Wheelhouse Weekly, Dec. 30, 2025

Volume 31… Number 52, December 30, 2025

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• Holiday Greetings
• New Zealand’s Government Rejects Plan to Waive Cabotage Law
• Senate Confirms New Coast Guard Commandant
• Navy Accepts Delivery of Newest Fleet Oiler
• Women in Maritime Conference in Vallejo in March
• News From the MM&P Plan Office: MM&P Vacation Plan—Last Day for Processing Vacation and PRO Payments

Mark Your Calendar:

• MM&P Holiday Closing Schedule

Job Opportunities:

• AMG Jobs
• Great Lakes Jobs
• Offshore Jobs

And:

• MITAGS-East Academic Notes
• MITAGS–West Academic Notes

HOLIDAY GREETINGS

Best wishes from everyone at MM&P to all readers of The Wheelhouse Weekly, at sea and ashore, and to their families and friends.

Wishing each of you calm seas and fast passages on your voyages through the holidays and into the new year.
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NEW ZEALAND’S GOVERNMENT REJECTS PLAN TO WAIVE CABOTAGE LAW

The International Transport Workers’ Federation and the Maritime Union of New Zealand are celebrating the government’s decision to reject a proposal to bring a foreign-flag vessel into the country’s domestic trades for up to three years.

The plan was put forth by managers of a cement company, Holcim New Zealand, who argued that since their own vessel—the BUFFALO—was in need of costly repairs, they had to replace it with a more modern Panama-flag ship.

Their plan included firing 32 members of the Maritime Union of New Zealand who had crewed the BUFFALO since 2016.

The government turned down the company’s request, noting that although it is possible to waive New Zealand’s cabotage regulations in certain circumstances, the waiver is typically granted for a single journey or for a very limited period of time.

Holcim, on the other hand, had requested a three-year waiver, saying it needed to use the foreign-flag ship for the length of time it took “to investigate building a modern pneumatic vessel specifically for the local trade.”

The government’s decision to reject the proposal has been hailed by unions both within the country and abroad.

“New Zealand requires a robust and permanent policy framework to rebuild a dedicated New Zealand domestic coastal shipping fleet, crewed by New Zealanders, ensuring security and resilience in our supply chains,” said Carl Findlay, national secretary of the Maritime Union of New Zealand.

The ITF said the government had risked setting “a dangerous precent” and that its decision to “shut the door on the proposal reflects growing global recognition of the importance of strong maritime cabotage laws,” adding that national-flag fleets and domestic crews are essential for national security and supply chain resilience.
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SENATE CONFIRMS NEW COAST GUARD COMMANDANT

The Senate last week confirmed Adm. Kevin Lunday as the next commandant of the Coast Guard.

He has served as acting Coast Guard commandant since January. The Senate approved his nomination as commandant by unanimous consent.

Lunday is a 39-year veteran of the Coast Guard who has served as a career judge advocate general and commander of the agency’s Cyber Command.

He has a master’s degree in national security strategy from the National War College, a JD from George Washington University Law School and a BS in marine engineering from the Coast Guard Academy.

Survivors of sexual assault incidents at the Coast Guard Academy had called on the Senate to require the release of files on the agency’s sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) investigations before voting to confirm Lunday.

Although the Senate did not address the release of additional files before voting to confirm him, the 2025 Coast Guard reauthorization bill, which has also been passed, includes new sexual assault and sexual harassment protections for servicemembers.

The new law provides the following new SASH protections:

— it provides for speedy transfers to new stations for victims who are on active duty;

— it makes it easier to obtain and maintain protective orders;

— it establishes a confidential reporting mechanism;

— it improves victim access to records;

— it reminds the Coast Guard that it can discipline retired officers by reducing their rank;

— it seeks to insulate the agency’s legal officers from political pressure; and

— it transfers investigations of senior leaders out of the chain of command and into the hands of the Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General.
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NAVY ACCEPTS DELIVERY OF NEWEST FLEET OILER

The newest John Lewis-Class fleet replenishment oiler, USNS LUCY STONE, was delivered to the Navy on Dec. 16.

The delivery follows the successful completion of sea trials to test the readiness and capability of the ship and to validate requirements.

“This delivery is a significant milestone as we bring another oiler into our fleet and increase our replenishment underway capabilities,” said John Lighthammer, Navy program manager for auxiliary and special mission ships.

“This is the final stepping-stone in getting this essential ship to our civilian mariners.”

