Volume 32… Number 15, April 14, 2026
STORIES COVERED
In This Issue:
- US Navy Blockades Iranian Ports
- Mariner Training and Retention Are Focus of MITAGS Conference
- NMC Guidance on Issues Commonly Encountered With E-Medical Certificates
- Global Piracy Drops to Lowest Level in Decades
- Maryland Settles Claim With Shipowner/Operator for 2024 Bridge Collapse
- News From the National Weather Service: Sign Up Now for the Marine Weather Hazards Workshop
- News From the Plan Office: MM&P Retirement Benefit Seminar on April 20
- Courses That MITAGS Has Asked Us to Highlight
- Board of Pilot Commissioners for San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun Opens Applications
Mark Your Calendar:
- Atlantic Maritime Group Virtual Meeting on Wednesday, May 6
- Offshore Membership Meeting in the Newark Hall on Thursday, April 23
- Membership Meeting in Los Angeles/Long Beach Hall on Tuesday, May 5
- Offshore Familiarization Course in the LA/LB Hall on May 5-6
- Offshore Membership Meeting in the Honolulu Hall on Friday, May 8
- Offshore Membership Meeting in the Boston Hall on Thursday, May 14
- Offshore Membership Meeting in the Seattle Hall on Tuesday, June 2
Job Opportunities:
And:
US NAVY BLOCKADES IRANIAN PORTS
On Monday, American forces under the direction of US CENTCOM began blocking maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports.
President Trump told journalists Sunday that the blockade also applies to ships that pay Iran tolls for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
UK Maritime Trade Operations said in an April 13 advisory that “[t]ransit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations is not reported to be impeded by these measures.”
UKMTO warned, however, that “vessels may encounter military presence, directed communications, or right-of-visit procedures during passage.”
Iran on Sunday responded to the announcement of the planned US blockade with a statement saying that if its ports are blocked, “no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe.”
Despite weeks of bombardment by the US and Israel, Iran still possesses an unknown quantity of mines, drones and missiles, and it has demonstrated that it retains the capability to take action against vessels.
The International Maritime Organization continues to express grave concerns for the thousands of mariners aboard ships that are blocked in the conflict area, some of which are running out of food, water and fuel.
The IMO has also spoken out against Iran’s announcement that going forward, it plans to control the Strait of Hormuz and charge fees to transiting vessels.
“There is no international agreement where tolls can be introduced for transiting international straits,” an IMO spokesperson told journalists last week.
“Any such toll will set a dangerous precedent.”
Against this backdrop, Iran has issued a redrawn traffic separation scheme for the strait, noting that there is a risk of anti-ship mines in the main traffic zone.
The new routing directs inbound vessels through a northern corridor between the islands of Qeshm and Larak under Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps supervision—while outbound traffic is funneled via a southern path past Larak and within easy reach for Iranian naval escorts.
On a map released by Iran last week, a designated “danger zone” marked “transit prohibited” now encompasses the IMO-designated traffic separation scheme off the Musandam Peninsula.
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MARINER TRAINING AND RETENTION ARE FOCUS OF MITAGS CONFERENCE
Maritime educators met with professional mariners, vessel operators and union and government officials at MITAGS from March 30 to April 1 to explore strategies aimed at growing the maritime workforce to meet the country’s needs.
The conference, Mariners for America, brought together a diverse group of industry professionals to participate in expert-led sessions and discussions, hands-on training and networking opportunities.
There were 39 speakers and panel leaders. They included:
— MSC Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson;
— Shashi N. Kumar, associate administrator for workforce development at MARAD;
— Allen Scott, training and credentialing manager at Washington State Ferries; and
— Michele Barutha, apprenticeship program manager at MITAGS.
Improving mariners’ work-life balance is essential to efforts to retain maritime workers and attract new professionals to the field, said MM&P President Don Josberger in his welcome remarks.
“Everyone here today recognizes that The Ships for America Act in Congress and the administration’s Maritime Action Plan provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in and modernize our maritime industry,” Josberger said.
“Our industry is entering a period of historic growth.
“At the center of the effort to reconstitute the industry is the need to attract and retain a strong, sustainable American mariner workforce.”
Among the conference speakers was Professor Maria Carrera Arce of The World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden, who discussed the results of the recent WMU survey on work and rest hours and shore leave.
