Wheelhouse Weekly, March 17, 2026

Volume 32… Number 10, March 17, 2026

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• Maritime Unions Respond to Administration’s Suggestion That It Might Waive the Jones Act
• Administration Explores Ways to Restore Strait of Hormuz Traffic
• MSC Christens New Expeditionary Sea Base
• Australia Detains Liberia-Flag Ship After Repeated Breakdowns
• Maritime Unions Join Farmers in Asking Congress to Boost Funding for Food Aid

mark Your Calendar:

• American Merchant Marine Veterans to Hold National Convention at MITAGS, March 27-30
• MM&P Holiday Closing Schedules
• Sea Sisters Annual Retreat April 17-19

Job Opportunities:

• AMG Jobs
• Offshore Jobs

And:

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

MARITIME UNIONS RESPOND TO ADMINISTRATION’S SUGGESTION THAT IT MIGHT WAIVE THE JONES ACT

The White House on March 12 suggested it could consider waiving the Jones Act for coastwise fuel and fertilizer transport as part of its efforts to address rising prices stemming from the US-Israeli war with Iran.

MM&P and the rest of maritime labor responded to the suggestion with a letter to President Trump, noting that waiving the Jones Act could damage the US-flag fleet, while doing little to address rising prices.

“[W]e write to express our strong opposition to any administrative waivers granted under the Jones Act in response to rising energy price concerns,” the unions wrote.

“As you know, Jones Act waivers are granted only in rare, exceptional circumstances, typically on national security grounds where US-flag vessel capacity is unavailable.

“Should concerns exist regarding tanker capacity, Congress has already addressed this through the Tanker Security Program, which ensures the availability of US-flag vessels crewed by American mariners to move critical energy supplies when needed.

“Domestic tanker rates remain stable under long-term charters, while international shipping markets are highly volatile, with foreign-flag tanker rates often exceeding Jones Act rates due to global instability, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Waiving the Jones Act would do nothing to reduce gasoline prices.

“In fact, the primary driver of gasoline prices is the cost of crude oil, not domestic shipping costs.

“Several studies have shown the impact of domestic shipping on nationwide fuel prices is negligible, and any marginal savings would be unlikely to reach consumers.

“A Jones Act waiver would instead create opportunities for foreign-flag operators that avoid paying US taxes, rely heavily on low-wage labor, and operate under regulatory regimes that circumvent international labor and vessel safety standards in direct conflict of America’s national security and economic interests.

“At a time when the Administration is working to strengthen our nation’s shipyards and expand the international US-flag fleet under the recently unveiled Maritime Action Plan (MAP), a Jones Act waiver would undermine these core policy objectives.

“The Jones Act is foundational to maintaining a strong merchant marine, sustaining maritime employment, supporting shipbuilding capacity, and preserving the domestic industrial base essential to national security.

“Waiving this law when US vessels are available would outsource American jobs and weaken the long-term resilience of the maritime industrial base.

“While we genuinely share the collective goal of lowering energy costs for consumers, such waivers would do little to achieve that outcome while harming American workers and domestic industrial capacity.

“We stand ready to work with you to identify meaningful solutions to rising energy prices that protect American workers and strengthen our maritime and industrial base.

The letter was signed by MM&P President Don Josberger, AMO President Willie Barrere, ARA President Kelly Anderson, MFOW President Anthony Poplawski, MEBA President Adam Vokac, SUP President Matt Henning, and TTD President Greg Regan.
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ADMINISTRATION EXPLORES WAYS TO RESTORE STRAIT OF HORMUZ TRAFFIC

With commercial ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz at a virtual standstill, the administration said it is investigating several strategies to get vessels to return.

About 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, and an even larger percentage of liquified natural gas and fertilizer products, passes through the strait on its way to global markets.

President Trump has said in recent days that plans are being made for the US Navy to escort commercial ships through the strait.

He has also asked Japan, South Korea, NATO members and China to contribute military vessels for escort duties. But as of Monday, no other country had responded in the affirmative to his request.

France, South Korea and Britain have not signaled a willingness to participate, while the leaders of Germany, Japan, Italy and Australia said openly on Monday that their countries would not join in efforts to reopen the strait.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations has reported that since Feb. 28, 16 ships have come under attack in the strait, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

In response to the cancellation of war-risk coverage by private insurers, President Trump said that at his direction, the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is launching a $20 billion maritime reinsurance plan to provide war-risk coverage for ships in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

DFC said in a press release that the plan would “restore confidence in maritime trade, help stabilize international commerce, and support American and allied businesses operating in the Middle East during the conflict with Iran.”

After earlier unsubstantiated reports, US official sources have confirmed to The New York Times and CNN that the Iranians have begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, apparently in ones and twos from small boats.

CENTCOM said in a statement issued on March 11 that it had “eliminated” 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels.
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MSC CHRISTENS NEW EXPEDITIONARY SEA BASE

USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr., Military Sealift Command’s newest ship, was christened earlier this month in a ceremony at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego.

The christening was attended by MSC Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, former Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Captain Alexander Delvers, the ship’s civil service master.

The vessel is named for Marine Corps Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata Jr., who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroic actions during the Korean War Battle of Chosin Reservoir in November 1950.

He single-handedly held off a regimental-strength enemy and saved wounded Marines by hurling away a live grenade that had landed in their midst—at the cost of serious injury to himself.

The ship’s sponsors are his daughter, Heather Cafferata, and granddaughter, Jessica Cafferata, who broke a bottle of champagne over the bow.

USNS Cafferata is the sixth and final ship of the expeditionary sea base variant of the transfer dock platform.

ESBs provide logistics movement from sea to shore to support a range of military operations.

They are designed around four core capabilities: aviation, berthing, equipment staging, and command and control.