The John Lewis-class ships, a cornerstone of the Navy’s fuel delivery system, are designed to transfer fuel to carrier strike group vessels underway.

They have double hulls to protect against oil spills, along with strengthened cargo and ballast tanks.

They can carry approximately 25,000 cubic meters of fuel (equivalent to 157,000 barrels), along with a substantial dry cargo load.

USNS LUCY STONE was produced by General Dynamics NASSCO, which is also building the USNS SOJOURNER TRUTH, THURGOOD MARSHALL, RUTH BADER GINSBURG, and HARRIET TUBMAN.

The Navy issued a block-buy contract in September 2024 for the detail, design, and construction of the next eight ships in the John Lewis class, T-AO 214 to 221.

The MM&P Federal Employees Membership Group represents the licensed deck officers, pursers and medical services officers aboard all MSC CIVMAR manned vessels.
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WOMEN IN MARITIME CONFERENCE IN VALLEJO IN MARCH

The Women in Maritime Conference will be held March 13-14 in Vallejo, Calif., at Cal Poly Maritime, formerly Cal Maritime.

The two-day professional development and networking event is aimed at advancing the role of women in maritime.

Sponsors are being sought to ensure that students from all the maritime academies can attend at no cost.

Exhibitors are encouraged to participate to connect with students and network with industry professionals.

The school is looking for panelists and presenters to submit proposals for a panel, present on technical topics, or deliver an inspirational talk.

Mentors are also being sought for a focused networking session aimed at helping participants prepare for job interviews in the industry.

To participate, please contact Vineeta Dhillon, Women in Maritime Leadership Chair, VDhillon@csum.edu or 707-718-0707.
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MM&P VACATION PLAN—LAST DAY FOR PROCESSING VACATION AND PRO PAYMENTS

The Plan Office received approval to close the year-end Internal Revenue Service and company reports and to process Vacation and PRO payments for 2025 no later than Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EST.

All requests for 2025 Vacation and PRO payments received after this date and time will be held until January 2, 2026, for processing and will therefore be taxable in 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact the Vacation Department at 410-850-8625.
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MM&P HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE

All MM&P union halls, the Plan Office, the MM&P Federal Credit Union, and MM&P headquarters will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

The San Juan Hall will be closed on Jan. 6 for Three Kings’ Day.
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ATLANTIC MARITIME JOBS

BUCHANAN MARINE is looking for:
1) Mate – MMC with a Mate of Towing within Inland Waters

If you are interested in the above position, please fill out an application on the company’s website first. Google Buchanan Marine LP, then click “careers” and scroll down to “apply online.” Then email your resume and copies of your credentials to Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org. If you have any questions, please call Paulina at 973-495-9377.

Staten Island Ferry

1) Provisional Marine Oilers with their QMED

If you are interested, please fill out an application on the city’s website:

https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/marine-oiler-in-staten-island-jid-36530___.YXAzOmJyaWRnZWRlY2s6YTpvOjFiMDc4MDczZGI5MGI4NWJkN2VmZTExYTEwYWJlODNhOjc6YzQyMTozYjY4YWFiNDQ5NmVhZjY2NTVjYzI3YmJkZjc3NWQ4NThlZTRkNjljNzljZTdlMzFjNTBhMDYwMThmMzI0NmIyOnQ6VDpO

Any questions, please send an email to Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org.

2) Deckhand with an AB

If you are interested, please fill out an application on the city’s website: https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/deckhand-in-staten-island-jid-36197___.YXAzOmJyaWRnZWRlY2s6YTpvOjFiMDc4MDczZGI5MGI4NWJkN2VmZTExYTEwYWJlODNhOjc6ZjM2OTo1ZjY4MjZkMjUwYWIwMDIxY2E2MzgxYzlmYmEzMzdhMzI2ZTYyYTRjOThlMzU5MWFkNWJiNTlmMmQ3YmY3ZTMzOnQ6VDpO

Any questions, please send an email to Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org

Poling & Cutler

1) Mate with a 200-ton coastwise license & TOAR

2) Tankerman – PIC with an OS

3) Captain with a 200-ton coastwise license & TOAR

If interested in any of the above positions, please email your resume and copies of your credentials to Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org. If you have any questions, please call Paulina at 973-495-9377.

Moran

1) Tankerman – MMC with a PIC, preferably with an AB and STCW but will work with an OS

2) Licensed Engineer (Ship Assist) – MMC with STCW

3) Assistant Engineer (ATB/Offshore) – 3rd A/E Unlimited Oceans or C/E (limited) or A/E (limited) Oceans or Near Coastal (min 6000hp) & STCW

4) AB (ATB/Offshore) – MMC with AB & STCW

If interested in any of the above positions, please fill out an application on Moran’s website first.

