 23 May
18 July
5 days
18 April
10 days
6 June
10 days
Please call
4 weeks
3 days
5 days
22 February
27 June
28 March
5 days
7 March
5 days
Instrumentation (Management) — NEW
10 days
1 week
27 June
15 February
20 June
14 March
15 August
6 June
13 June
22 August
12 September
11 July
16 April
4 weeks
20 June
8 February
6 days
5 days
Steam Endorsement
Electronics (Management) — NEW
16 June
22 February
10 days
Train the Trainer — Simulator Instructors
17 March
2 days
Tankerman PIC DL — Simulator
Tankerman PIC DL — Accelerated Program
30 March
8 days
26 September
8 August
Please call
Please call
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.
2 weeks
25 April
12 September
8 August
8 August
12, 26 Sept
12, 26 Sept
19 September
6 September
February 2016
American Maritime Officer • 9
Deck Upgrade — STCW 2010 — Management Level (NVIC 10-14)— If sea service or training towards management level (Chief Mate/Master) upgrade started ON OR AFTER 24 March 2014 you must adhere
to this new program of training. Completion of both required and optional courses listed below will include all Task Assessments required by NVIC 10-14 , providing ECDIS, GMDSS and ARPA have been previously completed.
Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level
10 days
4 April
18 July
Advanced Stability
5 days
25 April
8 August
Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hours homework
Search & Rescue
18 April
5 days
2 May
2 1/2 days
Management of Medical Care
4 May
1/2 day
Leadership & Management
8 February
5 days
Advanced Cargo — Optional for task sign-off
15 February
5 days
Marine Propulsion Plants — Optional for task sign-off
22 February
5 days
Advanced Celestial — Optional for task sign-off
29 February
5 days
Advanced Navigation — Optional for task sign-off
7 March
5 days
15 August
1 August
15 August
17 August
9 May
22 August
23 May
12 September
16 May
29 August
30 May
5 September
6 June
19 September
Deck Upgrade at the Management Level (Policy Letter 04-02) — This upgrade program is for those who started sea service or training towards management level (Chief Mate/Master) upgrade BEFORE 24
March 2014. Failure to complete by 31 December 2016 will most likely result in significant delays and additional training or assessment requirements. Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for
STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC) under previous. This program will complete ALL 53 Control Sheet assessments of the training requirements for STCW under policy letter
04-02. Course completion certificates and control sheets expire 12/31/16. Anyone using the previous regulations to upgrade in this manner must complete all requirements ,including USCG testing, by 12/31/16. Deck Management
Level gap closing training must also be completed by 12/31/16 in order for the new credential to valid after this date. SPECIFIC GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND ON THE STAR CENTER WEBSITE AT https://www.star-center.com
Celestial Navigation — Requires after-hour homework
5 days
29 February
Cargo Operations
9 days
2 May
Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hour homework
Marine Propulsion Plants
5 days
5 days
Upgrade: Stability
30 May
18 April
1 August
23 May
12 September
5 September
25 April
8 August
Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level
5 days
28 March
20 June
10 days
4 April
18 July
15 August
Shipboard Management
5 days
16 May
29 August
ECDIS
5 days
13 June
26 September
5 days
Watchkeeping 1: BRM
3 days
Watchkeeping 2: COLREGS
Search and Rescue
Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (includes Simulator)
MSC Training Program
22 March
2 days
2 May
13 June
5 days
7 March
6 June
15 February
14 March
Basic CBR Defense
1 day
26 February
Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat
1 day
20 April
Damage Control
1 day
Helicopter Fire Fighting
1 day
Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD)
1/2 day
Medical PIC Refresher — Note: MSC approved
3 days
Marine Sanitation Devices
1/2 day
MSC Readiness Refresher — Must have completed full CBRD & DC once in
career.
MSC Watchstander — BASIC — Once in career, SST grads grandfathered
MSC Watchstander — ADVANCED — Required for all SRF members
2 days
2 days
1 day
25 February
24 May
26 February
Please call
Please call
19 September
6 May
24 June
26 August
24 June
26 August
21 April
9 June
11 August
2 May
20 June
22 August
21 April
5 May
20 September
6 May
23 May
19 September
19 February
4, 18 March
11 February
MSC Ship Reaction Force — Required every three years for SRF members
3 days
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.
