uscg approves accelerated program for amo officers to earn

Volume 44, Number 1 January 2014

Copyright © 2014 American Maritime Officers ■ [email protected]

Page 2: In December, we completed our annual series of meetingswith AMO members working on the East, West and Gulf Coasts.The meetings comprise just one facet of this administration’s com-mitment to transparency and open communication — hallmarks thathelp ensure AMO’s continued advancement and success.

Transparency, open communication and the ongoing advancement of AMO

AMO National Constitution in this edition

Page 4: The U.S. Coast Guard Dec. 24 announced the publicationof the final rule implementing the 2010 amendments to the STCWConvention. American Maritime Officers and STAR Center are ana-lyzing the final rule in order to provide guidance as needed for AMOmembers and applicants.

U.S. Coast Guard publishes final ruleimplementing amendments to STCW

UUSSCCGG aapppprroovveess aacccceelleerraatteedd pprrooggrraamm ffoorr AAMMOO

ooff ff iicceerrss ttoo eeaarrnn TTaannkkeerrmmaann PPIICC EEnnddoorrsseemmeennttThe U.S. Coast Guard has

approved the accelerated tankermanperson-in-charge program developedby STAR Center and AmericanMaritime Officers exclusively forAMO members and applicants.Among other things, the program willreduce the sea time required for earn-ing the Tankerman PIC Endorsementfrom 90 days to 30 days.

Enrollment in the program hasnot yet commenced. Details on theapplication process will be providedwhen enrollment begins.

At this time, AMO and STARCenter are working to identify andschedule observer billets onboard tankvessels operated under contract withAMO to coincide with the program’sSTAR Center training component.

“This program was developed inanticipation of the large number of

construction orders that have been placedfor new Jones Act tankers,” said AMONational President Tom Bethel. “Theaccelerated Tankerman PIC program willallow AMO officers to earn the endorse-ment in a more efficient manner withoutsacrificing valuable training or experiencein the process.

“Having this tool in the box willensure the manning needs of AMO con-tracted companies leading the way in theexpansion of the Jones Act fleet are metfor years to come,” Bethel said. “TheSTAR Center leadership and staff and theAMO officials who developed this exclu-sive program deserve a lot of credit for itstimely advancement and approval.”

When enrollment for the programbegins, requirements will include:

•Completion of the two-weekTankerman PIC Simulator Course atSTAR Center (course provides credit for

two loads and two discharges)•Within one year of completing the

two-week course at STAR Center, com-pletion of a structured 30-day sailing rota-tion in a supernumerary capacity onboarda tanker

•Completion of a sea project duringthe 30-day sailing rotation

•Supervised observation of threeloads and three discharges during the 30-day sailing rotation (the STAR CenterTankerman PIC Simulator Course pro-vides credit for two loads and two dis-charges, which will bring the total includ-ed in the program to five loads and fivedischarges)

U.S. Coast Guard regulationsrequire all deck officers working aboardtank vessels to hold the Tankerman PICEndorsement. Coast Guard regulationsrequire first assistant engineers and chiefengineers working aboard tank vessels to

hold the Tankerman EngineerEndorsement. AMO is reviewing theendorsement requirements beingapplied for all officers by AMO-con-tracted companies.

The program will be adminis-tered both to ensure that officers (deckand engine) who will require theTankerman PIC Endorsement for workwith AMO-contracted companies willbe able to enroll, and to ensure eachofficer enrolled meets all requirementswithin the 12-month period specifiedby the Coast Guard for earning theTankerman PIC Endorsement throughthe accelerated program.

When enrollment for the pro-gram begins, details on the applicationprocess will be published in the AMOnewspaper and electronically via AMO

Currents, and will be available on theSTAR Center website.

By Tom Bethel

National President

Each year, Iam joined by AMONational VicePresident forG o v e r n m e n tRelations MikeMurphy and AMOPlans ExecutiveDirector SteveNickerson in con-ducting a series offace-to-face meet-ings with members of American MaritimeOfficers working on the East, West and GulfCoasts — onboard ships for the most part,and when possible, during officers’ confer-ences attended by large numbers of AMOmembers working for certain companies.

The practice of “bringing meetings tothe membership” is established policyunder my administration, and we have trieddifferent approaches over the past severalyears with the goal of meeting directly withas many people as possible in the mostpractical and convenient manner for theAMO membership.

While refining our approach tobringing meetings to the membership, wehave also expanded the practice by addingdirect teleconferencing between AMOHeadquarters and locations such as DiegoGarcia, allowing AMO members on stationabroad to participate in informative meet-ings, have concerns addressed and ques-tions answered.

2 • American Maritime Officer January 2014

Transparency, open communicationand the ongoing advancement of AMO

The intent of this policy remains pro-viding AMO members who are not able toattend regular membership meetings atheadquarters with access to complete brief-ings on all significant developments in ourunion and with the AMO Plans.

The meetings comprise just one facetof my administration’s commitment to trans-parency and open communication — hall-marks that help ensure AMO’s continuedadvancement and success as the nation’slargest union of merchant marine officersand the only union of its kind positioned forsustainable growth.

In keeping with this commitment,AMO members are routinely invited andalways welcome to attend, observe and par-ticipate in the meetings of the AMONational Executive Board, as well as themeetings of the joint union-employertrustees. While the AMO NationalConstitution has long provided for thisopportunity, my administration was the firstto put it into practice, and we continue toactively encourage the participation of theAMO membership.

This encouragement extends to anopen invitation for all AMO members in thearea and with an interest to visit the AMOoffice in Washington, D.C., to meet with ourlegislative staff and to experience first-handthe work our union does on Capitol Hill.One fact of life in our industry is that seago-ing jobs under the U.S.-flag in all deep-sea,Great Lakes and inland waters trades areentirely dependent upon U.S. law and feder-al policy, and the importance of politicalaction cannot be overstated.

However, another fact of life in ourindustry is that seagoing work may notoften or easily accommodate in-personparticipation.

To foster direct dialogue on a schedulethat works for each AMO member, all AMOofficials maintain an open access policy, aswell as an open door at the office. My cellphone number and e-mail address, as well asthe mobile numbers and e-mail addresses ofother AMO officials and staff, are alwaysavailable in the online directory on the AMOwebsite, and are published monthly in theAMO newspaper.

As a result, we are able to provideAMO members with candid answers to spe-cific questions about specific circumstances,and to ensure accurate information and sup-port are supplied to address legitimate con-cerns, either directly or through follow-upwith union departments or the AMO Plans.While these conversations do not alwaysresult in agreement on both ends of the line,AMO members can count on a complete andhonest response in every case.

In addition to one-on-one contact, wemaintain convenient online access forAMO members to important updatesregarding our union, benefit bulletins fromthe AMO Plans and reports on any devel-opments with the potential to impact theseagoing careers of the AMO membership.The AMO website and AMO Currents

website are regularly updated with newinformation, which is distributed directly toAMO-contracted vessels and any AMOmember or applicant who would like toreceive it at a personal e-mail address.

In the interest of transparency, myadministration instituted the practice of post-ing the LM-2 financial disclosure report ourunion files each year with the Department ofLabor on the AMO website in a area estab-lished exclusively for AMO members andapplicants. Along with the LM-2, we postour union’s audited financial statements as asupplement to the federal disclosure reportbecause they are more straightforward andprovide a means for the membership to com-pare the union’s income and expendituresfrom year to year.

