New jobs for AMO as ARC brings New AMO M/V Endurance into

12 Pages·2010·1.45 MB·English

Volume 40, Number 2 February 2010
New jobs for AMO as ARC brings New AMO
jobs aboard
M/V Endurance into U.S.-flag fleet
Mohegan
Commercial car carrier among largest, most militarily useful
under MSC
American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier will proceed with plans 47s, MRAPs, MATVs, tracked vehicles, construction equipment
announced last year to purchase and re-flag a ninth car carrier into and generators – 130,000 square feet of additional high-side vehi-
U.S. registry. The ship is scheduled to enter service in New York cle (SUV) space, and approximately 200 containers. The ship’s charter
on Feb. 15 and will be named the M/V Endurance. quarter ramp weight capacity of 320 tons exceeds that of any ves-
Members of American Maritime Officers joined the sel in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet.
ship (former M/V Taronga) in January in California. The
Endurance will be operated by Crowley Liner Services for
American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier and manned in all
licensed positions by AMO.
“AMO is proud to be part of ARC’s plans to bring one of
the largest and most versatile commercial RO/ROs into the U.S.
fleet,” said AMO National President Tom Bethel. “We welcome
the new jobs and the opportunity to set another benchmark in
U.S.-flag shipping.”
The Endurance will replace the ARC car carrier Libertyin
the Maritime Security Program. The Liberty will remain under
U.S.-flag and is currently operating under a Military Sealift The containership M/V Mohegan
Command charter. has commenced a resupply service to
The M/V Endurance was delivered by Mitsubishi Heavy Diego Garcia this month after being re-
Industries in December 1996. The ship is a unique RO/RO and is American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier is proceeding with flagged into U.S. registry and delivered to
among the largest such vessels in the world at 860 feet in length. plans to purchase a ninth car carrier (former M/V Taronga) Military Sealift Command Wednesday,
The Endurance has nine decks that can be configured to carry and re-flag it into U.S. registry. AMO will man the M/V Jan. 6, in Singapore.
over 260,000 square feet of high and heavy cargo – such as CH- Endurance in all licensed positions. Sealift Inc. is operating the Mohegan
under MSC charter and the ship is manned
in all licensed positions by American
AMO jobs secure as Crowley Maritime Officers.
“AMO welcomes these new jobs
with Sealift and we look forward working
Liner Services assumes
with them in this important mission sup-
plying the fleet in Diego Garcia,” said
management of nine ships AMO National President Tom Bethel.
Sealift LLC purchased the 703-TEU
Rio Bogota from Danish owners last year.
Ocean Atlas
American Roll-On/Roll-Off tions under the management of Crowley The ship, built in 1994, was re-flagged and
Carrier (ARC) is terminating its vessel Liner Services. renamed for service under the MSC charter.
delivers for
management agreement with Interocean Eight of the ARC car carriers oper- Sealift Inc. is pleased to have been
American Shipping Corp. ate in the 60-ship Maritime Security awarded the charter for the resupply mis-
New York City
Crowley Liner Services was to Program fleet. They are the Freedom, sion to Diego Garcia and is proud to be
have assumed management of nine Integrity, Honor, Courage, part of Military Sealift Command’s mis-
subway project
U.S.-flagged ARC car carriers, includ- Independence II, Liberty, Patriot and sion in this important area of the world, the
ing the soon-to-be re-flagged M/V Resolve. ARC is proceeding with plans company stated.
Page 12: The M/V Ocean Atlas in Endurance, beginning Jan. 25 and con- to purchase and re-flag a ninth car carri- The charter under which the
January completed the U.S.-flag tinuing through March of this year. erinto U.S. registry this month. Crowley Moheganis operating can extend up to five
delivery of subway car bodies for the American Maritime Officers Liner Services will operate the M/V years if all options are exercised, with a
New York City Transit Authority. The manned all U.S.-flagged ARC car carri- Endurance for ARC and the ship will firm one-year period, three one-year
ship is manned in all licensed posi- ers while they were under the manage- replace the Libertyin the MSP fleet. The options and one 11-month option.
tions by AMO in the Maritime ment of IAS. AMO will continue to man Liberty will continue to operate under Including the Mohegan, Sealift man-
Security Program fleet these car carriers in all licensed posi- AMO contract in the U.S.-flag fleet. ages 12 ships manned in all licensed posi-
tions by American Maritime Officers.
Great Lakes News AMO secures new Leadership at sea: AMO Essentials
contracts with AMO officers
AMO Pension Plan updates:
significant gains deter pirate attack ◆
Pages 6, 7, 12
Page 11: AMO has secured Page 3: The report of Capt.
STAR Center course
new three-year agreements cov- Michael Tolley, master of the ◆
schedule: Pages 8-9
ering two Maersk Line Limited M/V Harriette, illustrates the
tankers and six Seabulk professionalism and heroism of
◆ AMO directory: Page 10
tankers. Both agreements the officers and crew in deter-
Page 10: The AMO Great Lakes include significant increases for ring a recent assault on the ship
area informational meetings will the AMO officers working by armed pirates off the coast AMO membership meeting
◆
be held this month. aboard the ships. of Kenya. schedule: Page 10
Copyright © 2010 American Maritime Officers ■ 2 West Dixie Highway ■ Dania Beach, FL 33004 ■ [phone] ■ [email protected]
2 • American Maritime Officer February 2010
Relief for Haiti: AMO and the U.S. merchant marine
By Tom Bethel long a time. These men and women bring add crucial capabilities by supporting opera- return home with compelling, often grim but
National President credit to all U.S. citizen seafarers and to the tions to move large volumes of people and humbling personal stories to tell. But the
U.S. maritime industry as a critical diplomat- cargo.” story we will all tell together in American
The call ic asset, and they are truly representative of “These ships and skilled crews are ide- Maritime Officers is a familiar one, told by
went out, and — as American character. ally suited to assist in Haiti by providing generations since the American Revolution.
always — the men But we are especially grateful to — unique capabilities,” Acting Maritime Its theme is unchanging— the everlasting
and women of the and proud of — the AMO members involved Administrator David Matsuda added. need for a strong and diverse U.S.-flagged
American mer- to so significant an extent in the operation. I’ll second these comments — gladly. and manned merchant fleet that can serve
chant marine AMO engine and deck officers were When the Haitian relief operation is U.S. economic, military and humanitarian
responded. The aboard the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus and over, the AMO members on the scene will interests worldwide.
mission this time USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams, both of
was humanitarian which serve in Maritime Prepositioning Ship
— relief services in Squadrons that carry afloat prepositioned
Haiti, where a mas- cargo for U.S. military forces. American
sive earthquake Overseas Marine Inc., a General Dynamics
January 12 and a unit referred to commonly as AMSEA, oper-
powerful aftershock caused untold destruc- ates the Lummus, Williamsand 10 other ves-
tion and despair. sels under MSC charters.
The U.S. government’s immediate and At Blount Island Command in
comprehensive response to this tragedy Jacksonville, the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus
included the dispatch of the privately operat- took on cargo from the U.S. Agency for
ed USNS 1st Lieutenant Jack Lummus, USNS International Development in the State
PFC Dewayne T. Williamsand USNS Henson Department, the Federal Emergency
to Haiti by the Navy’s Military Sealift Management Agency in the Department of
Command, the deployment of several addi- Homeland Security and other federal agen-
tional MSC vessels crewed by civil service cies, as well as equipment and supplies for the
mariners, and the activation of three Ready U.S. Marine Corps. The shipment included
Reserve Force Ships by the Maritime relief supplies, gear for the U.S. Marine
Administration in the Department of Corps’ 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit —
Transportation. dump trucks, bulldozers and other heavy
As part of the fleet mobilization, two equipment — and barges for cargo lightering
government-owned fast ferries were called off the Haitian coast.
upon to assist in an effort hindered by the loss “The 637-foot Lummus, with 165,000
of Haiti’s major port in the quake and the square feet of cargo carrying capacity, was
logistical complications of getting relief per- ideal for the no-notice mission,” said MSC-
sonnel, supplies and equipment through rub- MPS project officer Mike Neuhardt in an
ble and ruin to where they were needed the MSC press release. “Lummuswas already in
most. port at Blount Island, offloading its cargo for
Our union’s response on one level was scheduled maintenance.”
to commit to a donation of $25,000 to the Like all AMO members, the officers
Haitian relief project through the American aboard the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus are
Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial accustomed to emergency conditions and
Organizations Solidarity Center Education “no-notice” assignments, and they handled
Fund. The money will come not from the them in this case with the professionalism,
AMO treasury, but from the voluntary AMO skill, dedication and urgency they are known
Membership Assistance Program, or MAP. for everywhere.