4 days
15, 29
February
Water Sanitation Afloat
1/2 day
Please call
Medical Courses
15 June
22 February
15, 29 April
23 June
25 August
13 May
17 June
15, 29 July
19 August
16 September
15, 29 August
12, 26 Sep
7, 8 July
8,9 Sep
14, 28 March
11, 25 April
9, 23 May
13, 27 June
11, 25 July
Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat
1 day
20 April
Medical Care Provider — Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 12
months. Please fax EFA certificate when registering
23 February
5 April
10 May
27 June
26 July
6 September
3 days
24 February
6 April
11 May
28 June
27 July
7 September
Medical PIC — Please fax MCP certificate when registering
Urinalysis Collector Training
5 days
11 April
16 May
1 August
12 September
Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) — Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only
1 day
29 February
1 day
8 March
9 August
3 days
Please call
Elementary First Aid — Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 12 months
Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only
1 day
1/2 day
Medical PIC Refresher — Note: MSC approved
22 February
9 March
7 March
9 May
25 July
8 August
10 August
Engine Upgrade - STCW 2010 - Management Level (NVIC 15-14) - If sea service or training Radar Courses
towards management level (1A/E - Chief Eng.) upgrade started ON OR AFTER 24 March 2014, you must adhere
to this new program of training. Completion of both required and optional courses listed below will include all Task
Assessments required by NVIC 15-14. By completing the series, no expiration limitation will be placed on your
STCW credential. See STAR Center's website for full details: https://www.star-center.com/stcw2010engine.upgrade.html
Leadership & Managerial Skills (G500 as amended) REQUIRED
5 days
4 July
5 days
8 August
10 days
11 July
STCW Upgrade Task Assessment - General Engineering
& Procedure (E135 as amended) - OPTIONAL: Tasks can
be signed off onboard
5 days
25 July
STCW Upgrade Task Assessment - Steam (E121 as
amended) - OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard
3 days
1 August
5 days
15 August
5 days
22 August
ERM (E050 as amended) - REQUIRED (unless previously
taken for gap closing or original license)
Upgrade: Electrical, Electronics & Control Engineering
(Management Level) (E133 as amended) (UPGRADE with
tasks)
STCW Upgrade Task Assessment - Motor (E120 as
amended) - OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard
STCW Upgrade Task Assessment - Gas Turbine (E122 as
amended) - OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard
29, 30, 31
March
Radar Recertification
1 day
ARPA
4 days
Radar Recertification & ARPA
5 days
Please call
Original Radar Observer Unlimited
5 days
Please call
2, 3 June
Please call
Engine STCW / Original Engineer Training Routes — Engine STCW training routes are aimed
at Great Lakes members wishing to transition to deep sea. Original engineer training is available to members,
applicants and sponsored students seeking an original license.
Advanced Fire Fighting
5 days
16 May
EFA/MCP
4 days
10 May
Basic Safety Training
Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat)
Basic Electricity (original engineers only)
Original 3 A/E Preparation and Exams
5 days
4 days
10 days
A/R
23 May
31 May
6 June
15 February
20 June
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.
February 2016
10 • American Maritime Officer
AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
DANIA BEACH, FL 33004-4109
601 S. Federal Highway
(954) 921-2221
(800) 362-0513
Paul Doell, National President
(pauldoell51@yahoo.com)
Extension 1001 / Mobile: (954) 881-5651
FAX: (954) 926-5112
Charles A. Murdock, National Secretary-Treasurer
(cmurdock@amo-union.org)
Extension 1004 / Mobile: (954) 531-9977 / FAX: (954) 367-1025
Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea
(jgremelsbacker@amo-union.org)
Extension 1009 / Mobile: (954) 673-0680 / FAX: (954) 367-1029
Marie Doruth, Special Assistant to the National President
(mdoruth@amo-union.org)
Extension 1017 / Mobile: (954) 290-8109
FAX: (954) 926-5112
Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 / FAX: (954) 926-5126
Brendan Keller, Dispatcher (bkeller@amo-union.org)
Extension 1061 / Mobile: (954) 817-4000
Robert Anderson, Dispatcher (randerson@amo-union.org)
Extension 1060 / Mobile: (954) 599-9771
Member Services: Extension 1050
FAX: (954) 367-1066
(memberservices@amo-union.org)
OFFICES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024
490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204
(202) 479-1166
(800) 362-0513 ext. 7001
Paul Doell, National President
