Wheelhouse Weekly, June 9, 2026

Volume 32… Number 23, June 9, 2026

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• Transportation Unions Call for New Policies to Strengthen Maritime
• Somali Piracy Returns—Dozens of Seafarers Kidnapped
• Administration Removes Ocean Research Instruments
• Russian Authorities Discover Magnetic Mines on Hull of Tanker at Port of Ust-Luga
• Union Plus Credit Card: No Annual Fee, US-Based Customer Service and More

Mark Your Calendar:

• Webinars on Hurricane Forecasting for Blue Water Mariners – June 11 and 12

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

TRANSPORTATION UNIONS CALL FOR NEW POLICIES TO STRENGTHEN MARITIME

Leaders of the unions that belong to the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department have issued a series of policy statements that will guide their advocacy work in the coming year, including several aimed at strengthening the US-flag fleet.

Their plans call for expanding cargo preference requirements, tightening oversight of cargo preference rules and changing tax laws to benefit mariners and commercial shippers.

“Today, U.S. operators are routinely undercut by China and other foreign adversaries that do not adhere to comparable labor, tax, safety, or environmental standards” the unions said.

“These competitors frequently rely on Chinese-built vessels and flag-of-convenience registries that exploit lower labor costs and regulatory loopholes, enabling them to externalize costs that U.S. operators must bear.

“Without specific policy interventions, these practices will continue to disadvantage U.S.-flag carriers, discourage domestic investment, and accelerate the decline of the American maritime industrial base.

“Restoring competitiveness requires policies that reward compliance, support high standards, and counter unfair foreign shipping practices.”

Recent actions by the federal government, including the administration’s Maritime Action Plan and the introduction in Congress of the SHIPS for America Act, “represent meaningful steps toward establishing sustained national oversight, directing investment to domestic shipbuilding and repair capacity, and strengthening the maritime workforce,” they wrote.

“But on its own, no single policy or legislative action will reverse decades of decline.”

“Success will require a coordinated, whole-of-government approach that aligns trade, tax, workforce, defense, and transportation policies and incorporates input from key stakeholders.”

TTD said Congress must require that 100 percent of government cargo be transported on US-flag vessels unless the Maritime Administrator determines that qualified US-flag vessels are not available.

“Congress must codify full U.S.-flag carriage for government cargo and vest clear authority and accountability for non-availability determinations with the Maritime Administrator,” they said.

Transportation labor also wants strong oversight and audit requirements for current cargo preference laws and a requirement that Congress be notified when federal agencies fail to comply.

Additionally, TTD is calling on legislators to extend the foreign-earned income exclusion in the IRS Code to US-citizen merchant mariners working aboard commercial vessels that are owned, operated, or chartered by US entities when those vessels are engaged in international commerce or transportation between the US and foreign countries.

“Under current law,” the coalition notes, “American merchant mariners are fully subject to U.S. income taxation on wages earned while working in international commerce, placing them—and the U.S.-flag vessels that employ them—at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to foreign mariners who are often exempt from income taxes in their home countries.

“This tax disparity increases operating costs for U.S.-flag carriers, discourages employment of U.S. mariners, and undermines the competitiveness of the U.S. Merchant Marine in global trade.”

TTD is also urging Congress to immediately pass the bipartisan No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act.

Currently merchant mariners and millions of other workers who build, operate, and maintain US transportation networks are excluded from such tax benefits, which already cover millions of other Americans.

TTD’s Executive Committee meeting was held in Minneapolis June 8-9, in conjunction with the 30th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention.

MM&P is one of the 39 transportation labor unions that belong to TTD.
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SOMALI PIRACY RETURNS—DOZENS OF SEAFARERS KIDNAPPED

The International Maritime Organization is expressing alarm over a surge in vessel hijackings and seafarer kidnappings in the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean.

Governments in the region are also warning that the improvements in maritime security achieved over the past decade “remain fragile.”

The St Kitts & Nevis-flag cargo ship Sward and the Togo-flag tanker Eureka were both hijacked in recent weeks, and their crews are being held hostage for ransom.

The 17-member crew of the Palau-flag tanker MT Honour 25 have been held hostage since April 24.

“Somali piracy remains suppressed, but not eradicated,” the regional governments said in a joint statement, and recent attacks underline the need to renew international engagement in the IMO-backed anti-piracy framework covering the western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.

They urged governments, naval forces and maritime security organizations to intensify efforts to secure the release of hostages and prevent further attacks.

They also called on shipowners and ship operators to strengthen reporting, information sharing and implementation of maritime security measures under the ISPS Code and industry Best Management Practices.

