Volume 44, Number 6 June 2014

Copyright © 2014 American Maritime Officers ■ editorial@amo-union.org

Page 2: Time and again, the industry has seen that difficult situations androutine operations alike summon the professionalism and best perfor-mance of the AMO membership. The can-do, will-do attitude of AMOofficers, and the aptitude that accompanies this attitude, set an unrivaledstandard in the U.S.-flag merchant and military sealift fleets.

The professionalism of the membershipis the strength of our union

Page 12: Substantial gains in agreement with U.S. Shipping

Page 12: AMO member Captain Glenn Macario, master on the USNS

VADM K.R. Wheeler, reports on the work of AMO officers aboard theUSNS Fast Tempo in serving a part in the U.S. Navy’s assistance oper-ation for the recent South Korean ferry disaster by resupplying the U.S.Navy salvage ship USNS Safeguard.

AMO members assist in salvage effortsfor South Korean ferry Sewol

See WRRDA ◆ Page 11

New law prioritizes Great Lakes dredgingneeds, authorizes increased use of HMTFWater Resources Reform and Development Act a victory for maritime transportation

The President has signed into lawthe Water Resources Reform andDevelopment Act of 2014 after the Houseof Representatives and the Senate over-whelmingly approved the conferencereport for the legislation in May. Amongother things, the new law prioritizesdredging operations in the Great LakesNavigation System (GLNS) and autho-rizes increased expenditures from theHarbor Maintenance Trust Fund fordredging projects.

“The WRRDA conference report isa victory for the maritime industry and theU.S. economy, and for Great Lakes ship-ping in particular,” said AMO NationalPresident Tom Bethel. “We have foughthard for many years to achieve theseobjectives and this victory would not havebeen possible without the collaborativeefforts of the Great Lakes congressionaldelegation, the Great Lakes Maritime Task

Force, the legislative staffs of AMO andAMOS, and the AMO membership’sstrong support of the Voluntary PoliticalAction Fund.”

A key feature of the authorizationlegislation is an increase in expendituresof revenues deposited in the HarborMaintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for theirintended purpose, beginning at 67 percentin 2015 and building to full utilization by2025. Currently, only about half of theproceeds of the Harbor Maintenance Taxare allocated from the HMTF for dredgingprojects, while the fund’s surplus and thelevel of sediment clogging U.S. harborsand shipping channels grows.

The conference report also definesthe GLNS as a single system, which helpsprioritize dredging projects on the Lakes torestore navigational features to projectdepths. The legislation also requires that aportion of national harbor maintenance

expenditures be targeted on GLNS projects.The conference report is a compro-

mise measure combining the WaterResources Reform and Development Actapproved by the House and the WaterResources Development Act approved bythe Senate.

“This legislation supports ourwater transportation network to keep ournation competitive, improve the flow ofcommerce, and provide a foundation forjob growth,” said House Transportationand Infrastructure Committee ChairmanBill Shuster (R-PA). “WRRDA is alsothe most policy and reform-focusedmeasure of its kind in decades, and themost fiscally responsible waterresources bill in history.”

“The Water Resources Reform andDevelopment Act will not only improveour nation’s economic competitiveness asa whole, but also ensure that the Great

Lakes maritime network is treated as aunique system when determining projectpriorities,” said Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH),chairman of the Subcommittee on WaterResources and Environment. “The GreatLakes are vital to our country and ensur-ing that they receive the necessaryresources is very important.”

Nationwide, the legislation autho-rizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tocarry out its missions to develop, maintainand support vital port and waterwaysinfrastructure needs, and support effectiveand targeted flood protection and environ-mental restoration needs. The measurewill benefit Great Lakes harbors andports, where dredging needs have lan-guished for years.

“More than 18 million cubic yardsof sediment clog the Great Lakes

Two shipspassing inthe daylight

In this photo provided by GeneralDynamics NASSCO, the mobilelanding platforms USNSMontford Point (foreground) andUSNS John Glenn on May 2pass one another near SanDiego, with the USNS MontfordPoint en route to the shipyard inSan Diego and the USNS JohnGlenn departing for WashingtonState. Both ships are operatedfor Military Sealift Command byOcean Ships, Inc. and aremanned in all licensed positionsby American Maritime Officers.

By Tom Bethel

National President

They sayadversity can bringout the best or theworst in a person.But I have foundand the industryhas seen time andagain that adversi-ty is not requiredto summon theprofessionalismand best perfor-mance of the membership of AmericanMaritime Officers. In difficult situationsand during routine operations — throughgood times and bad — the can-do, will-doattitude of AMO members, and the aptitudethat accompanies this attitude, set an unri-valed standard in the U.S.-flag merchantand military sealift fleets.

The dedication and skill of AMO offi-cers shine especially bright under circum-stances when their on-the-job performanceis contrasted with that of their contempo-raries from other officers’ unions.

In recent years, U.S.-flag operatingcompanies have had the opportunity tocompare the efficiency and cost-effective-

2 • American Maritime Officer June 2014

Professionalism of the membershipis the strength of our union

ness of vessels in their fleets manned in alllicensed positions by members of AMOwith vessels manned in licensed positionsby other officers’ unions.

Even with the same or very similartotal labor costs for the officers onboard,these companies have discovered that ves-sels operating under contract with AMO doso at a significant cost savings.

Among the reasons for this are theunderway maintenance and repairs routine-ly performed by AMO officers as requiredby the vessel and the trade or mission. Theability and interest of AMO engineers inthis capacity contribute significantly to effi-cient operations and reduce the need forcostly shoreside maintenance.

Also instrumental in keeping costs incheck is the remarkable record of safetysustained onboard AMO-manned vessels.The culture of teamwork in AMO deck andengineering departments and the dedicationto the safe and successful completion of thejob at hand result in fewer lost-time inci-dents and shipboard injuries, and fewer pro-tection and indemnity insurance claims forvessel operators.

Due to these qualities and many oth-ers, AMO members comprise the largestand strongest union of U.S. merchantmarine officers, and the only union of its

kind with a promising future and a very sub-stantial amount of new commercial work inthe pipeline.

The professionalism of the member-ship is the strength of AMO. Because of it,

ours remains the officers’ union of choice forestablished operating companies and newemployers alike. The on-the-job attitude andaptitude of AMO members sailing in alltrades — deep sea, Great Lakes and inlandwaters — are the primary reasons for thisreality. It is an honor and a privilege for everymember of the AMO National ExecutiveBoard to represent a membership of profes-sionals of such extraordinary caliber.

As always, I welcome your com-ments and questions. Please feel free to callme on my cell phone at (202) 251-0349.

American Maritime Officer (USPS 316-920)Official Publication of American Maritime Officers

601 S. Federal HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004

(954) 921-2221Periodical Postage Paid at

Dania Beach, FL, and Additional Mailing OfficesPublished Monthly

American Maritime Officers National Executive Board

Thomas Bethel, National PresidentJosé Leonard, National Secretary-TreasurerRobert Kiefer, National Executive Vice PresidentJoseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep SeaJohn Clemons, National Vice President, Great LakesCharles Murdock, National Vice President, Inland WatersMichael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relations

National Assistant Vice Presidents:Brian Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice PresidentDaniel Shea, National Assistant Vice PresidentChristian Spain, National Assistant Vice PresidentDavid Weathers, National Assistant Vice President

Representative: Stan Barnes

Editor: Matt BurkeAssistant Editor: Todd Wright

POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To:

American Maritime OfficersATTN: Member Services

P.O. Box 66Dania Beach, FL 33004

Captain Samaro Bannister May 15 submitted this photo of the AMO offi-cers aboard the Watson Class LMSR USNS Soderman prior to the ship’sturnover date. In the picture are Third Mate Carlton Hobkirk, Third MateBrian Purcell, Second Mate Shane Hansen, Chief Mate MichaelThompson, Second Assistant Engineer Romeo Enriquez, Third A.E.Robert Brown, Electronics Officer John Hung, Captain Bannister, ChiefEngineer Terence RusselI, First A.E. Russell Crane and Third A.E.Theodore Cook.

