Wheelhouse Weekly – February 08, 2002
THE MASTERS, MATES AND PILOTS’
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLY
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLY
STORIES COVERED
- February Holiday MM&P Hall, HQ And Plans Closings
- USCG Office Of Compliance Advisory On STCW-95
- Offshore Contracts Out for Vote
- Offshore Advisory Committee Resolution On 30-Day Leave Of Absence
- Sailors’ Union Of The Pacific Election Results
ALSO
- MM&P Legislative Report: Cruise Vessel Revitalization
- AAPA Calls For Maritime Security On International Level
- MITAGS Academic Notes
- PMI Course Openings
- MM&P Market Watch
FEBRUARY HOLIDAY MM&P HALL, HQ AND PLANS CLOSINGS
All West Coast Offshore halls will be closed on Tuesday, Feb.12 for Lincoln’s Birthday as will many other MM&P halls including New Orleans (which will be celebrating Mardi Gras). If in doubt, members should call to check the status of their local hall.
On Monday, Feb.18, MM&P HQ, Plans, Offshore, PMR and Great Lakes halls will be closed in observance of President’s Day.
USCG OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE ADVISORY ON STCW-95
The US will follow a recommendation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that prevents US and foreign ships visiting US ports from being detained for lack of certification of merchant mariner training standards which went into effect on Feb. 1.
The IMO Subcommittee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping recently recommended Port State Control authorities warn, rather than detain, vessels not in compliance with provisions of the STCW-95 until this Aug. 1.
The US recognizes that a number of nations have had difficulty meeting these provisions or processing requests from mariners for STCW credentials and will observe the IMO’s recommendation. Because a large number of mariners worldwide must update their credentials, many nations have had difficulty issuing the documents needed to confirm that their seafarers comply with the STCW-95 requirements.
STCW-95 requirements are among a wide range of international safety standards, maritime regulations, and security matters the USCG is concerned with during merchant vessel boardings. In the wake of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks the USCG increased it’s safety, law enforcement and security boardings and that heightened level of security remains in effect.
The STCW-95 standards are in effect as of Feb.1 and will be vigorously enforced. The decision to forego detentions as an enforcement measure applies only to the STCW-95 standards regarding crew certification and endorsement requirements. Vessels may still be detained for other reasons including demonstrated crew incompetence such as failure to perform critical drills.
Beginning Aug. 1, 2002, vessels associated with flag Administrations who are either not signatory to STCW-95 or are not on the IMO “White List” will be subjected to increased scrutiny and possible detention when arriving in US ports. “White List” nations are those nations whose STCW implementation schemes have been reviewed by an IMO panel of competent persons and found to have given full and complete effect to the Convention.
Vessels associated with non-signatory and “Non-White List” nations will experience increased boardings, validation of crew competency, and a review of how Administrations have carried out their responsibilities under STCW.
The original international convention aimed at improving crew training entered into force in 1984 and the US ratified it in 1991. In an effort to address weaknesses in the convention the IMO developed STCW-95. These amendments established “standards of competency” for seafarers, in seven functional areas and three levels of responsibility. They also required basic safety training for all seafarers with safety or pollution prevention duties, and established new rest period requirements for watchkeeping personnel.
Questions or comments regarding this subject should be directed to Lieutenant Lindsay Dew at 202-267-0476.
The following link will take you to a download for a NMC Information Bulletin. It explains the USCG interpretation of the recent IMO recommendation to delay port state control enforcement of STCW. http://www.uscg.mil/STCW/Bulletin.doc
OFFSHORE CONTRACTS OUT FOR VOTE
A 90-day balloting period has begun for Offshore Membership Group contracts that have been signed but not yet ratified. Ballots were mailed by February 5, 2002, and are due back by May 9, 2002. Balloting is being conducted by the impartial balloting agency TrueBallot, Inc.
Offshore members not receiving their ballot materials in a timely manner should contact John Seibel at TrueBallot to obtain a duplicate ballot request. He may be reached at:
TrueBallot, Inc. 3 Bethesda Metro Center – Suite 750 Bethesda, MD 20814
or by sending an Email to: john@trueballot.com.