“Seafarers must never become collateral victims of geopolitical tensions, criminality, or delays in collective action,” they said, urging all countries with ships in the area to urgently step up their involvement in anti-piracy initiatives.
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ADMINISTRATION REMOVES OCEAN RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

MARINERS WORKING IN THE GULF AFTER FEB. 28 ASKED TO RESPOND TO A BRIEF SURVEY

The Trump administration is in the process of removing 900 ocean data collecting buoys that provide climate-related data to scientific researchers.

The first step in the process is removing the buoys in the Coastal Endurance Array off the Pacific Northwest, which has already begun.

The original plan called for maintaining the network for an additional 15 years in locations that include the North Pacific, Greenland and the Southern Ocean.

Instead of abandoning the buoys and subsea landers in place, the National Science Foundation will deploy ships to completely remove the equipment at a cost of $370 million, The New York Times has reported.

Halting the collection of climate-related ocean data aligns with the priorities of Project 2025 that the administration is pursuing.

The climate data collected by the buoys was used by NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and scientists and researchers worldwide.

During the second Trump administration’s first year, about 20 percent of NOAA’s workforce was eliminated, with cuts concentrated at OAR.
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RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES DISCOVER MAGNETIC MINES ON HULL OF TANKER AT PORT OF UST-LUGA

A spokeswoman for Russia’s security service reported last week that magnetic explosive devices had been found on the hull of an LPG tanker that had arrived several days earlier at the port of Ust-Luga from Antwerp.

The news was first reported by Sam Chambers in Splash, which published a photo of one of the devices.

The tanker, the Liberia-flag Arrhenius, is managed by UAE-based Maple Mariner Holding. It entered Ust-Luga on May 20 to load LPG.

Divers inspecting the vessel found multiple magnetic mines attached to the hull, each containing approximately 7 kg of plastic explosive.

The security service spokeswoman, Svetlana Petrenko, said the devices were “factory-made naval magnetic mines manufactured in a NATO country.”

They were defused by personnel employed by Russia’s security services, the Ministry of Defense and the National Guard.

“Based on initial investigative actions, it can already be concluded that the magnetic mines could not have been installed in Russia’s territorial waters,” Petrenko said.

She said the vessel had arrived from Antwerp several days behind schedule, a delay thought to be relevant because it had resulted in MT Arrhenius being sent to an anchorage for around a day and a half, ostensibly because of a port workers’ strike.

After five tankers were attacked in 2025, Moscow began ordering mandatory diver inspections of ships calling at Russian ports.
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NO ANNUAL FEE, US-BASED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND MORE

The Union Plus credit card is built for union members and backed by union members.

Three Union Plus cards are offered:

— Primary Access helps clients build credit responsibly;

— Rate Advantage offers low interest rates to clients with excellent credit ratings;

— Cash Rewards offers 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases for clients with excellent credit ratings.

There is no annual fee and the card offers hardship grants for eligible cardholders.

The Union Plus credit card is manufactured in the US by union members.

Customer service, which is also based in the US, is available 24/7.

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Mark Your Calendar:

WEBINARS ON HURRICANE FORECASTING FOR BLUE WATER MARINERS – JUNE 11 AND 12
Blue water mariners are invited to join two free webinars on hurricane forecasting provided by the National Hurricane Center and the Ocean and Tsunami Center.

The webinars are intended for mariners who operate over the open ocean. Here are the details, along with a link to register.

“National Hurricane Center’s Forecast Products and Services”

3pm EST, Thursday, June 11

Mr. Dan Brown

“Ocean and Tsunami Center’s Tropical Marine Products and Services”

3pm EST, Friday, June 12th

Dr. Chris Landsea
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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

Reinauer
1) Mate with a 500-ton masters or mate near coastal but will accept 200-ton masters or mate near coastal

If you are interested in either of the above positions, please email your resume and copies of your credentials to Keith at kpoissant@bridgedeck.org.

If you have any questions, please call Keith at 973-420-0492
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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
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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): 09/28/26, 01/25/27

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: 08/24/26, 10/05/26, 12/07/26

ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology: 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*, 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, 11/02/26, 02/08/27

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, 03/01/27

LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Prep (15-Day): 08/24/26, 01/04/27, 03/15/27

LTS – Leadership and Teamworking Skills (1-Day): 10/02/26, 11/13/26

ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 08/03/26, 10/26/2026

SAR – Search and Rescue (3-Day): 08/03/26, 10/05/26, 01/11/27

SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 06/15/26, 07/13/26, 11/30/26, 01/04/27

STB-OIC – Stability and Cargo Handling: 08/10/26, 10/26/26, 02/01/27

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, 02/15/27

WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 07/06/26, 11/16/26, 01/08/27

[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): 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): 08/07/26, 09/18/26, 11/06/26

MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 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): 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*, 09/03/26 Scheduled – Contact Admissions to Register

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

WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-Day): 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: 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: 08/12/26

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

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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

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
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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
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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.

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