AMO electronics officer John Gilescommended for exceptional work

The following is excerpted from a

message sent May 2 to American Maritime

Officers member John Giles, electronics

officer aboard the USNS 1st LT BaldomeroLopez, by Maersk Line, Limited General

Manager of Government Ship Management

Mark McDaniel.

Your outstanding performance duringthe recent Flag Suite upgrade on USNSLOPEZ has been noted and mentionedquite favorably by MSC.

MSCHQ asked me to share the fol-lowing message with you:

“A HUGE Bravo Zulu goes out to

EO John Giles on LOPEZ. Not only

has John provided outstanding sup-

port onboard LOPEZ during the very

challenging Flag Suite upgrade, yester-

day he went over and visited both

WHEAT and MARTIN to assist with

their patching and retina scans. PM3 is

very appreciative of John’s positive

attitude and willingness to go above

and beyond.”

I want you to know that you are great-ly appreciated for the work you do. MLLwould like to thank you for your dedicationand attention to detail. You are a team play-er and the example for all to follow. Thanksfor all you do and keep charging!

USNS Soderman — last standing AMO crew

‘Ramping up’ with Patriot Contract Services

In this photo taken in June 2014, the damaged stern ramp of the USNS 1st LTHarry L. Martin (front right) — operated for Military Sealift Command by PatriotContract Services and manned in licensed positions by the InternationalOrganization of Masters, Mates and Pilots and the Marine Engineers’ BeneficialAssociation — stands in contrast to the stern ramp of the USNS LCPL Roy M.Wheat (back left). The USNS Wheat is operated for MSC by Maersk Line,Limited and is manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.

American Maritime Officer • 3June 2014

U.S. maritime industry salutes Congressman HunterCongressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA)

received the 2014 Salute to Congress AwardMay 8 from the International Propeller Clubof the United States in recognition of hisstrong and steady support of the Americanmaritime industry.

As the chairman of the Subcommitteeon Coast Guard and Maritime Transportationand a member of the Armed ServicesCommittee in the House of Representatives,Rep. Hunter has rallied and sustained bi-par-tisan backing for the U.S. merchant marineand the American maritime industry as awhole, and has frequently promoted theimportant roles of the U.S.-flag fleet innational security, defense and commerce.

During the award ceremony inArlington, Va., Rep. Hunter opened hisremarks on the industry with the statement:“American maritime matters.” He followedwith a detailed address on how and why,describing the challenges faced by the mar-itime industry and the importance of main-taining and building its strength.

“Every single person in this roomtonight is committed to ensuring thatAmerica stays true to its history, and main-tains a strong domestic and internationalfleet,” Rep. Hunter said. “We have strug-gles ahead.”

These include an absence of under-standing among the public and in the halls ofCongress about why key aspects of U.S.maritime policy are important, or in manycases, what they are. The Jones Act and U.S.cargo preference laws remain targets of ill-informed criticism and misguided attacks.

“It is a fight ... we have to take to therest of Congress and the people who do notknow a lot about these things,” Rep. Huntersaid. “While a strong maritime sector isimportant to our economy, a strong maritimeindustry — with U.S.-flag vessels, qualifiedmerchant mariners and a strong shipbuildingbase — is essential to our national security.”

Citing the long-term demise of com-mercial and military shipbuilding capabilitiesin Great Britain, Rep. Hunter warned of thedanger of allowing the same thing to happenin the United States. “We cannot make thismistake,” he said.

Elected in 2008 to his first term in theHouse of Representatives, Rep. Hunter wasthe first Marine Corps combat veteran of the

wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to be elected toCongress. He served three combat toursoverseas, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

“Over 90 percent of military cargoesmoved to Iraq and Afghanistan were movedby U.S.-flag vessels crewed by Americanmariners,” he said. “I am going to be willingto guess that we will need sealift again.

“And when it comes to the differentways in how you get to the war, things havenot changed. You still have to get to thefight,” Rep. Hunter said. “You have to moveit over the ocean. You have to — there is noother way.”

In addition to the need for and effec-tiveness of the U.S.-flag fleet, he addressedthe commercial industry’s role in improvingmilitary efficiency and providing significantcost savings.

“The range of threats around theworld is expanding, and while we don’tknow how the next conflict will look, wewill need sealift and U.S. merchantmariners to get there and naval combatantships to help fight it,” Rep. Hunter said.“Here is what is great about what yourindustry does, and the American shipbuild-ing industrial base: you are right now off-

setting the cost of those Navy ships. “You all are busy right now; it’s a good

thing,” he said. “The LNG powered contain-erships being built at NASSCO ... are beingbuilt for the Jones Act trade. This type ofcommercial shipbuilding in our shipyardshelps reduce overhead for the Navy. And wehave tight defense budgets.

“Protecting our industrial base is whatis going to save this nation in the end,” hesaid. “It protects our warfighters and it pro-tects our military capabilities and it is okay towant to protect what made this nation great.”

Rep. Hunter pivoted to the ongoingeffort by the administration and its congres-sional allies to radically restructure the Foodfor Peace program and replace shipments ofU.S. food-aid onboard U.S. merchant vesselswith cash transfers and the purchase of com-modities from foreign producers. He high-lighted the program’s crucial role in support-ing the U.S.-flag fleet in international tradesand the job base for U.S. merchant mariners,who are needed to man military and govern-ment vessels in times of conflict and crisis.

“Again, people are failing to under-stand the nexus between our commercialmaritime industry and how it underpins ournational security,” he said. “The ships andskilled merchant mariners, maintainedbecause of cargo preference, allow our mil-itary to have an affordable sealift capabilitywhen they need it most: when they arecalled to defend this nation. If the Navy hadto replace the sealift you provide, theycouldn’t. They don’t have the billions andbillions of dollars to maintain ships onstandby for when they may need them. Thatwill never happen.

“One more reason why it is so vital wekeep it: the policies we have in place work,and the Jones Act, cargo preference, theMaritime Security Program and Title XI areexamples of that.”

Rep. Hunter closed by commenting onthe need to establish a comprehensive nation-al maritime strategy.

“We need to develop a strategy thatlooks to the future and finds new opportuni-ties to expand our U.S.-flag fleet, bothdomestically and internationally,” he said.“And, by doing so, we protect America’snational security. And that is why Americanmaritime matters.”

Photo: Harry N. Cook

Governor of Hawaii Neil Abercrombie (left) congratulates Congressman DuncanHunter (R-CA) on his receipt of the 2014 Salute to Congress Award from theInternational Propeller Club of the United States during a ceremony in Arlington,Va. on May 8. Governor Abercrombie was the 2006 recipient of the Salute toCongress Award.

