Wheelhouse Weekly, March 3, 2026

Volume 32… Number 9, March 3, 2026

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• 91st MM&P Convention Call Aug. 3-5
• Iran War Spreads: Unions Working to Support Members in Conflict Zone
• Six US Service Members Killed in Action; Iran Strikes Five Tankers, Killing Two Seafarers
• US-Flag Tanker Struck in Attack on Port in Bahrain
• Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel: “The Key to Returning to Maritime Dominance Is Carrying Our Nation’s Cargo”
• Official Information About Who Is/Who Isn’t Covered Under Overtime Tax Deduction Law
• News From the MM&P Plan Office: Updated License Insurance Application Now Online
• Launch of Navy’s Newest Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship
• Sailors’ Snug Harbor Is Seeking Retired US Mariners

Job Opportunities:

• AMG Jobs
• Offshore Jobs

And:

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

91st CONVENTION CALL, AUG. 3-5

In accordance with Article IV, Section 2, of the International Constitution, you are hereby notified that the 91st CONVENTION of the MM&P will be convened at 9:00 am on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.

The Convention will be held at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies, 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090.

You are also hereby notified that in accordance with Article IV, Section 6, Subsection c), all proposed resolutions for the 91st Convention must be forwarded to the International Secretary-Treasurer at least thirty (30) days prior to the opening day of the Convention for inclusion on the agenda and determination by the Convention.

In Solidarity,

J. Lars Turner

International Secretary-Treasurer
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UNIONS WORKING TO SUPPORT MEMBERS IN CONFLICT ZONE

MM&P officials, US maritime unions and the International Transport Workers’ Federation have released statements of support for mariners whose vessels are in the conflict zone.

“MM&P will act as a liaison and work closely with your companies, MARAD and DOD to further support our members’ safety during this conflict,” the MM&P Offshore Advisory Committee said in a message that was sent yesterday to the crews of MM&P vessels in the area.

“All of the Offshore Advisory Committee will work to facilitate our members’ requests and needs.

“MM&P conveys its deep respect and admiration for your service to our Country and our Organization.”

Yesterday MM&P also joined other US maritime unions in issuing the following statement.

“We are working closely with vessel management, US military leaders, and the federal government to safeguard American mariners operating in the Persian Gulf and throughout the Middle East.

“We remain committed to continued coordination with all stakeholders until the safety and security of US-flag vessels and their civilian crews can be fully assured.

“We will continue to advocate for robust measures that ensure the safety of American crews and vessels during this period of heightened risk.”

The International Transport Workers’ Federation and companies that employ workers covered by ITF contracts have designated the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters as a high risk area.

“Seafarers are civilian workers,” the ITF and its employers’ group said in a statement.

“Their safety must come before all commercial considerations.

“They must never be exposed to military risk or used as leverage in geopolitical conflict.
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SIX US SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN ACTION; IRAN STRIKES FIVE TANKERS, KILLING TWO SEAFARERS

Six US service members have been killed in the war that broke out on Saturday with US and Israeli strikes on Tehran that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with the leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and other top officials.

The Defense Department said the six Americans were killed when Iran bombed a logistics center in Kuwait. Eighteen US service members were seriously injured in the attack.

The Pentagon said six crewmembers evacuated safely from three F-15 fighter jets that were mistakenly shot down by “friendly fire” in the skies above Kuwait.

US Central Command said Monday that all 11 Iranian naval ships previously operating in the Gulf of Oman have been destroyed.

Iran has fired a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel and launched missile attacks against US military bases, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

It has also struck five tankers, killing two seafarers.

US maritime authorities are urging commercial vessels to avoid the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Multiple insurers have announced that they are suspending war risk insurance for transits of the Strait of Hormuz, effectively making the risk exposure too high for tanker owners to bear, and energy shipping traffic through the strategic waterway has ground to a near-halt.

Iran has announced a complete shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to set fire any vessels that pass its blockade.

The Combined Maritime Forces naval coalition has declared the situation in the Strait of Hormuz “critical,” warning that “active kinetic hazard conditions” exist in the area, along with high levels of GPS signal disruption.

Five tankers have been severely damaged or sunk by Iran, the US said Monday, and at least two seafarers have been killed.

Industry groups are also warning of possible Houthi retaliation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

President Trump has said the war may last four or five weeks, or maybe longer.
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US-FLAG TANKER STRUCK IN ATTACK ON PORT IN BAHRAIN

An attack by Iran on a port in Bahrain killed a shipyard worker, injured two others and damaged the US-flag tanker MT Stena Imperative.

A fire broke out aboard the vessel, which is part of the Tanker Security Program, as a result of the attack.