The MAP fund — established with AMO engine and deck officers are also
Internal Revenue Service approval after aboard the USNS Henson, an oceanographic
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated New survey vessel tracking the earthquake’s dam-
Orleans and the Gulf Coast — is supported age to shipping channels in Haiti. The Navy
by individual contributions from AMO offi- techs and support personnel aboard the USNS American Maritime Officer (USPS 316-920)
cials, representatives and employees and Hensonare doing their important work confi- Official Publication of American Maritime Officers
seagoing AMO members. Employees of dently, knowing that the vessel itself is in the 2 West Dixie Highway
AMO Plans in Dania Beach — many of world’s most capable and trusted hands. Dania Beach, FL 33004
whom are of Haitian descent, and many of Members of American Maritime [phone]
whom have family in the Caribbean country Officers are aboard the RRF ships called up Periodical Postage Paid at
— contribute routinely through authorized for Haitian relief service — the auxiliary Dania Beach, FL, and Additional Mailing Offices
payroll deduction. crane ships Gopher State and Cornhusker Published Monthly
AMO’s response on a more visible State (both operated for MARAD by
level was to man many of the U.S.-flagged Interocean American Shipping) and the barge American Maritime Officers National Executive Board
vessels tapped for Haitian relief service. carrier Cape May (operated for MARAD by
Thomas Bethel, National President
The National Executive Board of Ocean Duchess).
José Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer
American Maritime Officers and I are grate- “Sending these ships will help those
Robert Kiefer, National Executive Vice President
ful to all of the private sector and government on the front line of this effort to save as many
Joseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea
mariners participating in this widespread lives in Haiti as possible,” Transportation
Donald Cree, National Vice President, Great Lakes
effort to bring help and hope to people who Secretary Ray LaHood said of the Ready
Brian Krus, National Assistant Vice President, Great Lakes
have known too much heartbreak over too Reserve Force break-out. “These ships will
Michael Murphy, National Vice President At Large
Daniel Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large
David Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large
John Hafner, National Executive Board Member At Large
Donald Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea
Charles Murdock, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters
Representative: Stan Barnes
Editor: Matt Burke
Assistant Editor: Amber Lupin
Contributing Editor: Paul Doell
POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To:
Photo: Military Sealift Command American Maritime Officers
A floating causeway delivers relief aid from the Military Sealift Command maritime ATTN: Member Services
prepositioning ship USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus while local Haitians prepare the P.O. Box 66
dock for landing in Port-au-Prince. The Lummus is operated for MSC by AMSEA Dania Beach, FL 33004
and manned in all licensed positions by AMO.
February 2010 American Maritime Officer • 3
Membership Report from Washington, D.C.
To the editor: and hospitality. I had an opportunity to speak Chairman of the Maritime Safety Committee IMO/ITF/MSC docket, MSP funding, Title
Please publish this with each of them on varying subjects with of the International Transport Workers’ XI Loan Guarantees, Jones Act legislation,
on AMO Currents regard to the current issues facing our union. Federation (MSC/ITF), which works closely Cargo Preference Laws, EPA changes and
or in the AMO I walked away feeling educated and pleased with IMO. At the time of my visit, Mike was PL-480 cargoes to name a few. That said, I
newspaper. Thank with the direction our current union leader- preparing for an IMO meeting in London to have a deeper appreciation for the value of the
you. ship is undertaking for the membership. be held on 11-15 Jan to discuss global STCW Voluntary Political Action Fund after dis-
I participated Bob Kiefer was instrumental in attain- standards. I have always been impressed with cussing first hand the complicated issues con-
in the ing a fair and balanced contract for the MLL Mike’s integrity, congeniality and gracious- fronting our union that have far reaching con-
AMO–Maersk tanker officers, a contract that provides parity ness as a person but I am struck by his keen sequences for the entire membership.
Line LTD tanker with other AMO tanker contracts over the ability to make detailed and convoluted issues I appreciate the opportunity to repre-
contract negotia- next three years. Bob was persistent and clear and understandable. We are fortunate to sent the MLL tanker officers in the negotia-
tions at the AMO knowledgeable on all the pertinent negotiable have Mike Murphy as National Vice tions, and I appreciate the hard work, service
headquarters in points, which resulted in a considerable President at Large working for our causes. and dedication of the administration to our
Washington DC, 05-08 Jan., and I wanted to increase in our pay and benefit contribution The national and international initia- union during this time of change. Making the
let everyone know about the experience. package. It is being well received by the offi- tives the AMO union is currently facing are difficult, sometimes unpopular but necessary
I wish to thank National President Tom cers within the MLL tanker fleet. somewhat daunting, certainly unprecedented decisions to keep our union moving forward,
Bethel, National Executive Vice President Mike Murphy made himself available but at the same time exciting. There is a sea solvent and competitive on a global level is
Robert Kiefer, National Vice President at to me despite his busy schedule. Not only is change of events taking place at a very high what defines leadership.
Large Mike Murphy and Legislative Director Mike involved with issues inside the DC belt- level that will affect each of us as mariners in
Paul Doell for their time, knowledge sharing way for our membership, but he is also the near future. Considering the —Captain Michael Ross
M/V Harriette: deterring an attack by armed pirates
Remarkable response of officers, crew saves ship, ensures safety of all onboard
The M/V Harriette, a U.S.- main engine to max revolutions – “the did not use the grenade launchers, but than half an hour.
flagged ship operated by Sealift Inc. most we have ever seen!” Capt. Tolley fired a total of 30 to 40 rounds from an “We at Sealift are extremely
and manned in all licensed positions said. AK-47, damaging the port lifeboat and proud of Captain Mike Tolley and the
by American Maritime Officers, evad- Looking down into the first skiff, “some of the ship’s structure.” Most of crew of the Harriette,” said John
ed an attack by armed pirates about Capt. Tolley could see several containers the shots sailed over the vessel. Belle, company security officer for
360 nautical miles from Mombasa, of fuel, along with the heavy weaponry the With increased speed, the skiffs Sealift Inc. “Their efforts saved the
Kenya, in November. No officers or pirates carried – Kalashnikovs and rocket- were caught up in the Harriette’s wake ship and protected the safety of the
crew members on the Harriette were propelled grenade launchers. The pirates and fell back. The total attack lasted less crew.”
harmed in the attack.
“We all feel very fortunate to M/V Harriette
have prevailed over the pirates in this Second Mate
attack,” said Capt. Michael Tolley, John Norton,
master of the Harriette, who recently Chief Engineer
described the specific actions that John Dunn and
allowed the ship to evade the pirates. Capt. Michael
Around 11 a.m. local time, two Tolley, master of
skiffs approached the vessel. Capt. the Harriette, (left
Tolley ordered successive sharp turns to right) were
and hit the first skiff. Undeterred, the onboard during
skiff came alongside the vessel and the attack by
tried to put a ladder with wide hooks pirates in
up on the ship’s rail. Capt. Tolley November off the
turned the vessel into the seas and cre- coast of
ated a “wedge of water” between the Mombasa, Kenya,
skiff and the ship. and acted to deter
“They were very vulnerable at the pirates, save
this time,” Capt. Tolley said. the ship and
Meanwhile, Chief Mate Stephen ensure the safety
Gavini mustered the crew at piracy of all onboard.
stations and made sure the fire hoses The Harriette is
were charged. Second Mate John operated by
Norton was on the phone with the Sealift Inc. and
International Maritime Bureau and manned in all
sent a distress message. licensed positions
In the engine room, Chief by American
Engineer John Dunn increased the Maritime Officers.