Congressman Garamendi connects natural gas exportswith American shipbuilding, U.S. merchant mariners

AMO National Vice President, Government Relations, Mike Murphy (right)greets Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) at the Propeller Club luncheonMay 8 in Washington, D.C.

Looking to the near horizon,Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA)sees key American strategic assets movinghand-in-hand on the open ocean and lead-ing our nation to revitalization of the mar-itime sector.

Speaking at the Washington, D.C.Propeller Club luncheon May 8, Rep.Garamendi, ranking member on the CoastGuard and Maritime TransportationSubcommittee, connected the domestic pro-duction of natural gas and the U.S. maritimeindustry, describing in detail the potential forlarge-scale transportation of liquefied natur-al gas aboard a fleet of U.S.-flagged LNGcarriers built in American shipyards andcrewed by U.S. merchant mariners.

“It is in the strategic national securi-ty interest of this nation to have a ship-building industry — for the U.S. Navy, theCoast Guard and for jobs in America,”Rep. Garamendi said. “It is a nationalsecurity issue.”

Leveraging the availability of domes-tically produced natural gas for export to

greatly expand the fleet of three U.S.-builtLNG carriers would serve this national secu-rity interest, he said.

“By combining two of the strategicresources this nation still has — natural gasand shipbuilders — we can rebuild and

strengthen and keep the American maritimeindustry in relatively better shape,” he said.

Along the way, other aspects of feder-al policy also require attention, specificallythe PL-480 Food for Peace program, he said.

“It remains at risk,” and attempts toundermine the Food for Peace programand convert U.S. food-aid shipments intocash transfers would have a disastrousoutcome, he said, adding that a strong andunified effort to keep the program intactmust be sustained.

Rep. Garamendi and his wife havespent many years working in famine-strick-en areas and have first-hand experience withthe value of American food aid to nations inneed around the world. “We know what itmeans when a sack of grain arrives and ithas the U.S. flag on it,” he said.

“I think public policy issues havelargely allowed the decline of theAmerican maritime industry. It’s a neglectof policy ... but that can turn. Public poli-cy can drive a resurgence of the Americanmaritime industry.”

4 • American Maritime Officer June 2014

‘Maritime attorney’ misses the boat on the Jones ActThe following letter to the editor was

sent to the Waterfront Times — a newspa-

per distributed in the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

area — by American Maritime Officers

National President Tom Bethel.

I hope for his clients’ sake that “mar-itime attorney” Mark Ercolin makes a morecredible case in the courtroom than he didin his Waterfront Times column critical ofthe federal law referred to generally as theJones Act (“And along came Jones at theworst time,” April 2014).

The Jones Act — which requiresthat merchant vessels owned, built, flaggedand manned in the United States carry allwaterborne cargoes between and amongU.S. ports — did not cause or aggravateNew Jersey’s shortage of rock salt for roadsafety during this especially harsh winter,as Mr. Ercolin charged.

Early this year, the New JerseyDepartment of Transportation found that ithad not ordered enough rock salt from itsoverseas supplier (the Jones Act does notapply to cargoes delivered to the U.S. fromother countries). Scrambling to beat thenext snowstorm, NJ-DOT said it would tapan emergency salt stockpile in Maine. Theagency also said a foreign-flagged cargoship was standing by to provide immediatedelivery of the salt from Maine to theGarden State.

The U.S. Department ofTransportation advised NJ-DOT that theJones Act would apply to this specific ship-ment, and that qualified U.S.-flagged ton-

nage was available to haul the cargo. Meanwhile, the foreign-flagged ship

NJ-DOT said was on the scene left Maineand U.S. waters — a clear indication that itwould not deliver the salt. A Jones Act ves-sel arrived in Maine, loaded the cargo anddelivered it to New Jersey on schedule.Despite this, NJ-DOT claimed in an aston-ishing public statement that the rock saltwas “still in Maine” and would not bedelivered for three weeks.

Had Mr. Ercolin followed this storythrough to its happy ending, he would haveknown that New Jersey’s rock salt shortagewas a consequence not of the Jones Act, butof poor planning by state officials. Hewould have understood that New Jersey’sreckless attempt to fault the venerabledomestic shipping law arose from politicalpanic and the desperate need to avert agreater public relations crisis.

I take issue as well with Mr.Ercolin’s suggestion that the Jones Act isnot waived easily during emergencies.Customs and Border Protection in the U.S.Department of Homeland Security hasstanding authority to waive the Jones Actin the national interest. When HurricaneKatrina devastated New Orleans and otherGulf Coast communities, foreign-flaggedtankers were permitted to carry crude oiland petroleum products between U.S.points immediately to ease shortages ofgasoline and other fuels. In 2011, whenthe U.S. Department of Energy drewdown from the Strategic Petroleum

Reserve in response to the Libyan crisis,the Jones Act was waived 52 times withno difficulty to allow foreign-flaggedships to carry the crude in coastal waters.

Mr. Ercolin and I do agree on onepoint — the possibility of “some changes… in the Jones Act” is “rather doubtful.”But we differ on why Jones Act amend-ment or outright repeal is unlikely. Mr.Ercolin sees the law as a relic held in placeby “basic ‘government red tape’,” butexperts with far more authority than he onthe subject note routinely that the Jones Actstands because it serves compelling nation-al interests.

The Jones Act today accounts formore than 500,000 private sector jobsnationwide and represents billions in pri-vate capital investment — some 25 JonesAct tankers and container vessels are onorder in U.S. shipyards, including theworld’s first container ship fueled by lique-fied natural gas.

The law also enhances border securi-ty by minimizing the risk that internationalterrorists under cover as merchant marinersworking in domestic waters will jump shipto help plan or participate in new attacks inU.S. cities — forged mariner documentsare among documents seized in raids on al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan.

Moreover, the Jones Act helps sus-tain a working U.S. merchant fleet and askilled, loyal civilian American seagoingworkforce — both of which the U.S.Department of Defense relies on heavily

for strategic sealift and other militarysupport services in national securityemergencies.

According to one recent study, theJones Act is linked directly to 52,140 jobsin the State of Florida and disposableincome of at least $3 billion statewideevery year.

In the greater Fort Lauderdale area,the Jones Act provides 6,440 jobs directly,generating $359 million in labor incomeand $391 billion in economic output.

The organization I am privileged torepresent, American Maritime Officers, hasits national headquarters, its expansive andworld renown training center and its mem-bership and employee benefit funds inDania Beach, providing jobs for severalhundred men and women who spend theirmoney locally.

In addition, AMO hosts thousands ofU.S. citizen merchant mariners for trainingin Dania Beach each year. Many of theseindividuals work in Jones Act trades, andmany of them are here for weeks at a time,supporting local restaurants and other busi-nesses during their stay.

Your readers — many of whom areemployed in Port Everglades, the marinas,the yachting, fishing and excursion vesselfleets and the marine industry supply andsupport services — may find all of thesetruths far more enlightening than onecolumnist’s sloppy take on the federal lawthat makes their livelihoods possible.

Thank you.

Maritime labormourns theloss of JamesOberstar

A longtime and stalwart friend ofmaritime labor and industry, JamesOberstar, died on May 3. He was 79.

Oberstar, a Democrat fromMinnesota, served in the U.S. House ofRepresentatives. First elected in 1974, herose in seniority and power, becomingthe influential chairman of the HouseTransportation and InfrastructureCommittee. From that position, he over-saw where federal dollars were spent onall kinds of transportation projects,including the Great Lakes region.

