Copyright © 2017 American Maritime Officers ■ editorial@amo-union.org

Page 7: AMO at Women on the Water Conference

Volume 47, Number 11 November 2017

Page 5: American Maritime Officers members from the Cable ShipDependable were among the mariners honored by the United Seamen’sService during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea dinner and awardsceremony in New York City on October 13.

AMO members from C.S. Dependablehonored at 2017 AOTOS ceremony

Page 2: The AMO Membership Assistance Program (MAP) is a volun-tary disaster relief fund established to aid AMO members, applicantsand retirees who suffer damage to their property as the result of severestorms and natural disasters.

MAP available to assist AMO members,retirees affected by natural disaster

Crowley to acquire three SeaRiver tankersNew work for AMO in Jones Act crude oil and petroleum product trades

Photo: Philly Shipyard, Inc.

Crowley Alaska Tankers, LLC,announced on November 1 that it hassigned an agreement, subject to regulato-ry approval, to purchase three tankersfrom SeaRiver Maritime Inc., and charterthem back to SeaRiver under varyingmulti-year terms.

Included in the acquisition are thetankers Liberty Bay and Eagle Bay, each ofwhich have a capacity of 800,000 barrelsand transport crude from Alaska to WestCoast refineries; and the tanker SRAmerican Progress, which has a capacity of342,000 barrels and transports refinedpetroleum between U.S. Gulf and EastCoast ports.

American Maritime Officers repre-sents all licensed officers aboard the tankersLiberty Bay, Eagle Bay and SR AmericanProgress.

“We are proud of the SeaRiver acqui-sition and will operate these tankers withour relentless pursuit of quality and safety,”said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO ofCrowley Maritime Corp. “We were selectedas the company who could deliver, and weare committed to doing just that — by oper-ating these assets in the safest, most reliablemanner possible.”

The 820-foot Aframax tanker LibertyBay was delivered in 2014 as the first-in-class vessel to transport Alaska North Slopecrude oil to U.S. west coast refineries. Thesecond tanker, Eagle Bay, was delivered in2015. Both ships were built by PhillyShipyard (then Aker Philadelphia Shipyard)for SeaRiver Maritime, Inc.

Crowley operates and manages thelargest U.S.-flag petroleum and chemicaltank vessel fleet in the country. By the endof 2017, the company will be operating 37Jones Act qualified large petroleum trans-portation vessels in the United States with acombined capacity of more than 10 millionbarrels. Among this tank vessel fleet are atanker and an articulated-tug-barge (ATB)already on charter to SeaRiver.

“We anticipate a smooth transitionwith SeaRiver crews, and look forward topersonally welcoming them to theCrowley team,” said Rudy Leming,Crowley vice president of labor relations.“We know they share our values — safety,

integrity and high performance — andwill work diligently with us to upholdthem as we serve SeaRiver’s needs.”

Key to ensuring the success of thistransaction and ongoing operations will beobtaining the necessary regulatoryapprovals to serve the Alaska and WestCoast markets. Crowley will work togetherwith regulators to ensure a seamless transi-tion and continued safe operations.

“We have an excellent safety record,which we intend to uphold,” said RobGrune, Crowley senior vice president andgeneral manager, petroleum services. “Lastyear, for example, we transported 410 mil-lion barrels of product and made 4,868product transfers with zero spills to environ-ment — a credit to our professional, safety-minded crews and management systems.”

Crowley has been operating in Alaska

since 1953, six years before statehood, pro-viding upstream energy support services,tanker assist and escort services with tug-boats, and petroleum transportation, distrib-ution and sales throughout the state. In addi-tion to the company’s own ATBs calling inAlaska, the company currently managesand crews tankers carrying petroleumbetween Alaska and the U.S. West Coast.

Crowley owns and/or operates adiverse, sophisticated fleet of double-hulltank vessels, including 17 ATBs and 19tankers, all built since 2002. One addition-al tanker will join Crowley’s managedfleet in 2017.

SeaRiver Maritime, Inc., headquar-tered in Spring, Texas, is a privately heldsubsidiary wholly owned by ExxonMobilthat provides a wide range of technical andcommercial marine services to ExxonMobilaffiliates throughout the world.

Crowley Alaska Tankers is a newsubsidiary of Crowley Petroleum HoldingsLLC, part of the Crowley MaritimeCorporation family of companies.

The Jones Act crude oil tanker Liberty Bay, with a capacity of 800,000 barrels, was delivered by Philly Shipyard in 2014.

Photo: Philly Shipyard, Inc.

2 • American Maritime Officer November 2017

American Maritime Officer(USPS 316-920)

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

(954) 921-2221Periodical Postage Paid at

Dania Beach, FL and Additional Mailing OfficesPublished Monthly

POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To:American Maritime Officers — ATTENTION: Member Services

P.O. Box 66Dania Beach, FL 33004

ISO 9001:2008Certificate #33975

Membership AssistanceProgram available to aidAMO members affectedby natural disaster

The American Maritime Officers Membership Assistance Program (MAP)is a voluntary disaster relief fund established to aid AMO members, applicants formembership in AMO, and AMO retirees who suffer damage to their property asthe result of severe storms and natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Harvey, Irmaand Maria.

Benefits from the AMO Membership Assistance Program are paid in varyingamounts determined exclusively by need.

The application for relief benefits under the Membership Assistance Programis available online: www.amo-union.org/PDFs/mapapplication.pdf.

The MAP is a permanent, independent, tax-exempt and voluntary disasterrelief fund established by the AMO National Executive Board. AMO made an initialcontribution to the fund at its inception, and the fund is now sustained by individualvoluntary tax-deductible contributions.

AMO members can make tax-deductible voluntary contributions to the AMOMembership Assistance Program via authorized vacation deductions (online form:www.amoplans.com/Forms/Vacation/mapdeduction.pdf), or by sending checksor money orders to:

AMO Membership Assistance Program601 S. Federal HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4109

American Maritime Officersaudited financial statements,LM-2 available online

The audited financial statements ofAmerican Maritime Officers for the fiscalyears ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 areavailable for AMO membership review inthe secure section of the AMO website:http://www.amo-union.org.

The audited financial statementsinclude a side-by-side comparison of theunion’s operating income and expensesfor each of the last two fiscal years.AMO’s fiscal year begins on April 1 andends on March 31.

Also available for AMO member-ship review in the secure section of theAMO website is the American MaritimeOfficers LM-2 report for the fiscal yearended March 31, 2017. AMO files theLM-2 financial disclosure report each yearwith the U.S. Department of Labor(DOL), and the public document is alsoavailable through the DOL.

The financial statements differ fromthe LM-2 financial disclosure report in theway data is reported. The financial state-

ments report AMO’s revenue earned andexpenses incurred during the fiscal year,regardless of when revenue is received orwhen expenses are paid.

The LM-2 reports the amount ofcash collected and cash disbursed for thefiscal year.

The secure section of the AMOwebsite is accessible to active AMO mem-bers and applicants. AMO members willneed to click on the “AMO Member LogIn” tab on the AMO home page and loginto the secure section of the AMO web-site with their user ID and password forthe AMO Dispatching website.

Once logged in, AMO members canclick on the link at the top of the page,“View AMO Financial Reports,” to accessthe documents.

Links are available on the log-inpage for AMO members who need to reg-ister for an online account with AMODispatching, and for retrieving a lost orforgotten password.

U.S. Coast Guard: Replacement of Merchant MarinerCredentials lost due to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria

The following article was released by the U.S. Coast Guard.In accordance with federal regulations, duplicate Merchant Mariner Credentials

(MMCs) may be issued free of charge to mariners whose credentials were lost or destroyedas a result of a hurricane. Mariners should follow the steps below to obtain an expeditedreplacement credential:

Provide a statement of loss to the National Maritime Center (NMC) via fax at 1-304-433-3412, via e-mail to IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662). The statement should contain the following:

•Mariner’s full name•Mariner’s date of birth•Mariner’s reference number (MRN) (if you don’t know the reference number,

include the social security number)•The mailing address that the replacement credential should be sent to

•Current phone number and/or e-mail address that we can use to contact the marinerin the event of questions

•Description of the circumstances surrounding the loss/destruction of the credential Unless otherwise requested, any duplicate MMCs issued per the request process above

will include a corresponding Medical Certificate, if previously issued. We will make everyeffort to have duplicate credentials mailed out the next business day. Alternatively, marinersmay submit form CG-719B, Application for Merchant Mariner Credential(www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/forms/CG_719B.pdf), to one of the Regional ExamCenters (REC) with the information above. If your credential is unserviceable due to damageor your lost credential is subsequently found, that credential should be mailed to the NMC.

If you have questions or feedback regarding duplicate credentials, please contact theNMC via our Online Chat or Ticketing System (http://tinyurl.com/yb9b8t6l), by e-mail toIASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662).

TECH Program graduatesachieve engineering licenses

The third class of The Engineering Candidate Hawsepipe Program to completetraining and earn their unlimited U.S. Coast Guard engineering licenses recentlygraduated. Among the five graduates were Marijan Strk and William Sharp, herein October with STAR Center Director of Member Training Jerry Pannell.