Legislation would provide big boost security needs of the Navy and Coast
Guard,” said Rep. Nye, who serves on the
Seapower Subcommittee of the House
to U.S. shipbuilding, Title XI program Armed Services Committee.
The Title XI loan guarantee program
does not provide subsidies. Instead, the fed-
eral government backs loans needed to build
The House of Representatives has Infrastructure Committee, speaking before since its inception. According to Rep. vessels in U.S. shipyards, easing access to
passed an amendment to appropriations leg- the House. The proposed legislation “will Oberstar, $100 million in loan guarantees commercial credit at lower interest rates
islation that would provide, among other create and sustain more than one million would help secure up to $2 billion in com- from private financial institutions. The Title
actions aimed at simulating the economy, good, family-wage jobs,” he said. mercial loans. XI program significantly bolsters the con-
$100 million in funding for new Title XI Approved by the House on Dec. 16, In January, Congressman Glenn Nye struction of Jones Act ships.
guarantees of commercial shipbuilding 2009, as an amendment to appropriations sent a letter, co-signed by Congressmen Rob “The Maritime Administration cur-
loans. The Senate has yet to vote on the legislation for the Commerce, Justice, Wittman (R-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA) and rently has more than $2.5 billion in pending
amendment. Science and related agencies, the Jobs for Randy Forbes (R-VA), to House leaders, ask- loan guarantee applications to build vessels
“The transportation and infrastructure Main Street Act of 2010 would provide $75 ing them to include shipbuilding jobs in job- worth more than $2.9 billion in U.S. ship-
investments of the [American Recovery and billion in new stimulus funding. The amend- creation legislation expected to come before yards,” Rep. Oberstar noted.
Reinvestment Act of 2009] have already ment allocates $100 million for new Title XI the House in early 2010. The legislation also provides $715
played a key role in putting Americans back loan guarantees. If signed into law, this leg- “Investing in shipbuilding is a win- million for the Army Corps of Engineers for
to work,” said Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), islation would represent one of the largest win. It creates good-paying jobs to grow our “environmental restoration, flood protection,
chairman of the Transportation and federal investments in the Title XI program economy, and it helps us meet the national hydropower and navigation infrastructure.”
4 • American Maritime Officer February 2010
MSC awards Military Sealift Command has awarded the operating con- and five six-month award-term periods. If all optional periods are
tract for the seven Bob Hope Class large medium-speed roll- exercised, the contract would extend to September 2017.
on/roll-off ships to American Overseas Marine Corporation, the MSC has assigned the operating contract for lots two and
charter for
current operator of the LMSRs. American Maritime Officers will three of the RFP – covering the USNS Gordon, USNS Gilliland,
continue to man the Bob Hope Class LMSRs in all licensed posi- USNS Shughart and USNS Yano– to American Ship Management
tions. (Patriot Contract Services), a non-AMO company. The USNS
seven Bob
The seven ships covered by this, the first lot in the request Shughart and USNS Yanohave been operated by AMSEA, and the
for proposals (RFP), are the USNS Benavidez, USNS Brittin, USNS Gordon and USNS Gilliland have been operated by 3PSC
USNS Bob Hope, USNS Fisher, USNS Mendonca, USNS Pililaau LLC. These two lots were designated as small business set-asides
Hope Class
and USNS Seay. According to the award announcement, six of the in the RFP.
seven LMSRs will be maintained in reduced operating status. “Each of these government RFPs is extremely competitive
LMSRs to When needed, these six ships may be activated and fully crewed and the outcome of each is unpredictable,” said AMO National
to transport Department of Defense equipment in support of President Tom Bethel. “The officers working aboard all of the ships
deployed U.S. military forces worldwide. The seventh LMSR will in the LMSR program have demonstrated the expertise, excellence
AMSEA sail in support of the afloat prepositioning mission of the U.S. and professionalism typical of AMO members and required to make
Marine Corps. The contract includes four one-year option periods the missions in which these ships serve successful.”
AMO-contracted Military Sealift Command, Ready
Reserve Force ships mobilized for Haiti relief effort
In the aftermath of a 7.0-magnitude Until the port facilities can be
earthquake centered near Port-au-Prince, restored, the bulk of relief materials will
Haiti on Jan. 12, three Ready Reserve need to be shipped by air or be delivered
Force vessels have been activated for the onvessels capable of offloading without a
relief effort, including the AMO-contract- port. The crane ships Gopher State and
ed S/S Gopher State, S/S Cornhusker State Cornhusker State are capable of assisting
and S/S Cape May. The Military Sealift in this capacity. The ships are both
Command ships USNS Henson, USNS 1st equipped with three independent twin-
Lt. Jack Lummus and USNS PFC boom pedestal-mounted rotating
Dewayne T. Williams, manned in all hydraulic deck cranes. These cranes allow
licensed positions by American Maritime containers and other cargo to be unloaded
Officers, have been mobilized to aid in in ports with damaged facilities. Both ves-
humanitarian relief. sels are operated by Interocean American
These ships are among several con- Shipping Corp.
trolled by Military Sealift Command and The Cape May, operated by Ocean
three ships from the Maritime Duchess Inc., features a unique sub-
Administration’s Ready Reserve Force mersible cargo elevator capable of lifting
mobilized at press time in support of AMO members recently working aboard the Cornhusker State (left) and Gopher entire floating causeway sections.
humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti. The State (right), here in Newport News, Va., included: (Gopher State, no particular The Cape May recently participated
Ready Reserve Force ships come under order) First A.E. Jon Sprague, Third A.E. Anthony Neathery, Chief Engineer Tim in the Joint Logistics Over the Shore
the operational control of MSC when acti- Stagg, Capt. Joe Gargiulo and Second A.E. Matt Campbell; (Cornhusker State, no (JLOTS) exercise, which tested the ship’s
vated. particular order) Chief Engineer Michael McDermott, Third A.E. Warren Carroll, ability to help deliver cargo to a destina-
“Sending these ships will help those Second A.E. Chris Gilman, First A.E. Mark Harvey and Capt. Todd Cooper. tion with a damaged, destroyed or non-
on the front line of this effort save as many Additional AMO members aboard the ships as they mobilized for Haiti (not in the existent port.
lives in Haiti as possible,” said Secretary picture) included: (Gopher State) Chief Mate Thomas Litowinsky, Second Mate “Once again the U.S. merchant
of Transportation Ray LaHood. “These Jeffrey Perlstein, Third Mate Terrance Franklin, Third Mate Lucas Balchunas, REO marine is answering the call for assis-
ships will add crucial capabilities by sup- Shahnda Caviness, Third A.E. Colin McDonnell and Third A.E. Frederick Reyes; tance, as it has done since our nation
porting operations to move large volumes (Cornhusker State) Chief Mate Jan Genemans, Second Mate Mark Holman, Third began,” said Acting Maritime
of people and cargo.” Mate John Baucom, Third Mate Erik Bekkelund, REO Ashley Vail, Third A.E. Administrator David Matsuda. “These
The earthquake destroyed local port Adamo Ferriero and Third A.E. Scott Williams. ships and skilled crews are ideally suited
facilities in Haiti, including the container to assist in Haiti by providing unique
crane and two smaller cranes. The Henson, operated by 3PSC LLC for MSC, the disruption of channels, Navy Times capabilities. One cargo ship can carry as
oceanographic research ship USNS will examine the ocean floor and check reported. much as 400 fully loaded cargo planes.”