“Congressman Oberstar was anamazing advocate for the U.S. maritimeindustry and the hundreds of thousands ofjobs it supports throughout our nation,”said American Maritime Officers NationalPresident Tom Bethel. “He spoke at thememorial gathering for Charles Crangle,our late director of congressional and leg-islative affairs in Washington, D.C. Hewas a powerful ally to AMO memberssailing on the Great Lakes and a truefriend of all working men and women inthe U.S. merchant marine.”

Oberstar was known for his abilityto work with members of both parties toaccomplish what was needed for theAmerican people.

“Congressman Oberstar was some-one who understood what was needed tomake the U.S.-flag maritime industrywork, whether it was on the Lakes, therivers or the seas,” stated MaritimeTrades Department President MichaelSacco. “He worked for everyone and isgreatly missed.”

Membershipcommittee

reviews union’sfinancial files

American Maritime Officersmembers serving on the semi-annual Financial Committee in

May were Tomas Malo, RichardFritze, Ken Collins and John

Hewitt. A volunteer membershipcommittee is convened periodi-cally to review union expenses

and financial documents.

AMO aboard the Cason J. Callaway, H. Lee White

On deck aboard the Cason J. Callaway on May 7 wereAMO member Third Mate Matt McNally and GreatLakes Maritime Academy Cadet Ryan Miller. Key Lakesoperates the Callaway and AMO represents thelicensed officers and stewards.

AMO members working aboard American SteamshipCompany’s H. Lee White in May, here in Toledo, Ohio,included First Assistant Engineer James Polluch andChief Engineer Darryl Bertrand. With them are AMONational Representative Stan Barnes and AMO SeniorNational Assistant Vice President Brian Krus.

American Maritime Officer • 5June 2014

Congressional Sail-Insupports programs keyto U.S. maritime industry

Meeting with Congressman Charlie Dent (R-PA) during the Sail-In were JayBrickman, Crowley; Amy Hauser, Maersk Line, Limited; Neil McManus, TampaPropeller Club; American Maritime Officers Legislative Director Paul Doell; andMaritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dan Duncan.

By José Leonard

National Secretary-Treasurer

Members, officials and staff ofAmerican Maritime Officers once again hadthe privilege of representing our union in ournation’s capital during the Maritime IndustryCongressional Sail-In on May 7. This wasthe fifth year in a row for the event and myfifth year participating. The Sail-In is a col-laborative effort of labor, ship owners, oper-ators, shipyards, legislative groups and tradeassociations, and other facets of the maritimeindustry in the United States. This uniqueaction and display of solidarity with the com-mon goal of the furtherance of the maritimeindustry in the U.S. is made through a seriesof meetings and discussions of current issuespertinent to our industry with members ofCongress and their staffs. In short, it is nec-essary to raise awareness of maritime and thevital roles it plays in the economic andnational security of the United States.

The 2014 Congressional Sail-In had atotal of 130 volunteer participants from com-panies, groups and organizations from allaround the country. We formed 24 teams,each with a designated team leader. We metearly for a briefing then began our agenda ofgetting the word out about maritime. Eachteam had scheduled at least seven meetingsfor the day. Some had more. We met in con-gressional offices, meeting rooms, hallways,during breaks from committee hearings —any place we could get some one-on-onetime with a legislator and/or congressionalstaff members. All told, by the end of theday, we had 173 meetings. We met with sen-ators, congressional representatives and keylegislative staffers. My group met personal-ly with Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Representative Tony Cárdenas (D-CA)and Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA),along with staffers from the offices of

Meeting with Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) during the Sail-In were AmericanMaritime Officers Service Legislative Consultant Brenda Otterson, MaryNaccarato, AMOS President and Chairman Anthony Naccarato and AMONational Assistant Vice President Daniel Shea.

Meeting with Rep. Stephen Fincher (R-TN) during the Sail-In were AmericanMaritime Officers member John Arnold (second from left) and AMO NationalAssistant Vice President Christian Spain (third from left). Participating in themeeting were (left to right) Craig Thaxton, Hapag-Lloyd; Mike Neumann,Transportation Institute; Gerald Rehm, USMMA Alumni Association andFoundation; and William Campbell, Liberty Maritime Corporation.

AMO National Secretary-Treasurer José Leonard greets Congressman DerekKilmer (D-WA) during the Sail-In.

Meeting with Brent Robinson, legislative director for Congressman Rob Wittman(R-VA), during the Sail-In was American Maritime Officers member Rick Powers(center). Participating in the meeting were (left to right) Dave DeBoer, AmericanRoll-On Roll-Off Carrier; Denise Krepp, KDRKrepp Consulting; and MikeRoberts, Crowley.

Representatives Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ),Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Jim McDermott(D-WA) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

While it is important to meet with rep-resentatives and key staff members who aresupporters of maritime to discuss currentissues, it is equally important to meet withnewer representatives, and perhaps withthose who have cast votes that would weak-en maritime and national defense, in order todiscuss the far reaching effects of legislationaffecting our industry. One topic of discus-sion was the ongoing effort of non-govern-mental organizations, and the Obama admin-istration and its congressional allies, to sup-plant the PL-480 Food for Peace program,which has for decades generated good willoverseas by feeding millions while benefit-ting U.S. farmers, our nation’s maritime sec-tor and national defense. As we know, theseinterests would like to give cash in lieu ofsending food aid. One doesn’t need a crystalball to see that this proposal is a disaster wait-ing to happen. If that isn’t scary enough,another example of the threats facing mar-itime policy is a recent push by the EuropeanUnion to dismantle the Jones Act in tradenegotiations. Meanwhile, there are 47nations with their own cabotage laws.

In addition to the assault on the Foodfor Peace program, common subjects of dis-cussion included the Jones Act, the MaritimeSecurity Program, cargo preference laws,reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank,and the Harbor Maintenance Tax and HarborMaintenance Trust Fund. The Jones Act,MSP and cargo preference, and Export-Import Bank and Food for Peace related car-goes, are crucial to the U.S. maritime indus-try and its roles in national security, defenseand commerce. All face a variety of threatsand attacks. The danger to the U.S. maritimeindustry and merchant fleet is real and theselaws and programs must receive greater

attention and stronger congressional support.In 2013, there were more than 28,000 pri-vately owned vessels of over 1,000 grosstons registered to the top 25 registries in theworld. Of that number, 187 were registeredin the U.S.

The U.S. maritime industry remains“under the radar.” Many people are just notaware of the importance of maritime to theU.S. economy and our national security.U.S.-flagged commercial ships crewed byAmerican merchant mariners have movedthe vast majority of military cargo to supplyU.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.Support of the MSP and cargo preferenceensures this fleet of 60 ships and the U.S.mariners who crew them remain active andavailable. The Jones Act — which requiresthat all cargo vessels operating in domesticcommerce between U.S. ports be owned byU.S. citizens, built in U.S. shipyards andcrewed by U.S. citizen mariners — appliesto coastwise, inland waterways and GreatLakes shipping, as well as waterborne cargotransportation to and from non-contiguousstates and territories. The Jones Act fleet iscomprised of over 39,000 vessels of differ-ent types and directly and indirectly sup-ports a total of approximately 500,000American jobs. This translates into about$100 billion in total economic output, morethan $29 billion in wages and $9.9 billion inU.S. taxes being paid.