There were no injuries to the tanker’s crew as a result of the blaze, which has since been extinguished.

Ship operator Crowley said that a damage assessment is now underway.

It is not clear whether the Stena Imperative was the target of the attack.
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“THE KEY TO RETURNING TO MARITIME DOMINANCE IS CARRYING OUR NATION’S CARGO”

Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel sat down last week with representatives of several maritime organizations to record a podcast on the efforts to rebuild the American Merchant Marine.

Carmel is a ship captain and MLL executive who sailed with Military Sealift Command and Maritime Overseas Corporation. He assumed the role of Maritime Administrator at the start of this year.

“The key to returning us to maritime dominance is carrying our nation’s commerce,” Carmel said. “That’s what this industry is for…

“We have two primary roles in the merchant marine: one is carry our nation’s commerce and two, carry our nation to war. Full stop.

“And if we carry our nation’s commerce, if we get that part right, then carrying us to war comes naturally.”

Carmel also said that the Maritime Administration “needs to be less a caretaker of assets and more a provider of capability,” adding “there is “a very big difference between those concepts.”

The podcast was produced by the Navy League and the Center for Maritime Strategy and distributed by the American Maritime Partnership, of which MM&P and MIRAID are both members.
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION ABOUT WHO IS AND WHO ISN’T COVERED UNDER OVERTIME TAX DEDUCTION LAW

The Internal Revenue Service has posted a Q&A about the overtime tax deduction legislation that was included in the budget bill passed last summer.

FAQs #1 and #2 provide information on workers who are covered.

More relevant information appears at the following link.

If you have questions, consult your tax preparer.
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UPDATED LICENSE INSURANCE APPLICATION NOW ONLINE

The updated License Insurance Application has been posted in:

— the Plans Member Portal; and

— the Health & Benefits Forms section of Bridgedeck.org.

In the Plans Member Portal, the application is the fourth item in the Document Library.

It is also the last item listed in the Health & Benefit Forms section of Bridgedeck.org,

If members want to make payments online via the Portal instead of mailing in a check, that option is available to them.

They will still need to submit the completed application with proof of payment to the Plan Office either via mail to the address on the form or via email to hmiceli@mmpplans.com with kryan@mmpplans.com in copy.
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LAUNCH OF NAVY’S NEWEST TOWING, SALVAGE AND RESCUE SHIP

The future USNS Solomon Atkinson, the Navy’s newest towing, salvage, and rescue ship, was launched last week by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.

The T-ATS 12 ships will support missions that include oil spill response, humanitarian assistance, and wide-area search and surveillance.

“It’s always exciting to see these giants we build roll out of the assembly bay,” said Gene Miller, Austal USA’s interim president.

“The completion of this milestone is the result of the hard work and dedication of our talented workforce and the strength of our maritime industrial partnerships key to success in this proven launch process.”

The future USNS Solomon Atkinson, over 75 percent complete at launch, will now be readied for sea trials and delivery.

One of three T-ATS under construction at Austal, it was named after a Native American who was a plank owner of the Navy SEAL teams and one of the service’s most decorated Alaska Native sailors.

MM&P represents the LDOs, Pursers and MSOs aboard all MSC CIVMAR manned ships.
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SAILORS’ SNUG HARBOR IS SEEKING RETIRED US MARINERS

Sailors’ Snug Harbor (SSH) is looking for retired US Mariners to help.

While SSH no longer operates a physical retirement home, the organization now provides assistance directly to mariners in their own communities nationwide.

While most mariners are not facing severe hardship, the assistance allows them to enjoy greater comfort and stability in retirement.

Basic Eligibility:

— 2,555 days at sea (inland or deep‑sea service)*

— Age 60 or older*

— Less than $75,000 in savings*

*Exceptions may be made in special circumstances, especially if a career was cut short due to injury.

For More Information

Call: Jay at 646‑465‑8585

Email: info@thesailorssnugharbor.org

Or visit the SSH website.
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ATLANTIC MARITIME JOBS

Buchanan Marine

1) Mate – MMC with a Mate of Towing within Inland Waters

2) Captain – MMC with a Master of Towing within Inland Waters

If you are interested in any of the above positions, 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 web-site. https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/marine-oiler-in-staten-island-jid-36530 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 web-site. https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/deckhand-in-staten-island-jid-36197

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

Poling & Cutler

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

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

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

3) 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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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: 04/13/26, 09/07/26, 11/30/26

FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-Day): 03/02/26, 05/11/26

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

MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 06/29/26

MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 04/06/26*, 05/11/26, 07/13/26, 11/30/26

MED-PIC-REF – Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 04/27/26*, 08/10/26, 11/16/26