Then email your resume and copies of your credentials to Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org. If you have any questions, please call Paulina at 973-495-9377.
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OFFSHORE JOBS

Senior LMSR positions available.
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GREAT LAKES & GULF JOBS

Immediate openings in the Great Lakes region for the following permanent jobs:

— Great Lakes Towing CAPTAINS – Must live within two hours of Ports: Detroit, Toledo, Chicago, Duluth, Cleveland, Buffalo – Start Date Immediately.

If you’re interested in applying or want more information, please contact MM&P GL&G Vice President Ed Lulko, elulko@bridgedeck.org.
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MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES

For registration contact our Admissions Department: 866.656.5568 or admissions@mitags.org

Classes are 5-day unless otherwise noted

Class dates followed by an (*) are full

[STCW, MEDICAL & SAFETY Courses]

BT – Basic Safety Training: 02/02/26, 09/07/26, 11/30/26

FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-Day): 03/02/26

FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced: 02/02/26, 09/07/26, 11/30/26

MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 01/26/26

MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 02/02/26*, 04/06/26, 05/11/26

MED-PIC-REF – Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 01/05/26, 04/27/26

MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day):

12/13/25, 01/10/26, 02/07/26, 04/11/26, 04/26/26, 05/16/26

[STCW, MEDICAL & SAFETY Courses]

BT – Basic Safety Training: 02/02/26, 09/07/26, 11/30/26

FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-Day): 03/02/26

FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced: 02/02/26, 09/07/26, 11/30/26

MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 01/26/26

MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 02/02/26*, 04/06/26, 05/11/26

MED-PIC-REF – Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 01/05/26, 04/27/26

MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day):

12/13/25, 01/10/26, 02/07/26, 04/11/26, 04/26/26, 05/16/26

[STCW License & Radar Renewal Courses]

Revalidations (REV): You have 360+ days of sea time in the last 5 years

BT-REV (2-day): 01/19/26*, 03/30/26, 05/15/26, 09/14/26, 09/28/26, 10/26/26

FF-ADV-REV (1-day): 01/21/26, 04/01/26, 05/20/26, 09/16/26, 09/30/26, 10/28/26

Refreshers (REF): You have less than 360 days of sea time in the last 5 years

BT-REF (3-day): 01/19/26*, 03/30/26, 10/26/26

FF-ADV-REF (2-day): 01/22/26, 04/02/26, 10/29/26

ROR-1N – Radar Observer Renewal Evening Classes (1-Night): 01/21/26, 04/01/26, 10/28/26

[CMM – Chief Mate & Master Upgrade Courses]

ADVSTB – Advanced Stability: 1 02/16/26, 04/20/26, 06/08/26

ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology: 02/09/26, 04/27/26, 06/01/26

CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10-Day): 02/23/26

LAP – License Advancement Program for Mate to Master (20-Day): 04/20/26

LAP Testing Notice: Due to changes at the Baltimore REC, LAP courses no longer include priority testing. Seating is limited to 6 students. All testing now requires a scheduled appointment and an approval letter.

LMS – Leadership and Managerial Skills: 02/16/26, 03/23/26

MPP-CMM – Marine Propulsion Plants: 03/23/26

SHMGT-CMM – Ship Management: 03/09/26

SHS-ADV-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (10-Day): 01/12/26*, 02/06/26*, 03/02/26, 04/06/26, 05/11/26, 06/15/26

WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping: 03/16/26

[AB TO MATE Upgrade Courses]

ARPA-OIC – Automated Radar Plotting Aids (4-Day): 02/09/26*, 05/04/26

CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling & Stowage: 03/16/26, 05/18/26

CNAV-OIC – Celestial Navigation (15-Day): 03/09/25

ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems: 02/23/26*, 03/02/26, 05/18/26

FL – Visual Communications / Flashing Light (1 Day): Contact Admissions

GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (10-Day): 02/02/26, 04/13/26*

LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Prep (15-Day): 03/23/26, 05/25/26

LTS – Leadership and Teamworking Skills (1-Day): Contact Admissions

ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 02/02/26, 04/27/26

SAR – Search and Rescue (3-Day): 02/16/26, 05/04/26

SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 02/23/26*, 04/27/26*

STB-OIC – Stability and Cargo Handling: 03/19/26, 05/11/26

TNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 01/05/26, 04/06/26

WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (10-Day): 01/12/26, 03/30/26

WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 01/05/26, 02/16/26

[MSC – Military Sealift Command Courses]

MSC-ATO-I – Anti-Terrorism Officer (Online): Contact Admissions

MSC-ATO-II – Anti-Terrorism Officer II (MSC-ATO-III included): 01/19/26

MSC-CBRD-1 – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Orientation (Basic) Indoctrination (1-Day): 01/08/26, 03/12/26

MSC-CBRD-OFF – Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Officer: 03/23/2026, 06/22/2026

MSC-DC – Damage Control (1-Day): 01/09/26, 03/13/26

MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 01/09/26, 03/13/26

MSC-SMA – Small Arms (4-Day): 01/12/26, 03/15/26, 04/13/26

MSC-SWB – Security Watch Basic (1-Day): 01/10/26, 03/14/26

MSC-SW-ADV – Security Watch Advanced (1-Day): 01/11/26, 03/15/26, 04/12/26

MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 01/16/26, 03/20/26

[MM&P Company Specific Requirements Courses]

CM-OPS 1 – Chief Mate Operations: 01/12/26

CM-OPS 2 Maersk – CM Operations II Maersk Specific: 01/19/26

LNG-BADV – Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations (3-Day): 02/02/26, 02/05/26

NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 01/06/26*, 01/08/26, 03/17/26, 03/19/26, 5/12/26, 05/14/26, 10/27/26, 10/29/26 – Contact Admissions to Register

SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling: 01/26/26*

WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-Day): 01/24/26, 02/14/26

[Other MITAGS Courses]

AB – Able Seaman: 02/16/26

BRM – Bridge Resource Management: 03/23/26*

GL-Pilot – Great Lakes Pilotage Familiarization (2-Day): 02/13/26

LAP-Great Lakes – License Advancement Program – Great Lakes (15-Day): 02/16/26

HAZ – Hazardous Materials: 02/02/26

Qualified Assessor (Online): Contact Admissions

RFPNW – Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (3-Day): Not currently scheduled

TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: Not Currently Scheduled

VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): 02/23/26

[Continual Improvement Workshops – NOT covered by the MATES Program]

Designated Person Ashore & Internal Auditor (3-Day): Online: 02/04/26

Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis (2-Day): Online: Not Currently Scheduled
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MITAGS–WEST ACADEMIC NOTES

2024 Fall/Winter

SCHEDULE OF COURSES – (Please also see our schedule and enroll online at www.mitags.org)

FOR REGISTRATION CONTACT OUR ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT 866.656.5568 OR admissions@mitags.org

January 2026

5-9 Basic Training (original certification)

12-13 Basic Training Revalidation

14th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

20-23 Advanced Firefighting (original certification)

26-30 Meteorology (Operational Level)

26-6 Medical Person-in-Charge

February 2026

2-3 Basic Training Revalidation

4th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

2-6 Basic Shiphandling

2-20 Celestial Navigation

9-13 Medical Care Provider

16-18 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility

23-27 Basic Training (original certification)

23-27 Meteorology (Operational Level)

28-29 Basic Training Revalidation

28-1 Basic Training Refresher

March 2026

2nd Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

2-6 Basic Shiphandling

9-12 Advanced Firefighting (original certification)

9-13 ECDIS

11-13 Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW)

16-20 Leadership & Managerial Skills

16-20 Basic Training (original certification)

16-27 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)

30-31 Basic Training Revalidation

30-3 Able Seafarer

April 2026

6-10 ECDIS

6-10 Basic Training (original certification)

20-23 Advanced Firefighting (original certification)

27-8 Medical Person-in-Charge

27-8 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)

May 2026

11-15 Basic Training (original certification)

16th Vessel Personnel w/Designated Security Duties (VPDSD)

18-19 Basic Training Revalidation

20th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

20-22 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility

26-29 Advanced Firefighting (original certification)

June 2026

1-5 Medical Care Provider

8-12 Basic Training (original certification)

16-17 Basic Training Revalidation

18th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

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The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly is the official electronic newsletter of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, 700 Maritime Blvd., Suite B, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1953. Phone: 410-850-8700; Fax: 410-850-0973. All rights reserved. The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly©2023. Articles can be reprinted without prior permission if credit is given to The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly.

For subscriptions, address changes or messages to the editor, send an email to communications@bridgedeck.org.