Now, new tonnage for the Jones Actfleet has entered the construction phase. Our

industry is at a crossroads and the replace-ment of aging vessels with new, modern,economically efficient and environmentallyfriendly vessels is vital to its future. Thegrowth in U.S. shipbuilding puts a spotlighton the importance of another federal pro-gram, the Title XI shipbuilding loan guaran-tee program. This program provides loanguarantees for privately sourced loans andeases access to commercial credit for compa-nies building ships in American shipyards.

We have recently heard some goodwords from the President and other key fig-ures of the administration about support forthe Jones Act, as well as acknowledgment ofthe importance of American mariners and theU.S.-flagged ships we crew. But this admin-istration has thus far not established a goodrecord on maritime issues, and our industrydepends on congressional support to survive.

I would like to thank AMO membersRick Powers and John Arnold for joining uson Capitol Hill this year and providing theirprofessional perspectives on the work ofAmerican merchant mariners. Their insightand experience are highly valuableresources in meetings with congressionalrepresentatives and senators. The fates ofthe laws and programs that form the foun-dation of the U.S. maritime industry, alongwith the fate of the U.S. merchant fleet, arein the hands of Congress. Our continuedparticipation in the Sail-In is one way wecan raise awareness of what it is we do andwhy it is so important to our nation.

6 • American Maritime Officer June 2014

Military, transportationleaders honor service,sacrifice of U.S. merchantmariners past and present

Observing National Maritime Day onboard the M/V Freedom

National Maritime Day withAmerican Maritime Officers

American Maritime Officers National President Tom Bethel greets Commanderof the U.S. Transportation Command Gen. Paul Selva during the observance ofNational Maritime Day at U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters inWashington, D.C. Gen. Selva took command of TRANSCOM in May.

The officers and crew of the Freedom celebrated National Maritime Day while underway from Baltimore, USA to Antwerp, Belgium, wrote Captain ShawnHagerty, the ship’s master. All officers and crew mustered on the bow to learn about the history of National Maritime Day and then to hear this year’s presi-dential proclamation, which was read aloud by Engineering Cadet James Raphael. We then honored all past mariners with eight bells followed by a momentof silence. The ship’s crew in May included Captain Hagerty, Chief Mate Riccardo Giannone, Second Mate Jon Phillips, Third Mate Kirby Stross, ChiefEngineer Mark Booth, First Assistant Engineer Scott Kern, Second A.E. Daniel Doherty, Third A.E. Zachary Newman, Bosun Ronald Ramos, AB Ralph Kirby,AB Michael Carubba, AB Eric Hurt, OS Rodolfo Jackson, OS Marquise Webb, Oiler Jerry Morlett, Oiler Samir Tarsha, Oiler Guiomar Rancel, Steward IsaacNewsome, Cook Malcolm Holmes, Steward’s Assistant Rosalie Long and Engineering Cadet Raphael. The Freedom is operated in the Maritime SecurityProgram fleet by Crowley Liner Services and is manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.

Members of American Maritime Officers, AMO officials and staff, and STARCenter instructors and staff gathered for a National Maritime Day ceremo-ny hosted by the organizations at AMO National Headquarters May 22.

American Maritime Officers National Secretary-Treasurer José Leonardgreets members of the Gulfstream Chapter of the American MerchantMarine Veterans of World War II (left to right) Arthur St. Pierre, StanleyBlumenthal, William Hommel, Leo Tullock, Executive Vice President FredCalicchio, Secretary/Treasurer Mercedes Frassetti, Ben Fischman andLuke Facarazzo at AMO National Headquarters.

Military and government transporta-tion leaders lauded the service of U.S.merchant mariners past and present duringa National Maritime Day ceremony hostedby the U.S. Department ofTransportation’s Maritime Administration(MARAD) and the U.S. Navy’s MilitarySealift Command May 22 at Departmentof Transportation Headquarters inWashington, D.C.

Delivering the keynote address,

Commander of the U.S. TransportationCommand Gen. Paul Selva recalled theroles of the U.S. merchant marinethroughout the nation’s history and citedthe vital service provided by Americanmariners through the present day.

“As a person who has spent 35 yearsin service of this country, it is readilyapparent to me that without the contribu-

See Maritime Day ◆ Page 7

American Maritime Officer • 7June 2014

Presidential proclamation — National Maritime Day, 2014NATIONAL MARITIME DAY, 2014

- — - — - — -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THEUNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

America’s open seas have longbeen a source of prosperity andstrength, and since before our Nation’sfounding, the men and women of theUnited States Merchant Marine havedefended them. From securing Atlanticroutes during the naval battles of theRevolutionary War to supplying ourArmed Forces around the world in the

21st century and delivering American goodsto overseas markets in times of peace, theyhave always played a vital role in ourNation’s success. During National MaritimeDay, we celebrate this proud history andsalute the mariners who have safeguardedour way of life.

Today’s Merchant Marine upholdsits generations-long role as our “fourtharm of defense.” Yet they also go beyondthis mission, transporting food wherethere is hunger and carrying much-neededsupplies to those in distress. Thanks to ourdedicated mariners, people around theworld continue to see the American flag asa symbol of hope.

To create middle-class jobs andmaintain our leading position in an ever-

changing world, we must provide newmarketplaces for our businesses to com-pete. As we expand commerce, we do sowith confidence that the United StatesMerchant Marine will keep our supplylines secure. Because just as America’sworkers and innovators can rise to anychallenge, our mariners have demonstrat-ed time and again that they can meet anytest. Today, let us reaffirm our support fortheir essential mission.

The Congress, by a joint resolutionapproved May 20, 1933, has designatedMay 22 of each year as “National MaritimeDay,” and has authorized and requested thePresident to issue annually a proclamationcalling for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK

OBAMA, President of the United Statesof America, do hereby proclaim May22, 2014, as National Maritime Day. Icall upon the people of the United Statesto mark this observance and to displaythe flag of the United States at theirhomes and in their communities. I alsorequest that all ships sailing under theAmerican flag dress ship on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ihave hereunto set my hand this nine-teenth day of May, in the year of ourLord two thousand fourteen, and of theIndependence of the United States ofAmerica the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

tion of our merchant marine — those mer-chant mariners who move the bulk ofeverything we move in our DefenseDepartment — we would not be nearly asstrong as we are today,” Selva said. “Andto this community we owe a deep, deepdebt of gratitude.

“Our operations in Iraq andAfghanistan would not be possible with-out the support of our merchant marine,”he said. “They delivered 126 millionsquare feet of cargo into Persian Gulf

ports and Pakistan to support our (armedforces) and 26 billion gallons of fuel.

“We owe you the freedom that weall enjoy,” Selva said. “We owe every per-son that has ever gone to sea in our mer-chant marine our liberty and freedom thatwe enjoy every day. To those merchantmarines, past, present and future, I amhere to say thank you.”

Also making presentations duringNational Maritime Day events inWashington, D.C. were Secretary ofTransportation Anthony Foxx, ActingMaritime Administrator Paul Jaenichenand Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon, com-mander of MSC.

Maritime DayContinued from Page 6

Congressman Huizenga named 2014Great Lakes Legislator of the Year

Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) May 7 received the 2014 GreatLakes Legislator of the Year Award fromthe Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, thelargest labor/management coalition rep-resenting workers and industries depen-dent on shipping on America’s FourthSea Coast.