Additionally, AMO members haveonline access to the minutes of the regularmembership meetings held at headquarterseach month, as well as other documents andreports of importance or particular interest.The availability of this information aug-ments the online job board maintained forAMO members and applicants on the AMODispatching website.

Transparency and open communica-tion remain crucial to ensuring all AMOmembers have access to the facts needed tounderstand the complex issues confrontingthe U.S. merchant marine and our member-ship in particular, and to make informeddecisions about individual careers and thefuture of our union as a whole.

The AMO membership is the best inthe business, consistently demonstrating alevel of skill and professionalism unrivaledin our industry. It is incumbent upon allAMO officials to supply a level of servicethat is equally exceptional.

In this era of rapid technologicaladvancement, there is always room for fur-ther improvement, and enhancement of ser-vices remains a work in progress. As is thestake of our union, our work at AMO is pro-gressing, and as always, we will keep youposted along the way. Please feel free to giveme a call on my cell phone with commentsor questions at (202) 251-0349.

AMO members:keeping yourAMO Dispatchingprofile up to date

As a reminder to American Maritime Officersmembers and applicants, current documents must beprovided to AMO Member Services in order to ensureeach member’s ability to ship.

Documents AMO members and applicants needto provide to AMO Member Services (rather than theSTAR Center Training Record System Department)in order to keep their digital profiles with AMODispatching up to date include:

•Merchant Mariner Credential — every pageof the document (this will account for the license,Merchant Mariner Document, STCW endorsement

See AMO Dispatching ◆ Page 3

American Maritime Officer(USPS 316-920)

Official Publication of American Maritime Officers601 S. Federal HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004

(954) 921-2221

POSTMASTER — Send Address Changes To:

American Maritime OfficersATTENTION: Member Services

P.O. Box 66Dania Beach, FL 33004

Periodical PostagePaid at:

Dania Beach, FLand AdditionalMailing Offices

Thomas Bethel, National President

José Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer

Robert Kiefer, National Executive Vice President

Joseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea

John Clemons, National Vice President, Great Lakes

Charles Murdock, National Vice President, Inland Waters

Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relations

American Maritime Officers National Executive Board

Published Monthly

American Maritime Officer • 3January 2014

AMO DispatchingContinued from Page 2

and any additional endorsementsrequired to sail, such as vesselsecurity)

•Transportation WorkerIdentification Credential (TWIC)

•PassportDocuments can be scanned and

sent by e-mail to AMO Member Servicesat [email protected] copies of documents can be

mailed to Member Services at:

AMO Member Services601 S. Federal HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4109

In order to remind AMO membersand applicants of expired documents, ordocuments not currently on file, the AMODispatching website display highlights theappropriate fields in red after a member orapplicant has logged into the site.

Additionally, the following notationwas added to each individual’s profile dis-

play in the documentation section: “Pleasenote that any items highlighted in REDabove indicate expired documents and mayaffect your ability to ship. Please contactMember Services to update or correct thisinformation. The e-mail address is: [email protected]. Only trainingdocuments and training related informationshould be sent to STAR Center.”

As noted, AMO members and appli-cants only need to provide documents relat-ed to training to STAR Center’s TrainingRecord System Department.

The documents listed above can

directly affect an individual’s ability toship and need to be provided to and keptup to date with AMO Member Services.

AMO members and applicantswith any questions regarding their indi-vidual digital profile can contact AMOMember Services by e-mail or by phoneat: (800) 362-0513 ext. 1050.

Please be advised that e-mail isnot a secure form of communicationand personal identification informa-tion included in an e-mail message orattachment may be intercepted bythird parties.

The AMO VPAF: an investment in job, benefit securityBy John DeCrosta

AMO Director of Political Affairs

As members of AMO broadly know,and regular readers of American Maritime

Officer and AMO Currents are more specif-ically aware, the Voluntary Political ActionFund (VPAF) is the most critical tool usedby the union’s Washington, D.C.-basedteam to build and maintain relationshipswith members of Congress.

Through coordinated events held inconcert with other maritime labor unionsand shipping companies operating U.S.-flagged vessels, we meet with senators andcongressional representatives of both par-ties to garner support for the issues mostcritical to maintaining jobs for AMO mem-bers. Thanks to the strong support theVPAF enjoys within AMO, we are fortu-nate to have the means to be much moreaggressive than many of our colleagues atthe shipping lines, as well as many of ourbrethren at other shipboard labor organiza-tions, in bringing our message to membersof Congress. Absent the ability to directlymaintain a dialogue and build relationshipswith elected officials, we would be muchmore challenged in bringing our concernsand priorities to the personal attention ofindividual senators and representatives.

It is important to stress the“Voluntary” aspect of the VoluntaryPolitical Action Fund and to be clear thatabsolutely no union funds are used tofinance this endeavor. The decision to par-ticipate in the VPAF is determined com-pletely by each individual member, and thefund itself consists entirely of contributionsreceived from AMO members via direct

payments, payroll/vacation check-off, orcredit card.

It is also important to note that con-tributions to the VPAF are held in anaccount separate from other union fundsand nearly 100 percent of every dollar con-tributed to the VPAF is used for direct cam-paign contributions. The remaining portionpays for banking and auditing services toensure the fund’s compliance with federalregulations. No AMO officials, representa-tives or employees draw salaries or expens-es from the VPAF.

The commitment of those AMOmembers who contribute to the VPAF isgreatly appreciated by the union’s govern-ment relations team. We could not do ourjobs working to sustain the seagoing jobs ofthe AMO membership without your gener-ous donations, and we thank you for yourinvestment in the job and benefit securityof all AMO members.

The consistent generosity of theAMO membership reflects an understand-ing of the clear connection between con-gressional support for maritime laws andprograms and the existence of the U.S.merchant marine, and is reflected in thestrength of the AMO VPAF. Our challengeis to increase the pool of contributors to theVPAF so that it returns to the peak of itsstrength seen in the 1990s. Make no mis-take, the larger an organization’s politicalaction committee — what we title theVoluntary Political Action Fund — thestronger its message carries with membersof Congress. While AMO is much betterpositioned than many other organizationsto make its case on the issues, we can andshould do better, particularly under the dire

circumstances confronting our industry onCapitol Hill.

Just as they did in the 1990s, AMOtoday needs senior officers — our captainsand chief engineers — to make the case tojunior officers aboard their vessels aboutthe importance of contributing to theVPAF.

The issues we face on Capitol Hillare perennial, and include protection ofthe Jones Act, funding for the MaritimeSecurity Program, enforcement of cargopreference laws, and resisting efforts toweaken U.S. food aid programs. Whilenone of these are issues that may com-mand the attention of the entire U.S.Congress, they are ones where our oppo-nents are strongly motivated and wellfunded to try to weaken the laws that helpkeep the U.S.-flag fleet in both interna-tional and domestic trades viable andAMO members employed. In the pastyear, each of these programs was underattack — the MSP fleet faced the risk ofbeing cut due to sequestration; the Obamaadministration, congressional allies, andprivate organizations came within awhisker’s length of diluting the require-ment to move humanitarian assistanceaboard U.S.-flagged vessels; and JonesAct “reform” legislation was introduced.Relationships developed in years pastthrough use of the VPAF — and new rela-tionships created this year thanks to theVPAF — helped ensure our industry, andour union, prevailed on these counts.