AMO member earns Great Lakespilotage through cooperativeprogram between union, GLMA

In September, Andrew Gaynor,an unlimited tonnage third

mate, successfully completedthe battery of U.S. Coast Guardexams to earn an endorsement

as a first class pilot on theGreat Lakes. He completed his

pilotage observation time on theGreat Lakes Maritime

Academy’s training ship througha program established by AMO

and the academy.

American Maritime Officer • 3November 2017

Jones Act has aided, not impeded, reliefand recovery efforts in Puerto Rico

The following letter dated October 12was sent to members of the U.S. Senate andU.S. House of Representatives by AFL-CIOGovernment Affairs Department DirectorWilliam Samuel.

Since Hurricane Maria swept acrossPuerto Rico, wiping out most of the island’sinfrastructure and causing immense humansuffering, many have cited the Jones Act asan impediment to getting needed supplies tothe island. For some, criticism of the Act isbased on misinformation; for others it isbased on the misguided view that the U.S.government should not play a role in ensur-ing that U.S. crews and ships are alwaysavailable for military and humanitarian mis-sions. On behalf of the AFL-CIO, I am writ-ing to set the record straight.

Since 1789, the federal governmenthas regulated coastal trade and, like many

other maritime nations, has enacted laws tomaintain a domestic maritime industry toensure that we would not be dependent onforeign nations in times of war or naturaldisasters. The Jones Act, passed in 1920,accomplishes this goal by requiring thatvessels carrying passengers and merchan-dise between U.S. ports must be U.S.-owned, U.S.-crewed and U.S.-built.Repealing the Jones Act would mean thatneither U.S. ships nor crews would be avail-able in national emergencies.

Since the Jones Act ensures that ourlabor laws protect maritime employees,repealing the Act would pave the way forforeign companies to replace domesticcrews with lower paid workers lackingbasic labor protections. According to theInternational Transport Workers’Federation, foreign-flag ships often do not

enforce safety standards, minimum socialstandards or trade union rights, fail to paycrews, and avoid compliance with environ-mental standards.

The Jones Act has in no way impededPuerto Rico’s recovery. Fully loaded JonesAct ships began arriving as soon as the mainport in Puerto Rico re-opened. Newsfootage of containers piling up at the Port ofSan Juan offered visual proof that life-sav-ing supplies were arriving hourly on JonesAct ships, as well as on foreign ships notcovered by the Jones Act. These supplieswere not getting to interior sections ofPuerto Rico because of transportation bot-tlenecks and a shortage of truck drivers, notbecause of a lack of ships.

Puerto Rico is a growing humanitari-an crisis. The Island needs massive amountsof disaster relief — everything from water

and food to medical supplies and fuel andrebuilding equipment — and organizedlabor is committed to the reconstructioneffort. AFL-CIO unions represent 100,000Puerto Rican residents, and union membershave been involved in every phase of therecovery and rebuilding effort. We havecontributed not only money, but also man-power. Over three hundred skilled unionvolunteers — including doctors, nurses,electricians, and heavy equipment operators— have traveled from the mainland toPuerto Rico to provide assistance.

While the distribution of lifesavingsupplies is slowly improving, much of thetransportation infrastructure on the islandremains damaged by the storm. Repealingthe Jones Act would not result in additionalsupplies getting to the Island, but it wouldjeopardize the survival of the U.S. maritimesector and along with it thousands of jobsthat would be outsourced to foreign carriers.

What is needed now is for the U.S.military and FEMA to deploy all of theiravailable resources to address the escalatinghumanitarian crisis. Our fellow citizens onPuerto Rico deserve no less.

Training Ship Empire State VI returns to SUNY MaritimeCollege, concluding hurricane response activation

The following is excerpted froman article posted by The StateUniversity of New York MaritimeCollege. AMO-contracted TOTEServices, Inc. operated the Empire StateVI during the activation.

After nearly two months spent inFlorida and Puerto Rico, SUNYMaritime College’s Training ShipEmpire State VI returned to campusTuesday, October 24.

Empire State VI was activated toassist with the Hurricane Harveyresponse effort in Texas on September1. Before the ship arrived in Texas,Hurricane Irma hit Florida and the mis-sion was altered to assist in the Floridarecovery efforts instead. After approxi-mately two weeks in Florida, EmpireState was sent to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

At both locations, the ship wasused to provide power, housing, foodand water to emergency relief workers.By housing the responders on the ship,area hotel rooms were made available topeople displaced by the storms. Thanksto a state-wide donation campaign, ledby Governor Cuomo and The StateUniversity of New York, the EmpireState VI also brought 46 pallets of bot-tled water, food and other items for vic-tims of the hurricane. Approximately

half of the pallets came from the SUNYdrive; the rest came from the state-widecampaign led by the governor’s office.

The supplies were donated to PuertoRico through United for Puerto Rico, a non-profit organization established in the wakeof Hurricane Maria by Puerto Rican FirstLady Beatriz Rossello.

The Empire State VI is used byMaritime College throughout the year as aplatform to educate and train future mar-itime industry professionals. The ship isowned by the Maritime Administration, a

branch of the U.S. Department ofTransportation. In times of national need,the federal government can activate the shipto assist with response and recovery efforts.Empire State was activated to respond toSuperstorm Sandy in 2012 and HurricaneKatrina in 2005.

“Maritime College is honored andproud to have had the opportunity to assistin these recovery efforts,” said Rear Adm.Michael Alfultis, president of SUNYMaritime. “The past two months demon-strate the value of the state maritime acade-

my training ships in times of nationalneed such as these, as well as trainingAmerica’s future mariners. I am pleasedto welcome home Capt. Rick Smith andthe crew of the Empire State VI and tothank them for their service.”

In addition to the crew of profes-sional mariners, including eightMaritime alumni, when the ship returns,SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson willbe on board. She and several othersfrom SUNY and Maritime College willboard the ship near Staten Island for thetrip up the East River.

“This is a proud moment forMaritime College, SUNY, and all ofNew York State as we welcome homethe crew of the Empire State VI,” saidChancellor Johnson. “Every individualon this ship selflessly put their person-al lives on hold for the past two months— in many cases leaving their familyand friends — to support the reliefefforts and begin to repair the damagecaused by multiple hurricanes in theGulf Coast and the Caribbean. It willbe my honor to join them for the finalleg of their homecoming sail and topersonally thank President Alfultis,Capt. Rick Smith, and the crew of theEmpire State VI for a job extraordinar-ily well done.”Photo courtesy of TOTE Maritime

Jones Act carriers continue to provide acritical ocean bridge for Puerto Rico

In a briefing released at the end ofOctober, the American MaritimePartnership (AMP) reported there will be atotal of 25 Jones Act vessels deliveringcargo to Puerto Rico in efficient and cost-effective regular service by November 6,including nine vessels that entered the regu-lar Puerto Rico trade since Hurricane Mariahit the commonwealth. Additional JonesAct vessels are providing periodic serviceas needed as the recovery efforts continue.

In the immediate aftermath of thestorm, 32 Jones Act vessels were deliveringemergency, relief and commercial cargoes

to Puerto Rico to meet the dire needs forwater, food, medical supplies, generatorsand other essential goods and consumables.

As of October 27, Jones Act vesselshad delivered more than 20,000 containerloads of cargo to Puerto Rico since Mariamade landfall, and at the end of October,approximately 6,000 containers remained ator near port facilities awaiting distribution.This is attributed to:

•Containers being used for on-islandstorage due to the lack of warehousing,damaged stores, refrigeration units with-out power and other damaged infrastruc-

ture on the island•Prioritization of distribution of

FEMA cargoes and other critical reliefcargoes, such as generators, water, medi-cine, communications support equipmentand food

•Foreign ships also delivering goodsto Puerto Rico from international points oforigin, in addition to U.S. domestic cargo

Delay in delivery of cargoes from theU.S. mainland to Puerto Rico is the excep-tion, not the norm, and any delays are tem-porary, as the introduction of additionalJones Act capacity in regular service as

needed will continue to alleviate deliverydelays, provided the terminals in PuertoRico can accommodate additional through-put. Delivery delays are attributed to severalcircumstances, including:

•Lack of storage facilities for cargoesbeing delivered on the island and prioritiza-tion by the U.S. government of emergencycargoes over commercial cargoes

•An existing backlog of cargo at thedock that has not yet been picked up for dis-tribution; further deliveries of cargo to thesame shippers with backlogged cargowould only further clog distribution sys-tems on Puerto Rico

Repealing the Jones Act, even tem-porarily, in Puerto Rico will disrupt a vitalocean cargo bridge to the island at the worstpossible time — in the middle of an exten-sive recovery effort.

4 • American Maritime Officer November 2017

Despite surging steel imports, urging from Congress and U.S.industry, administration delays action on trade investigation

U.S. Secretary of Commerce WilburRoss said in September the Trump admin-istration will delay action on an investiga-tion into damaging surges in steel importswhile congressional work on tax cuts andtax reform continues.