“Congressman Huizenga has shownincredible resolve in addressing the dredg-ing crisis on the Great Lakes,” said JamesWeakley, president of GLMTF. “His laser-like focus on the issue is one of the bigreasons the Water Resources Reform andDevelopment Act (WRRDA) passed by

the House in 2013 contains provisions keyto ending the dredging crisis. The bill notonly calls for more funding for dredging,but designates the Great Lakes as a systemin terms of dredging, and that in itselfshould put the Lakes on an even footingwith other waterways.”

Rep. Huizenga’s efforts to end thedredging crisis also have statewidebenefits.

“Michigan is the state most impact-ed by the dredging crisis,” said JohnBaker, 1st vice president of the GLMTF.“Michigan boasts more deep-draft portsthan the other seven Great Lakes states

combined. The largest limestone quarriesin the Great Lakes basin and cementplants in Alpena and Charlevoix aredependent on efficient shipping on theLakes, but the dredging crisis has dramat-ically reduced the amount of cargo thatcan be loaded each trip.”

Rep. Huizenga’s strong support foradequate U.S. Coast Guard icebreakingresources on the Lakes has taken on a spe-cial significance this year.

“The winter of 2013/2014 was theharshest since 1993/1994,” said ThomasCurelli, 2nd vice president of the GLMTF.“The ice was so thick the Coast Guard had

to lead convoys to get the ships acrossLake Superior and Marquette wasn’t ableto load its first cargo until April 14, weekslater than normal. We are indeed fortunatethe U.S. Coast Guard now has nine ice-breakers stationed on the Great Lakes,otherwise vital cargoes would have beendelayed to the point that more employersmight have had to curtail production.”

The U.S.-Canada trade on theGreat Lakes is an important segment ofthe industry and Rep. Huizenga ischairman of the U.S.-CanadaInterparliamentary Group.

“It is important that the Lakes havea voice in this forum,” said Donald Cree,3rd vice president of the GLMTF. “Themore we work together on issues affectingthe cross-Lakes trade, such as adequateicebreaking resources on both sides of theborder and ballast water regulations, themore our nations benefit.”

Vice President and Controller of American Steamship Company Mark Pietrocarlopresents Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) with the Great Lakes Legislator of theYear Award for 2014.

American Maritime Officers National Secretary-Treasurer José Leonard andAmerican Maritime Officers Service Legislative Consultant Brenda Ottersoncongratulate Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) on his receipt of the award.

AmericanMaritime OfficersNationalPresident TomBethel greetsTOTE ServicesPresident andCEO PhilGreene, Jr. at theobservance ofNational MaritimeDay at U.S.Department ofTransportationHeadquarters inWashington, D.C.

8 • American Maritime Officer June 2014

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

(954) 920-3222 / (800) 942-3220 — 2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004

General Courses

ABS NS5 Fleet Management Software 3 days 4 June

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 14 July 18 August 15 September 20 October 17 November 12 January

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 9 June 7 July 4, 11 August 8 September 13, 27 October 8 December 26 January

Basic Safety Training — Refresher 3 days 11 June 9 July 6, 13 August 10 September 15, 29 October 12 November 10 December 28 January

Chemical Safety — Advanced 5 days Please call

ECDIS 5 days 23 June 14 July 8 September 20 October 10 November 8 December January 5

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 11 June 29 September

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 23 June 21 July 2 September 6 October 16 December 5 January

GMDSS — Requires after-hour homework 10 days Please call

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 28 July 22 September 20 January

Safety Officer Course 2 days 24 July 18 September

Tankerman PIC DL — Classroom 5 days 29 September 12 January

Tankerman PIC DL — Simulator 10 days 7 July 11 August 20 October 8 December 26 January

Tankerman PIC DL — Accelerated Program 10 days TBA

Train the Trainer 5 days 16 June 4 August 22 September 27 October 15 December 12 January

Train the Trainer — Simulator Instructors 5 days Please call

Vessel/Company Security Officer — Includes Anti-Piracy 3 days 21 July 15 September 3 December

Deck Courses

Advanced Bridge Resource Management 5 days 16 June 25 Aug. (P.M.) 8 Sept. (P.M.) 15 Sept. (P.M.) 27 October 3, 17 Nov. 15 December 5, 12, 26 Jan.

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

Chief Mate Unlimited5 days 23 June 25 August 29 September 13 October 10 November

Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates — 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rd Mates 10 days 11 August 1 September 13 Oct (P.M.) 1 December 5 January

Advanced Emergency Shiphandling — First Class Pilots, Great Lakes 5 days Please Call

Bridge Resource Management Seminar 3 days Please call

Dynamic Positioning — Basic 5 days 16 June 28 July 3 November

Dynamic Positioning — Advanced 5 days 15 September 1 December

Integrated Bridge System (IBS) / Prodded Propulsion Training 5 days Please call

STCW Deck Officer Refresher — Great Lakes 3 days Please call

TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) — Third Mate (Unlimited or Great

Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required5 days 23 June 25 August 22 September 15 December 19 January

Tug Training — ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive) 5 days 29 September

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

Engineering Courses

Advanced Slow Speed Diesel 10 days 7 July 29 September

Basic Electricity 10 days 7 July 6 October

Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 2 June

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 8 December

High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 28 July 27 October

Ocean Ranger Program 6 days Please call

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 5 days 21 July 20 October

Refrigeration (Operational Level) 5 days 18 August 10 November

Refrigeration (Management Level) 5 days 25 August 17 November

Steam Endorsement 4 weeks 7 July 12 January

Electronics (Management) — NEW 1 week 4 August 3 November

Instrumentation (Management) — NEW 10 days 16 June 18 August 5 January

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 8 September 27 October

STCW 2010 Gap Closing Courses — Required by all existing STCW credentialed officers by 1 January 2017

Leadership & Management (required by ALL management level Deck and

Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 5 days 17 November 1, 8 December 5, 12 January

Leadership & Teamwork (Mates) (Operational Level Mates only by 1 Jan 2017) 1 day 13 November 14 November

Engine Room Resource Management — Classroom (Engineers)

(Required by ALL Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017)5 days 11 August 8 September 27 October 3 November 1, 15 Dec. 5, 19 January

Management of Electrical, Electronic Controllers (Engineers) (Required

by ALL management level Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017)5 days 10 November 12, 26 January

Leadership & Teamwork (Engineers) (Only required by those Engineers who

completed old ERM class)1 day 22, 25 January

Basic Training & Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation (Required by first

credential renewal AFTER 1 Jan 2017)2 days 1 December 4 December 15 December 18 December 12, 15, January

EFA (Scheduled with Basic Training Revalidation BUT NOT REQUIRED

FOR STCW 2010)1 day 3, 17 December 14 January

American Maritime Officer • 9June 2014

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 4 August

Basic CBR Defense 1 day 27 June 18 July 29 August 31 October 19 December

Damage Control 1 day 26 June 17 July 28 August 30 October 18 December

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day Please call

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 8 July 9 September 11 November 9 December 27 January

Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD) 1/2 day 27 June 18 July 29 August 31 October 19 December

Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 2 October

Medical PIC Refresher — Note: Not MSC approved 3 days 3 September

MSC Readiness Refresher — Must have completed full CBRD & DC once in career. 5 days 7 July 8 September 10 November 26 January

MSC Watchstander — BASIC — Once in career, SST grads grandfathered 2 days 31 July 25 September 4 December

MSC Watchstander — ADVANCED — Required for all SRF members 1 day 12 June 4 August 11, 29 Sept. 17 October 20 November 8 December 15 January

MSC Ship Reaction Force — Required every three years for SRF members 3 days 5 August 30 September 9 December

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 9, 23 June 14, 28 July 11, 25 August 8, 22 Sep 14, 27 October 17 November 1, 15 Dec. 12, 26 January

Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 2 October

Engine STCW / Original Engineer Training Routes — Engine STCW training routes are

aimed at Great Lakes members wishing to transition to deep sea. Original engineer training is available to

members, applicants and sponsored students seeking an original license.