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

04/11/26, 04/26/26, 05/16/26, 07/18/26, 08/15/26, 10/03/26, 11/15/26, 12/05/26

[STCW License & Radar Renewal Courses]

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

BT-REV (2-day): 03/30/26*, 05/15/26, 09/14/26, 09/28/26, 10/26/26, 12/07/26

FF-ADV-REV (1-day): 04/01/26, 05/20/26, 09/16/26, 09/30/26, 10/28/26, 12/09/26

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

BT-REF (3-day): 03/30/26*, 10/26/26, 12/07/26

FF-ADV-REF (2-day): 04/02/26, 10/29/26, 12/10/26

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

[CMM – Chief Mate & Master Upgrade Courses]

ADVSTB – Advanced Stability: 04/20/26, 06/08/26, 08/24/26, 10/05/26, 12/14/26

ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology: 04/27/26, 06/01/26, 08/16/26, 09/28/26, 11/30/26

CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10-Day): 10/12/26

LAP – License Advancement Program for Mate to Master (20-Day): 04/20/26*, 07/13/26, 09/21/26

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: 03/23/26, 05/04/26, 09/21/26, 12/14/26

MPP-CMM – Marine Propulsion Plants: 10/26/26

SHMGT-CMM – Ship Management: 03/09/26, 09/14/26

SHS-ADV-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (10-Day): 04/06/26, 05/11/26, 06/15/26*, 07/06/26, 08/03/26, 09/14/26, 10/05/26, 11/02/26, 11/30/26

WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping: 09/07/26

[AB TO MATE Upgrade Courses]

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

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

CNAV-OIC – Celestial Navigation (15-Day): 03/09/25, 05/25/26

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

FL – Visual Communications / Flashing Light (1 Day): 05/07/26 or Contact Admissions

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

LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Prep (15-Day): 03/23/26, 05/25/26, 08/24/26

LTS – Leadership and Teamworking Skills (1-Day): 05/08/26

ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 04/27/26*, 06/29/26

SAR – Search and Rescue (3-Day): 05/04/26, 08/03/26

SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 04/27/26, 07/13/26*

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

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

WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (10-Day): 03/30/26, 07/20/26

WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 07/06/26

[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): 08/17/26

MSC-CBRD-1 – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Orientation (Basic) Indoctrination (1-Day): 03/12/26, 05/07/26, 06/11/26, 08/06/26, 09/10/26, 11/05/26

MSC-CBRD-OFF – Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Officer: 03/23/2026, 06/22/2026, 08/24/26

MSC-DC – Damage Control (1-Day): 03/13/26, 05/08/26, 06/12/26, 08/07/26, 09/11/26, 11/06/26

MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 03/13/26, 05/09/26, 06/11/26, 08/07/26, 09/11/26, 11/06/26

MSC-SMA – Small Arms (4-Day): 03/15/26*, 04/13/26, 05/11/26, 06/15/26, 07/13/26, 08/10/26, 09/14/26, 10/12/26, 11/09/26

MSC-SWB – Security Watch Basic (1-Day): 03/14/26, 05/09/26, 06/13/26, 08/08/26, 09/12/26, 11/07/26

MSC-SW-ADV – Security Watch Advanced (1-Day): 03/15/26*, 04/12/26, 05/10/26, 06/14/26, 08/09/26, 09/13/26, 11/08/26

MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 03/20/26, 05/15/26, 06/19/26, 08/14/26, 09/18/26, 11/13/26

[MM&P Company Specific Requirements Courses]

CM-OPS 1 – Chief Mate Operations: Not Currently Scheduled

CM-OPS 2 Maersk – CM Operations II Maersk Specific: Not Currently Scheduled

LNG-BADV – Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations (3-Day): 07/27/26, 07/30/26, 10/26/26, 10/29/26

****Offsite LNG-BADV at MMP LA/LB Union Hall: 05/24/26, 05/27/26

NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 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: 04/20/26*, 07/20/26

WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-Day): 05/02/26, 06/06/26, 07/11/26, 08/22/26, 10/03/26, 12/05/26

[Other MITAGS Courses]

AB – Able Seaman: 04/20/26, 09/14/26, 12/07/26

BRM – Bridge Resource Management: 03/23/26

GL-Pilot – Great Lakes Pilotage Familiarization (2-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

LAP-Great Lakes – License Advancement Program – Great Lakes (15-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

HAZ – Hazardous Materials: 06/15/26

Qualified Assessor (Online): Contact Admissions

RFPNW – Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (3-Day): 04/08/26

TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: 04/13/26

VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

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

Designated Person Ashore & Internal Auditor (3-Day): Online: 05/13/26

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

March 2026
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.

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