USNS Williams
USNS Henson locates aircraft wreckage
demonstrates
The USNS Henson late last year management of the ship Nov. 23, 2009. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
ship-to-shore
located the sunken wreckage of an air- All seven ships are manned in all licensed and U.S. 4th Fleet (NAVSO/C4F)
craft missing since late October 2009 positions by American Maritime Officers. directed the Henson to search for the
capabilities in in the waters off the Netherlands The Britten-Norman Islander pas- aircraft at its last known coordinates.
Antilles in the southern Caribbean, senger airplane crashed into the Caribbean The Henson Nov. 30 located airplane
Military Sealift Command reported. Sea Oct. 22 near the island of Bonaire. wreckage at a depth of about 625 feet
MSC exercise
The Military Sealift Command Although all nine passengers escaped, the near those coordinates, MSC reported.
oceanographic survey ship was pilot, Robert Mansell, has been classified The seven oceanographic survey
Military Sealift Command deployed to the region for the U.S. as missing after making a controlled crash ships are owned by MSC and operated
Prepositioning Ship USNS PFC Dewayne T. Navy engagement program landing on the water and seeing to the for the Naval Meteorology and
Williamsrecently participated in an exercise Oceanographic Southern Partnership safety of the passengers onboard the Oceanography Command by 3PSC
demonstrating ship-to-shore capabilities in Station. The USNS Henson (T-AGS plane. LLC. These ships operate worldwide,
the absence of a port. 63) is one of seven oceanographic sur- The government of Netherlands collecting data that provides much of
The exercise, called Pacific Horizon vey ships operated under a new con- Antilles requested help in locating the air- the U.S. military’s information on the
2010, was held primarily off the coast of tract by 3PSC LLC, which took over craft and its pilot. U.S. Naval Forces ocean environment.
Camp Pendleton, Calif., reported Laura Seal
of MSC Public Affairs in the December edi-
tion of Sealift. The Williams, operated by AMO member Capt. John Mulderig, master Beach Group One and the crew of the “Our job is to get the ship from point
American Overseas Marine Corp. and of the USNS Williams with more than 24 Williams, the exercise required the at-sea A to point B. But since we know the ship
manned in all licensed positions by years of experience with Military assembly of three watercraft called cause- and the equipment so well, we are always
American Maritime Officers, dropped Prepositioning ships, told Seal. “An exer- way ferries. The causeway ferries, each on hand facilitating,” said Mulderig.
anchor three miles off the coast. From this cise of this magnitude is more complex than measuring 240 feet long, can carry up to “The professionalism and seaman-
position, 41 military vehicles were offloaded most people realize, and it’s rare that we get seven six-wheeled Medium Tactical Vehicle ship of Williams’ master and chief mate,
to shore and then reloaded onto the vessel, all all of the units together to practice.” Replacements or 14 Humvees. The vehi- and their suggestions about how to best exe-
without the use of port facilities. Led by the Marine Corps’ 1st Marine cles were loaded onto the causeway ferries cute the evolution really helped us out,” said
“This exercise was a great chance for Expeditionary Force in coordination with via the Williams’ cranes, operated by its Navy Capt. James O’Connor, commanding
us to practice what we get paid to do,” Expeditionary Strike Group Three, Naval crew, and then delivered to shore. officer of Naval Beach Group One.
February 2010 American Maritime Officer • 5
Great Lakes
David Foster
AMO aboard as American Republic completes season
new chief of
AMO members working aboard
the M/V American Republicas it
American laid up for the winter in January
in Toledo, Ohio, included Second
Assistant Engineer James Arlt
Steamship and Third A.E. Glenn Barlik. With
them here are AMO National
Vice President for the Great
Lakes Don Cree and AMO
GATX Corporation announced Jan.
National Assistant Vice President
19 that David Foster has been appointed
for the Great Lakes Brian Krus.
president of American Steamship Company.
AMO represents the licensed
American Maritime Officers represents
officers and stewards working
licensed officers and stewards in the ASC
fleet, which is the largest U.S.-flag fleet of aboard the American Republic,
which is owned and operated by
fresh-water self-unloading vessels, serving
American Steamship Company.
the steel, energy and construction industries
on the Great Lakes.
“We are very fortunate to have some-
one of Dave’s caliber and experience join
our industry-leading ASC team,” said
Clifford Porzenheim, chief executive offi-
cer of ASC and senior vice president of
GATX. “I am confident Dave’s extensive
experience in the shipping industry, cus-
tomer focus and management acumen will
help guide ASC in all aspects.”
Foster has worked in the maritime
industry for more than 30 years, most
recently as president of Northern
Transportation Company Ltd., a Canadian
Arctic marine transportation and fuel sup-
ply company. He is a registered profession-
al engineer and holds a diploma in naval
architecture, a master’s degree in business AMO member Second Assistant Engineer Sam Grieve
administration and a bachelor’s degree in A crane removes life rafts from the American Republic works on the main engine heat exchanger during lay-up
engineering from Memorial University of docked at its winter berth in Toledo, Ohio. on the American Republic in January.
Newfoundland.
New EPA fuel Lakers saw 34 percent less cargo in 2009
regulations
Fleet leaders express cautious optimism about 2010 cargo float
finalized for
U.S.-flag vessels on the Great idle, said Glen Nekvasil, LCA vice presi- U.S.-flagged vessels carried slightly
Lakes carried just 66.5 million tons of dent of corporate communications. more salt and grain than in 2008.
large vessels dry-bulk cargo in 2009, 34 percent less Coal shipments totaled just 21 million Nevertheless, seven of the 55 vessels in
than in the previous year, reported the tons, down 17 percent from 2008. Decreased the U.S.-flagged Great Lakes fleet did not
Lake Carriers’ Association. exports to Canada, a generally cool summer sail in 2009. Several sailed for only short
In December, the Environmental Iron ore shipments totaled 24 mil- and the weak economy contributed to a periods.
Protection Agency finalized a rule setting lion net tons, the lowest cargo volume in slump in coal, the LCA reported. Fleet leaders in the region are cau-
new stringent engine and fuel standards for decades. Drastically reduced demand Limestone shipments were down as tiously optimistic that cargo totals will
large U.S.-flagged vessels. from steel plants in the U.S. and Canada well, due to slowing construction across the improve in 2010, arguing that when the
These fuel standards are tied to and a started to increase late last year but still country and lessened demand for fluxstone economy as a whole starts to recover, ship-
major component of the proposed have about 30 percent of their capacity from the steel industry, the LCA noted. ping will follow.
Emissions Control Area (ECA), a geo-
graphical designation marking strong envi-
U.S.-Flag Carriage Year-to-Date (December) 2004-2009 (net tons)
ronmental regulations. In March of this
year, the International Maritime
Organization will vote on the creation of an Commodity 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 5-Year Average
ECA. If approved, all vessels operating
within 200 nautical miles from most U.S. Iron Ore 51,201,511 46,572,119 48,972,112 47,206,383 47,223,494 24,031,087 48,235,124
coasts will be required to abide by these
Coal 24,416,349 27,207,350 25,333,113 25,170,629 24,971,623 20,674,888 25,419,813
new standards.
The 147-page ruling, among other
Limestone 29,861,141 27,935,513 29,489,410 25,966,057 23,623,070 17,067,232 27,376,838
items, requires Category 3 vessels, those
with engines with per-cylinder displace-
Cement 3,965,401 3,892,822 4,024,703 3,602,488 3,294,071 2,865,323 3,755,897
ment at or above 30 liters per cylinder, to
use fuel containing no more than 1,000 Salt 1,032,109 1,187,777 1,126,862 1,241,297 1,224,769 1,260,901 1,162,563
parts per million (ppm) sulfur, effective
when the ECA is created. The EPA has set Sand 489,355 461,813 429,411 449,474 359,191 262,805 437,849
an intended fuel sulfur content limit at 15
ppm, which will be phased in by Dec. 1,
Grain 367,785 403,055 357,143 404,873 247,597 304,507 356,091
2014.
