Wheelhouse Weekly, March 24, 2026

Volume 32… Number 12, March 24, 2026

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• Breaking News: NLRB Rules in Favor of OSG and ATC Licensed Deck Officers Seeking MM&P Representation
• Maritime Labor Expresses “Deep Concern” Over 60-Day Jones Act Waiver
• NMC Experiencing Temporary Outage of Application Submission Portal
• Third Maritime Academy Training Ship, State of Maine, Delivered to MARAD
• NY/NJ Hall Is Open, But Internet and Phones Are Down
• War in the Middle East: International Maritime Organization Calls for Urgent Evacuation of Seafarers
• Iran Launches Missiles at Diego Garcia
• Iran Establishes Its Own Shipping Corridor

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

NLRB RULES IN FAVOR OF OSG AND ATC LICENSED DECK OFFICERS SEEKING MM&P REPRESENTATION

In two separate decisions, the National Labor Relations Board has affirmed the right of licensed deck officers at Overseas Shipholding Group and Alaska Tanker Company to join the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots and bargain collectively with their respective employers.

The Board’s unanimous March 18 ruling came more than a year and a half after licensed deck officers at OSG and ATC voted by a wide margin to be represented by MM&P.

An overwhelming majority of the chief mates, floating chief mates, second mates, and third mates employed by the company voted in the representation election.

“We are prepared to move forward promptly and in good faith toward negotiating a first collective bargaining agreement,” MM&P told OSG officials in a formal demand to bargain.

The MM&P Offshore Membership Group campaign to represent the OSG and ATC LDOs was led by MM&P Atlantic Ports Vice President Captain Tom Larkin, with the support and assistance of the other members of the MM&P Offshore Advisory Committee, pensioner member Captain Shawn Tucy, and numerous others.

“Thank you to all for staying the course,” Larkin told the OSG and ATC licensed deck officers after the NLRB ruling was issued.

“This is a major win for all of us and a testament to your perseverance.

“You have our unending respect for standing with us. MM&P will not waiver in protecting and promoting your interests.”

ATC operates four US-flag Alaska-class crude oil tankers transporting crude oil from Alaska to refineries along the West Coast. OSG operates another 13 vessels that are part of the successful organizing effort. 
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MARITIME LABOR EXPRESSES “DEEP CONCERN” OVER 60-DAY JONES ACT WAIVER

MM&P has joined the rest of American maritime labor in calling on the Administration to reverse course on its Jones Act waiver and seek “real solutions” to energy costs that do not compromise the country’s security.

Following the announcement that the Administration had issued the 60-day waiver, the union coalition issued the following statement.

“America’s maritime labor unions are deeply concerned about the Administration’s broad Jones Act waiver, which undermines our national security, weakens military readiness, and hands critical maritime work to foreign vessel operators.

“Jones Act waivers are intended to meet a strict legal standard and are traditionally granted only in narrow, clearly defined national security emergencies where U.S.-flag capacity is unavailable.

“Maritime labor has supported narrowly tailored Jones Act waivers in the past when they were obviously justified in the national interest, but this sweeping action does not meet that standard.

“At a time of heightened global instability where American sailors are being targeted in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas, opening U.S. waterways to foreign adversaries through an expansive Jones Act waiver further jeopardizes America’s safety and security in open waters.

“Such action only permits more abuse of our nation’s cabotage laws and sends a damaging signal about the nation’s commitment to sustain a strong U.S. maritime industry and workforce.

“To be clear, this decision will not provide meaningful relief at the gas pump. It has been plainly shown that the primary driver of gasoline prices remains the global cost of crude oil, and multiple analyses demonstrate that domestic shipping accounts for less than one cent per gallon.

“Any marginal savings will not reach consumers but will instead reward foreign shipping interests at the expense of American workers.

“Maritime labor calls on the Administration to reverse course and work with stakeholders on real solutions that address energy costs without sacrificing American jobs, national security, or the long-term strength of the U.S. maritime industrial base.”

The American Maritime Partnership, of which MM&P and MIRAID are members, also issued a statement, noting that the law requires that “Every vessel movement under this waiver be publicly disclosed and justified according to federal law.

“We will be watching closely—and so will the American public,” it added.

The unions that joined MM&P in signing the joint labor statement were AMO, ARA, MEBA, MFOW, SIU, SUP, the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department and the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department.
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NMC EXPERIENCING TEMPORARY OUTAGE OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION PORTAL

The National Maritime Center is currently experiencing technical difficulties with the Application Submission Portal (ASAP).

As a result, NMC is unable to accept applications through the portal at this time.

No alternate application methods are currently available. Mariners should hold their applications submissions until the portal is restored.

NMC said its technical teams are actively working to resolve the issue; however, an estimated time for resolution is not yet available.

For updates on system availability, NMC and REC operating status, it advises stakeholders to monitor the NMC website.

For questions, contact the Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

Due to the government shutdown, NMC and all Regional Examination Centers remain closed.

Customer walk-in service at the RECs is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are cancelled.
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THIRD MARITIME ACADEMY TRAINING SHIP, STATE OF MAINE, DELIVERED TO MARAD

The third newly built cadet training ship, the State of Maine, was delivered earlier this month to the Maritime Administration.

It will be the fifth training vessel, and the first purpose-built vessel, to be operated by the Maine Maritime Academy, which is located in Castine, Maine.