Looking forward, the above-identi-fied concerns will remain with us in 2014,while other challenges potentially loom.These may include commitments the U.S.

might make in trade agreement negotia-tions, particularly the services initiative,and a possible repeat attempt to strip theU.S.-flag cargo preference requirementwhen the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States comes upfor consideration.

There may also be growth opportuni-ties for our industry in the near future,depending in part upon proposals generatedby the National Maritime StrategySymposium, possible initiatives spurred bythe Department of Transportation, and theshape these may take in the hands ofCongress. We are also very optimisticabout the potential for new seagoing workin energy transportation.

The underlying point is, whether weare working to defend what we have orexploring areas where we might achieveexpansion of our industry and job base,Congress is at the nexus of our efforts. TheVPAF is indispensable in helping to protectthe interests of the membership inWashington, D.C.

Again, we are immensely grateful tothose who support the VPAF. If you do notcontribute to the VPAF, or have let yourcontributions lapse, we ask you to considercontributing again, even at a modest level.The key to a successful fund is achieving asclose to universal participation as is possi-ble. The key to AMO’s success on CapitolHill is a strong VPAF.

If you have any questions regardingthe VPAF or AMO’s activities inWashington, D.C., please contact eithermyself, or Legislative Director Paul Doell,or National Vice President, GovernmentRelations, Mike Murphy directly.

AMO aboard tanker Sunshine State in Jones Act trades

American Maritime Officers members working aboard the tanker Sunshine

State in October, here in Port Everglades, Fla., included Chief Mate KevinGriffith, Third Mate Trevor Fouhey, Chief Mate Bob Wirlaner and SecondMate Eric Anderson. With them is Deck Cadet Connor Willcox, U.S.Merchant Marine Academy.

The Jones Act tanker Sunshine State arrives at Port Everglades, Fla., inOctober. The Sunshine State is one of five State Class tankers operated byIntrepid Personnel and Provisioning and manned in all licensed positions byAmerican Maritime Officers.


U.S. Coast Guard publishes final rule implementingthe 2010 amendments to STCW Convention

The U.S. Coast Guard announced Dec. 24 the publication of the final rule“Implementation of the Amendments to the International Convention on Standards ofTraining, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and Changes to NationalEndorsements” in the Federal Register: https://federalregister.gov/a/2013-28032.

This final rule will implement the International Convention on Standardsof Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended(STCW Convention), as well as the Seafarer’s Training, Certification andWatchkeeping Code (STCW Code), to address the comments received fromthe public in response to the supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking andto incorporate the 2010 amendments to the STCW Convention, which cameinto force January 1, 2012. In addition, this final rule makes other changes notrequired by the STCW Convention or Code, but necessary to reorganize, clar-ify and update these regulations.

The major changes in this rule will:• Clarify transitional provision for STCW endorsements and for the issuance

of medical certificates.• Provide additional training topics for STCW endorsements as part of

approved formal training.• Clarify the application of security requirements.• Provide additional means for mariners holding a domestic tankerman

endorsement to qualify for STCW tankerman endorsements.• Remove the chief engineer (limited-near-coastal) endorsement.• Exempt pilot vessels engaged in pilotage duty from STCW requirements.• Amend requirements for sea service credit for cadets serving onboard acad-

emy training ships if sea service is part of an approved training program.• Revise sea service requirements for Offshore Supply Vessel endorsements,

provide the option to complete an approved course and provide a career progressionpath.

• Clarify the training requirements and definition for the position of QualifiedAssessor.

• Add the endorsement for mate of ocean self-propelled vessels of less than200 GRT.

• Add formal training requirements for STCW endorsements as electro-tech-nical officer and electro-technical rating.

• Add provisions for mariners serving on STCW-compliant vessels to alsohold an STCW endorsement.

The following letter dated Dec. 24

and addressed to the U.S. maritime indus-

try was issued by Rear Adm. Joseph

Servidio, U.S. Coast Guard assistant com-

mandant for prevention policy. The final

rule is available online in the FederalRegister. American Maritime Officers and

STAR Center are analyzing the final rule

in order to provide guidance as needed for

AMO members and applicants.

Today the Coast Guard publishedthe Final Rule (FR) entitled,“Implementation of the Amendments tothe International Convention on Standardsof Training, Certification andWatchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978(STCW), as Amended, and Changes toNational Endorsements.” It is available inthe Federal Register (https://federalregis-ter.gov/a/2013-28032). This FR incorpo-rates the 2010 Amendments to the STCWConvention into the U.S. regulations. Italso makes other necessary changes to ournational regulations for the purposes ofreorganization, clarification and neededupdates. The new regulations will beapplicable to all mariners who begin ser-vice or training towards an endorsement,on or after March 24, 2014.

The FR sets out how a U.S. marinermay obtain an STCW endorsement andclarifies the requirements for eachendorsement, including training, service,and assessments. Most of the new trainingrequirements will not impact marinersholding existing STCW endorsements,but there are exceptions, such as trainingin leadership and managerial skills, thatmust be completed before January 1,2017. Most of the remaining STCWrequirements (including training, service,and assessments) will not be mandatoryfor existing mariners until on or afterJanuary 1, 2017.

Separate from training, service, andassessments, one important element thatneeds to be addressed immediately is therequirement to hold a medical certificate,especially for those mariners sailing inter-

nationally. In general, the Coast Guardwill be changing its procedures and it willissue a separate medical certificate to cer-tify a mariner’s compliance with the min-imum mariner medical standards. While

the medical certificate issue is not arequirement for STCW until 2017, theInternational Labour Organization’sMaritime Labor Convention (MLC)requires that mariners have a separatemedical certificate issued by the flagadministration. Therefore, since it willeventually be required under STCW, andsince it is required now under the MLC,the Coast Guard is pressing forward toissue medical certificates as quickly aspossible within the timing of this rule.One very important additional reasonwhy the United States is eager to issuemedical certificates to our mariners trav-eling internationally is that U.S. regis-tered vessels that visit ports of nationsthat have adopted the MLC will be at riskof detention if they cannot demonstrateadequate compliance with the MLC.Therefore, effective January 2, 2014, theNational Maritime Center (NMC) willbegin issuing medical certificates to thosemariners who hold STCW endorsements,and, on January 24, 2014, will begin toissue medical certificates to all marinersin the normal course of the applicationprocess. Please recognize that once youreceive a medical certificate, it should becarried with your merchant mariner cre-dential (MMC). Also, if you are a currentholder of a valid STCW endorsement andyou do not receive your medical certifi-cate by March 31, 2014, we ask that youplease contact the NMC at 1 888-I-ASKNMC (1-888-427-5662).

Separate from STCW issues, the FRalso revises the requirements for nationalendorsements. These regulatory revisionsrecognize changes in the maritime indus-try, and broaden service requirements toassist officers obtaining endorsements.

See STCW Final Rule ◆ Page 7

AMO aboard ATB Corpus Christi in the Jones Act trades

AMO membersworking aboardthe ATB Corpus

Christi inOctober, here inPortEverglades,Fla., includedFirst AssistantEngineer KarlKraker.

American Maritime Officers members working aboard the ATB Corpus Christi

in October, here in Port Everglades, Fla., included Third Mate Travis Nageland Chief Mate Al Azcona.