(pauldoell51@yahoo.com)
Extension 7004 / Mobile: (954) 881-5651
J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relations
(mmurphy@amo-union.org / mikemurphy68@aol.com)
Extension 7013 / Mobile: (202) 560-6889
T. Christian Spain, National Assistant Vice President, Government Relations
(cspain@amo-union.org)
Extension 7010 / Mobile: (202) 658-9635
FAX: (202) 479-1188
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19113
2 International Plaza, Suite 336
FAX: (610) 521-1301
Chris Holmes, Contract Analyst
(cholmes@amo‐union.org)
(800) 362‐0513 ext. 4002 / Mobile: (856) 693‐0694
UPDATE CREDENTIALS, DOCUMENTS, TRAINING RECORDS
Secure File Upload: https://securetransfer.amo-union.org/
E-mail: memberservices@amo-union.org
Questions: (800) 362-0513 ext. 1050
TOLEDO, OH 43604
The Melvin H. Pelfrey Building
One Maritime Plaza, Third Floor
(800) 221-9395
FAX: (419) 255-2350
John E. Clemons, National Vice President, Great Lakes
(johnclemons@amo-union.org)
Mobile: (419) 205-3509
Brian D. Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice President
(bkrus@amo-union.org)
Mobile: (216) 571-9666
Michelle Moffitt, Dispatcher
(mmoffitt@amo-union.org) / Mobile: (419) 481-3470
GALVESTON, TX 77551
2724 61st Street, Suite B, PMB 192
David M. Weathers, National Vice President, Inland Waters
(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
Daniel E. Shea, National Executive Vice President
(dshea@amo-union.org)
(510) 444-5301 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 5001 / Mobile: (415) 269-5795
FAX: (954) 367-1064
NEW ORLEANS / COVINGTON, LA 70434
P.O. Box 5424
Covington, LA 70434
Daniel J. Robichaux, National Assistant Vice President
(drobichaux@amo-union.org)
(954) 367-1036 / Mobile: (985) 201-5462
FAX: (954) 367-1062
STAR CENTER
STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION
2 West Dixie Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004-4312
(954) 920-3222 ext. 201 / (800) 942-3220 ext. 201
Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 ext. 200
24 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999 / FAX: (954) 920-3140
SERVICES
FINANCIAL ADVISERS: THE ATLANTIC GROUP AT MORGAN STANLEY
(800) 975-7061 / www.morganstanleyfa.com/theatlanticgroup
MEDICAL CLINIC
2 West Dixie Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004-4312
(954) 927-5213
FAX: (954) 929-1415
AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid
Program
Michael Reny
Mobile: (419) 346-1485
(419) 243-1105 / (888) 853-4662
MikeReny@BEX.NET
AMO PLANS
2 West Dixie Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004-4312
(800) 348-6515
FAX: (954) 922-7539
LEGAL
Joel Glanstein, General Counsel
David Glanstein
437 Madison Ave. 35th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 370-5100 / (954) 662-9407
FAX: (212) 697-6299
AMO National Constitution to be included in March edition of American Maritime Officer
Marlin Class
Continued from Page 1
“It has been a pleasure working with
the men and women of NASSCO over the
last three years to bring the Marlin Class
from concept to reality,” noted Anthony
Chiarello, president and CEO of TOTE.
“The Isla Bella is already serving the people
and communities of Puerto Rico and we are
excited to introduce the Perla Del Caribe
into the trade next month.”
The Isla Bella was delivered to TOTE
two months ahead of schedule in October
2015. This Jones Act-qualified ship has
been operating between Jacksonville,
Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
AMO aboard LNG-powered containership Isla Bella
American Maritime Officers members working aboard the LNGpowered containership Isla Bella
in October, here at the General
Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in
San Diego, Calif., included Third
Assistant Engineer Michael
Brennan, First Assistant Engineer
Matt Campbell, Second Assistant
Engineer Mark Beaty and Chief
Engineer Matt Barker. AMO represents all licensed officers aboard
the Isla Bella.
February 2016
AMO members train at STAR Center
Above and below: AMO members attending Engine Room Resource
Management, an STCW 2010 gap closing course, at STAR Center in January
included David Ayers, Sean Holmes, Bryce Lynn, Joseph Krajnik, Keith Nelson,
Philip Brow, Jeffrey Richards, Stephanie Stowe, Jay Voishnis, August Watson,
Stephen Downs, Christopher Michael Rich, Donald Young and Ryan Neathery.
American Maritime Officer • 11
AMO members attending Leadership and Management, an STCW 2010 gap
closing course, at STAR Center in January included (in no particular order)
Towanda Brown, Frank Zuliani, Mark Harvey, John Talbert, Armando Bermudez,
Christopher Dean and Laura McCormack.