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 15 September 12 January

Basic Safety Training 5 days 8 September 26 January

EFA/MCP 4 days 30 September 6 January

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 22 September 20 January

Basic Electricity (original engineers only) 10 days 6 October

Original 3 A/E Preparation and Exams A/R 20 October

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 Please call

Elementary First Aid — Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 12 months 1 day 17 June 22 July 30 September 21 October 2 December 6 January

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

Please fax EFA certificate when registering3 days 18 June 23 July 1, 22 October 3 December 7 January

Medical PIC — Please fax MCP certificate when registering 5 days 23 June 28 July 6, 27 October 8 December 12 January

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 30 June 20 October 3 November 1 December

Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) — Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only 1 day 1 July 4 November

Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only 1/2 day 2 July 5 November

Medical PIC Refresher — Note: Not MSC approved 3 days 3 September

Radar Courses

Radar Recertification 1 day 30 June 3 July 5 August 2 September 13 November 14 November 22 January 23 January

Radar Recertification at Toledo Maritime Academy — Non-Resident

Training, apply to Student Services, Dania Beach1 day 26 June

ARPA 4 days Please call

Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days Please call

Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days Please call

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.

Please call for scheduling — the OICNW program includes: Celestial Navigation (10 days), Ship Construction & Stability (5 days), Emergency Procedures & SAR (4 days), Meteorology (5 days), Cargo Handling & Storage (5

days), Magnetic & Gyro Compass (3 days), Electronic Navigation (5 days), Terrestrial Navigation (10 days), Watchkeeping (10 days), Basic Shiphandling at the Operational Level (5 days), and Self-Study License Exam Preparation

(available to those students who completed their courses at STAR Center).

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

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 13 October 1 December 26 January

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hour homework 5 days 23 June 1 September 27 October 15 December

Cargo Operations 9 days 14 July 22 September 11 November 5 January

Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 9 June 28 July 15 September 3 November 15 December 12 January

Upgrade: Stability 5 days 28 July 8 September 20 October 8 December 19 January

Watchkeeping 1: BRM 3 days 6 August 3 September 15 October 3 December 28 January

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

months of each other5 days 11 August 8 September 20 October 8 December

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 4 August (P.M.) 15 September 27 October 8 Dec. (P.M)

Shipboard Management 5 days 16 June 18 August 6 October 17 November 19 January

Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (includes Simulator) 5 days 18 August 29 September 10 November

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 25 August 6 October 17 November

Self-Study License Exam Preparation A/R

10 • American Maritime Officer June 2014

AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

DANIA BEACH, FL 33004601 S. Federal Highway(954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513Thomas J. Bethel, National President tommybethel@aol.com / tbethel@amo-union.orgMobile: (202) 251-0349José E. Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer(jleonard@amo-union.org)Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President(jbranthover@amo-union.org)FAX: (954) 926-5112Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea(jgremelsbacker@amo-union.org)Charles A. Murdock, National Vice President, Inland Waters (cmurdock@amo-union.org)Mobile: (954) 531-9977FAX: (954) 367-1025Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 / FAX: (954) 926-5126Brendan Keller, Dispatcher (bkeller@amo-union.org)Robert Anderson, Dispatcher (randerson@amo-union.org)Member Services: Extension 1050 (memberservices@amo-union.org)

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 tommybethel@aol.com / tbethel@amo-union.orgMobile: (202) 251-0349J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relationsmmurphy@amo-union.orgMobile: (202) 560-6889T. Christian Spain, National Assistant Vice President, Government Relationscspain@amo-union.orgMobile: (202) 658-9635John K. DeCrosta, Director of Political Affairs jdecrosta@amo-union.org / Mobile: (202) 557-9190Paul Doell, Legislative Director pauldoell51@yahoo.comFAX: (202) 479-1188

PORTS

PHILADELPHIA, PA 191132 International Plaza, Suite 422Robert J. Kiefer, National Executive Vice President (rkiefer@amo-union.org)(800) 362-0513 ext. 4001Mobile: (215) 859-1059FAX: (610) 521-1301

Chris Holmes, Contract Analyst (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 (johnclemons@amo-union.org)Brian D. Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice President(bkrus@amo-union.org)Stan Barnes, National Representative(wbarnes@amo-union.org)Bruce DeWerth, Dispatcher(bdewerth@amo-union.org)

GALVESTON, TX 775512724 61st Street, Suite B, PMB 192David M. Weathers, National Assistant Vice President(dweathers@amo-union.org)(800) 362-0513 ext. 2001Mobile: (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(dshea@amo-union.org)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) 925-5681TRS@star-center.com

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) 370-5100MikeReny@BEX.NET FAX: (212) 697-6299

Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will beheld during the week following the first Sunday of everymonth at 1 p.m. local time. Meetings will be held onMonday at AMO National Headquarters (on Tuesday whenMonday is a contract holiday). The next meetings will takeplace on the following dates:

AMO National Headquarters: July 7, August 4

Guidelines for nominations: AMO2014 Election of National Officersand Executive Board Members

The following letter dated May 12, 2014,

was sent to all members of American

Maritime Officers at their last known

mailing addresses.

For your guidance, ARTICLE XI,Section 1. (c) of the American MaritimeOfficers National Constitution reads asfollows with regard to nomination forNational Officers and Executive BoardMembers in the American MaritimeOfficers 2014 Election of NationalOfficers and Executive Board Members:

“The nominating letter must reachNational Headquarters no earlier than thecommencement of the June NationalHeadquarters regular membership meet-

ing and no later than the commencementof the July National Headquarters regularmembership meeting of the election year.”

The June National Headquartersregular membership meeting will com-mence in Dania Beach, Florida onMonday, June 2, 2014, at 1:00 P.M. TheJuly National Headquarters regular mem-bership meeting will commence in DaniaBeach, Florida on Monday, July 7, 2014,at 1:00 P.M.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Thomas J. BethelNational President

American Maritime Officer • 11June 2014

Navigation System,” said James Weakley,president of Great Lakes Maritime TaskForce. “Vessels have not been able tocarry full loads since 1997, and that wasonly because water levels were at nearrecord highs that year. The HarborMaintenance Trust Fund has a surplus of

WRRDAContinued from Page 1

more than $8 billion. This WRRDA willrequire the government to steadilyincrease national harbor maintenancefunding, reaching 100 percent of HMTFrevenues by 2025. The bill also directsthe Corps to recognize the interdepen-dence of Great Lakes ports, large andsmall, and to manage them as a single,comprehensive system, with the focusmore on regional economic impacts andless on annual tonnage measurements.

The WRRDA also formally defines theGreat Lakes Navigation System so thatFederal funding can be appropriatedonly for use within that system.”