At right: The Jones Act articulated tug/barge Corpus Christi calls at PortEverglades, Fla., in October. The ATB is operated by U.S. Shipping

Corporation and is manned in all licensed positions by AMO.


House, Senate members urge greater utilization ofHMTF for Lakes dredging, harbor maintenance

In separate letters to leading mem-bers of the conference committee con-vened to reconcile different versions ofwater resources legislation, 34 membersof the House of Representatives and 13senators from the Great Lakes regionemphasized the need to increase expendi-tures from the Harbor Maintenance TrustFund to pay for much needed dredgingand maintenance projects in the GreatLakes Navigation System.

The letters, dated Nov. 26, were sentto Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chair-woman of the Senate Committee onEnvironment and Public Works; Sen.David Vitter (R-LA), ranking member onthe committee; Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA),chairman of the House Committee onTransportation and Infrastructure; andRep. Nick Rahall (D-WV), ranking mem-ber on the committee.

The conference committee was con-vened in November to reconcile the WaterResources Reform and Development Actapproved by the House of Representativesand the Water Resources Development Actapproved by the Senate.

In their respective letters, the senatorsand representatives noted that both theHouse and Senate versions of the legisla-tion make important advances in improv-

ing funding for harbor maintenancethroughout the nation and urged the con-ferees to retain language that would directharbor maintenance funding to be more inline with the revenues collected for thispurpose in the Harbor Maintenance TrustFund. Members of both chambers pointedout only about half of the collections forharbor maintenance are currently expend-ed for that purpose.

“Each year, about 145 million tonsof commodities are carried through theGreat Lakes Navigation System,” theywrote. “The materials transported includefuel that powers homes and businesses,limestone and cement to construct roadsand bridges, iron ore to produce steel,chemicals and other raw materials formanufacturers, and agricultural products tofeed our nation and the world. This modeof transport has both economic and envi-ronmental advantages compared to alter-native transportation options, and supportsabout 130,000 jobs in the U.S. and gener-ates over $18 billion in revenues.

“Despite the benefits the GreatLakes Navigation System provides, inade-quate funding and maintenance has result-ed in a tremendous backlog of dredgingprojects that have forced vessels to lightload, grounded vessels, impeded safe nav-

igation, and closed harbors and threatenedother harbors with closure. To furtherexacerbate the problem, the water levels ofa number of the Great Lakes have reachedrecord lows in the last few years. Theimpacts of the lack of dredging and otherrequired maintenance, including lockimprovements, breakwater repairs, andconstruction of dredged material disposalfacilities, have economic consequencesthat hinder economic growth.”

Members of both chambers focusedon three specific requests to the conferees:

1. Dedicated harbor maintenancefunding for the Great Lakes NavigationSystem — language requiring at least 15percent of all annual HMTF appropria-tions to be provided for GLNS operationsand maintenance.

2. Authorization of the GLNS —retention of language in the House billexplicitly authorizing the GLNS as a sin-gle system.

3. Expanded use of the HMTF — TheGLNS has a backlog of $200 million indredging projects, seriously aging breakwa-ters and locks in need of repair, as well as alack of dredged material disposal facilities.In prioritizing uses of the HMTF, it is criti-cal that funding first be provided for cur-rently authorized uses, such as maintaining

navigation projects at their constructeddepths and widths, especially in the GLNS.

Signing the Senate letter wereSenators Carl Levin (D-MI), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), AmyKlobuchar (D-MN), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), DebbieStabenow (D-MI), Rob Portman (R-OH),Al Franken (D-MN), Joe Donnelly (D-IN),Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Durbin(D-IL) and Ron Johnson (R-WI).

Signing the House letter wereRepresentatives Louise Slaughter (D-NY),Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Sean Duffy (R-WI),Mike Kelly (R-PA), Sander Levin (D-MI),David Joyce (R-OH), Brian Higgins (D-NY), John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), GwenMoore (D-WI), John Dingell (D-MI),Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Dan Benishek (R-MI), Mike Rogers (R-MI), Reid Ribble (R-WI), Dan Maffei (D-NY), Brad Schneider(D-IL), Bob Latta (R-OH), Steve Stivers(R-OH), Tom Petri (R-WI), Chris Collins(R-NY), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Tim Ryan(D-OH), Bill Johnson (R-OH), KerryBentivolio (R-MI), Fred Upton (R-MI),Marcia Fudge (D-OH), James Renacci (R-OH), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ron Kind (D-WI), Bill Owens (D-NY), Mike Quigley(D-IL), Pete Visclosky (D-IN), Tom Reed(R-NY) and Glenn Thompson (R-PA).

U.S.-flag cargo float down 4.7 percent in November

Weather delaysimpact totals onGreat Lakes

U.S.-flagged Great Lakes freighterscarried 8.7 million tons of dry-bulk cargoin November, a decrease of 4.7 percentcompared with a year ago. The total wasalso 8.7 percent below November’s long-term average, and down 11.2 percent fromthe 9.8 million tons the fleet moved inOctober. Weather delays were a factor inthe decreases, the Lake Carriers’Association reported.

Approximately 3.8 million tons ofiron ore were carried by U.S.-flagged ves-sels in November, 68.2 percent of all oremoving on the Lakes/Seaway that month.The total represented an 8.5 percentdecrease from the previous year, and a 10.1percent decrease compared withNovember’s long-term average.

Coal shipments in U.S. hulls totaled2.2 million tons in November, a slightdecrease from a year ago, and 8.3 percentbelow the month’s long-term average.

The 2.3 million tons of limestone

hauled by U.S.-flagged lakers in Novemberrepresented a slight increase compared witha year ago, but fell short of the month’slong-term average by 5.5 percent.

At the end of November, the U.S.-

flag float stood at 82 million net tons, a mar-ginal increase compared with a year ago.Iron ore and limestone were slightly behindlast year’s pace, but coal cargoes increasedby 3.8 percent.

AMO aboard the H. Lee White

American Maritime Officers members working aboard the H. Lee White inDecember, here in Toledo, Ohio, included First Assistant Engineer JamesPolluch, Third A.E. James Ham and Chief Engineer Sam Beland. With themare AMO National Representative Stan Barnes and AMO Senior NationalAssistant Vice President Brian Krus. AMO represents all licensed officersaboard the American Steamship Company vessel.

The H. Lee White unloads iron ore at the TORCO iron ore transfer facility inToledo, Ohio.

U.S.-Flag Carriage Year-to-Date (November) 2008-2013 — net tons

Commodity 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Average

2008-2012

Iron Ore 44,680,865 20,460,705 37,794,523 41,935,703 40,111,561 39,853,241 41,130,663

Coal 22,498,847 19,025,618 19,025,618 18,300,064 15,899,269 16,506,192 19,033,868

Limestone 23,250,335 16,487,816 19,751,472 20,366,145 21,114,274 20,993,972 21,120,557

Cement 3,082,188 2,695,027 2,615,613 2,636,999 2,991,853 2,954,917 2,831,663

Salt 1,110,823 1,132,968 1,205,539 1,292,998 846,334 963,768 1,113,924

Sand 343,843 262,805 212,032 300,859 308,642 354,301 291,344

Grain 215,202 287,777 246,161 214,497 325,347 354,552 250,302

Total 95,182,103 60,352,716 81,262,630 85,047,265 81,597,280 82,020,943 85,772,320

Source: Lake Carriers’ Association


AMO-contracted vessels earn CSAEnvironmental Achievement Awards

More than 85 vessels manned bymembers of American Maritime Officerswere among those recognized this year bythe Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA)with Environmental Achievement Awardsfor 2013 for attaining at least two years ofenvironmental excellence in operations,with 18 vessels achieving 10 years or morewithout an incident.

