Wheelhouse Weekly, May 26, 2026

Volume 32… Number 21, May 26, 2026

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• Congressmen Larsen and Carbajal Demand Answers From White House on Jones Act Waiver
• Rep. Norcross Secures Votes Necessary to Bring Faster Labor Contracts Act to Floor
• National Maritime Day Commemoration Held in Washington, DC
• One Year On, Crewmembers of Liberia-Flag Ship That Sank Off India Remain in Detention

Mark Your Calendar:

• Offshore Membership Meeting in San Francisco/Oakland Hall on Monday, June 1
• Offshore Membership Meeting in the Seattle Hall on Tuesday, June 2

Job Opportunities:

• AMG Jobs
• Great Lakes & Gulf Jobs
• Offshore Jobs

And:

• MITAGS-East Academic Notes
• MITAGS–West Academic Notes
• MITAGS-West Now Offers Self-Paced OICNW Exam Preparation

CONGRESSMEN LARSEN AND CARBAJAL DEMAND ANSWERS FROM WHITE HOUSE ON JONES ACT WAIVER

Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) and Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) are demanding answers from the Trump administration on its “historically broad Jones Act waiver.… [and] unprecedented extension.”

The waiver—which was first imposed for 60 days on March 17 and has since been extended for an additional 90 days—covers more than 600 products.

“It has already been made clear,” Larsen and Carbajal wrote in a May 15 letter to President Trump, “that the waiver has done nothing to lower gas prices, but instead represents an outsourcing of American jobs to foreign interests and an immediate threat to our national and economic security.”

Larsen is the ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Carbajal is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

In their letter to President Trump, they underlined the fact that the waiver runs directly counter to his stated goal of strengthening the American maritime industry.

“America’s Maritime Action Plan (MAP), which you released in February, calls for the increased use of American vessels and American shipyards,” Larsen and Carbajal wrote.

“The waiver does just the opposite, undermining the MAP and threatening all future investments in the American maritime industry.”

The Jones Act stipulates that transportation under a waiver must be “necessary to address an immediate adverse effect on military operations.”

But this waiver, the two wrote, “has allowed foreign ships, paying foreign taxes and employing foreign mariners, to carry domestic cargo that has no benefit for U.S. military operations. This is against the intent of the law.”

In their letter to President Trump, as part of an investigation into the waiver by the House Transportation Committee, Larsen and Carbajal have demanded information that includes:

— how each voyage performed under the waiver has “immediately” been necessary for a US military operation, and if so, which military operation;

— how voyages conducted under the waiver provided needed relief to that specific military operation.

For both the current waiver and the initial waiver dated March 17, they also called on the administration to “provide the market survey, or other mechanism utilized by the Department of Defense or other departments or agencies, to determine that there were ‘insufficient qualified [U.S.-flag] vessels to meet the needs of national defense.’”

“I look forward to receiving detailed information from your office regarding these concerns,” Larsen wrote.

“There is bipartisan support in Congress for restoring America’s maritime dominance and this 90-day extension is completely inconsistent with those efforts.”

To read the entire letter, click here.
Back to Stories Covered

---

REP. NORCROSS SECURES VOTES NECESSARY TO BRING FASTER LABOR CONTRACTS ACT TO FLOOR

Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) announced that he has won the support of 218 of his colleagues in the House—the number required to force a vote on his Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA).

The legislation will speed up the process of finalizing a first contract between a newly certified union and its employer.

According to Bloomberg Law, it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers to reach a first contract, and roughly a third of workers are forced to wait more than three years.

The FLCA, which Norcross introduced last September, would establish deadlines for when employers must start and end negotiations with a new union and give workers access to third-party mediation if a new contract is not signed within that timeframe.

In April, Norcross filed a discharge petition for the FLCA because the bill had enough bipartisan support to indicate it would pass if House Speaker Mike Johnson allowed a vote on the House floor.

A discharge petition is a parliamentary tool that allows representatives to force a vote on legislation as long as a majority of House members agree.

Norcross’s coalition of 218 supporters includes 211 Democrats and seven Republicans.

“For my entire lifetime, workers have had no recourse when employers make new unions wait years for their first contract,” Norcross says.

“Those days are coming to an end.

“With the House now poised to crack down on bad-faith stall tactics from executives, the message to everyone should be clear.

“Workers’ rights make the American dream possible, and Democrats are capable and determined to force the issue.”

“At a time when the right to organize is under assault, it is unacceptable that when hardworking Americans come together to form a workplace union, employers can stifle that progress by refusing to bargain,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

“The Faster Labor Contracts Act will soon pass on the floor of the House of Representatives, strengthening worker protections and compelling employers to come to the table.”

Now that the discharge petition has earned the required support, seven legislative days must pass before a vote can be forced.

Once that discharge motion is formally offered, the Speaker of the House is then required to schedule floor debate within two legislative days.

The FLCA is endorsed by more than twenty unions and advocates for workers’ rights.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has introduced companion bipartisan legislation in the Senate.