The proposed ECA will include the
Total 111,333,651 107,660,449 109,732,754 104,041,201 100,952,815 66,466,743 106,744,174
Great Lakes. However, steamships operat-
ing exclusively on the lakes are exempt
Source: Lake Carriers’ Association
from this ruling, due to their inability to use
the required distillate fuels. Additional lak-
ers powered by Category 3 diesel engines be retrofitted to use the required fuels. Lakes vessels in the new EPA rules, which Also exempted are “public vessels”
have been granted temporary relief due to American Maritime Officers was recognize shipping as the most efficient and with a national security exemption and
the extreme economic hardship that would involved in meetings with legislators and environmentally friendly form of cargo engines that will be used only during an
be imposed if these vessels were required to the EPA to provide flexibility for the Great transportation in the region. emergency or crisis.
6 • American Maritime Officer February 2010
AMO defined contribution pension plan at a glance
In January 2011, the American butions before the AMO Pension Plan was will be made each month as they are pants will be able to direct account balances
Maritime Officers defined benefit Pension forced by law to eliminate this popular received from employers to one of 25 mutual funds or to more than
Plan will be replaced by a defined contribu- option in October 2009. •Contributions for earned vacation one fund through either of four investment
tion plan that will provide all deep-sea, Below is an outline of how the new days will be credited to individual accounts models once the individual accounts are
Great Lakes and inland waters AMO mem- AMO defined contribution retirement sav- at the same time as contributions for days active
bers and applicants for AMO membership ings plan will function. Please see the worked aboard vessels •Participants will be able to track
with individual personalized retirement sav- schedules on Page 7 for calculating con- •Participants will not be required to their accounts online
ings accounts funded initially at a 40-per- tributions at 40 percent and 100 percent. file for benefits from the AMO Vacation •No loans will be available from indi-
cent level at no cost to participants. Once This bulletin and the schedules for calculat- Plan in order to receive contributions earned vidual accounts, and distributions will be
the defined benefit AMO Pension Plan is ing contributions were published online on during vacation permitted only when participants actually
fully funded and able to meet all of its AMO Currents and mailed to the home •All deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland retire or leave employment under AMO
remaining financial obligations to partici- address on file for each AMO member and waters AMO members and applicants for contract
pants, employer contributions to the new applicant. AMO membership will be vested in the Once the defined benefit AMO
defined contribution retirement accounts •Contributions to individual accounts plan immediately Pension Plan is funded sufficiently under
will rise to the 100-percent level. will be based on a formula combining the •The new plan will be fully portable - the rehabilitation plan, the values of indi-
The individual accounts established participant’s age and length of service under - participants who leave covered employ- vidual benefits due from the defined benefit
in January 2011 will be in addition to the AMO contract ment under AMO contract at any time for plan will be determined by an actuary, and
AMO 401(k) Plan and the AMO Pension •Contributions will be based on indi- any reason may receive their account bal- AMO members and applicants will be able
Plan Money Purchase Benefit, or MPB, and vidual benefit wages and earned vacation ance (subject to applicable tax law). to transfer these defined benefit balances to
they will include individuals who received •Benefit wages will always be current •Initial account management will be their individual defined contribution retire-
in-service lump-sum pension benefit distri- •Contributions to individual accounts through a designated fund, but all partici- ment savings accounts.
Please see the schedules on Page 7 for calculating contributions at 40 percent and 100 percent
IRS tentatively denies ‘return-to-work’ option of Pension Plan rehabilitation
plan; AMO Plans to schedule conference with IRS to review agency’s decision
As addressed in the AMO Pension Plan tation plan required as a result of the Plan’s under section 401 (a) of the Code. a qualified pension plan (i.e., a qualified
rehabilitation plan — which was posted to the actuary certifying the Plan to be in critical sta- Section 401 (a)(36) of the Code pro- defined benefit plan or money purchase pen-
AMO Plans Web site and distributed via tus effective October 1, 2009. Section 432 of vides that, for plan years beginning after sion plan) is a definite written program and
AMO Currents Nov. 13, 2009 — the joint the Code requires that the rehabilitation plan December 31, 2006, a pension plan does not arrangement that is communicated to employ-
union-employer trustees of the American include a default schedule, which must fail to qualify under section 401 (a) solely ees and that is established and maintained by
Maritime Officers Pension Plan believe firm- assume that there are no increases in contribu- because the plan provides that a distribution an employer to provide for the livelihood of
ly that senior experienced AMO members tions under the plan other than those necessary may be made to an employee who has attained the employees or their beneficiaries after the
must remain in their jobs so that they are avail- to emerge from critical status after future ben- age 62 and who has not separated from retirement of such employees through the pay-
able to man government-owned and chartered efit accruals and other benefits have been employment at the time of distribution. ment of benefits.
vessels in military sealift operations and reduced by as much as the law allows. Section 409A of the Code provides Section 1.401-1 (b)(1)(i) of the
national security emergencies. The Taxpayer proposes to present to the when deferred compensation under nonquali- Regulations provides that a qualified pension
For this reason — in connection with collective bargaining parties a default sched- fied compensation plans is included in gross plan must be established and maintained by an
the adoption of the rehabilitation plan by the ule that will eliminate all subsidized early income. Section 409A(a)(2)(A) provides, in employer primarily to provide systematically
AMO Pension Plan trustees — the trustees retirement benefits, including unreduced ser- pertinent part, that compensation deferred for the payment of definitely determinable
asked the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to vice pensions. The default schedule will elim- under a nonqualified deferred compensation benefits for employees over a period of years,
allow certain retired AMO members to return inate the ability of participants with 20 or plan may not be distributed earlier than sepa- usually for life, after retirement.
to covered employment at sea with suspension more years of service to retire with an unre- ration from service as determined by the Section 1.401(a)-1(b)(i) of the
of their monthly retirement benefits while duced pension benefit. As a result, participants Secretary. Regulations provides that in order for a pen-
working. If the return-to-work option were to who have sufficient service to retire without a Section 432 (e) of the Code requires sion plan to be a qualified plan under section
be adopted as part of the rehabilitation plan reduction in benefits will no longer be able to that a rehabilitation plan must be adopted for a 401 (a), the plan must be established and
without IRS approval, the AMO Pension Plan do so once the default schedule is in place. The multiemployer plan that is in critical status. maintained by an employer primarily to pro-
could lose its status as a tax-qualified retire- Taxpayer anticipates that participants who are Section 432(e)(1)(B)(i) of the Code vide systematically for the payment of defi-
ment plan. eligible to retire and receive an unreduced ser- indicates that the plan sponsor must provide to nitely determinable benefits to its employees
Below is the response from the IRS, vice pension, over 300 participants, will elect the bargaining parties 1 or more schedules over a period of years, usually for life, after
which was received on Monday, January 25, to retire rather than wait until age 65 to receive showing revised benefit structures, revised retirement or attainment of normal retirement
2010, tentatively denying the request. The their full pension benefit. contribution structures, or both, which, if age (subject to paragraph (b)(2) of this sec-
IRS has determined that an employee who The Taxpayer also proposes to give adopted, may reasonably be expected to tion). A plan does not fail to satisfy the require-
“retires” in order to qualify for a benefit, with participants notice 60 days prior to the date enable the multiemployer plan to emerge from ments of this paragraph (b)(1)(i) merely
the understanding between the employee and that the subsidized service pension benefit is critical status in accordance with the rehabili- because the plan provides, in accordance with
employer that there will be no separation of eliminated and that as part of this default tation plan. section 401 (a)(36), that a distribution may be
service with the employer and that the schedule, eligible participants who retire dur- Flush language following section made from the plan to an employee who has
employee will continue to perform services ing this 60-day window may then return to 432(e)(1)(B)(ii) of the Code provides that the attained age 62 and who is not separated from
for the employer, is not legitimately retired employment and have their benefits suspend- schedule or schedules described in subpara- employment at the time of such distribution.