“These awards celebrate the dedica-tion to environmental excellence of our sea-farers and the company personnel shore-

side who operate our vessels to the higheststandards,” said Joseph Cox, president ofthe CSA. “ In today’s world, it seems ourindustry only gets front-page news whenspills or other environmental problemsoccur. It is encouraging to see how manyvessels go for years achieving environmen-tal excellence. It should be clear to theAmerican public that we in the maritimeindustry take our stewardship of the marineenvironment very seriously.”

The awards were presented during a

ceremony held Nov. 13 in Washington, D.C.Certificates of Environmental Achievementwere presented to a total of 1,431 vessels, ofboth U.S. and foreign registry, which haveoperated an average of 6.9 years withoutincident.

U.S. Coast Guard AssistantCommandant for Prevention Policy RearAdm. Joseph Servidio participated in theawards ceremony and commended the greatwork performed by the industry. ActingMaritime Administrator Paul Jaenichen also

attended, remarking on the environmentalaccomplishments of the industry.

Companies recognized for environ-mental excellence that operate vesselsunder contract with AMO includedCrowley Liner Services; General DynamicsAmerican Overseas Marine; IntrepidPersonnel and Provisioning; KeystoneShipping Company (Key Lakes); MaerskLine, Limited; Ocean Duchess, Inc.; OceanShipholdings, Inc.; OSG ShipManagement, Inc.; Sea Star Line, LLC;Seabulk Tankers, Inc.; TOTE Services, Inc.;and U.S. Shipping Corporation.

A listing of all vessels receivingCertificates of Environmental Achievementfor 2013 is on the CSA website atwww.knowships.org, and is available viathe link to “News & Events.”

AMO members Captain Greg Johnson and Chief Engineer Mats Holmquistaccept the Chamber of Shipping of America Environmental Achievement Awardfor the M/V Jean Anne — operated by TOTE Services, Inc. for Pasha Hawaii —from U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Joseph Servidio.

AMO member Chief Engineer Jeff Hoffman accepts the Chamber of Shipping ofAmerica Environmental Achievement Award for the National Glory, operated byIntrepid Personnel and Provisioning.

AMO member Captain Paul Schwartz accepts the Environmental AchievementAward for the ATB Brownsville, operated by U.S. Shipping Corporation.

AMO member Captain Nick Colavito accepts the Environmental AchievementAward for the M/V Houston, operated by U.S. Shipping Corporation.

AMO member Captain Chris Pyne-Mercier accepts the Environmental AchievementAward for the ATB Corpus Christi, operated by U.S. Shipping Corporation.

AMO member Captain Ross Mollnow accepts the Environmental AchievementAward for the ATB Galveston, operated by U.S. Shipping Corporation.


Enrollment commences for TECH Program’s next class

STAR Center is now accepting appli-cations for enrollment in the next class ofThe Engineering Candidate Hawsepipe(TECH) Program. The next session is cur-rently planned to commence this summerand STAR Center will be accepting applica-tions through April 4, 2014.

American Maritime Officers, work-ing collaboratively with the SeafarersInternational Union and the training divi-sions of the benefit plans of both unions,developed the TECH Program, which pro-vides an accelerated pathway for entry-level mariners to advance to original third

assistant engineers.The TECH Program’s first class

begins this month. Candidates interest-ed in enrolling in the next class can findmore information on the program andthe enrollment process for the next ses-sion on the STAR Center website(www.star-center.com) via the linkunder “What’s Hot.”

The program is designed to takequalified and motivated high schoolgraduates from unlicensed apprentice tothird assistant engineer, with an STCWendorsement, through approximately 30

months of classroom, laboratory andshipboard training.

STAR Center, a division of theAMO Safety & Education Plan, is work-ing with the Harry Lundberg School ofSeamanship’s Paul Hall Center forMaritime Training and Education in PineyPoint, Md. in the training and assessmentof TECH Program candidates.

Costs to candidates are minimal,and cover medical exams, required cre-dentials, passports, uniforms and otherincidental expenses. There are no tuitionor room-and-board fees, and all trans-

portation costs incurred during the pro-gram are covered, provided the candidateagrees to complete the program and sail asa licensed engineer and member of AMOupon completion.

“We developed this program toassist in building the next generation ofmarine engineers for the U.S. merchantmarine — a rewarding trade that isalways and increasingly in demand,” saidAMO National Vice President forGovernment Relations Mike Murphy.“Combined with our union’s ongoingrecruiting at the maritime academies andAMO’s new incentive program for mar-itime academy cadets, we expect TECHwill serve as a valuable asset in ensuringthe manpower needs of the U.S.-flag fleetwill be met for years to come.”

AMO officers encouraged to direct eligible candidatestoward rewarding careers as marine engineers

AMO conducts informational meetings on the Gulf Coast

STCW Final RuleContinued from Page 4

Examples include the lowering of the mini-mum tonnage and expanding the accep-tance of towing service towards unlimiteddeck endorsements. Additionally, the FRconsolidates similar endorsements, reduc-ing the total number of national endorse-ments that must be managed as well asstreamlining qualification requirements.This includes the consolidation of the chiefengineer (limited oceans) and chief engi-neer (limited near coastal) endorsementsinto a single chief engineer limited endorse-ment. The FR also sets out the requirementsto obtain a master of towing vessel endorse-ment for those mariners with previoustowing experience, so, for example, thosemariners who were not formerly requiredto hold an endorsement to tow in supportof the oil and mineral industry, may seekone. Further, and as noted above, the med-ical certificate issue is also applicable tonational endorsements. The FR separatesthe medical certification from the MMC

and establishes a medical certificate asevidence of meeting the minimum marinermedical qualifications. The medical cer-tificate must be carried when acting underthe authority of a credential once it hasbeen issued to a mariner.

For a mariner’s STCW endorse-ments, the changes will be transitioned byJanuary 1, 2017. For a mariner’s nationalendorsements the changes will be transi-tioned over a 5-year period, ending onMarch 23, 2019. During the transitionperiod, a current mariner need only meetthe requirements in effect before March24, 2014, except for certain STCW train-ing requirements. The opportunity to usethe requirements in effect before March24, 2014, will only be available for onetransaction during the STCW or nationaltransition period. A mariner has the optionto choose to be evaluated under the newrequirements when those requirements areto the mariner’s benefit. The NationalMaritime Center is prepared to implementthe new standards, and applying under thenew rule will likely save you time. Forthose mariners holding endorsements no

longer issued under the new rule, theymay either keep their current endorsementor it can be transitioned to one of the con-solidated endorsements. In some instancesthere may be additional training or exami-nation for the consolidated endorsements.

We will be publishing a number ofpolicy documents, in the form ofNavigation and Vessel InspectionCirculars (NVICs), to assist with theimplementation of this FR. I hope that allNVICs will be published within 90 daysof the FR publication. The NVICs will beposted to the U.S. Coast Guard website(www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic/). We willannounce the NVIC releases in the U.S.Federal Register (https://www.federalreg-ister.gov/), as well as through the NMClistserv. You should also consult theNational Maritime Center’s website(http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/) to obtain thelatest policy updates when preparing toapply for an endorsement.