The administration’s dedication toavoiding moves that might “unnecessarilyirritate” the Senate while a package of taxcuts and changes to U.S. tax code are beingconsidered has held, despite the urging ofU.S. steel manufacturers and key congres-sional leaders for the administration to takeaction to curb the swelling tide of foreignsteel pushing into U.S. markets and idlingU.S. mills.

In a letter to President Trump datedOctober 26, 68 members of theCongressional Steel Caucus, which is ledby Co-Chairmen Mike Bost (R-IL) andRick Crawford (R-AR), encouraged theadministration to release its report andrecommendations stemming from itsinvestigation into excessive and increas-ing steel imports under Section 232 of theTrade Expansion Act of 1962 as expedi-tiously as possible.

“As you highlighted when you initi-ated this investigation, and as the SteelCaucus well knows, the domestic industryhas suffered greatly at the hands of globalsteel overcapacity and unfair trade,” therepresentatives wrote. “Yet, our conven-tional trade laws, while offering somerelief, have failed to keep up with theseillicit, and indeed destructive, practices.There are currently more than 700 millionmetric tons of global steel overcapacity,which amounts to more than eight times theoutput of all American steel producers.Furthermore, this year, steel imports havebeen up 21 percent over the same period in2016, and in September alone, the U.S.imported over 3 million tons of steel. Thiscontinued crisis has caused layoffs and millidling throughout the country, including inmany of the communities we represent.Action must be taken to stop this unfairtrade so that American steelworkers cancontinue to make American steel that sup-ports our military, critical infrastructure,and the livelihoods of innumerableAmerican families.”

In a CNBC report publishedSeptember 22, Commerce Secretary Rosswas asked if the President is willing to

take a softer stance on trade issues, includ-ing steel, to garner support for tax reform.Ross responded: “Well what we don’twant to do is things that will unnecessarilyirritate the Senate.”

Ross added: “We need the votesthere and as proven with health care, it is avery fragile margin. So, it’s a question oftiming more than it is direction.”

In a letter to Ross dated September15, Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) andRob Portman (R-OH) expressed their “con-cern about the delay in the Section 232investigation into steel imports and the cor-responding surge of steel imports enteringthe U.S. market. We urge you to completeyour investigation and publish your finalreport with conclusions and recommenda-tions as quickly as possible to prevent fur-ther damage to the U.S. steel sector.”

On September 14, Inside U.S. Tradereported “Ross has told a Democratic sena-tor that his agency’s remedy report on aninvestigation into the national securityimpacts of steel imports will not be issueduntil tax reform legislation is passed.”

In a letter dated August 23, the lead-ers of 31 U.S. steel companies and industry

associations directly urged PresidentTrump to take action. “We encourage youradministration to take immediate actionunder Section 232 of the Trade ExpansionAct of 1962 to prevent excess steel capacityand surging steel imports from undermin-ing the viability of the U.S. steel industry.As you know, excess capacity in many for-eign countries is the main cause of the sus-tained surge in imports. The U.S. govern-ment has been trying to address overcapac-ity through multilateral organizations likethe G-20 and the Organization forEconomic Cooperation and Development(OECD). So far, those efforts have failed toproduce an effective solution, and the U.S.industry continues to suffer the conse-quences of foreign government inaction.Under your bold leadership, Mr. President,with your vision for ‘America First,’ thiscan and must change.”

In their letter to Ross, SenatorsBrown and Portman explained: “Steelimports continue to flood into the U.S. as aresult of unchecked steel overcapacity inChina and other countries. In the first sixmonths of this year, steel imports increased25 percent compared to the first six months

in 2016. Unfortunately, since theCommerce Department began the investi-gation, import volumes have increased evenmore as foreign producers seek to exportsteel product to the U.S. before the admin-istration imposes any Section 232 remedies.

“Rebar imports, for example, spiked84 percent in June compared to May, whilecold-rolled steel sheet saw a 32 percentincrease over the same period. Oil countrytubular goods imports were up 19 percentin June over May and have increased by anastounding 248 percent over the first sixmonths of the year. In addition, grain-ori-ented electrical steel imports from Japan,Korea, and China have increased 155-195% in the first five months of this year.These import levels are unsustainable forU.S. companies and their workers.Unfortunately, the steel sector expectsthem to continue to increase unless a con-clusion of the Section 232 investigation isreached immediately.”

Under the 1962 law, the CommerceDepartment has until mid January — 270days from the initiation of the investigation— to submit a report with recommenda-tions to the President.

U.S. steel manufacturers seek action to curbsurge in steel imports, damage to industry

The following letter dated August23 and signed by 31 leaders of U.S. steelcompanies and trade associations wassent to President Trump.

As the men and women leading25 of America’s steel and steel-relatedcompanies, with over 75,000 collectiveemployees, we write today to encourageyou to take broad and decisive action toensure the ability of the domestic steelindustry to supply our nation’s defenseand critical infrastructure needs.

We encourage your administrationto take immediate action under Section232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962to prevent excess steel capacity andsurging steel imports from underminingthe viability of the U.S. steel industry. Asyou know, excess capacity in many for-

eign countries is the main cause of the sus-tained surge in imports. The U.S. govern-ment has been trying to address overcapac-ity through multilateral organizations likethe G-20 and the Organization forEconomic Cooperation and Development(OECD). So far, those efforts have failed toproduce an effective solution, and the U.S.industry continues to suffer the conse-quences of foreign government inaction.Under your bold leadership, Mr. President,with your vision for “America First,” thiscan and must change.

The need for action is urgent. Sincethe 232 investigation was announced inApril, imports have continued to surge. InJune, steel imports hit their highest monthlytotal in more than two years by capturing30% of the U.S. market. Immediate action

must meaningfully adjust imports torestore healthy levels of capacity utiliza-tion and profitability to the domesticindustry over a sustained period.

The sustained surge of steelimports into the United States hashollowed out much of the domesticsteel industry and threatens our abili-ty to meet national security needs. Mr.President, since taking office, youhave tackled great challenges thathave plagued America for manyyears. Your leadership in finding asolution to the crisis facing the steelindustry is badly needed now. Onlyyou can authorize actions that cansolve this crisis and we are asking foryour immediate assistance.

Thank you for your consideration.

AMO aboard Bradshaw McKee/St. Marys Conquest in Jones Act trade

The St. Marys Conquest loading cement powder inCharlevoix, Mich. in July — the Conquest is pushed by thetug Bradshaw McKee. The vessel’s cargo was bound forGreen Bay, Wis.

AMO members working aboard the Bradshaw McKee inJuly included Chief Engineer Jonathan Smith. With him isAmerican Maritime Officers Senior National Assistant VicePresident Brian Krus.

Junior Mate Jerry Stropich lines upthe cement loading chute with thevessel’s cargo hold.

American Maritime Officer • 5November 2017

AMO members from C.S. Dependable, U.S. maritimeindustry leaders honored at 2017 AOTOS ceremony

American Maritime Officers mem-bers from the Cable Ship Dependablewere among the mariners honored by theUnited Seamen’s Service during the annu-al Admiral of the Ocean Sea dinner andawards ceremony in New York City onOctober 13.

On September 17, 2016, while intransit between work sites off theMaharashtra Coast near Mumbai, India,the C.S. Dependable rescued 14 fishermenwhose boat sank with 16 persons aboardin the early hours before sunrise. They hadno PFDs or VHF radio. They had man-aged to cling to floating debris, some justtreading water.

Captain Scot Porter accepted theAdmiral of the Ocean Sea Mariners’Plaque on behalf of the Dependable’s offi-cers and crew at the ceremony.

Reporting on the rescue operationin 2016, Captain Yann Durieux noted:“All hands were spread out on weatherdecks, bow, gangways, stern and bridgeas lookouts. Deck gang and securityteam were at the gangways to recuperatemen from the water. Reports came to thebridge by radio. We would focus a teamto maintain lookout as we made way tothe victims. Chief mate was on deck andcable highway managing ladders andgangways. Security team members werein harnesses on gangway. Personnelfrom all departments were at rails tosend out life rings to persons in water.The ROV supervisor was at the bow withradio calling in sightings. Chief engineerhad a fourth generator put on and assist-ed in search. I was trying to move theship to the men keeping them away fromthrusters. This required constant andgood communication with personnel ondeck keeping me apprised of the victims’

Awards to Andre Grikitis, president andCEO of Intermarine LLC; CaptainThomas Merrell, president of GeneralDynamics American Overseas Marine(AMSEA); and James Miller, chairman,board of directors, Philly Shipyard ASA.

During his term as president andCEO, and also while serving in the role ofoperating chairman, Grikitis has led theexpansion and development ofIntermarine and its services. These includea U.S.-flag fleet consisting of seven multi-purpose vessels engaged in worldwidetrade. In his remarks, Grikitis said: “Whatwe should all be doing is uniting theindustry. Unity: through the communica-tion of clear goals, in seeking support ofthese goals and the ability to provide bet-ter information. On an aspirational level,we must influence the maritime communi-ty and the general public via education.”