The handover to MARAD took place at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, and the vessel was scheduled to depart for Maine shortly thereafter.

Once it arrives in Portland, Maine, there will be an official arrival ceremony and formal handover to Maine Maritime.

From there, preparation will begin for the inaugural sea term, scheduled to begin in May 2026.

Work is underway to build a new steel pier at the academy, which will serve as the training ship’s permanent berth.

The third ship in a series of five, following Empire State (New York) and Patriot State (Massachusetts), the first block for the State of Maine was placed in the dry dock in May 2023.

The State of Maine replaces a 1990-built vessel of the same name that served as the academy’s training ship for 27 years and completed its final training cruise in 2024.

The National Security Multi-Mission Vessels are the first dedicated training ships to be built for the maritime schools.

They have eight classrooms, a dedicated training bridge and navigation lab, two full-sized engine rooms, laboratory and workshop space, an auditorium, roll-on/roll-off and container capacity, and even a helipad.

Each is 525 feet (160 meters) in length and weighs 8,500 dwt (26,000 gross tons).

The State of Maine can accommodate 600 cadets. It is also designed to conduct humanitarian missions, with up to 1,000 people on board and a full medical facility.

Work is moving forward on the fourth ship, Lone Star State, which was floated in January 2025 and is assigned to Texas A&M Maritime College.

The keel blocks for the fifth ship, assigned to Cal Poly Maritime Academy in California, were put in the dry dock in March 2025.
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NY/NJ HALL IS OPEN, BUT INTERNET AND PHONES ARE DOWN

Internet and phones are down in the MM&P NY/NJ Union Hall, but the hall is open.

If you need to contact the hall, please call Atlantic Ports Coast Agent Ron Colpus at 617-671-0769.
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INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION CALLS FOR URGENT EVACUATION OF SEAFARERS

With seafarers on trapped ships facing shortages of food and water, the governing body of the International Maritime Organization met on March 18 and 19 to push for a plan for their safe evacuation.

The organization’s executive body, the IMO Council, is calling on “all relevant countries and stakeholders” to urgently begin negotiating the establishment of a safe evacuation plan for the merchant ships that are now blocked by the hostilities in the Gulf Region.

The reality of the situation is grim, according to the International Chamber of Shipping.

There are currently about 20,000 seafarers aboard ships that are trapped in the area and their crews face not only fuel shortages, but also shortages of water on board.

On March 19, maritime consultant Windward AI identified 1,290 foreign-flagged cargo and tanker vessels blocked in the Gulf, with the heaviest concentration along the western coast, primarily at hubs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The blocked vessels include 415 bulk carriers, 341 general cargo vessels, 283 crude oil tankers, 226 oil products tankers, 119 container ships and 51 LNG tankers.

The IMO Council, which consists of the representatives of 40 member states elected by the IMO Assembly for two-year terms, says a safe evacuation network would protect the lives of seafarers and ensure the safety of commercial shipping by shielding vessels from military attacks.

“I am ready to start working immediately in negotiations to establish a humanitarian framework to evacuate all vessels and seafarers trapped,” said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

“However, for this to materialize, I will need the understanding, commitment and, above all, the concrete actions from all countries involved.”
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IRAN LAUNCHES MISSILES AT DIEGO GARCIA

Iran attempted to strike Diego Garcia with two intermediate range ballistic missiles on March 20.

It is unclear how close the missiles actually came to the island, which houses a UK-US military base.

Diego Garcia is home to about 2,500 mostly American personnel and has supported US military operations in war zones that include Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

It is located in the Chagos Island chain, which has been under British control since 1814, when it was ceded to the UK by France.

After first refusing to allow the base to be used by the US in the current conflict, the British government opened it to “specific and limited defensive operations,” including protecting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran began striking neighboring countries.

Diego Garcia is located about 2,500 miles from Iran. Iran has asserted that its ballistic missiles were limited in range to 1,240 miles, but US officials have long believed that its space program could enable it to build longer range weapons.

The March 20 attack suggests that other bases that the US thought were outside Iran’s range might actually be within the range.
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IRAN ESTABLISHES ITS OWN SHIPPING CORRIDOR

As representatives of maritime nations gathered at the IMO in London to discuss how to protect seafarers and ships caught up in the Strait of Hormuz crisis, there is mounting evidence that Iran has already created its own shipping corridor.

Although no announcement has been made, observers say that signs of the existence of a new corridor are clear.

AIS tracks for multiple outbound vessels show traffic flowing through the five-mile-wide gap between the islands of Qeshm and Larak.

Since the corridor is flanked on both sides by Iran, any transiting vessel is exposed to thorough scrutiny.

Israeli journalist and commentator Nadav Eyal said in a podcast, “The Strategy to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz,” that Iran has deployed “a dozen large naval mines in the strait in order to close it and create a shipping lane that it controls.”

Iranian officials are reportedly negotiating with foreign governments to arrange the release of ships that are blocked in the Gulf, allowing out a small number at a time by diplomatic agreement.

Extensive documentation about each ship is shared in advance with Iranian officials, and the vessel is subject to visual inspection as it passes between Qeshm and Larak.

In at least one case, Lloyd’s List has reported that the shipowner paid $2 million to obtain authorization for the transit.
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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: 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): 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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