The Coast Guard will also hold sev-eral meetings on this FR. Details regard-ing these meetings will be announcedthrough the NMC website and the

Federal Register in the near future. Thefirst meeting will be held in January andwill be conducted in a webinar (online)format. The first meeting, where the pub-lic will be able to attend, will take place inFebruary in Washington, DC. Duringthese meetings we will pass the latestinformation on the rule as well as providean opportunity for you to ask questions.An email address, [email protected],has been set up to receive questions onthe FR. Questions sent to this address willbe reviewed and may be added to NMC’swebsite, under a frequently asked ques-tions (FAQ) section. We will continue toupdate the FAQ page to ensure maximumvisibility on issues impacting the imple-mentation of the FR.

I recognize that many mariners areanxious about the impact of these regula-tions. I completely understand this anxietyand my staff and I will do everything wecan to ensure a smooth transition over thecoming months and years. I plan to attendthe meeting in January and look forwardto receiving your comments and questionsat that time.

American Maritime Officers mem-bers participating in an informa-tional meeting in December inCorpus Christi, Texas, with AMONational President Tom Bethel,AMO National Vice President,Government Relations, MikeMurphy and AMO Plans ExecutiveDirector Steve Nickerson includedMike Raymond, Glen Burke, DaveDwyer, Steve Chouinard, FredWakeham, Glen Wheeler, JamesBrew, Kruger Donald, SamShellstede, Shawn Bird, AndyDulavitz and Paul Loughlin.

AMO members participating in aninformational meeting in December

in Houston, Texas, aboard theNational Glory with AMO National

President Tom Bethel, AMONational Vice President,

Government Relations, MikeMurphy and AMO Plans ExecutiveDirector Steve Nickerson includedSecond Assistant Engineer James

Porter, First A.E. Ted Yap, ChiefMate Pat Nolan, Second Mate

Kevin Wood, Third Mate RolandoSantos, Captain Neil Kelleher and

Chief Engineer Bill Pink.


AMO Safety and Education Plan — Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center

General Courses

ABS NS5 Fleet Management Software 3 days 24 March 4 June

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 3 February 10, 31 March 12 May 16 June 14 July 18 August

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 13 January 10 February 17 March 21 April 9 June 7 July

Basic Safety Training — Refresher 3 days 15 January 12 February 19 March 23 April 11 June 9 July

Chemical Safety — Advanced 5 days 20 January 21 April

ECDIS 5 days 20 January 27 January 3 March 7 April 23 June 14 July

Effective Supervision 2 days 24 February

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 21 January 14 April 11 June

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 3, 18 February 10 March 14 April 5 May 23 June 21 July

GMDSS — Requires after-hour homework 10 days 28 April

LNG Tankerman PIC 8 days 4 June

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 Please call 16 June

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 21 January 24 March 27 May 28 July

Safety Officer Course 2 days 6, 31 March 5 May 24 July

Tankerman PIC DL — Classroom 5 days 13 January 7 April

Tankerman PIC DL — Simulator 10 days 27 January 10 March 12 May 7 July 11 August

Train the Trainer 5 days 3 February 10, 31 March 16 June 4 August

Train the Trainer — Simulator Instructors 5 days Please call

Vessel/Company Security Officer — Includes Anti-Piracy 3 days 21 January 18 February 3 March 14 April 21 July

Deck Courses

Advanced Bridge Resource Management 5 days 7 April (P.M.) 16 June

Advanced Shiphandling for Masters — (No equivalency) Must have sailed as

Chief Mate Unlimited5 days 20 Jan. (P.M.) 3 February 21 April 23 June 25 August

Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates — 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rd Mates 10 days 10 Feb (P.M.) 10 March 5 May 11 August

Advanced Emergency Shiphandling — First Class Pilots, Great Lakes 5 days 20 January

Bridge Resource Management Seminar 3 days Please call

Dynamic Positioning — Basic 5 days 27 January 31 March 16 June 28 July

Dynamic Positioning — Advanced 5 days 24 February 5 May

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 required5 days 24 March 23 June 25 August

Tug Training — ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive) 5 days 27 Jan (P.M.) 19 May (P.M.)

Visual Communications (Flashing Light) — Test only! 1 day Scheduled as required

Deck Upgrade at the Management Level — Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC).

This program will complete ALL 53 Control Sheet assessments of the training requirements for STCW. Course completion certificates do not expire. Operational level officers (3/M and 2/M) interested in advancing to Chief

Mate/Master (Management) Level are encouraged to start obtaining the required courses as soon as practical after acquiring OICNW experience. Advanced Navigation and a USCG approved ECDIS course must be completed

within 12 months of each other to satisfy the Management Level upgrade course and assessment requirements.

Celestial Navigation — Requires after-hour homework 5 days 10 February 31 March 19 May 21 July

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hour homework 5 days 17 February 21 April 23 June

Cargo Operations 9 days 21 January 17 March 28 April 14 July

Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 10 March 21 April 9 June 28 July

Upgrade: Stability 5 days 13 January 7 April 2 June 28 July

Watchkeeping 1: BRM 3 days 12 February 15 April 14 May 6 August

Watchkeeping 2: COLREGS — Watchkeeping 1 & 2 must be completed within 12

months of each other5 days 17 February 21 April 19 May 11 August

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 24 February 31 March 2 June 4 August (P.M.)

Shipboard Management 5 days 20 January 17 March 16 June 18 August

Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (includes Simulator) 5 days 27 January 10 March 5 May 18 August

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.5 days 3 February 17 March 12 May 25 August

Self-Study License Exam Preparation A/R

Engineering Courses

Advanced Slow Speed Diesel 10 days 10 February 31 March 7 July

Basic Electricity 10 days 10 February 31 March 7 July

Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 13 January 2 June

Engine Room Resource Management 5 days 24 February 7 April

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 10 February 12 May

High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 5 March 28 July

Ocean Ranger Program 6 days Please call

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 5 days 24 February 21 April 21 July

Refrigeration (Operational Level) 5 days 27 January 21 April 18 August

Refrigeration (Management Level) 5 days 3 February 28 April 25 August

Steam Endorsement 4 weeks 3 March 7 July

Electronics and Power Electronics (Management) — NEW 1 week 3 February 24 March 2 June 4 August

Instrumentation (Management) — NEW 10 days 10 March 16 June 18 August

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 24 February 5 May 18 August

This schedule is subject to significant change based on the requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard final rule implementing the 2010 amendments to STCW

Original License Courses

RFPNW Assessments 1 day Please call

Marlin Spike 1 day Please call

40-hour Able Seaman 5 days Please call


MSC Training Program

CMEO for Junior Engineers 5 days 10 March 19 May

Basic CBR Defense 1 day 14 March 10 April 27 June 18 July 29 August

Damage Control 1 day 13 March 11 April 26 June 17 July 28 August

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 18 February 29 April

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 14 January 11 February 18 March 22 April 8 July

Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD) 1/2 day 14 March 10 April 27 June 18 July 29 August

Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 24 January 17 April

Medical PIC Refresher — Note: Not MSC approved 3 days 21 January 19 February 30 April

MSC Readiness Refresher — Must have completed full CBRD & DC once in career. 5 days 13 January 10 February 17 March 21 April 7 July

MSC Watchstander — BASIC — Once in career, SST grads grandfathered 2 days 30 January 15 May 31 July

MSC Watchstander — ADVANCED — Required for all SRF members 1 day 3, 27 February 27 March 19 May 4 August

MSC Ship Reaction Force — Required every three years for SRF members 3 days 4 February 20 May 5 August

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 13, 27 January 10, 24 February 10, 24 March 7,21 April 12, 28 May 9, 23 June 14, 28 July 11, 25 August

Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 24 January 17 April

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 3 February 10 March

Basic Safety Training 5 days 13 January 17 March

EFA/MCP 4 days 28 January 4 March

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 21 January 24 March

Basic Electricity (original engineers only) 10 days 10 February 31 March

Original 3 A/E Preparation and Exams A/R 24 February

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 theschool 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 theAmerican 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.