Norcross, the only union electrician serving in Congress, is a co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus and a lifelong champion for workers’ rights.

He successfully passed out of the House a provision in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act to overturn President Trump’s executive order which stripped Defense Department employees’ collective bargaining rights.

The full text of Norcross’s bill can be found here, while a one-pager can be found here.
Back to Stories Covered

---

NATIONAL MARITIME DAY COMMEMORATION HELD IN WASHINGTON, DC

Representatives of the maritime unions, shipping companies, the Armed Forces and government convened on May 22 to honor the US maritime industry.

Among the speakers were Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel and Air Force Gen. Randall Reed, the 15th Commander of the US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM).

The event was held at the headquarters of the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, in Washington, DC.

“We have come here today to honor the proud history of the American Merchant Marine,” Carmel said, “and the enduring and indelible courage and commitment of the men and women who sail, build and operate” the vessels in the American fleet.

He noted the significance of the fact that Maritime Day attendees represent all sectors of the industry: companies, unions, and mariners sailing offshore, on the Great Lakes and the inland waterways.

During the course of the commemoration, six current and former leaders of the American Merchant Marine Veterans association received the prestigious Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement.

The medal is the third highest award given to American merchant mariners.

The six honorees, all of whom have spent decades in the maritime industry, served in AMMV national officer positions between 2015 and 2025.

They are: Captain Dru DiMattia; Captain Christopher Edyvean; Captain Darin Huggins; Dennis Kelly; Chief Engineer Christian G. Yuhas; and Bosun John Pitts (posthumously).

Their most notable accomplishment was the grassroots effort behind passage of the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, which was signed into law on March 13, 2020.

Passage of the Congressional Gold Medal Act generated public attention that allowed AMMV to showcase the proud history of the American Merchant Marine, beginning with its inception during the Revolutionary War.

National Maritime Day, which was designated by Congress on May 20, 1933, is held on May 22 each year to commemorate the 1819 voyage of the SS Savannah, the first steamship to cross any ocean.
Back to Stories Covered

---

ONE YEAR ON, CREWMEMBERS OF LIBERIA-FLAG SHIP THAT SANK OFF INDIA STILL REMAIN IN DETENTION

Seven members of the crew of a Liberia-flag containership that sank off the coast of Kerala, India, in May 2025 are still being detained by the authorities.

The vessel, MSC Elsa 3, sank around 15 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala after listing onto its side on May 24.

The entire crew was safely rescued by India’s coast guard.

Fifteen crewmembers were allowed to leave the country and return home last August.

All those who remain—including the master, the chief officer, the chief engineer and the second engineer—say they have fully cooperated with the investigation and should be allowed to return to their homes on legal and humanitarian grounds.

The master is the only member of the crew who has been indicted by the court in connection with the accident.

The vessel was carrying 643 containers, some transporting calcium carbide and others containing plastic nurdles.

A team of divers worked to drain oil from the wreck, and around 630 metric tons of debris were recovered during a shore clean-up.

But now, even after a year, the shoreline continues to be polluted by cargo from the ship, including large amounts of nurdles, according to media interviews with fishermen and environmentalists.

Numerous groups are suing the ship owners and operator in court, seeking compensation that totals more than $1 billion for the pollution, clean up and damage to the local economy, including fisheries.

The owners of the cargo that was lost when the ship sank have also filed suit.

The crewmembers who are still being held are nationals of Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines.

Last week, the court held an initial hearing on the petition from the seven men to be released.

A follow-up hearing has been scheduled for next Friday, May 29.
Back to Stories Covered

---

Mark Your Calendar:

OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN SAN FRANCISCO/OAKLAND HALL ON MONDAY, JUNE 1
There will be a membership meeting in the MM&P San Francisco/Oakland Hall on Monday, June 1 immediately following the 11:00am job call.

MM&P Pacific Ports Vice President Melany Velleca will attend the meeting.

The San Francisco/Oakland Hall is located at:

315 Broadway (above Nation’s)

Oakland, CA 94609

Phone: 510-808-7068

All Offshore members are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Back to Stories Covered

---

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.
Back to Stories Covered

---

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

Back to Stories Covered

---

GREAT LAKES & GULF MARITIME REGION JOBS

— Unlimited Masters with Great Lakes Pilotage needed for 28/28 rotation – Self Unloading Vessels

— Unlimited Mates with Pilotage needed for 28/28 rotation – Research Vessel and Self Unloading Vessels

— QMED with STCW (RFPW and Able Seafarer-Engine) 21/21 rotation needed for Hopper Dredges

— 2nd Cook needed May through October aboard R/V Lake Guardian operating in the Great Lakes

Email resumes and MMC to elulko@bridgedeck.org
Back to Stories Covered

---

OFFSHORE JOBS

Senior LMSR positions available.
Back to Stories Covered

---

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): 09/28/26

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

MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 06/29/26, 11/02/26, 11/09/26

MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 07/13/26, 10/12/26, 11/30/26

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

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

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): 09/14/26, 10/26/26, 12/07/26