Merrell has been with AMSEAsince 1984 and became president of thecompany in 2008. In his remarks at theAOTOS ceremony, Merrell said: “In thewake of the devastating storms, Harvey,Irma and Maria, Jones Act waivers havebeen issued to assist in providing neededsupplies (oil, gas, etc.). So, here we goagain. These waivers sound the drumbeatfor the ‘repeal the Jones Act’ crowd.

“It is astonishing that there is nomention, and therefore no acceptance, ofthe strategic importance of having U.S.-flag ships, with U.S. sailors to provide thelogistical support to our military over-seas,” Merrell said. “With the Jones Actfully functioning, the U.S. economy isexpected to grow significantly. By 2020,marine freight is anticipated to growdomestically by 43 percent and interna-

See AOTOS ◆ Page 6

Captain Scot Porter accepted the AOTOS Mariners’ Plaque on behalf of the offi-cers and crew of the C.S. Dependable from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. JohnSchommer (left) and Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby (right).

relative positions. This was made diffi-cult as we had about 2.5 knots of surfacecurrent (swell and wind generated). Weused the CCTV system to monitor gang-way pilot ladders, but this was difficultdue to rain.”

The Indian Naval Vessel F43 andIndian Coast Guard Vessel 201 arrivedonsite and began searching for remainingsurvivors with us, he wrote. The MDR &security team medic attended to the res-cued persons on the cable highway.Steward and crew had staged mattresseson the highway so we could keep themall together and better assist them. Crew,ROV and security team helped them.They were given food and water and

many slept or rested, utterly exhausted.We brought them shirts, blankets andflip-flops (all we had for feet) from theslop chest, Durieux wrote.

Those rescued by the Dependablewere transferred to the Indian CoastGuard vessel.

We stayed on station near CG 201until we had confirmation that all 14 wereaboard safely. At this point it was dark andwe were heading closer to shallow watercontours. The Coast Guard released us andwe departed, Durieux wrote.

During the ceremony attended byapproximately 700 representatives of mar-itime industry and labor, the UnitedSeamen’s Service presented AOTOS

American Maritime Officers National President Paul Doell and National ExecutiveVice President Daniel Shea greet Captain Scot Porter at the AOTOS ceremony.

Receiving AOTOS Awards for 2017 were James Miller, Andre Grikitis and CaptainThomas Merrell.

American Maritime Officers ServicePresident/Chairman AnthonyNaccarato, American MaritimeOfficers National President PaulDoell, Seafarers International UnionPresident Michael Sacco andCommander of U.S. TransportationCommand Gen. Darren McDewgather with midshipmen from theU.S. Merchant Marine Academy atthe AOTOS ceremony in New York.

6 • American Maritime Officer November 2017

tionally a staggering 67 percent. There isroom in that growth for the U.S. flag, pro-viding jobs for our sailors, jobs for ourshipyards and a reliable energy supply forthe U.S. and our trading partners.”

At Philly Shipyard, Miller previous-ly served as president and CEO from June2008 to April 2011. In his remarks, Milleraddressed the shipyard’s role in the renew-al and growth in the domestic fleet underthe Jones Act: “Philly Shipyard has turnedout 27 magnificent, modern cargo shipsfor the Jones Act trades in recent yearsusing union labor without any issues forcompanies representing more than 50 per-

cent of the entire U.S. oceangoing com-mercial fleet production, for a variety ofU.S. based shipping companies.”

For AOTOS 2017, U.S. SenatorCory Booker was honorary chairman.Seafarers International Union PresidentMichael Sacco served as dinner chairman.American Maritime Officers ServicePresident/Chairman F. AnthonyNaccarato, as well as Joseph Cox, wereNational Committee co-chairmen.

Proceeds from the AOTOS eventbenefit USS community services abroadfor the U.S. merchant marine, seafarers ofall nations, and U.S. government and mil-itary overseas. Edward Morgan is presi-dent and Roger Korner is executive direc-tor of USS. Barbara Spector Yeninas isUSS AOTOS coordinator.

AOTOSContinued from Page 5

AMO aboard the Pacific Tracker

American Maritime Officers members working aboard the PacificCollector in July, here in Hawaii, included Chief Mate Doug Voss, ChiefEngineer Mark Grendahl, Second Mate Stuart Valentine, Third MateSteve Votta, Third Assistant Engineer Ryan Smith, Captain Ray Baldado,First A.E. Jeff Yarmola and Third A.E. Charlene Swick. The ship is oper-ated by TOTE Services, Inc.

SIUNA President Sacco emphasizes value ofvigilance, working labor-industry partnerships

Addressing the SeafarersInternational Union of NorthAmerica’s 2017 QuinquennialConvention in late September in PineyPoint, Md., SIUNA President MichaelSacco told delegates of SIUNA-affiliat-ed unions — including AmericanMaritime Officers — that, despite whatmay currently be considered a time ofprosperity for the U.S. maritime indus-try, vigilance, productive working rela-tionships between unions and employ-ers, and continuously educating the pub-lic and elected leaders remain extremelyimportant steps to securing success inthe American maritime sector.

“In the United States, the mar-itime industry is very heavily regulatedat the federal level. With that in mind,

it’s practically a constant effort for us to edu-cate politicians about who we are and whyour industry is so important to the country,”Sacco said. “Things on the union-specificside of the equation aren’t as clear or aspromising. What I believe we’re seeingwhen it comes to overall membership num-bers is the long-term, cumulative effect ofanti-worker laws both at the federal and statelevels, including the erosion of labor laws.”

During his presentation, Sacco dis-cussed the impacts of recent natural disas-ters, including the three hurricanes thatstruck Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and theU.S. Virgin Islands. U.S. merchant marinerswere called upon to assist in relief andrecovery efforts following the hurricanes —a testament to the important work seafarersdo for the nation.

“Let’s all remember that we’ve beenthrough these situations before, and we’vealways bounced back,” Sacco said.“We’re active every day with gatheringinformation and planning the most effi-

cient ways to continue sending reliefsupplies and donations and whateverelse might help.”

The response of shipping com-panies in conjunction with seagoingunions — such as the SIU and AMO— was a perfect example of howseamless and beneficial a workinglabor-industry partnership can be forthe nation, he continued.

“I’m not saying we’re the onlyones who get it right, but there are someother unions that could stand to take alook at how we work with our employ-ers to make sure a rising tide lifts allboats, and to help ensure the economictide is rising in the first place,” Saccosaid. “On that front, we really are lead-ing the way.”

Maritime Administrator Buzby highlights need forsupport of U.S. maritime’s three legislative pillars

Working to strengthen the three leg-islative pillars of the U.S. maritime industry— the Jones Act, the Maritime SecurityProgram and cargo preference — will be anagency priority, said MaritimeAdministrator Mark Buzby during his pre-sentation at the Seafarers InternationalUnion of North America QuinquennialConvention in September.

Rear Adm. Buzby, U.S. Navy retired,a former commander of Military SealiftCommand, said strengthening the U.S.-flagfleet’s role in times of peace will bolsterU.S. national security and defense capabili-ties in times of conflict.

The Jones Act, MSP and cargo pref-erence “are needed to be able to keep ourships under the flag and to keep ourmariners working. They are all critical ele-ments that I am going to be defending withmy full energy,” he said.

The ability of U.S.-flag carriers todeliver fuel, relief and recovery cargoes inthe wakes of the recent hurricanes serves asa perfect example of the importance of sus-taining a job base for U.S. mariners andensuring sufficient peacetime cargo is avail-

able for American merchant vessels so thatthe ships and mariners are available to servein times of crisis.

“At a time when we’re struggling tokeep enough qualified mariners employedto serve our nation’s military sealift require-ments, we’re pleased that U.S.-flag shipsand mariners can answer the call duringthese catastrophic weather events. Thesemissions are the real deal,” Buzby said.“This is part of the reason why we havethese ships and part of the reason why wekeep them in such a readiness state, andthey’re actually saving American lives aswe speak and reducing suffering.”

Through a career of exposure to andexperience with the U.S. maritime indus-try’s role in defense sealift and militaryreadiness, Buzby noted his ability to pro-vide a first-hand account of the importanceof the U.S. merchant marine to decisionmakers in Congress who might not fullyunderstand the commercial maritime sec-tor’s vital roles.

The commercial shipping industry’sability to deliver military equipment andcargo around the globe while also provid-

ing the military with access to globalintermodal transportation networks arecrucial to our Armed Forces in interna-tional conflicts, he said.

“To preserve a strong Navy, and astrong military, we need a strong merchantmarine. It takes both pieces of it for that tooccur, and it’s essential to our nationalsecurity,” Buzby said. “I’ve seen first-hand how critical it is that we do whatever

it takes to maintain our ability to projectour forces internationally, and then sustainthem for extended engagement. It’s whatsets us apart, or our nation apart, amongstmajor powers.”