Dr. Carrera is a researcher and psychologist specializing in maritime human factors, mental health, and psychological well-being, whose research focuses on understanding how organizations, safety systems, and operational pressures affect seafarers’ health, safety, and career sustainability.
During the session she chaired, In Search of a Sea-Life Balance in an Adverse Environment, she highlighted the occupational pressures driving stress, reduced well-being, and high turnover—particularly among US mariners—and discussed why addressing these challenges is critical to the future sustainability of the maritime workforce.
One finding of the study is that American seafarers report work weeks averaging 79 hours, an exhausting schedule that led many respondents to say they plan to leave the profession in five years’ time or less.
“Work-life imbalance is a tremendous deterrent to attracting US mariners,” she said.
“Without serious, immediate consideration for seafarers’ welfare, the shipping industry as a whole, and the US maritime sector in particular, may face a recruitment crisis and the loss of vital operational know-how.”
“It’s evident that a major change is required if the industry is to not only retain experienced seafarers but also to recruit the next generation,” Josberger said.
“Fatigue, stress, and work-life imbalance are not just quality-of-life issues—they are safety issues.
“Addressing them is essential to protecting mariners, vessels, and the integrity of the American maritime industry.”
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NMC GUIDANCE ON ISSUES COMMONLY ENCOUNTERED WITH E-MEDICAL CERTIFICATES
The National Maritime Center is now using e-mail to deliver medical certificates that do not include a waiver.
Certificates with medical waivers will continue to be mailed.
NMC has provided the update below on issues that mariners may encounter with e-medical certificates, including questions about e-signing.
Certificates are issued as a standard 8.5-inch x 11-inch (letter size) PDF document.
Certificates must be signed to be valid.
It is also recommended that mariners print and keep a signed certificate for their own use.
The new medical certificates include a QR code as a built-in security feature.
When the code is scanned, users are directed to the NMC credential verification tool to confirm validity of the certificate.
Remember that if you want your medical certificate delivered by e-mail, you must ensure that you have provided a valid e-mail address with your 719 K or K/E.
If you have not provided a valid email address with your 719 K or K/E, your certificate will be mailed in accordance with standard procedures.
How to e-Sign Your Medical Certificate Using Your Mobile Phone
With the right electronic signature app, you can digitally sign your certificate on a mobile device (iPhone or Android) easily, legally, and securely.
There are several free electronic signature services that offer legally binding e-signatures for documents.
Examples include OpenSign (unlimited free), SignWell (limited free docs), DigiSigner, and Adobe Acrobat Fill & Sign.
Troubleshooting and Important Notes
Before contacting the NMC Customer Service Center, allow time for e-mail delivery of your medical certificate and check your sp..m folder.
Are attachments missing? Firewalls can block PDFs—try using your personal device and your personal e-mail address.
If you can’t open the file, try using a PDF app like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
An image of the new e-medical certificate is posted on the NMC home page.
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GLOBAL PIRACY DROPS TO LOWEST LEVEL IN DECADES
Incidents of piracy and armed robbery fell in the first quarter of 2026 to levels not seen in more than 30 years, according to a report issued last week by the International Maritime Bureau.
The IMB reported only 16 incidents worldwide in that timeframe, compared with 45 incidents in 2025 and 33 in the first quarter of 2024.
Fourteen vessels were boarded and one was hijacked in the three-month period from January to March of this year, with incidents split nearly evenly between vessels underway and those at anchor.
“It’s very positive to see reported maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents fall to this level,” said IMB Director Michael Howlett.
The result, he said, demonstrates the importance of quick reporting and international cooperation.
The Singapore Strait accounted for half of all incidents reported globally so far this year, with eight cases taking place in the shipping lanes around Singapore.
The situation was much improved over last year, however, since there were 31 attacks reported in the first quarter of 2025.
There was also improvement off the coast of West Africa, with only one report in the Gulf of Guinea region in the first quarter of 2026.
Off the coast of Somalia, two pirate attacks were reported: a hijacking and an attempted hijacking.
The IMB reported that it had been notified of four incidents of piracy in the Philippines, compared with none in the same period in 2025. Two incidents took place in the anchorage near Manila; the other two were in Batangas Bay.