under the IRS rules relating to eligibility to ed while working. graph (B)(i) shall reflect reductions in future Section 1.401(a)-1(b)(1)(ii) of the
receive retirement benefits. Such “retire- The subsidized service pension benefit benefit accruals and adjustable benefits (as Regulations provides that section 1.401-
ments” would violate section 401(a) of the in question is an early retirement pension ben- defined in 432(e)(8)(A)(iv)(II)) and increases 1(b)(1)(i), a pre-ERISA regulation, provides
Internal Revenue Code and result in disquali- efit and the plan’s normal retirement age is 65. in contributions, that the plan sponsor deter- rules applicable to the requirement of
fication of the AMO Pension Plan under sec- Prior to elimination of the benefit, the mines are reasonably necessary to emerge §1.401(a)-1(b)(i), and that regulation is applic-
tion 401(a) of the Code. Taxpayer proposes to allow employees to from critical status. One schedule shall be des- able except as otherwise provided.
The trustees are entitled to request a “retire” on one day in order to qualify for the ignated as the default schedule and such Section 1.409A-1(h)(1)(i) of the
conference with the IRS to review this deci- subsidized service pension benefit, and return schedule shall assume that there are no Regulations provides that in general an
sion and present any additional information to work the very next day or perhaps after a increases in contributions under the plan other employee separates from service with the
that the trustees feel the IRS should take into week has passed. In either case, neither the than the increase necessary to emerge from employer if the employee dies, retires, or oth-
account before the ruling is finalized, and are employee nor the employer will plan on these critical status after future benefit accruals and erwise has a termination of employment with
in the process of arranging such a conference. “retirees” actually terminating employment other benefits (other than benefits the reduc- the employer.
Please continue to monitor Currents and the and no longer performing services for the tion or elimination of which are not permitted Section 1.409A-1(h)(1)(ii) of the
AMO newspaper for updates on this issue. employer when they “retire” and qualify for under section 411(d)(6)) have been reduced to Regulations provides that whether a termina-
their early retirement pension benefit. the maximum extent permitted by law. tion of employment has occurred is based on
Text of IRS letter Based on the aforementioned facts Section 432(e)(8)(A)(iv)(II) of the whether the facts and circumstances indicate
This letter is in response to your ruling you requested a ruling as to whether allow- Code provides that an adjustable benefit that the employer and employee reasonably
request, dated October 15, 2009, regarding the ing participants who are eligible for subsi- includes any early retirement benefit or retire- anticipated that no further services would be
Taxpayer’s request for a ruling regarding the dized early retirement benefits to “retire” on ment-type subsidiary (within the meaning of performed after a certain date or that the level
payment of subsidized early retirement bene- one day in order to qualify for the early section 411 (d)(6)(8)(i)) and any benefit pay- of bona fide services the employee would per-
fits in conjunction with the default schedule retirement subsidy, and then immediately ment option (other than the qualified joint-and form after such date (whether as an employee
required by section 432(e)(1)(B)(U) of the return to work with payment of their early survivor annuity). or as an independent contractor) would per-
Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). retirement pension benefit suspended, Section 1.401-1 (a)(2) of the Income
The issue raised relates to the rehabili- would result in disqualification of the Plan Tax Regulations (“Regulations”) provides that See IRS Letter ◆ Page 12
February 2010 American Maritime Officer • 7
The schedules below correspond to the article “AMO defined contribution pension plan at glance” on Page 6
Contribution Rates @ 40% Contribution Rates @ 100%
Age 20-34 35-44 45-54 55 & over Age 20-34 35-44 45-54 55 & over
Divisor 17.5 15 12.5 10 Divisor 7 6 5 4
Age + Service Age + Service
20 1.14% 20 2.86%
21 1.20% 21 3.00%
22 1.26% 22 3.14%
23 1.31% 23 3.29%
24 1.37% 24 3.43%
25 1.43% 25 3.57%
26 1.49% 26 3.71%
27 1.54% 27 3.86%
28 1.60% 28 4.00%
29 1.66% 29 4.14%
30 1.71% 30 4.29%
31 1.77% 31 4.43%
32 1.83% 32 4.57%
33 1.89% 33 4.71%
34 1.94% 34 4.86%
35 2.00% 2.33% 35 5.00% 5.83%
36 2.06% 2.40% 36 5.14% 6.00%
37 2.11% 2.47% 37 5.29% 6.17%
38 2.17% 2.53% 38 5.43% 6.33%
39 2.23% 2.60% 39 5.57% 6.50%
40 2.29% 2.67% 40 5.71% 6.67%
41 2.34% 2.73% 41 5.86% 6.83%
42 2.40% 2.80% 42 6.00% 7.00%
43 2.46% 2.87% 43 6.14% 7.17%
44 2.51% 2.93% 44 6.29% 7.33%
45 2.57% 3.00% 3.60% 45 6.43% 7.50% 9.00%
46 2.63% 3.07% 3.68% 46 6.57% 7.67% 9.20%
47 2.69% 3.13% 3.76% 47 6.71% 7.83% 9.40%
48 2.74% 3.20% 3.84% 48 6.86% 8.00% 9.60%
49 2.80% 3.27% 3.92% 49 7.00% 8.17% 9.80%
50 2.86% 3.33% 4.00% 50 7.14% 8.33% 10.00%
51 3.40% 4.08% 51 8.50% 10.20%
52 3.47% 4.16% 52 8.67% 10.40%
53 3.53% 4.24% 53 8.83% 10.60%
54 3.60% 4.32% 54 9.00% 10.80%
55 3.67% 4.40% 5.50% 55 9.17% 11.00% 13.75%
56 3.73% 4.48% 5.60% 56 9.33% 11.20% 14.00%
57 3.80% 4.56% 5.70% 57 9.50% 11.40% 14.25%
58 3.87% 4.64% 5.80% 58 9.67% 11.60% 14.50%
59 3.93% 4.72% 5.90% 59 9.83% 11.80% 14.75%
60 4.00% 4.80% 6.00% 60 10.00% 12.00% 15.00%
61 4.07% 4.88% 6.10% 61 10.17% 12.20% 15.25%
62 4.13% 4.96% 6.20% 62 10.33% 12.40% 15.50%
63 4.20% 5.04% 6.30% 63 10.50% 12.60% 15.75%
64 4.27% 5.12% 6.40% 64 10.67% 12.80% 16.00%
65 4.33% 5.20% 6.50% 65 10.83% 13.00% 16.25%
66 4.40% 5.28% 6.60% 66 11.00% 13.20% 16.50%
67 4.47% 5.36% 6.70% 67 11.17% 13.40% 16.75%
68 4.53% 5.44% 6.80% 68 11.33% 13.60% 17.00%
69 4.60% 5.52% 6.90% 69 11.50% 13.80% 17.25%
70 4.67% 5.60% 7.00% 70 11.67% 14.00% 17.50%
71 5.68% 7.10% 71 14.20% 17.75%
72 5.76% 7.20% 72 14.40% 18.00%
73 5.84% 7.30% 73 14.60% 18.25%
74 5.92% 7.40% 74 14.80% 18.50%
75 6.00% 7.50% 75 15.00% 18.75%
76 6.08% 7.60% 76 15.20% 19.00%
77 6.16% 7.70% 77 15.40% 19.25%
78 6.24% 7.80% 78 15.60% 19.50%
79 6.32% 7.90% 79 15.80% 19.75%
80 6.40% 8.00% 80 16.00% 20.00%
81 6.48% 8.10% 81 16.20% 20.25%
82 6.56% 8.20% 82 16.40% 20.50%
83 6.64% 8.30% 83 16.60% 20.75%
84 6.72% 8.40% 84 16.80% 21.00%
85 6.80% 8.50% 85 17.00% 21.25%
86 6.88% 8.60% 86 17.20% 21.50%
87 6.96% 8.70% 87 17.40% 21.75%
88 7.04% 8.80% 88 17.60% 22.00%
89 7.12% 8.90% 89 17.80% 22.25%
90 7.20% 9.00% 90 18.00% 22.50%
91 9.10% 91 22.75%
92 9.20% 92 23.00%
93 9.30% 93 23.25%
94 9.40% 94 23.50%
95 9.50% 95 23.75%
96 9.60% 96 24.00%
97 9.70% 97 24.25%
98 9.80% 98 24.50%
99 9.90% 99 24.75%
100 10.00% 100 25.00%
8 • American Maritime Officer February 2010
American Maritime Officers Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center
2 West Dixie Highway • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • [phone]
GENERAL COURSES
ISO 9001:2000 Lead 5 days Please Call
Auditor Training
ABS NS5 Fleet 3 days 22 March 28-June
Management Software
Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 1 March 5 April 3 May 7 June 5 July 2 August 6 September
Basic Safety Training—All 4
modules MUST be completed 5 days 15 March - Cancelled 10 May 19 July 13 September
within 12 months
Personal Survival
Techniques (Monday- 1 1/2 days Basic Safety Training 8 March - For Great
Lakes Engineers
Tuesday)
Personal Safety & Social
Responsibility (Tuesday 1/2 day Basic Safety Training 9 March - For Great
Lakes Engineers
p.m.)