Medical Courses

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 18 February 29 April

Elementary First Aid — Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 12 months 1 day 28 January 4 March 6 May 17 June 22 July

Medical Care Provider — Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 12 months.

Please fax EFA certificate when registering3 days 29 January 5 March 7 May 18 June 23 July

Medical PIC — Please fax MCP certificate when registering 5 days 3 February 10 March 12 May 23 June 28 July

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 24 January 10 February 17 March 19 May 30 June 4 August

Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) — Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only 1 day 11 February 18 March 20 May 1 July 5 August

Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only 1/2 day 12 February 19 March 21 May 2 July 6 August

Medical PIC Refresher — Note: Not MSC approved 3 days 21 January 19 February 30 April

Radar Courses

Radar Recertification 1 day 10, 24, 28 Feb 27 March 14, 28 April 3, 30 June 3 July 5 August

Radar Recertification at Toledo Maritime Academy — Non-Resident

Training, apply to Student Services, Dania Beach1 day 23 January 27 February 20 March 26 June

ARPA 4 days 29 April

Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days 28 April

Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days 21 April

Officer in Charge of a Navigation Watch (OICNW) — Completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as Officer In Charge of a Navigation Watch (3M/2M) on vessels of 500

or more gross tonnage (ITC). This program will complete ALL Control Sheet assessments.

Celestial Navigation 10 days Please call

Ship Construction & Stability 5 days Please call

Emergency Procedures & SAR 4 days Please call

Meteorology 5 days Please call

Cargo Handling & Storage 5 days Please call

Magnetic & Gyro Compass 3 days Please call

Electronic Navigation 5 days Please call

Terrestrial Navigation 10 days Please call

Watchkeeping 10 days Please call

Basic Shiphandling at the Operational Level 5 days Please call

Self-Study License Exam Preparation A/R Available to those students who completed their courses at STAR Center. Please call to schedule.

Self-Study CDs and Online Programs — Available for use when attending other approved classroom courses

Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator CD DoT — Hazardous Material Transportation Training CD

Anti-Terrorism Level 1 Online EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification Examination Self-study

Crew Endurance Management CD Prudent Mariner’s Guide to Right Whale Protection CD

Vessel General Permit — EPA CD

MARAD Training Program — (11 day package comprised of courses below) Students will be nominated and assigned by their contracted company and shall attend all 11 days. Any places not taken by the contracted

companies shall be made available to the membership on a chronological order basis.

Small Arms — Initial & Sustainment (Refresher) Training — Open to

members and applicants eligible for employment through AMO (within 1 year) on MSC or

MARAD contracted vessels.

3 days 24 March 11 August

Elementary First Aid 1 day 27 March 14 August

Drug Collector Training 1 day 28 March 15 August

Breath Alcohol Test Collector 1 day 29 March 16 August

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 31 March 18 August


AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

DANIA BEACH, FL 33004601 S. Federal Highway(954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513Thomas J. Bethel, National President [email protected] / [email protected]: (202) 251-0349José E. Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer([email protected])Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President([email protected])FAX: (954) 926-5112Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea([email protected])Charles A. Murdock, National Vice President, Inland Waters ([email protected])Mobile: (954) 531-9977FAX: (954) 367-1025Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 / FAX: (954) 926-5126Brendan Keller, Dispatcher ([email protected])Robert Anderson, Dispatcher ([email protected])Member Services: Extension 1050 ([email protected])

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204(202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001Thomas J. Bethel, National President [email protected] / [email protected]: (202) 251-0349J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government [email protected]: (202) 560-6889John K. DeCrosta, Director of Political Affairs [email protected] / Mobile: (202) 557-9190Paul Doell, Legislative Director [email protected]: (202) 479-1188

PORTS

PHILADELPHIA, PA 191132 International Plaza, Suite 422Robert J. Kiefer, National Executive Vice President ([email protected])(800) 362-0513 ext. 4001Mobile: (215) 859-1059FAX: (610) 521-1301Chris Holmes, Contract Analysis (cholmes@amo‐union.org)(800) 362‐0513 ext. 4002Mobile: (856) 693‐0694

TOLEDO, OH 43604The Melvin H. Pelfrey BuildingOne Maritime Plaza, Third Floor(419) 255-3940(800) 221-9395FAX: (419) 255-2350John E. Clemons, National Vice President, Great Lakes ([email protected])Brian D. Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice President([email protected])Donald Cree, Great Lakes Special Assistant to the National President([email protected])Stan Barnes, National Representative ([email protected])Bruce DeWerth, Dispatcher ([email protected])

GALVESTON, TX 775512724 61st Street, Suite B, PMB 192David M. Weathers, National Assistant Vice President([email protected])(800) 362-0513 ext. 2001 / Mobile: (409) 996-7362FAX: (409) 737-4454

SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 946071121 7th Street, Second FloorOakland, CA 94607(510) 444-5301 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 5001Daniel E. Shea, National Assistant Vice President([email protected])FAX: (954) 367-1064

STAR CENTER

STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004(954) 920-3222 ext. 201 / (800) 942-3220 ext. 201Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 ext. 200FAX: (954) 920-314024 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999

TRAINING RECORDS SYSTEMLisa Marra(954) 920-3222 ext. 7118 / FAX: (954) [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

MEDICAL CLINIC AMO PLANS2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004 Dania Beach, FL 33004(954) 927-5213 (800) 348-6515FAX: (954) 929-1415 FAX: (954) 922-7539

LEGAL

AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid Joel Glanstein, General CounselProgram 437 Madison AveMichael Reny 35th FloorMobile: (419) 346-1485 New York, NY 10022(419) 243-1105 / (888) 853-4662 (212) [email protected] FAX: (212) 697-6299

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: February 3, March 3

Updated forms for shipment and discharge of merchant marinersThe following article was released by

the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime

Center and is available on the NMC website

at www.uscg.mil/nmc.

The Office of Management andBudget approved the updated versions of theCoast Guard forms CG-705A and CG-718A,used to execute shipping articles and preparecertificates of discharge for merchantmariners.

• Shipping Articles (CG-705A)• Certificate of Discharge to Merchant

Mariner (CG-718A)

The obsolete paper format of theseforms has been in use since World War II andwas last revised in the early 1980s. The datacollected on the updated forms is nearlyidentical to the previous version; however,the size of the forms has significantlychanged to the standard paper size (8.5 x 11inches) to accommodate modern technology.