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MARYLAND SETTLES CLAIM WITH SHIPOWNER/OPERATOR FOR 2024 BRIDGE COLLAPSE
The State of Maryland has reached a settlement in principle with the owner and operator of the Singapore-flag containership that brought down the Francis Scott Key Bridge in 2024.
The total cost of rebuilding the bridge is estimated to be more than $5 billion.
The accident took place after the containership, MV Dali, lost power and struck the bridge, causing it to collapse and killing six construction workers.
In its report, the National Transportation Safety Board said the accident was caused by a loose wire that caused a fault which in turn shut down the ship’s auxiliary power and cut off propulsion and steering.
Maryland alleged in its court filing that the disaster was caused by “negligence, mismanagement, and the reckless operation of a vessel that was not seaworthy and should never have left port.”
“The Dali’s crash into the Key Bridge disrupted the Port of Baltimore, devastated livelihoods, and sent economic shockwaves across our state that are still being felt today,” said Attorney General Anthony Brown.
He called the settlement “an important step toward making Maryland whole.”
While the settlement will resolve the state’s claims against the ship’s owner and operator, the attorney general’s office highlighted that it does not resolve any claims that Maryland may have against the shipbuilder, HD Hyundai.
Since the outset of litigation, the owner and operator have sought to limit their liability, based on a 175-year-old law, to $44 million.
Although the state has settled, ongoing civil cases include the city of Baltimore, the families of the six victims and businesses that claim the bridge collapse caused them financial harm.
The shipowner and operator and their insurance companies have already settled claims made by the U.S. Coast Guard and the federal government for the cost of the cleanup and recovery operations.
During the most recent status meeting in court, the judge acknowledged there could be additional settlement agreements announced in the coming weeks, but warned all parties involved to prepare for trial.
Several members of the containership crew are still being detained in Baltimore in connection with the case.
SIGN UP NOW FOR THE MARINE WEATHER HAZARDS WORKSHOP
The Marine Weather Hazards Workshop is just one month away and there is still time to register.
The workshop is offered by NOAA’s National Weather Service.
Please find the registration form here.
The workshop will take place in Seattle, WA, at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center on May 11-12. A virtual option will be offered for those who can’t travel.
Feel free to share this announcement with others in the marine industry or marine weather community.
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MM&P RETIREMENT BENEFIT SEMINAR ON APRIL 20
MM&P Plans Acting Administrator Ken Ryan and MM&P Secretary-Treasurer Lars Turner will host a remote education session for retirement options regarding benefit decisions and calculations.
The session will also include details about the recent Co-Pay and Medicare awareness as well as a question-and-answer session on health, vacation and other plan benefits and coverage.
MM&P Federal Credit Union Director Kathy Klisavage will also discuss the credit union and answer questions.
This session is available to all offshore members and applicants.
The session will be held on April 20 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM ET.
Click here to register for the session.
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COURSES THAT MITAGS HAS ASKED US TO HIGHLIGHT
#1 – RFPNW 04.08.2026, BT 04.13.2026 and AB 04.20.2026 – These 3 courses are for mariners seeking to upgrade from OS to AB.
#2 – TPIC for the week of 04.13.2026
#3 – GMDSS for the week of 04.13.2026
#4 – LNG-BADV for 04.20.2026
#5 – ADVSTB 04.20.2026, ADVWX 04.27.2026, LMS 05.04.2026 – These could be part of a Chief Mate/Master upgrade bundle.
#6 – TPIC, LNG-BADV and AB.
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BOARD OF PILOT COMMISSIONERS FOR SAN FRANCISCO, SAN PABLO AND SUISUN OPENS APPLICATIONS
The Board of Pilot Commissioners for the Bays of San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun (BOPC) has opened applications for its 2026 Pilot Trainee Training Examination.
The BOPC is seeking eligible mariners for its Pilot Trainee Training Exam—the gateway to qualifying for the BOPC’s pilot training program, and the pathway to become a BOPC licensed pilot.
The application period for the 2026 Trainee Training Examination is open now through May 15, 2026, 5:00 P.M., Pacific Daylight Time. Here is the timeline:
· On Monday, July 20, the BOPC will administer to qualified applicants a virtual proctored Knowledge-Based Test (formerly referred to as the Written Exam).