Elementary First Aid 1 day Basic Safety Training
(Wednesday)
Fire Fighting & Fire
Prevention (Thursday-
F“Criodmayb)in—eNd oBta rseiqcu &ired if 2 days Basic Safety Training
Advanced Fire Fighting”
completed within 12 months
Basic Safety Training - 3 days 17 March - Cancelled 12 May 21 July 15 September
Refresher
Crowd Management 1 day Please Call
Crisis Management & 1 day Please Call
Human Behavior
Effective Supervision 2 1/2 days 8 February
Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 1 March 12 April 6 July 30 August 20 September
GMDSS 10 days 15 March - NEW 17 May - NEW 16 August 27 September
Tankerman PIC LNG 8 days 1 March 19 July
LNG Simulator Training—Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course is
given to qualified member candidates for employment and/or observation oppor-
5 days 22 February 22 March 17 May
tunities with AMO contracted LNG companies. Completion of the Tankerman
LNG PIC classroom course is a prerequisite.
Ocean Ranger Program 6 days 21 April
Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 22 February 26 April - DATE CHNG 23 August 27 September
Tankerman PIC DL - 5 days 15 March 12 July 23 August
Classroom
Tankerman PIC DL - 10 days 26 April 21 June 30 August
Simulator
Train The Trainer—Requires after hours homework 5 days 22 February 12 April 21 June 16 August
Vessel/Company/Port 2 days 18 February 5 April 27 May 7 July 8 September
Facility Security Officer
DECK COURSES
Advanced Bridge 5 days 22 February - PM 26 July
Resource Management Class
Advanced Shiphandling for Masters—(No equivalency) Must have sailed as 5 days 15 February 5 April 24 May 16 August 27 September
Chief Mate Unlimited
Advanced Shiphandling for Third Mates—(60 days seatime equivalency for 10 days 12 April 10 May 21 June 9 August 20 September - PM
Third Mates)
Advanced (or emergency)
Shiphandling for First 5 days Please Call
Class Pilots, Great Lakes
Bridge Resource 3 days 24 May
Management Seminar
Integrated Bridge System/Podded Propulsion 5 days 7 June 6 September
Locking & Docking—First 5 days Please Call
Class Pilots, Great Lakes
STCW Deck Officer 3 days Please Call
Refresher
Towing Officer Record Assessment—Third mate (Unlimited or Great Lakes) 5 days 5 April 24 May 14 June
or 1600-ton master license
Tug Training 5 days 15 March 23 August
Visual Communications 1 day Please call
(Flashing Light)—test only
ENGINEERING COURSES
Advanced Slow Speed Diesel 10 days 17 May 20 September
Basic Electricity 10 days 10 May 30 August
Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 7 June
Electrical, Electronic, Control Engineering 4 weeks 7 June 20 September
Engine Room Resource Management 5 days 19 April 9 August
Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 15 March 17 May 12 July
Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 26 April 16 August
High Voltage Safety 3 days 29 March 14 July
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)—An understanding of electricity is 5 days 22 February 12 April 24 May 19 July 13 September
required. Priority will be afforded to 2 AEs and 3 AEs.
Steam Crossover 4 weeks 12 July
Welding & Metallurgy—course is open to eligible chief mates and masters on
a space-available basis. Applications will only be confirmed two weeks prior to 2 weeks 15 March 14 June 27 September
start of course.
MSC TRAINING PROGRAM—includes self-study courses Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator, Anti-Terrorism Level 1 and Crew Endurance Management (see that section).
CBRD Orientation 1 day 25 February 18 March 30 April 27 May 18 June 29 July 27 August, 16 Sept.
Damage Control 1 day 26 February 29 April 17 June 30 July 26 August
Heat Stress Afloat /
Hearing Conservation 1 day 14 June
Afloat
Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 19 March 28 May 17 September
Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 18 March 20 May 15 July
Medical PIC Refresher— 3 days 22 February 7 April 10 May
Note: Not MSC approved.
Small Arms - Initial & Refresher Training—Note:
Open to members/applicants eligible for employment 9, 23 August
3 days 15, 29 March 12, 26 April 24 May 14, 28 June 12, 26 July
through AMO within one year on MSC or MARAD 13 September
vessels
Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 18 March 20 May 15 July
February 2010 American Maritime Officer • 9
MARAD TRAINING PROGRAM—(11 day package composed of the courses below) Students will be nominated and assigned by their contracted company and shall attend all 11 days. Any places not
taken by the contracted companies shall be made available to the membership on a chronological order basis.
Small Arms Training (Initial & Refresher)—
Note: Open to members/applicants eligible for
3 days 22 February 28 June 27 September
employment through AMO within one year on
MSC or MARAD vessels
Elementary First Aid 1 day 25 February 1 July 30 September
Drug Collector Training 1 day 26 February 2 July
Breath Alcohol Test Collector 1 day 27 February 3 July
Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 1 March 5 July
MEDICAL COURSES
Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation 1 day 14 June
Afloat
Elementary First Aid—Note: Prerequisite for
Medical Care Provider within preceding 12 1 day 16 February 2 March 20 April 24 May 15 June 27 July 24 August, 21 Sept.
months
Medical Care Provider—Note: Prerequisite for
Medical Person In Charge within preceding 12
3 days 17 February 3 March 21 April 25 May 16 June 28 July 25 August, 22 Sept.
months. Please fax EFA certificate when regis-
tering
Medical Person In Charge—Note: Please FAX
Medical Care Provider certificate when register- 5 days 8 March 26 April 21 June 2, 30 August 27 September
ing
Medical PIC Refresher—Note: Not MSC 3 days 22 February 7 April 10 May
approved.
Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 15, 29 March 9 August
Breath Alcohol Test 1 day 16, 30 March 10 August
Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only 1/2 day 17 March 31 March 11 August
RADAR COURSES
Radar Recertification 1 day 26 April 9 July 10 September
ARPA 4 days 27 April
Western Rivers Recertification 1 day Please Call
Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days 26 April
ECDIS 5 days 1, 15 March 10 May 14 June 12 July
Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days 29 March - Cancelled 19 April
SELF-STUDY CD & ONLINE PROGRAMS—Available for use when attending other approved classroom courses
Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator (CD) Anti-Terrorism Level 1 (Online) DoT - Hazardous Materials Transportation Training (CD)
Crew Endurance Management (CD) Prudent Mariner’s Guide to Right Whale Protection (CD) EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification Examination
OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH—Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as third mate and second mate on vessels of
500 or more gross tonnage (ITC)
Terrestrial Navigation 10 days 15 March 6 September
Ship Construction & Stability 5 days 26 July
Electronic Navigation 5 days 8 March 30 August
Meteorology 5 days 15 February 9 August
Watchkeeping 10 days 29 March 20 September
Cargo Handling & Stowage 5 days 22 February 16 August
Basic Shiphandling at the Operational Level 5 days 12 April 4 October
Emergency Procedures and SAR 4 days 2 August
Celestial Navigation 10 days 12 July
Magnetic & Gyro Compass 3 days 1 March 23 August
OICNW— Additional required courses with priority to students enrolled in the OICNW program — GALLEY COURSES
OEnriggiinnea)l License (Great Lakes) Courses (Deck & As Required Please Call Basic Safety Training 5 days 1195 AMparriclh - Cancelled
RFPNW Assessments 1 day 4 March GMDSS 10 days 15 March, 17 May
Marlin Spike 1 day 5 March
GALLEY COURSES
40-Hour Able Seaman 5 days 19 April - Cancelled Please Call
EFA/MCP 4 days Please Call Food Safety, Sanitation & Nutrition (ServSafe) 5 days Please Call
Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 29 March - Cancelled 26 April Culinary Fundamentals 10 days Please Call
Original Radar 5 days 29 March - Cancelled 19 April Advanced Steward Course 5 days 15 February
DECK LICENSE UPGRADE: SECOND OFFICER TO CHIEF MATE / MASTER—Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on
vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). This program will complete ALL 53 Control Sheet assessments of the training requirements for STCW. Course completion certificates do not expire. Operational
level officers (3/M and 2/M) interested in advancing to Chief Mate/Master (Management) Level are encouraged to start obtaining the required courses as soon as practical after acquiring OICNW experience.
Advanced Navigation and a USCG approved ECDIS course must be completed within 12 months of each other to satisfy the Management Level upgrade course and assessment requirements.
Cargo Operations 9 days 8 March 26 April 21 June 23 August
Celestial Navigation—Note: A thorough review and understanding
of the topics covered in Parts 4 & 5 of Pub. Number 9, The American 5 days 22 February 12 April 7 June 9 August
Practical Navigator(Bowditch), is a prerequisite.
Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 22 March 10 May 19 July
Shipboard Management 5 days 22 March 10 May 19 July 13 September
Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology 5 days 1 March 19 April 14 June 16 August
Upgrade: Advanced Navigation - ECDIS—Advanced Navigation
and a USCG-approved ECDIS to be completed within 12 months of 5 days 15 February 5 April 24 May 16 August 27 September
each other
Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (Includes Simulator) 5 days 29 March 17 May 9 August 20 September
Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 8 March 26 April 21 June 23 August
Upgrade: Stability—Note: It is recommended that chapters 1-13 in
the book Stability and Trim for the Ship’s Officerbe reviewed prior to 5 days 29 March 17 May 26 July
attending this course
Watchkeeping 1 (Bridge Resource Management)—Note:
Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2 MUST be completed within 12 months 3 days 24 February 14 April 9 June 28 July
of each other.
Watchkeeping 2 (COLREGS)—Note: Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2 5 days 1 March 19 April 14 June 2 August
MUST be completed within 12 months of each other.
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.
10 • American Maritime Officer February 2010
GALVESTON, TX 77551
2724 61st Street, Suite B
PMB 192
David M. Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large
([email protected])
[phone] ext. 2001
Mobile: [phone]
HEADQUARTERS
NORWOOD, NJ 07648
DANIA BEACH, FL 33004 463 Livingston Street, Suite 102
2 West Dixie Highway
PMB 60
[phone] / [phone]
Donald R. Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea
Thomas J. Bethel, National President ([email protected])
([email protected])
José E. Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer ([email protected])
[phone] ext. 3004
Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President
Mobile: [phone]
([email protected])
FAX: [phone]
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea
([email protected])
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024
John K. Hafner, National Executive Board Member At Large
490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204
([email protected])
[phone] / [phone] ext. 7001
Charles A. Murdock, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters
J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President At Large
([email protected])
([email protected])
FAX: [phone]
Paul Doell, Legislative Director ([email protected])
Dispatch:[phone] Phree Baker, Assistant Legislative Director ([email protected])
FAX: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Brendan Keller, Dispatcher ([email protected])
Robert Anderson, Dispatcher ([email protected])
STAR CENTER
Member Services:Extension 1050 ([email protected])
STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION
PORTS
2 West Dixie Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004
TOLEDO, OH 43604
The Melvin H. Pelfrey Building [phone] ext. 201 / [phone] ext. 201
One Maritime Plaza Course Attendance Confirmation: [phone] ext. 200
[phone] FAX: [phone]
[phone] 24 Hours: [phone] ext.7999
FAX: [phone]
Donald N. Cree, National Vice President, Great Lakes TRAINING RECORDS SYSTEM:
([email protected]) Lisa Marra
Brian D. Krus, National Assistant Vice President, Great Lakes [phone] ext. 7118
([email protected]) FAX: [phone]
Stan Barnes, National Representative ([email protected]) [email protected]
Bruce DeWerth, Dispatcher ([email protected])
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19113
2 International Plaza, Suite 422 MARITIME MEDICAL CENTER AMO PLANS
Robert J. Kiefer, National Executive Vice President([email protected]) 2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie Highway
[phone] ext. 4001 / 4002 Dania Beach, FL 33004 Dania Beach, FL 33004
Mobile: [phone] [phone] [phone]
FAX: [phone] FAX: [phone] FAX: [phone]
LEGAL
SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 94607
1121 7th Street, Second Floor
Oakland, CA 94607 Joel Glanstein, General Counsel Michael Reny
[phone] 305 Madison Ave. Suite 2240 AMO Coast Guard Legal
[phone] ext. 5001 New York, NY 10165 Aid Program
Daniel E. Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large [phone] [phone] / [phone]
([email protected]) FAX: [phone] Mobile: [phone]
FAX: [phone] [email protected]
2010 Great ALPENA, MICHIGAN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN DULUTH, MINNESOTA
Lakes area 7 p.m. TUESDAY 4 p.m. WEDNESDAY 4 p.m. THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 16, 2010 FEBRUARY 17, 2010 FEBRUARY 18, 2010
Holiday Inn Holiday Inn on the Bay Holiday Inn
meetings US 23 North 615 E Front Street 2 n d Avenue, W 1st Street
Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone]
Radar Recertification courses now
available to AMO members in Toledo
STAR Center has formalized an agreement with the Toledo Maritime Academy to
provide Radar Recertification courses to eligible participants of the AMO Safety &
Education Plan. Although the courses are open to all eligible members of American
Maritime Officers, STAR Center developed this program specifically for the convenience
of members sailing on the Great Lakes.
Interested participants should apply to Student Services in Dania Beach, which will
coordinate enrollment with the academy. A STAR Center Radar Recertification certificate Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the week
will be issued upon successful completion of the course. All enrollment applications must following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. Meetings will be
be received and processed at least two days prior to each class, and walk-ins will not be held on Monday at Headquarters in Dania (on Tuesday when Monday is a con-
accepted. tract holiday) and on Wednesday in Toledo. The next meetings will take place
Remaining 2010 course dates have been scheduled as follows: Feb. 18, March 4 and on the following dates:
March 18.
DANIA BEACH: March 8, April 5
Enrollment questions or applications should be directed to Student Services at (800)
TOLEDO: March 10, April 7
942-3220 Ext. 201 or via e-mail to [email protected].