FF-ADV-REV (1-day): 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: 06/08/26, 08/24/26, 10/05/26, 12/14/26

ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology: 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): 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: 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): 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): 08/10/26, 11/09/26

CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling & Stowage: 08/17/26, 10/19/26

CNAV-OIC – Celestial Navigation (15-Day): 08/24/26, 11/30/26

ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems: 08/17/26, 11/16/26

FL – Visual Communications / Flashing Light (1-Day): 08/06/26, 10/08/26

GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (10-Day): 06/15/26, 10/12/26

LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Prep (15-Day): 08/24/26, 01/04/27

LTS – Leadership and Teamworking Skills (1-Day): 10/02/26

ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 08/03/26, 10/26/26

SAR – Search and Rescue (3-Day): 08/03/26, 10/05/26

SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 06/15/26, 07/13/26, 11/30/26

STB-OIC – Stability and Cargo Handling: 08/10/26, 10/26/26

TNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 07/13/26, 10/05/26

WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (10-Day): 07/20/26, 09/14/26

WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 07/06/26, 11/16/26

[MSC – MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND COURSES]

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

MSC-ATO-II – Anti-Terrorism Officer II (MSC-ATO-III included): 06/22/26

MSC-CBRD-1 – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Orientation (Basic) Indoctrination (1-Day): 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): 06/12/26, 08/07/26, 09/18/26, 11/06/26

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

MSC-SMA – Small Arms (4-Day): 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): 06/13/26, 08/08/26, 09/19/26, 11/07/26

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

MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 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): 06/28/26, 07/01/26, 07/27/26*, 07/30/26*, 10/26/26, 10/29/26

NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 09/01/26, 09/30/26 Scheduled – Contact Admissions to Register

SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling: 06/08/26*, 07/20/26,07/27/26 10/26/26

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

[OTHER MITAGS Courses]

AB – Able Seaman: 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: Not Currently Scheduled

Qualified Assessor (Online): Contact Admissions

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

TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: 06/01/26, 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: Not Currently Scheduled

Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis (2-Day): Online: Not Currently Scheduled

---

MITAGS–WEST ACADEMIC NOTES

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

June 2026

1-5 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

8-12 Basic Training (Original Certification)

8-12 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

16-17 Basic Training Revalidation

18th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

July 2026

13-31 Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation

20-21 Basic Training Revalidation

22nd Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

28-31 Advanced Firefighting

August 2026

3-4 Basic Training Revalidation

3-7 Meteorology (Operational Level)*

3-7 Radar Observer Unlimited

5th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

10-14 Radar Observer Unlimited

10-14 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

17-20 ARPA

17-21 Basic Training

24-27 Advanced Firefighting

24-28 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

31-4 ECDIS

31-1 Basic Training Revalidation

September 2026

2nd Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

8-11 Advanced Firefighting

14-18 Ship Construction & Basic Stability

14-25 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)

21-25 Cargo Handling & Stowage

21-25 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

21-2 Medical Person-In-Charge

28-30 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility

28-9 GMDSS

October 2026

5-8 Advanced Firefighting

5-9 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

12-16 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

12-16 Basic Training

12-16 Ship Construction & Basic Stability

16th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

17-18 Basic Training Revalidation

19-23 Basic Training

19-23 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

19-23 Cargo Handling & Stowage

26-30 Medical Care Provider

26-30 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

27-30 ARPA

November 2026

2-4 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility

2-5 Advanced Firefighting

2-6 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

2-6 Leadership & Managerial Skills

9-11 Search & Rescue

12-13 Basic Training Revalidation

14th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

16-20 Basic Training

16-20 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

16-20 Basic Shiphandling

December 2026

30-4 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

30-11 Medical Person-In-Charge

30-18 Celestial Navigation

1-4 Advanced Firefighting

7-8 Basic Training Revalidation

7-9 Basic Training Refresher

7-18 GMDSS

9th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

10-11 Advanced Firefighting Refresher

14-18 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

14-18 Basic Training
Back to Stories Covered

---

MITAGS-WEST NOW OFFERS SELF-PACED OICNW EXAM PREPARATION

MITAGS-West now offers a focused, one week self-paced OICNW exam preparation program designed for professional mariners seeking structured study time with access to expert guidance.

This program is ideal for students who prefer independent learning while having direct support available when needed.

What’s Included:

DEDICATED STUDY SPACE

• Quiet, professional study room

• Available Monday through Friday, 0800–1600

INSTRUCTOR ASSISTANCE

• Up to 3 hours per day with a USCG-approved instructor

• Get answers to questions, clarification on difficult topics, and exam-focused guidance

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM RESOURCES

• All MITAGS-provided USCG exam prep materials

• Charting tools, reference books, and practice exams

• Access to proven study aids covering topics such as:

– Navigation General

– Chart Plotting

– Rules of the Road

– Deck General & Safety

– Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMAT

• Study at your own pace

• Focus more time on areas where you need the most support

• Instructor assistance available when you choose to use it
Back to Stories Covered

---

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

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