· Applicants who meet or exceed the cut score set by the Board for the Knowledge-Based Test will be invited to participate in the Simulator Evaluation Exam to be held Aug. 11–14 at Cal Poly Maritime, located in Vallejo, Calif.
· Applicants who pass the Simulator Evaluation Exam will sit for a Virtual Interview, which will be used to rank the list of applicants who have passed the Knowledge-Based Exam and the Simulator Evaluation Exam.
Application Deadline
· The complete application must be received at the Board office by May 15, 5:00 P.M., Pacific Daylight Time.
Application Form
· The Examination Application is available on the BOPC’s website: Exam Application. It is also available by written or email request.
Application Questions
· Any inquiries regarding the application contents or process must be made in writing via email: bopc_trainee_exam@bopc.ca.gov.
Application Submission
· For the 2026 Exam, you may complete your application by mail, or you may deliver your application in person to the BOPC office, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Governance and Administration
The BOPC’s Trainee Training Examination is governed by and administered pursuant to TTitle 7, California Code of Regulations.
Contact Information
· For Exam Questions: bopc_trainee_exam@bopc.ca.gov
· For General Information: bopc@bopc.ca.gov
· Online: www.bopc.ca.gov
· Address: 660 Davis Street, San Francisco, California 94111
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Mark Your Calendar:
ATLANTIC MARITIME GROUP VIRTUAL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
The MM&P Atlantic Maritime Group will hold its quarterly membership meeting online on Wednesday, May 6.
The meeting will take place from 1100 hours to 1300 hours.
All members in good standing are urged to attend.
To receive a link to participate in the virtual meeting, you must register BEFORE close of business on May 5 with AMG Representative Paulina Trzepacz.
Her email address is: Ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org
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Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN THE NEWARK HALL ON THURSDAY, APRIL 23
There will be an Offshore membership meeting in the MM&P Newark Union Hall on Thursday, April 23, at 1100.
International President Don Josberger will participate and give his report.
The Newark Hall is located at:
570 Broad Street, Suite 701
Newark, NJ 07102
201-963-1900
All Offshore members are encouraged to attend the meeting.
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Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN LA/LB HALL ON TUESDAY, MAY 5
There will be a membership meeting in the MM&P Los Angeles/Long Beach Hall on Tuesday, May 5, immediately after the 11:00 a.m. job call.
Pacific Ports Vice President Melany Velleca and Port Agent-Pacific Ports John Taylor will attend the meeting.
The Los Angeles/Long Beach Hall is located at:
533 N. Marine Ave., Ste A
Wilmington, CA 90744-5527
Phone: 310-834-7201
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Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE FAMILIARIZATION COURSE IN THE LA/LB HALL ON MAY 5-6
The Offshore Familiarization Course will be held in the LA/LB Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 5-6.
The schedule for the course is 0930-1530.
To receive credit, members must attend both days of the course and the union meeting that follows.
West Coast Vice President Melany Velleca and West Coast Port Agent John Taylor will be facilitating.
There is no sea-time requirement to take the course.
All Offshore applicants, potential transferees from other membership groups and other interested Offshore members are encouraged to take the course as soon as possible.
If there are any questions, please contact John Taylor at 424-339-6560.
If you are interested in participating in the course, please contact Wendy Karnes, wkarnes@bridgedeck.org.
The contact information for the hall is:
533 N. Marine Ave., Ste A
Wilmington, CA 90744-5527
Phone: 310-834-7201
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Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN THE HONOLULU HALL ON FRIDAY, MAY 8
There will be an Offshore Membership Meeting in the MM&P Honolulu Hall on Friday, May 8.
The meeting will take place after the 1000 job call.
Pacific Ports Vice President Melany Velleca will attend the meeting.
The MM&P Honolulu Hall is located at:
521 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste 254
Phone: 808-523-8183
Honolulu@bridgedeck.org
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Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN THE BOSTON HALL ON THURSDAY, MAY 14
There will be an Offshore membership meeting in the MM&P Boston Union Hall on Thursday, May 14, at 1100.
International President Don Josberger will participate and give his report.
The Boston Hall is located at:
Marine Industrial Park
12 Channel St., Suite 505
Boston, MA 02210-2333
617-671-0769
All Offshore members are encouraged to attend the meeting.