However, the dwindling number ofmerchant mariners has become a point ofconcern for MARAD and MSC as govern-

American Maritime Officers National President Paul Doell and SeafarersInternational Union of North America President Michael Sacco greet MaritimeAdministrator Mark Buzby at the SIUNA Quinquennial Convention in Piney Point,Md. in September.

See MARAD ◆ Page 7

American Maritime Officer • 7November 2017

AMO at Women on the Water 2017 at Great Lakes Maritime AcademyAmong those attending and participating in the 2017 Women on theWater Conference October 26 to 28 were (standing: left to right)American Maritime Officers West Coast Representative WillieBarrere, National Maritime Center Commanding Officer CaptainKirsten Martin, Maureen Johnson and Kathy Elinski with AmericanSteamship Company, Third Mate and First Class Pilot Raina Barnes,AMO Senior National Assistant Vice President Brian Krus and (front)AMO National Vice President, Great Lakes, John Clemons. The ninthannual Women on the Water Conference was hosted by the GreatLakes Maritime Academy in partnership with the MaritimeAdministration. Cadets from all six state maritime academies and theU.S. Merchant Marine Academy, as well as Georgian MaritimeCollege, were encouraged to participate. The conference providescadets with opportunities to network and learn from professionalmariners and representatives of maritime industry and labor.

Transportation Secretary Chao voices support forU.S. maritime sector, American merchant mariners

During a presentation at the SeafarersInternational Union of North AmericaQuinquennial Convention, Secretary ofTransportation Elaine Chao described theU.S. maritime industry as “vital toAmerica’s well-being, security, and pros-perity,” and voiced her commitment tofighting to maintain the Jones Act and toapply funding to domestic maritime trans-portation infrastructure improvements.

“This sector provides so muchemployment that supports hundreds ofthousands of families,” Chao said. “Themaritime industry supports a strong, inde-pendent way of life that’s been a vital part ofAmerica since its beginning.”

By improving infrastructure that willfoster waterborne shipping and commerce,and by eliminating red tape that will makegovernment-impelled cargo more readilyaccessible, the U.S.-flag industry will bestrengthened and employment opportunitiesfor American mariners will be maximized,she said.

She detailed how the Department ofTransportation plans to leverage federalseed money to, in part, improve key ele-ments of transportation infrastructure.

She pointed out the U.S. maritimeindustry aligns with President Trump’sfocus on bolstering the position ofAmerican workers in the nation’s economy.

flagged vessels to obtain Jones Act waiverswould be closely monitored and weighedagainst the available capacity of U.S.-flagcarriers and U.S. merchant mariners to per-form the work.

She pointed to the hurricane responseactivations of the training ships EmpireState VI and Kennedy and commended thework performed by the ships and crews, cit-ing the roles of American Maritime Officersand the SIU in crewing the vessels.

“The department’s goal, even dur-ing this emergency, will be to maximizeemployment of American seafarers andAmerican-flagged vessels in the recov-ery effort,” she said. “So we will be vig-ilant about requests for waivers to theJones Act that are unnecessary to dealwith the emergency.”

Chao also credited the SIU andMichael Sacco for working to advancetraining for U.S. merchant mariners at thePaul Hall Center for Maritime Training andEducation in Piney Point, which was cele-brating its 50th anniversary during theSIUNA convention. In 2003, then-Secretaryof Labor Chao inducted the late Paul Hallinto the Labor Hall of Fame.

“We all know that Paul Hall foughtfor a better life for seafarers, a strengthenedmerchant marine, stronger protection forworkers and better opportunities for youngpeople and minorities,” Chao said.

“I have tremendous respect for themen and women in this industry, and for theleadership that makes sure that this sectorremains vibrant and strong.”

American Maritime Officers Service President/Chairman Anthony Naccarato andhis wife, Mary, greet Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao at the SeafarersInternational Union of North America Quinquennial Convention in September.

“It’s a matter of jobs, and that mattersvery much to this President and this admin-istration,” Chao said.

“We want to maximize access to U.S.government-impelled preference cargoes.We want to maintain support of the JonesAct,” she said, adding sustaining trainingand employment for American marinersand fostering the development of ports,

waterways and intermodal transportationconnectors are top goals.

Chao noted the attacks on the JonesAct that emerged in the aftermath of therecent hurricanes and recognized the strongand capable response of the U.S. maritimeindustry and seagoing labor in deliveringthe needed relief cargoes to devastatedareas. She said requests to allow foreign-

MARADContinued from Page 6

ment-impelled cargo has diminished inrecent years and mariners seeking workhave transitioned into shoreside jobs.

Buzby said one of his major initia-tives would be to work with stakeholders,such as maritime labor unions and shippingcompanies, to increase the number ofmariners, and advocate a stronger U.S. mer-chant marine in the halls of Congress.

“We need people to crew these shipsand the fact is we don’t presently haveenough mariners to sustain our extendedmilitary mission overseas,” he said.

“The ships, the equipment, themateriel, are important, but they are noth-ing, nothing, without the skilled, motivatedpeople fully empowered to bring the fullpotentially to every situation,” Buzby said.

“Together we will serve and defendthis nation with honor.”

International maritime labor community readyto support Jones Act with one loud voice

The international community ofmaritime unions stands ready to fightand protect cabotage laws, includingthe Jones Act, stated InternationalTransport Workers’ FederationGeneral Secretary Steve Cotton duringhis presentation at the SeafarersInternational Union of NorthAmerica Quinquennial Convention.

At the convention, Cotton com-mented upon the 50th anniversary ofthe Paul Hall Center for MaritimeTraining and Education, and com-mended the SIUNA and its affiliatedunions, including American MaritimeOfficers, which is also affiliated withthe ITF, on the successful effort todefend the Jones Act. He said the ITFwill support this effort as the fight tomaintain cabotage continues.

“This union is the heart of all of

our maritime work fighting to stop deregu-lation — ensuring that all workers, regard-less of their nationality, have sustainablejobs and dignity in their lives,” he said.“You’ve been working to defend your rightspolitically, industrially and persuasively.Common sense and dedication to protectwhat is a truly maritime nation.”

With approximately 20 millionmembers worldwide, the ITF is able towield tremendous influence — a factthat can be used to defend the Jones Act.

“That 20 million is important torecognize, because when we talk to gov-ernments and when we talk to interna-tional organizations, and when we talkto employers, that loud voice of 20 mil-lion transport workers is crucial,”Cotton said.

The recent appointments ofTransportation Secretary Elaine Chaoand Maritime Administrator MarkBuzby are welcome signs of a changingtide, Cotton noted. However, he warnedthere will always be forces seeking toweaken cabotage laws.

“We must always remember thenext day is a challenge, and we must beready for that challenge,” he said.

8 • American Maritime Officer November 2017

Radar Courses

Radar Recertification 1 day 14, 16 Nov. 9, 31 January 19 February 12, 13, 14, 29March

11, 12, 25, 26April 9, 10 May 6, 7, 20, 21 June

ARPA 4 days 20 February

Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days 19 February

Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days 12 February

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

Combined Basic & Advanced Low Flash Point Fuel Operations (IGFCode/LNG Fuel) Course 5 days 11 December 26 February 16 April

Confined Space Entry 3 days 8 January 11 April 20 June

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 27 November 12 February 30 April

Basic Safety Training — All 4 modules must be completed within 12 months: Personal SafetyTechniques (Mon/Tues — 1.5 days), Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (Tues pm — .5 days),Elementary First Aid (Wed — 1 day), Fire Fighting & Fire Prevention (Thurs/Fri — 2 days) — not required.if Combined Basic & Adv. Fire Fighting completed within 12 months.

5 days 13 November 5 February 19 March 21 May

Basic Safety Training — Refresher 3 days 15 November 7 February 21 March 23 May

Chemical Safety — Advanced 5 days 12 February

ECDIS 5 days 11 December 22 January 16 April

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 27 November 12 March

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 5 December 16 January 5 March 30 April 25 June

GMDSS — Requires after-hour homework 10 days 5 February

LNG Tankerman PIC 8 days 19 March

LNG Simulator Training — Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course is given to qualified membercandidates for employment and/or observation opportunities with AMO contracted LNG companies. In allcases successful completion of the LNG PNC classroom course is prerequisite.