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: March 7, April 4
February 2016
12 • American Maritime Officer
New gallery in National World War II Museum honors
service and sacrifice of U.S. merchant mariners
Photos courtesy of Captain Robert Lansden
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Band was invited to perform for the opening ceremony of the Ralph E. Crump, LTJG, USNR, U.S. Merchant Marine
Gallery in New Orleans. With the band is American Maritime Officers member
Captain Robert Lansden.
A gallery dedicated to recognizing
the service and sacrifice of U.S. merchant mariners and the indispensable
role of the U.S. merchant marine was
opened to the public at the National
World War II Museum in New Orleans,
La. in December.
The 940-square foot wing of the
famous museum, called the Ralph E.
Crump, LTJG, USNR, U.S. Merchant
Marine Gallery, contains stories of the
bravery and dedicated service of merchant
mariners during World War II and tremendous logistical feats, as well as videos,
artifacts and a model of a Liberty Ship, the
main mode of transportation for military
cargo during the war.
“It’s a blessing that the sailors of the
U.S. merchant marine are finally honored
for what they did and the sacrifices they
made,” said American Maritime Officers
member Captain Robert Lansden, master
on the Bellatrix, which was on station near
New Orleans in December.
Situated at the end of the new
American Spirit Bridge on the second
floor of the museum’s Solomon Victory
Theater complex, this gallery honors the
civilian merchant mariners who risked
their lives transporting weapons, men, and
matériel throughout the war.
U.S. merchant mariners served an
indispensable role in the Allied victory,
transporting military cargo and troops to
hostile shores through dangerous waters
and enemy territory with virtually no
defense and under constant threat from
aerial assaults, torpedoes, submarines and
surface attacks. Between 1941 and 1945,
American merchant mariners were instrumental in transporting 7.3 American soldiers and more than 260 million long tons
of cargo across the Atlantic and Pacific.
The U.S. merchant marine was
active and essential on every war front
during World War II, which contributed to
the staggering number of civilian mariners
who lost their lives during the war.
According to the War Shipping
Administration, the U.S. merchant marine
suffered the highest casualty rate of any
service branch during World War II.
Officially, more than 800 American civilian ships were lost in wartime operations.
Merchant mariners who served during World War II were only recently granted veterans’ status by the government in
1988. The struggle to secure veterans’
benefits for U.S. merchant marine veterans of World War II continues on Capitol
Hill as the population of surviving veterans dwindles.
AMO aboard Jones Act tanker Lone Star State
The newly built Jones Act tanker Lone Star State departs Port Everglades, Fla. in January. American Maritime Officers members working aboard the ship
included Third Assistant Engineer Robert Mussler, Chief Engineer Butch Kates, Third Mate Jack Tragert, Captain Bill Wohler and Chief Mate Robert Wirtanen.
AMO represents all licensed officers aboard the Lone Star State, which is operated for American Petroleum Tankers by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning.
AMO Plans
launches
enhanced website
Ex-Im Bank
Continued from Page 3
•Ex-Im supported $17 billion in
exports at no cost to American taxpayers
•Ex-Im supported more than $3.1 bil-
American Maritime Officers Plans
has launched an enhanced website with several improvements. The new site is compatible with mobile devices. The new site
places greater emphasis on providing benefit resources to AMO members and Plans
lion of exports from U.S. small businesses
•Nearly 90 percent of transactions
directly supported U.S. small businesses.
•Ex-Im Bank had a default rate of
0.235 percent as of September 30, 2015
•Ex-Im Bank remitted $431.6 million
to the U.S. Treasury for debt reduction.
participants. AMO Plans will continue
expanding the site’s content and online
resources and encourages AMO members
RRF Contracts
Continued from Page 1
emergencies. Additionally, two vessels are
used to support Missile Defense Agency
operations. Each certified, mission-ready
vessel is maintained so that it can be fully
activated and deployed quickly. The 46
Ready Reserve Force vessels have been
and families to check the site often.
The address for the AMO Plans website is https://www.amoplans.com.
activated hundreds of times since 2002.
“The U.S. Merchant Marine and
National Defense Reserve Fleet play a crucial role in our nation’s security,” said
Maritime Administrator Paul ‘Chip’
Jaenichen. “These contract awards will
allow our commercial maritime companies
to continue providing top-notch support to
our troops who are stationed or deployed
around the world.”