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Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN THE SEATTLE HALL ON TUESDAY, JUNE 2
There will be an Offshore Membership Meeting in the Seattle Hall on Tuesday, June 2, directly after the 1100 job call.
MM&P Secretary-Treasurer J. Lars Turner and Pacific Ports Vice President Melany Velleca will attend the meeting.
The Seattle Hall is located at:
15208 52nd Ave. South
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98188
Phone: 206-441-8700.
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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.
Marine Oil Service
1) Tankerman PIC – MMC tankerman (PIC) with DL (required)
If you are interested, please fill out an application online https://avanan.url-protection.com/v1/r01/url?o=https%3A//marineoilservice.com/careers/&g=ZTI2ZjJkOTljODYzYjliYg==&h=OTNiOGYzYTQwMmQzOTNlMjg2N2ZiZTY2YTU4ZGFjYzc2YTI0MzNiYzhjNTczOWM2ZTllNDFkYjFkOWJiNTQwMg==&p=YXAzOmJyaWRnZWRlY2s6YTpvOjc2OTE2OWVlODk1YTQ0YzA0NGRhNWY5NmZhMjJjMzVkOjc6dDpU or email the company careers@marineoilservice.com
Any questions, please send an email to Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org
GREAT LAKES & GULF MARITIME REGION JOBS
2nd Cook needed May through October aboard R/V Lake Guardian operating in the Great Lakes
Email resume and MMC to elulko@bridgedeck.org
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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: 09/07/26, 11/30/26
FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-Day): 05/11/26, 08/31/26
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): 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):
04/26/26, 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): 05/18/26, 09/14/26, 10/26/26, 12/07/26
FF-ADV-REV (1-day): 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): 10/26/26, 12/07/26
FF-ADV-REF (2-day): 10/29/26, 12/10/26
ROR-1N – Radar Observer Renewal Evening Classes (1-Night): 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): 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, 07/20/2026
ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems: 05/18/26, 07/13/26
FL – Visual Communications / Flashing Light (1 Day): 05/07/26, 08/06/26 or Contact Admissions
GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (10-Day): 06/15/26, 08/10/26
LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Prep (15-Day): 05/25/26, 08/24/26, 10/26/26
LTS – Leadership and Teamworking Skills (1-Day): 05/08/26, 09/04/26
ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 04/27/26*, 06/29/26
SAR – Search and Rescue (3-Day): 05/04/26, 08/03/26, 10/05/26
SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 04/27/26, 07/13/26, 08/24/26
STB-OIC – Stability and Cargo Handling: 05/11/26, 08/10/26, 10/12/26
TNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 06/08/26
WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (10-Day): 07/20/26, 09/14/26
WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 07/06/26, 09/07/26
[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: Not Currently Scheduled
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): 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): 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): 04/20/26*,
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): Not Currently Scheduled
TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: 7/6/26, 8/31/26
VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): 08/17/26
[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
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
April 2026
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
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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Wheelhouse Weekly, July 18, 2023
Volume 29… Number 29, July 18, 2023 STORIES COVERED In This Issue: Pasha Hawaii Announces Delivery of Second LNG-Fueled ‘Ohana Class Vessel Coast Guard To Review Handling of Sexual Violence Reports at USCG Academy ILWU Canada Reaches Tentative Deal With British Columbia Port Employers Christening of First New Maritime Academy Training Ship Also: Resurgence of […]
Wheelhouse Weekly, July 11, 2023
Volume 29… Number 28, July 11, 2023 STORIES COVERED In This Issue: The Passing of MM&P Vice President George A. Quick. MM&P Mourns a Mentor, a Friend, and an Unwavering Advocate for Mariners Growing Support for Canada’s Striking Longshore Workers Global Seafarer, a Publication of the Nautilus Federation, Is Now Online Chinese Ship Comes Within […]
Wheelhouse Weekly, May 7, 2024
Volume 30… Number 19, May 7, 2024 STORIES COVERED In This Issue: President Biden Reestablishes Labor-Management Partnerships at Federal Agencies MV DALI To Be Moved From Baltimore Bridge Site in Coming Days Dive Boat Captain Sentenced to Four Years in Prison Over 2019 Fire Reuters Reports That Iran Has Freed Crew of Ship Seized Last […]