5 days 2 April

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 12 December 2 April

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) — Assessments Only 1 day Please Call

Safety Officer Course 2 days 1 March 14 June

Tankerman PIC DL — Classroom 5 days 13 November 8 January 30 April 11 June

Tankerman PIC DL — Simulator 10 days 27 November 22 January 5 March 14 May

Tankerman PIC DL — Accelerated Program 10 days Please Call

Train the Trainer 5 days 27 November 8 January 5 March 30 April 25 June

Train the Trainer — Simulator Instructors (Requires after hours work) 5 days 19 March

Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties — VPDSD 2 days 1 February

Vessel/Company Security Officer — Includes Anti-Piracy 3 days 26 February

Crowd Management 1 day Please Call

Crisis Management & Human Behavior 1 day Please Call

Basic Training & Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation (Required by firstcredential renewal AFTER 1 Jan 2017) 2 days 16 November 11 December 11, 29 January 22 February 26 March 9 April 7 May 4, 18, June

EFA (Scheduled with Basic Training Revalidation BUT NOT REQUIREDFOR STCW 2010) 1 day 13 December 10, 31 January 21 February 28 March 11 April 9 May 6, 20 June

Leadership & Management (required by ALL management level Deckand Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 5 days 15 January 5 February 21 May 4 June

Maritime Security Awareness 1/2 day Please Call

Deck CoursesAdvanced Bridge Resource Management — Meets STCW 2010Leadership & Management gap closing requirements 5 days 19 February 21 May

Advanced Shiphandling for Masters — (No equivalency) Must havesailed as Chief Mate Unlimited 5 days 27 November 19 March 7 May

Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates — 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rdMates 10 days 4 December 8 January (PM) 12 Feb. (PM) 5 March 2 April 14 May (PM) 4, 18 June

Advanced & Emergency Shiphandling — First Class Pilots, Great Lakes 5 days 5 February

Dynamic Positioning — Basic 5 days 29 January 14 May

Dynamic Positioning — Advanced 5 days 4 December 2 April 4 June

Navigational Watchkeeping Standardization & Assessment Program 5 days 27 November 12 March 30 April 21 May 11 June

TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) — Third Mate (Unlimited orGreat Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required 5 days 2 April 14 May

Tug Training — ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive) 5 days December 11 25 June

Visual Communications (Flashing Light) — Test only 1 day Please Call

Medical Courses

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 13 November 2 April

Elementary First Aid — Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 12 months 1 day 14, 28 Nov. 16 January 26 March 3 April 5 June

Medical Care Provider — Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 12months. Please fax EFA certificate when registering 3 days 15, 29

November 17 January 27 March 4 April 6 June

Medical PIC — Please fax MCP certificate when registering 5 days 4 December 22 January 9 April 11 June

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 11 December 29 January 16 April 18 June

Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) — Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only 1 day 12 December 30 January 17 April 19 June

Screening Test Technician — QEDs a.m./Alco Mate 7000 p.m. 1 day 13 December 31 January 18 April 20 June

Medical PIC Refresher — MSC approved 3 days Please Call

American Maritime Officer • 9November 2017Deck Upgrade — STCW 2010 — Management Level (NVIC 10-14)— If sea service or training towards management level (Chief Mate/Master) upgrade started ON OR AFTER 24 March 2014 you must adhereto this new program of training. Completion of both required and optional courses listed below will include all Task Assessments required by NVIC 10-14 , providing ECDIS, GMDSS and ARPA have been previously completed.

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 8, 22 January 16 April

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hours homework 5 days 15, 22 January 5 February 30 April

Advanced Stability 5 days 8 January 5 March 7 May

Search & Rescue 2 days 12 February

Management of Medical Care 1/2 day 14 February 16 May

Leadership & Management 5 days 15 January 5 February 21 May 4 June

Advanced Cargo — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 13 November 19 February 4 June

Marine Propulsion Plants — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 11 December 5 March 11 June

Advanced Celestial — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 4 December 12 March 25 June

Advanced Navigation — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 27 November 26 February 18 June

MSC Training ProgramBasic CBR Defense 1 day 11 December 25 January 16, 22 March

Damage Control 1 day 30 November 12 December 24 January 15, 21 March

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 13 November 2 April

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 1 December 23 January 20 March 6 April

Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD) 1/2 day 11 December 25 January 16, 22 March

Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 14 November 4 April

MSC Readiness Refresher — Must have completed full CBRD & DC once incareer. 2 days 30 November 22 January 19 March 5 April

MSC Watchstander — BASIC — Once in career, SST grads grandfathered 2 days 4 December 5 February 16 April

MSC Watchstander — ADVANCED — Required for all SRF members 1 day 17 November 1, 5, 15 Dec. 15 January 2, 6 February 2, 16 March 13, 17, 27 April 4, 25 May 15, 29 June

MSC Ship Reaction Force — Required every three years for SRF members 3 days 6 December 7 February 18 April

Small Arms — Initial & Sustainment (Refresher) Training — Open tomembers & applicants eligible for employment through AMO (w/in 1 year) orMSC on MARAD contracted vessels.

4 days 13, 27 Nov. 11 December 16, 29 January 12, 26 February 12, 26 March 9, 23, 30 April 21 May 11, 25 June

Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 14 November 4 April

NOTICE: AMO members planning to attend 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 availabilityin advance.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The Simulation, Training, Assessment and Research Center (STAR), established under the auspices of the American Maritime Officers Safety and Education Plan, admitsstudents 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 orethnic origin or sex in administration of its educational policies, admission policies and other programs administered by the Center.

Engineering Courses

Basic Electricity 10 days 29 January 30 April

Diesel Crossover 4 weeks Please Call

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 5 March 14 May

High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 13 November 20 February

Hydraulics/ Pneumatics 5 days 11 December 22 January

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 5 days 12 February 14 May

Refrigeration (Operational Level) 5 days 7 May

Refrigeration (Management Level) 5 days 4 December 14 May

Steam Endorsement 4 weeks 15 January 16 April 11 June

Ocean Ranger Program 6 days 9 April

Welding & Metallurgy Skills & Practices — Open to eligible Chief Mates and Masters on a space availablebasis. Interested participants should apply online and will be confirmed 2 weeks prior to start date. 2 weeks 4 December 26 February 4 June

Self-Study, CDs and Online Courses

Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator CD

Anti-Terrorism Level 1 Online

Crew Endurance Management CD

DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation Training CD

EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification Examination Self Study

Prudent Mariner’s Guide to Right Whale Protection CD

Qualified Assessor Online

Vessel General Permit — EPA CD

Engine Upgrade — STCW 2010 — Management Level (NVIC 15-14) — If sea service or training towards management level (1A/E-Chief Eng.) upgrade started ON OR AFTER 24 March 2014, you mustadhere to this new program of training. Completion of both required and optional courses listed below will include all Task Assessments required by NVIC 15-14. By completing the series, no expiration limitation will be placed onyour STCW credential. See STAR Center’s website for full details: https://www.star-center.com/stcw2010-engine.upgrade.html

Leadership & Managerial Skills (G500 as amended) —REQUIRED 5 days 15 January 5 February 21 May 4 June

ERM (E050 as amended) — REQUIRED (unless previously takenfor gap closing or original license) 5 days 8 January 18 June

Upgrade: Electrical, Electronics & Control Engineering(Management Level) (E133 as amended) (UPGRADE with tasks)Required unless previously taken for gap closing or original license

5 days 22 January 11 June

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — General Engineering &Procedure (E135 as amended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can besigned off onboard

5 days 29 January 25 June

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — MEECE — OPTIONAL:Tasks can be signed off onboard 5 days Please call

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Motor (E120 as amended) —OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard 3 days 5 February

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Steam (E121 as amended) —OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard 5 days 12 February

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Gas Turbine (E122 asamended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard 5 days 13 November 19 February

10 • American Maritime Officer November 2017

AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

DANIA BEACH, FL 33004-4109601 S. Federal Highway(954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513Paul Doell, National President pauldoell51@yahoo.comExtension 1001Mobile: (954) 881-5651FAX: (954) 926-5112 Charles A. Murdock, National Secretary-Treasurercmurdock@amo-union.orgExtension 1004 / Mobile: (954) 531-9977 / FAX: (954) 367-1025Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Seajgremelsbacker@amo-union.orgExtension 1009 / Mobile: (954) 673-0680 / FAX: (954) 367-1029Todd Christensen, East Coast Representative tchristensen@amo-union.org / Mobile: (561) 806-3768Marie Doruth, Executive Assistant to the National Presidentmdoruth@amo-union.orgExtension 1017 / Mobile: (954) 290-8109FAX: (954) 926-5112Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 / FAX: (954) 926-5126Brendan Keller, Dispatcher (bkeller@amo-union.org)Extension 1061 / Mobile: (954) 817-4000Robert Anderson, Dispatcher (randerson@amo-union.org)Extension 1060 / Mobile: (954) 599-9771Member Services:Extension 1050 / FAX: (954) 367-1066memberservices@amo-union.org

OFFICES

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204(202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001Paul Doell, National President pauldoell51@yahoo.comExtension 7004Mobile: (954) 881-5651J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relationsmmurphy@amo-union.org / mikemurphy68@aol.comExtension 7013 / Mobile: (202) 560-6889T. Christian Spain, National Assistant Vice President, Government Relationscspain@amo-union.orgExtension 7010 / Mobile: (202) 658-8887 / FAX: (202) 479-1188

PHILADELPHIA, PA 191131 International Plaza, Suite 550Chris Holmes, Contract Analyst (cholmes@amo‐union.org)(800) 362‐0513 ext. 4002 / Mobile: (856) 693‐0694

UPDATE CREDENTIALS, DOCUMENTS, TRAINING RECORDSSecure File Upload: https://securetransfer.amo-union.org/E-mail: memberservices@amo-union.orgQuestions: (800) 362-0513 ext. 1050