Availability of these forms to the pub-lic will be on or around January 6, 2014. TheCoast Guard will not stock the updated formsin paper format. These forms will be avail-able electronically in a PDF fillable format at

the National Maritime Center’s website. Mariners and other respondents

should contact our Customer Service Center

by e-mail to [email protected] or at888-IASKNMC (888-427-5662) with anyquestions regarding forms.

New EPA vessel general permit now in effect: The U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency has issued a final vessel general permit (VGP) regulating dis-charges from commercial vessels, including ballast water. The final VGP coverscommercial vessels greater than 79 feet in length, excluding military and recre-ational vessels, and replaces the 2008 vessel general permit, which expired Dec.19, 2013. More information is available on the EPA website athttp://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/vgpermit.cfm.


Members of American Maritime Officers train at STAR Center

AMO members attending an MSC Security Watchstander Advanced Course atSTAR Center in December included Paul Arsenault, Travis Diemert, RobertSandner, Travis Nagel, Kenneth Spengler, Tom Balzano, Chris Brown, JoeMartinet, Phil McFarland, Dereck Demerski, Paul Matz and Joe Goodwin.

AMO members attending a Tankerman PIC Course at STAR Center inDecember included Chris Larkin, Sean Hall, Andrew Larson, George Hynes,Mark Blom, Robert Starks and Connor Burke.

AMO members upgrade licenses after preparing at STAR Center

In November, AMO member David O’Brien completed all exams at RECMiami to upgrade to chief mate, unlimited oceans, and Jeff Chicklas com-pleted all exams at REC Miami to upgrade to second mate, unlimited oceans,after preparing at STAR Center.

AMO member Nicholas Bahill (right) in September successfully completed allexams at REC Miami to upgrade to chief mate, unlimited oceans, after prepar-ing at STAR Center. Congratulating him is STAR Center Instructor Jeff Jones.


Officers, crews of USNS Dahl, USNS

Charlton, USNS Soderman raise money,provide gifts for charity event on Saipan

Captain James Toy, master on the

USNS Charlton, submitted the following

article about a charity event supported by

the officers and crew members of the USNSDahl, USNS Charlton and USNS Sodermanheld Dec. 21 on Saipan. The three LMSRs

are operated for Military Sealift Command

by Ocean Ships, Inc. and are manned in all

licensed positions by American Maritime

Officers and in all unlicensed positions by

the Seafarers International Union.

Guma Esperansa Women’s Shelter isa local Catholic Organization that takes careof women and children — victims ofdomestic violence, human trafficking andvictims of other violent crime — here onSaipan. They take in the women and chil-dren, provide protection, and do whatever isneeded so they can start a new life. Thisincludes everything from replacing docu-ments, finding them jobs and even gettingthem off island to live in a new location. Forsome of the children involved, this will bethe only present they receive for Christmas.

The USNS Dahl has been involved

with the toy drive since the ship was firstsent here for prepositioning. This was thefirst year the USNS Soderman and theUSNS Charlton would also be here forChristmas.

The EO on the USNS Dahl, WillStaton, invited both the Soderman and theCharlton to participate in this event. Sincethat time we have all been working togeth-er to raise money and to get toys for thechildren. With the help of Ambyth Shipping& Trading in Guam, we were able to pur-chase toys for 80 kids of various ages.Raquel Deluna of Ambyth in Saipanarranged for free transportation of the toyson the weekly barge from Guam to Saipan.She also provided the legwork in obtainingthe miscellaneous items needed for wrap-ping the toys and transportation to and fromthe VFW hall.

On the night of the event itself, morethan 30 crew members from the three ships,as well as Ambyth personnel, volunteeredtheir time to participate in the wrapping ofthe toys.

We were able to present to the GumaEsperansa organization the following:$1,000 in toys for the 80 children, 12 ticketsto the dinner magic show at the Hyatt($89/ticket), and more than $5,300 in cashfor the 36 women in need of help. Ambythdonated a van to the organization, a value ofmore than $2,000.

It was a good day.

Photo courtesy of Captain James Toy

Officers and crew members of the USNS Dahl, USNS Charlton and USNS

Soderman presented $1,000 in toys for 80 children, 12 tickets to the dinnermagic show at the Hyatt and more than $5,300 in cash for women in need ofhelp to the Guma Esperansa Women’s Shelter on Saipan during an event heldDec. 21. American Maritime Officers members in this photo who worked with theorganization include Captain Christian Spain, master on the USNS Soderman;Captain Brad Collins, master on the USNS Dahl; First Assistant EngineerRichard Cherry from the USNS Dahl; and Captain James Toy, master on theUSNS Charlton.

USNS Wheeler officers, crew sponsor Christmas party,donate to orphanage in Busan, South Korea

The officers and crew of the USNS

VADM K.R. Wheeler on Dec. 21 sponsoreda party for the children at the Sung Ae WonOrphanage in Busan, South Korea. The offi-cers and crew raised more than $1,900 forgifts, and provided pizza and ice cream forthe children.

“After last year’s Christmas party foranother orphanage, then the baseball game

we took the kids to back in June, followedby the renovations done by the crew inAugust, you would think the crew wouldhave no more to give. But, as you know, thiscrew never looks back or rests on past suc-cess,” said Captain Glenn Macario, masteron the USNS Wheeler. “We obliterated ourlast donation record and moved the bar upseveral notches. I have stopped hoping for

miracles from this crew. Now, they seem tobe the norm.”

American Maritime Officers mem-bers working aboard the USNS Wheeler inDecember included Captain Macario, ChiefMate Pat Leahy, Second Mate AlfredoNoriega, Third Mate Helen Freeman, ThirdMate Ryan McGeehan, Third Mate Chris

Kali, Chief Engineer Pat Yarbrough, FirstAssistant Engineer Shannon Wilson,Second A.E. Chris Blouch, Third A.E. MattFarmer, Third A.E. Chris Rich and ThirdA.E. Jason Peters. The USNS Wheeler isoperated for Military Sealift Command byTOTE Services, Inc. and is manned in alllicensed positions by AMO.

Photos courtesy of Captain Glenn Macario Officers and crew members of the USNS Wheeler — including Wiper Chris VanHoose, QMED Jasper McGirt, Captain Glenn Macario, Chief Engineer PatYarbrough, First Assistant Engineer Shannon Wilson and Second A.E. ChrisBlouch — watch children at the Sung Ae Won Orphanage enjoying the newtrampoline purchased for them by the ship’s officers and crew.

Children at the Sung Ae Won Orphanage play with gifts purchased for them bythe officers and crew of the USNS Wheeler during a Christmas party held Dec.21. In the photo are Chief Engineer Pat Yarbrough and Third Assistant EngineerChris Rich.

AMO members complete Vessel Security Officer training at STAR Center

AMO members participating in Vessel Security Officer training at STAR Center in December included Brandon Rush, Jorge Turcios, Liam Fisher, MatthewThomas Arnold, Robert Darnell, Robert Whitby, Todd Stafford, Brendan Hanley, Dustin Blahnik, Eric Moum, Jonathan Bush, Matthew Brink, Todd Reeder,Troy McGuinness, Bryan Vagts, Colin Campbell, David Shakespeare, Frank Westgate, John Kleis, Michael Eric Root, Adam Donohoe, Anthony Hadley,Charles Hart, Daniel Lee, Dominic Gorno, Edward Schwartz, Ernest McDonald, Leonard Mohr, Richard Fritze, Steven Chapates and Thomas Bay.