The conference report, and theoriginal bills in both the House and theSenate, were the results of strong bipar-tisan efforts. The task force noted thework of Representatives Gibbs,Candice Miller (R-MI) and Rick Nolan(D-MN) in ensuring the needs of the

Great Lakes were addressed.Don Cree, 3rd vice president of the

task force, also praised Senator CarlLevin (D-MI) for his efforts.

“Although Senator Levin was noton the conference committee, he played aleading role in crafting the Senate ver-sion of the bill and made sure the foun-dation had been laid for a WRRDA thatputs the trust back in the HarborMaintenance Trust Fund,” he said.

Don Cree retires after 44 years with AMODonald N. Cree, a longtime member

and official of American Maritime Officers,retired May 31 after 44 years of membershipand service.

Cree, who holds a chief engineer’slicense, joined AMO in 1970 and sailed inthe Great Lakes, inland waters and deep-seasectors before joining the AMO administra-tion in 1996.

“Don Cree sailed for most of hiscareer on the Great Lakes with AmericanSteamship Co. and its various units,including Cleveland Tankers — yes, Donis old enough to remember when therewas U.S.-flag tanker service betweenGreat Lakes ports,” said AMO NationalPresident Tom Bethel. “But Don alsosailed deep-sea with Cove Tankers andinland with Jones & Laughlin Steel,Dravo Mechling, Standard Sand &Gravel, U.S. Steel and Consolidation CoalCompany. Don’s talents are as diverse ashis seagoing work record.”

Cree, 63, came ashore to serve in theAMO administration 18 years ago, advanc-ing from representative to executive board

member, Great Lakes assistant vice presi-dent and Great Lakes vice president. InJanuary 2011, Cree was appointed as specialassistant to the president for the Great Lakes,the position he held through his retirement.

Cree also served as a trustee or alter-nate trustee of the AMO Medical, Pension,Vacation and Safety & Education Plans andthe Joint Employment Committee and theAudit Committee.

“Don Cree brought skill and realenthusiasm to each official position he heldin our union,” Bethel said. “His dedicationto lasting job and benefit security for allAMO members and their families wasimmeasurable. I accept Don’s retirementreluctantly, but I know I will be able to callon Don anytime for his advice or his opin-ion. I wish Don and his wife, Mary Jane,well in all they do.”

At left: In this file photo, Don Creecongratulates Congressman BrianHiggins (D-NY) on his receipt of theGreat Lakes Legislator of the YearAward for 2009 from the Great LakesMaritime Task Force, a coalition inwhich American Maritime Officersparticipates and in which Creeserved as an officer since 2008.

12 • American Maritime Officer June 2014

Meeting onmaritime policy

with leadersfrom Hawaii

Meeting with Hawaii Governor NeilAbercrombie and U.S. SenatorBrian Schatz (D-HI) May 8 to dis-cuss key U.S. maritime policyissues were SeafarersInternational Union PresidentMichael Sacco, American MaritimeOfficers National President TomBethel and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel.

AMO members assist in salvage, recoveryefforts for South Korean ferry SewolBy Captain Glenn Macario

Master, USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler

Three AMO members served a smallpart in the U.S. Navy’s assistance operationfor the recent South Korean ferry disaster.

The U.S. Navy salvage ship USNSSAFEGUARD had been providing assis-tance on site, including use of her recom-pression chamber, and had not pulled intoport for over 30 days. A large amount ofsupplies and mail were accumulating inBusan while trash was accumulating on theSAFEGUARD. CDR Thomas Plott,Commanding Officer of MSCO-Korea,needed a way to get the supplies out to theSAFEGUARD and the trash off withouttaking SAFEGUARD off station. He andhis operations officer, Mr. Xavier Monroy,approached the USNS WHEELER to see ifher 160-foot-long support boat USNSFAST TEMPO could hold all of the cargoand make the run. After a quick discussionwith the WHEELER, it was determinedthat FAST TEMPO would be perfect.Permission all the way up the chain of com-mand to MSC Headquarters in Washington,DC was granted in less than 24 hours.

On May 12, FAST TEMPO leftUSNS WHEELER’s side in Busan andmoved down the dock, where a 20-cubic-meter dumpster was secured to her aftdeck along with 20 sacks of mail and 17pallets of supplies, including critical spareparts for the SAFEGUARD’s recompres-sion chamber.

Crewed by AMO members SecondMate Chris Kali (in command), Third Mate

Joe Newhouse, and Third AssistantEngineer Chris Gilman, along with SIUWiper Braulio Ente and Kings Point DeckCadet Mike Zarycki, the FAST TEMPOdeparted Busan at 1800 on May 12, arriv-ing alongside SAFEGUARD 14 hourslater. The transfer of supplies off and trashon was completed in two hours. TheTEMPO then conducted a transfer of per-sonnel from SAFEGUARD to the Mokpopilot boat and returned to Busan, arriving at0600 on May 14. After unloading thedumpster, the TEMPO went back alongsidethe USNS WHEELER.

The crew of the FAST TEMPO isdrawn from the officers and unlicensedcrew from the USNS WHEELER and theyperformed flawlessly during this high pro-file evolution. The USNS WHEELER isoperated for MSC by TOTE Services, Inc.and is manned in all licensed positions byAmerican Maritime Officers.

AMO secures substantial gains in agreement with U.S. Shipping

At left: Participating in the signing ofthe memorandum of understanding atU.S. Shipping Corp. in May were U.S.Shipping Senior Vice President andChief Operating Officer WilliamBraman, American Maritime OfficersContract Analyst Chris Holmes, AMONational Executive Vice President BobKiefer, U.S. Shipping President andCEO Michael Ryan, and U.S. ShippingQuality, Safety and EnvironmentalManager Ray Marguart.

AMO aboard M/V Charleston in the Jones Act trades

Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the M/V Charleston in February, here in Houston, Texas,included Captain James Arno, Chief Engineer Steve Sylvester, First Assistant Engineer Chris Gil, Second AssistantEngineer Hamid Megahed, Chief Mate Eamon Bradley and Third Mate Josef Kaspzycki. With them is AMONational President Tom Bethel. The Charleston is operated by U.S. Shipping Corp. and is manned in all licensedpositions by AMO.

American Maritime Officers in Mayfinalized a new three-year agreement withU.S. Shipping Corp. that provides substan-tial across-the-board gains for AMO offi-cers working in the company’s fleet.

AMO members serving on thenegotiating committee with AMONational Executive Vice President BobKiefer and AMO Contract Analyst ChrisHolmes were James Arno, master on theM/V Charleston, and Jay Fernald, chiefengineer on the ATB Freeport.

“The new agreement is a great successand addresses two very important issues —parity and officer retention,” Kiefer said.“We were able to secure an agreement thatachieves wage parity with other AMO tankercontracts and also replaces an outdated ‘con-tinuity incentive program’ with increases inpay and vacation.

“The AMO members who served onthe committee deserve a lot of credit fortheir work in achieving a labor package thatincludes significant wage and benefitincreases throughout the life of the agree-ment,” Kiefer said.

The new agreement incorporates allactuarially required increases in employercontributions to the AMO Plans, as well asan increase in the employer contribution tothe Money Purchase Benefit for AMOmembers in the U.S. Shipping fleet.

“Another positive development withU.S. Shipping Corp. in May was theannouncement that Moody’s InvestorsService raised ratings assigned to the com-pany,” Kiefer said. “The increase reflectsthe strong performance of the company’svessels in the Jones Act trades, and the pos-itive outlook for domestic liquid cargotransportation markets.”