TOLEDO, OH 43604The Melvin H. Pelfrey BuildingOne Maritime Plaza, Third FloorFAX: (419) 255-2350John E. Clemons, National Vice President, Great Lakesjohnclemons@amo-union.org(800) 221-9395 ext. 6003 / Mobile: (419) 205-3509Brian D. Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice Presidentbkrus@amo-union.org(800) 221-9395 ext. 6007 / Mobile: (216) 571-9666Michelle Moffitt, Dispatcher (mmoffitt@amo-union.org)(800) 221-9395 ext. 6005 / Mobile: (419) 481-3470

GALVESTON, TX 775512724 61st Street, Suite B, PMB 192David M. Weathers, National Vice President, Inland Watersdweathers@amo-union.org(800) 362-0513 ext. 2001 / Mobile: (409) 996-7362FAX: (409) 737-4454

SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 946071121 7th Street, Second FloorOakland, CA 94607FAX: (954) 367-1064Daniel E. Shea, National Executive Vice President (dshea@amo-union.org)Mobile: (415) 269-5795 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 5001William Barrere, West Coast Representative (wbarrere@amo-union.org)Mobile: (415) 654-2671

NEW ORLEANS / COVINGTON, LA 70434P.O. Box 5424Covington, LA 70434Daniel J. Robichaux, National Assistant Vice Presidentdrobichaux@amo-union.org(954) 367-1036 / Mobile: (985) 201-5462 / FAX: (954) 367-1062

STAR CENTER

STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4312(954) 920-3222 ext. 201 / (800) 942-3220 ext. 201Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 ext. 20024 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999 / FAX: (954) 920-3140

SERVICES

FINANCIAL ADVISERS: THE ATLANTIC GROUP AT MORGAN STANLEY(800) 975-7061 / www.morganstanleyfa.com/theatlanticgroup

MEDICAL CLINIC AMO PLANS2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4312 Dania Beach, FL 33004-4312(954) 927-5213 (800) 348-6515FAX: (954) 929-1415 FAX: (954) 922-7539

LEGAL

AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid General CounselProgram Glanstein LLPMichael Reny 711 Third Ave., 17th FloorMobile: (419) 346-1485 New York, NY 10017(419) 243-1105/ (888) 853-4662 (212) 370-5100 / (954) 662-9407MikeReny@BEX.NET FAX: (212) 697-6299

Regular monthly membership meetings for AmericanMaritime Officers will be held during the week following thefirst Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. Meetings willbe held on Monday at AMO National Headquarters (onTuesday when Monday is a holiday). The next meetings willtake place on the following dates:

AMO National Headquarters: December 4, January 8

Bob ‘Spuds’ McKenna: 1954-2017Retired Chief Engineer Bob ‘Spuds’

McKenna passed away recently at the age of63. Bob was a 28-year member of AMO,joining the union on tankers back in 1977following graduation from Maine MaritimeAcademy. Bob sailed his last 15 years inAMO as Chief Engineer of the MaritimePrepositioning Squadron Three ships: 1stLT Baldomero Lopez and the PFC DewayneT. Williams, retiring back in 2005. Bob was a kind man and was the unofficial ‘mayor ofSaipan’ during those years, endearing himself to numerous people afloat and ashore andencouraging many SIU crewmembers to upgrade and obtain their licenses and join AMO.Bob was a great people person and good Chief and mentored many AMO members on bothlife and sailing issues. He will be sorely missed. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Regina;his stepdaughter, Karen; and brothers Mike, Vincent and Dan.

See you on the other side of the bar, Brother Bob!

Joe GelhausChief EngineerUSNS Montford Point (T-ESD-1)

American Maritime Officer • 11November 2017

1. Any AMO represented non-mem-ber employee, whether publicly or pri-vately employed who is subject to a unionsecurity clause conditioning continuedemployment on the payment of dues orfees, has the right to become an objectorto expenditures not related to collectivebargaining, contract administration,grievance adjustment or other chargeableexpenditures. A current AMO memberhas the right to choose to become anobjector, but must assume non-memberstatus prior to filing an objection throughthese procedures. An objector’s fees shallbe calculated in accordance with thisPolicy.

2. To become an objector, an AMOrepresented non-member employee shallnotify the AMO Secretary-Treasurer, 601S. Federal Highway, Dania Beach,Florida, in writing of his individual objec-tion by mail postmarked during the monthof January each year. Such employeesdesiring to object, but who were unable tomake timely objection because they werenot subject to an AMO union securityclause as of January, either because theyare a new employee or have recently cho-sen to assume non-member status, mustmake an objection within thirty (30) daysafter becoming subject to union securityobligations and receiving notice of theseprocedures. The objection shall be signedand shall contain the objector’s currenthome address and AMO Union number, ifknown. Objections may only be made byindividual employees: no petition objec-tions will be honored. A person who wish-es to continue an objection in a subse-quent twelve (12) month period shall pro-vide notice of objection each January inthe same manner.

3. The following categories ofexpenditure are chargeable to the extentpermitted by law:

a. All expenses concerning thenegotiation of agreements, practices andworking conditions.

b. All expenses concerning theadministration of agreements, practicesand working conditions, including griev-ance handling, all activities related toarbitration, and discussion with employ-ees in the bargaining unit or employerrepresentatives regarding working condi-tions, benefits and contract rights.

c. Convention expenses and othernormal Union internal governance andmanagement expenses.

d. Social activities open to non-members and Union business meetingexpenses.

e. Publication expenses to theextent coverage is related to chargeableactivities.

f. Expense of litigation before thecourts and administrative agencies relatedto bargaining unit contract administration.

g. Expenses of lobbying for legisla-tive, executive branch and administrativeagency representation on matters closelyrelated to the ratification or implementa-tion of bargaining unit contracts andworking conditions.

h. All expenses for the educationand training of members, officers andstaff intended to prepare the participantsto better perform chargeable activities.

i. Other costs of group cohesion andeconomic action, e.g., demonstration,general strike activity, informationalpicketing, etc.

j. An appropriate portion of over-head and administrative expenses.

4. Each December in the AmericanMaritime Officer, the AMO shall publish

American Maritime Officers Agency Fee Policythese policies and procedures to providenotice to AMO represented employees oftheir right to object and the procedures forobjecting. The AMO shall also send acopy of these policies and procedures toeach person who objected the previousyear to inform the person of his or herright to renew the objection for the cur-rent year.

5. The AMO shall retain an inde-pendent auditor who shall submit anannual report for the purpose of verifyingthe percentage of expenditures that fallwithin the categories specified in para-graph 3 above.

6. The fees paid by objectors shallbe handled as follows:

a. Objectors who pay fees by handshall pay an amount less the percentage ofdues and initiation fees ascribed by theaudit (described in #5 above) to non-chargeable activities. AMO shall placesaid fee in an interest bearing account.

b. Objectors who are paying fees bycheck-off shall continue to have a feeequal to full AMO dues and initiation feechecked off by the employer and trans-mitted to the AMO. The AMO shall placeits share of the fee in an interest bearingescrow account and shall return theadmittedly nonchargeable share to theobjector.

c. Following completion of theaudit (described in #5 above) for a givenyear, the AMO shall rebate to each givenobjector an amount equal to such feesheld by the AMO in escrow which wereascribed by the audit to nonchargeableactivities.

d. If an objector does not challengethe validity of the audit pursuant to #8below within the allotted time the feesheld in escrow shall become the propertyof AMO. If a challenge is filed, the feesheld in escrow shall continue to be soheld until the challenge is resolved inaccord with the procedures referred tobelow, at which time the fees shall be dis-tributed in accord with said resolution.

e. Objectors filing objections inJanuary of 2018, in addition to payingfees in the manner set forth for the above,shall receive rebates from the AMO forthe year 2017, based upon the audits (see#5 above) for the fiscal year ending in2017, as they may be modified by the pro-cedures set forth below.

7. The reports(s) of the independentauditor(s) for the AMO shall be complet-ed as soon as possible following the endof the fiscal year. The report(s) shallinclude verification of the major cate-gories of Union expenses attributable tochargeable and non-chargeable activities.The AMO shall provide to all objectingnon-member bargaining unit employeeswho are represented a copy of the audi-tor(s) report(s).

8. In the absence of an exclusivestatutory review procedure, each objectormay challenge the legal and arithmeticalbases of the calculations contained in theindependent auditor report(s) by filing anappeal with the AMO Secretary-Treasurer, 601 S. Federal Highway,Dania Beach, Florida, 33004, togetherwith notice to the President of AMO at601 S. Federal Highway, Dania Beach,Florida 33004. non-member challengersin bargaining units covered by theNational Labor Relations Act shall alsohave the right to seek a determination ofany issues relating to these procedures byinvoking the jurisdiction of the NationalLabor Relations Board. If such a chal-lenger chooses not to invoke the Board’s

jurisdiction, or if the Board defers to theappeal procedures, the non-member chal-lenger’s appeal shall be filed exclusivelywith the AMO Secretary-Treasurer post-marked no later than thirty (30) days afterthe later of the following two dates: thedate the AMO Secretary-Treasurer hasforwarded a letter to the challengeracknowledging receipt of the challenge orthe date the National Labor RelationsBoard affirmatively declines to assert itsreviewing jurisdiction.