When activated, USNS Cafferata will primarily support aviation mine countermeasure and special operations forces.

It has a hangar with two aviation operating spots capable of handling MH-53E Sea Dragon-equivalent helicopters; accommodations, workspace, and ordnance storage for embarked forces; and a reconfigurable mission deck area to store equipment such as mine sleds and rigid hull inflatable boats.

MSC directs and supports operations for approximately 140 civilian-crewed ships that replenish Navy ships at sea, preposition combat cargo, and move military equipment and supplies to deployed US forces.

The MM&P Federal Employees Membership Group represents the LDOs, Pursers and MSOs aboard all MSC CIVMAR manned ships.
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AUSTRALIA DETAINS LIBERIA-FLAG SHIP AFTER REPEATED BREAKDOWNS

LThe maritime authorities in Australia detained a Chinese-owned bulk carrier, the Swift Hangzhou, after it experienced continuous engine problems over a 45-day period.

AMSA said in a statement that the poor state of the vessel put the 21-person crew, ships in the area and the environment at risk.

The story began on Jan. 31, when the 2015-built bulk carrier reported serious engine problems after leaving the Australian port of Gladstone on its way to South Korea.

The authorities dispatched a maritime casualty officer to inspect the engine and advise the ship’s officers on what to do.

Four emergency towing vessels were also deployed to prevent the ship from drifting into the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding marine park.

Round-the-clock monitoring of the ship was instituted to mitigate the risks.

Swift Hangzhou was eventually secured in the Gladstone anchorage, but AMSA has now officially detained it for not being seaworthy.

The operator will have to demonstrate that all necessary repairs have been made before it will be allowed to depart.
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AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINE VETERANS TO HOLD NATIONAL CONVENTION AT MITAGS, MARCH 27-30

The American Merchant Marine Veterans has announced that it will hold its 38th National Convention at MITAGS from Friday, March 27 through Monday, March 30.

The theme of the convention is “Preserving Our Legacy, Charting Our Future.”

The convention will feature the new national AMMV officers who were elected in 2025, including: Captain Darin Huggins, national president; Captain Chris Edyvean, national secretary; and Kimberly King, national treasurer.

You can register for the convention and view the agenda on AMMV’s website.

AMMV is celebrating the courageous contributions of US Merchant Mariners to 250 years of American history, in peace and war, as well as the birth of our nation through the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

MIRAID President C. James Patti will be the special guest speaker at the banquet dinner on March 28.

A complimentary tour of the Liberty ship SS John W. Brown is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

The convention will be an opportunity to meet a number of Merchant Marine veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and expeditionary operations in the Middle East and Northeastern Africa.

There will also be time to network with active merchant mariners and cadets, national maritime leaders and union members, and shipping industry representatives from across the United States.

MM&P is among the sponsors of the convention. The complete list of sponsors is posted on the AMMV website.
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MM&P HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE

The MM&P Honolulu Hall will be closed on Monday, March 30, for Harry Bridges Memorial Day.

Pacific Mainland Ports will be closed on Tuesday, March 31, for Cesar Chavez Day.
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SEA SISTERS ANNUAL RETREAT APRIL 17-19

Sea Sisters 2026 Retreat takes place April 17-19 at Marin Headlands.

Ticket sales are now live.

Sea Sisters Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the recruitment and retention of women in the maritime industry.

Thanks to a grant awarded to Sea Sisters by First10Forward, a non-profit dedicated to advancing the cause of women and girls pursuing non-traditional careers, retreat ticket prices this year are more than 50 percent lower than in previous years.

The Sea Sisters Retreat is a network-building event with time set aside for relaxation and fun.

Click the button below to get your ticket.
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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): 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, 10/12/26, 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, 10/17/26, 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*, 05/18/26, 09/14/26, 10/26/26, 12/07/26

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

[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, 08/17/26, 09/28/26, 11/30/26

CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

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, 07/20/26, 09/21/26, 12/14/26

MPP-CMM – Marine Propulsion Plants: Not Currently Scheduled

SHMGT-CMM – Ship Management: Not Currently Scheduled

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, 10/12/26, 11/02/26, 11/30/26

WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping: Not Currently Scheduled

[AB TO MATE Upgrade Courses]

ARPA-OIC – Automated Radar Plotting Aids (4-Day): 05/04/26, 07/06/26

CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling & Stowage: 05/18/26, 08/17/26

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

ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems: 05/18/26, 07/13/26

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

GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (10-Day): 04/13/26, 06/15/26

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: 05/11/26, 08/10/26

TNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 04/06/26, 06/08/26

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): 06/22/26

MSC-CBRD-1 – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Orientation (Basic) Indoctrination (1-Day): 05/07/26, 06/11/26, 08/06/26, 09/17/26, 11/05/26

MSC-CBRD-OFF – Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Officer: 03/23/26

MSC-DC – Damage Control (1-Day): 05/08/26, 06/12/26, 08/07/26, 09/18/26, 11/06/26

MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 05/09/26, 06/11/26, 08/07/26, 09/18/26, 11/06/26

MSC-SMA – Small Arms (4-Day): 04/13/26, 05/11/26, 06/15/26, 07/13/26, 08/10/26, 09/21/26, 10/12/26, 11/09/26, 12/07/26

MSC-SWB – Security Watch Basic (1-Day): 05/09/26, 06/13/26, 08/08/26, 09/19/26, 11/07/26

MSC-SW-ADV – Security Watch Advanced (1-Day):04/12/26, 05/10/26, 06/14/26, 08/09/26, 09/20/26, 11/08/26, 12/06/26

MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 05/15/26, 06/19/26, 08/14/26, 09/25/26, 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): 5/12/26, 05/14/26 – 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: Not Currently Scheduled

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, 7/6/26, 8/31/26

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
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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