9. Except where State law providesan exclusive statutory review procedureor when a challenger proceeds before theNational Labor Relations Board, as setforth in paragraph 8, all such challengesreceived by the Union within the timelimits specified above shall be determinedby expeditious referral to an impartialarbitrator appointed by the AmericanArbitration Association (“AAA”) underits rules for impartial determination ofUnion fees as modified and approved bythe courts and these procedures. TheAMO will notify the AAA that challengesof its fees, which have been received fromone or more individual employees, are tobe determined by an impartial administra-tor and will include the names andaddresses of the individuals who havefiled their appeals challenging theUnion’s fees and who should be notifiedof the proceedings. Thereupon, in accor-dance with its rules, the AAA will appointthe arbitrator to the case, notifying theUnion and the other participants.

a. All appeals shall be consolidatedand heard as soon as the AAA can sched-ule the arbitration. All procedures chal-lenging the AMO’s fee determinationsshall take place in New York City, and theparties shall be the appellants and theAMO.

b. Each party to the arbitration shallbear their own costs including, but notlimited to, attorney’s fees and expenses,witness fees and expenses and travelcosts. The challengers shall have theoption of paying a pro-rated portion of thearbitrator’s fees and expenses. The bal-ance of the arbitrator’s fees and expensesand all AMO fees and expenses shall bepaid by AMO.

c. Challengers may, at theirexpense, be represented by counsel orother representative of their choice.Challengers need not appear at the hear-ing and shall be permitted to file writtenstatements with the arbitrator instead ofappearing. Such statements shall be filednot later than the beginning of the hearingbefore the arbitrator. Post-hearing state-ments may be filed in accordance with theprovisions of paragraph 9(g) below.

d. Fourteen (14) days prior to thestart of the arbitration, challengers shallbe provided with copies of all exhibits ora list of all such exhibits intended to beintroduced at the arbitration by the Unionparty and a list of all witnesses the Unionparty intends to call, except for exhibitsand witnesses the Union party may intro-duce for rebuttal. Where a list of exhibitshas been provided, the challenger shallhave a right to receive copies of suchexhibits by making a written request forthem to the AMO Secretary-Treasurer.Additionally, copies of all exhibits shallbe available to inspection and copying atthe hearing.

e. A court reporter shall make atranscript of all proceedings before thearbitrator. This transcript shall be the onlyofficial record of the proceedings andmay be purchased by the challengers. If

challengers do not purchase a copy of thetranscript, a copy shall be available forpurposes of inspection by challengers atthe Union party’s headquarters duringnormal business hours.

f. The arbitrator shall have controlover all procedural matters affecting thearbitration in order to fulfill the dualneeds of an informed and an expeditiousarbitration. The arbitrator shall set forth inthe decision the legal and arithmetic basesfor the decision giving full considerationto the legal requirements limiting theamount objectors may be charged.

g. Each party to the arbitration shallhave the right to file a post-hearing state-ment within fifteen (15) days after bothparties have completed submission oftheir cases at the hearing. Such statementsmay not introduce new evidence nor dis-cuss evidence not introduced in the arbi-tration. The arbitrator shall issue a deci-sion within forty-five (45) days after thefinal date for submission of post-hearingstatements or within such other reason-able period as is consistent with the AAArules and the requirements of law.

h. The decision of the arbitratorshall be final and binding with respect toall findings of fact supported by substan-tial evidence on the record considered asa whole and on other findings legally per-mitted to be binding on all parties.

i. Upon receipt of the arbitrator’saward, any adjustment in favor of thechallenger will be made from the escrowaccount.

10. The provisions of this procedureshall be considered legally separable.Should any provision or portion thereofbe held contrary to law by a court, admin-istrative agency, or an arbitrator, theremaining provisions or portions thereofshall continue to be legally effective andbinding. If, after consultation with theofficers on the AMO ExecutiveCommittee, the President of the AMOdetermines that modifications in this pro-cedure are necessary to maintain its com-pliance with applicable law, such modifi-cations may be made in accordance withthe Constitution of the AMO.

11. An objector shall have neither avoice nor vote in the internal affairs of theAMO which includes, inter alia, the rati-fication of a collective bargaining agree-ment, whether or not it covers his or heremployment.

12. The benefits of nonmembers inan Agency Shop Agreement are such ben-efits as being eligible to receive theAmerican Maritime Officer, representa-tion in grievances, grievance adjustmentand arbitration, and no other contract ser-vice benefits received by members of theAMO. Such nonmembers shall not beallowed attendance at union meetings, theright to hold or run for any Union office(elective or appointed), or any votingrights within the Union unless and untilthey have become members of this Unionin accordance with the provisions of theAMO Constitution.

13. For purposes of job referral,individuals choosing to become AgencyFee payers shall have the same statusunder the applicable Shipping Rules as anapplicant until such time as the AgencyFee payer pays the total fair share equiva-lent of the initiation fee specified herein.

Use of the male gender in these pro-cedures shall be deemed to include thefemale gender.

ADOPTED by the AMO Executive BoardNovember 11, 1998

12 • American Maritime Officer November 2017

AMO aboard ATB Corpus Christi

American Maritime Officers members working aboard the U.S. ShippingCorp. articulated tug/barge Corpus Christi in August, here in NewOrleans, La., included Captain Bob Corbett, Third Mate Alonzo Martin,Chief Mate Alan Ancona, Second Mate James Eckerson and ThirdAssistant Engineer Alexander Mercurio.

Congressional leaders stress critical needfor Jones Act, push back on false claims

The following is excerpted from anarticle released November 3 by theAmerican Maritime Partnership, a coali-tion of which American Maritime OfficersService is a member and which AmericanMaritime Officers supports.

WASHINGTON — The HouseSubcommittee on Transportation andInfrastructure held a hearing Wednesday,November 1, on “Emergency Responseand Recovery: Central Takeaways from

the Unprecedented 2017 HurricaneSeason,” during which Congressman JohnRutherford (R-FL) and Ranking MemberPeter DeFazio (D-OR) highlighted theimportance of American maritime forPuerto Rico’s recovery and the capacityand capability of Jones Act vessels to meetPuerto Rico’s present and future needs.

In his testimony, CongressmanRutherford recognized the critical role ofAmerican maritime first responders in the

wake of Hurricane Maria and highlightedthe significance of American maritime insupporting the long-term restoration of theisland’s economy.

“The Jones Act has not added diffi-culties to the recovery in Puerto Rico andthe Virgin Islands. The goods getting tothe port were not the problem. It was thedistribution from the port into the countrywhere the need was at — that was the dif-ficulty,” said Congressman Rutherford.“The U.S. maritime industry are firstresponders in times of emergency likeHurricane Irma and Maria andJacksonville is ground zero for gettingshipments of goods to Puerto Rico quicklyreliably and economically ... Jones Actcarriers to date have delivered tens ofthousands of containers to the island viathe Port of San Juan. They have workedclosely with federal emergency respon-ders, customers, and nonprofit organiza-tions to meet the ever changing andincreasing needs of the island. They haveproven themselves committed to meetingPuerto Rico’s immediate needs while alsosupporting the long term restoration of theisland’s economy.”

Congressman Rutherford added:“Part of the rebuilding effort is also mak-ing sure that the hundreds of maritimeemployees in San Juan and inJacksonville are able to keep their jobs.The Jones Act provides stability to theseAmerican workers and certainty to indus-try, which in turn has reinvested morethan a billion dollars into vessels and

infrastructure in the shipping corridorbetween Jacksonville and San Juan ...Consistent application of the Jones Actenables (a domestic maritime company)to make these 35-year investments thatensure consistent on-time deliveries to thepeople of Puerto Rico and that ensurecargo shipments back to the mainland tosupport the island’s manufacturing sector,and it’s this continuity and certainty thatposition the U.S. maritime industry inJacksonville to be so capable to respondto the needs of Puerto Rico as the CoastGuard reopened the port after Maria.”

Echoing Congressman Rutherford’sstrong remarks, Ranking MemberDeFazio also stressed the importance ofthe Jones Act for ensuring reliable deliv-ery to the island and the challenge of mov-ing relief containers out of the port due toinfrastructure problems.

“Finally, I hope once and for all toput the idea to rest the idea that somehowthe Jones Act is inhibiting the recovery ofPuerto Rico. We’ve had more than 20,000containers delivered,” said RankingMember DeFazio. “The problem has beenthe logistics of getting those out of theport. The remote parts of the island wantto hear more about the infrastructure prob-lems that are inhibiting the distributionand what we can do about that in the shortand the long term.”

These comments come after aprior hearing of the Subcommittee onCoast Guard and MaritimeTransportation on Tuesday, October 3,2017, in which congressional membersand leaders from the U.S. Coast Guardalso discussed the importance of thelaw to Puerto Rico’s recovery.

For nearly a century, the Jones Acthas had bipartisan support from theU.S. Congress.