OFFSHORE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RESOLUTION ON 30-DAY LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Whereas, it has recently come to light that there have been inconsistencies in the various ports and jurisdictions as to interpretation of the Leave of Absence provision contained in the Offshore Shipping Rules June 1998 edition, namely the last sentence of part 4 on page 12 which reads,
“This Leave of Absence shall extend for one round trip or 30 days and shall not count against the regular 120 day assignment.”
Therefore, in a desire to have a uniform application of said Rule throughout all of the Union Halls of the Organization, which is the most beneficial to the membership, the following interpretation is proposed and will be enforced in all ports:
A member or applicant meeting all of the existing criteria applying for a Leave Of Absence shall be granted at least 30 days of leave. On vessels where the round trips are by nature less than 30 days the member shall be entitled to remain on leave for at least 30 days if a 30-day leave was requested. The member would then rejoin the vessel in the port where the leave originated on the vessel’s first call after the 30-day period.
SAILORS’ UNION OF THE PACIFIC ELECTION RESULTS
The biennial election of officers for the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific concluded Feb.1, with the re-election of incumbents: Gunnar Lundeberg, President/Secretary-Treasurer; Dave Connolly, Vice President/Assistant Secretary-Treasurer; Vince O’Halloran, Seattle Branch Agent; and Mike Duvall, Honolulu Branch Agent.
Mark Hurley was elected Wilmington Branch Agent and William Berger was elected San Francisco Business Agent. Berger will replace Bill Henneberry. The newly elected officers of the SUP assume office this March 1.
MM&P LEGISLATIVE REPORT: CRUISE VESSEL REVITALIZATION
Since the beginning of the year, the Wheelhouse Weekly has been carrying status reports on legislative action that has been successfully completed on a number of MM&P and MIRAID legislative priorities. Various other maritime initiatives supported by the MM&P and MIRAID await further action by the second session of the 107th Congress. The following is an update on cruise vessel revitalization.
Legislation strongly supported by the MM&P and MIRAID that would help revitalize the domestic cruise vessel fleet has been reported by the Senate Commerce Committee and has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-HI). The legislation, S.127/HR 2901, would allow for the temporary operation of foreign built US-flag cruise ships between US ports while the vessel owner builds at least two replacement cruise vessels in an American shipyard.
Notwithstanding the strong pro-US-flag and pro-US-shipbuilding aspects of this legislation, it continues to be opposed by interests who claim that the enactment of this legislation would somehow jeopardize the future of the Jones Act. The supporters of this legislation, including such maritime proponents as Congressman Abercrombie and Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), John Breaux (D-LA), Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), and Ernest Hollings (D-SC) vigorously disagree and are working with us for the enactment of this initiative.
The MM&P, through Patriot Holdings, has an agreement to provide the Masters, Deck Officers and certain other supervisory personnel for the cruise vessels that would be reflagged, constructed, and operated under this legislation by a new American venture, Voyager Cruises, Inc.
AAPA CALLS FOR MARITIME SECURITY ON AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
In a letter to the Transportation Dept earlier this month, the American Association of Port Authorities noted “that homeland security must be the US’s top priority and, to this end, protecting America’s seaports must be part of any comprehensive strategy. The United States can only be successful in combating terrorism if the issue of maritime security is elevated to the international level.
“To reduce the terrorism threat within the US, we must cooperate internationally to share info and develop practices that will prevent potential problems from occurring. We believe that, in partnership with the IMO, we can work together to limit threats to maritime security and look forward to actively participating with the USCG and the IMO in developing guidance for addressing this issue.”
MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES
Openings in Classes Through the End of May 2002
- 2/16: CBRD-1, ROR
- 2/18-22: FF-ADV, COMP-MAR
- 2/18-19: BRMP
- 2/18: ROR
- 2/19: HAZMAT & EAP
- 2/20-22: DOT-DA
- 2/25-3/8: MED-PIC
- 2/25-3/1: BST, BRM
- 2/25-27: SHS-EMR
- 3/2: CBRD-1, ROR
- 3/4-8: BRM, VPM
- 3/4-15: GMDSS
- 3/11-15: FF-ADV, ARPA, COMP-APS
- 3/11-14: SMA
- 3/15: ATER, ENVPRO
- 3/18-22: BST, ECDIS
- 3/23: CBRD-1, ROR
- 3/25-29: HAZ, BRM, COMP-NET, WX-HWA
- 3/25-27: SHS-EMR
- 4/1-5: FF-ADV, COMP-ABSS
- 4/8-12: BST, SHS-INT I, ARPA, MSC-COMMS, TPIC
- 4/8-19: GMDSS
- 4/13: CBRD-1, ROR
- 4/15-19: HAZ, BRM, ECDIS
- 4/15-18: SMA
- 4/19: ATER, ENV PRO
- 4/29-5/3: MED FIRST, FF-ADV, ROP, COMP-MAR, WX-HWA, BRM, SHS-BAS
- 5/6-10: BST, SHS-INT I, ARPA
- 5/6-9: SMA
- 5/10: ATER, ENVPRO
- 5/11: CBRD-1, ROR
- 5/13-24: MED-PIC
- 5/13-17: BST, SHS-INT II, ARPA
- 5/18: CBRD-1, ROR
- 5/20-24: FF-ADV, CSE-AAES, BRM, ECDIS
- 5/20-22: SHS-EMR
- 5/20: ROR
- 5/21: HAZMAT, EAP
- 5/22-24: MED-DOT-DA
RENEWAL WEEK
Note that the week of Feb 18 has a grouping of “renewal” offerings. Radar renewal, HAZMAT Seminar, EAP, and the new DOT Drug & Alcohol training will be offered in a 1-week package. This package will be offered again in May. Other possible combinations are also being explored.
REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS
Please note that a single form has been developed for claims for (1) Out of Eligibility Training at MITAGS or PMI, (2) Room and Board at PMI, or (3) Off-site Training for Courses not offered at MITAGS or PMI. The form is available at both schools and the halls. Failure to use the correct form will result in processing delays.
SCHEDULE INFO
Schedule through June 2002 is being maintained on the website. Hard copies of the January-June 2002 schedule have been mailed to the halls. Check the MITAGS website at: www.mitags.org for up-to-date info. For additional course info, contact Mary Matlock at voice: 443-989-3226 or Email: admissions@mitags.org.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST MARITIME INSTITUTE ACADEMIC NOTES
Openings in Classes Through the End of March 2002
- 2/18-22: ARPA, Med 1st, Med PIC
- 2/25-3/1: ECDIS
- 3/4-8: Radar, BRM, GMDSS, BST
- 3/11-15: Comp. Basics, BAFF
- 3/18-22: ARPA, Med 1st, Med PIC
- 3/25-29: ECDIS
REGISTRATION
Register online at stcw95.com.
PMI MEDICAL COURSES
PMI is now offering two week “Medical Person in Charge” and one week “Medical First Aid Provider” course. To learn more about the STCW Requirements for Medical First Aid Provider and Medical Person in Charge, refer to PMI’s webpage at stcw95.com/medical.htm which will link you to the relevant policy letter.
MM&P MARKET WATCH AS OF 2-6 CLOSE
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| Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX) |
100.03 |
| Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX) |
21.67 |
| Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX) |
13.97 |
| Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX) |
13.67 |
| Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX) |
24.06 |
| Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX) |
10.47 |
| Chase Growth Fund (CHASX) |
14.44 |
| Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX) |
15.13 |
| Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX) |
35.90 |
| Fidelity Magellan Fund (FAGX) |
96.64 |
| Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX) |
38.39 |
The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly is the official electronic newsletter of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, ILA, AFL-CIO, 700 Maritime Blvd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1941. Phone: 410-850-8700; Fax: 410-850-0973; Email: iommp@bridgedeck.org. For further info contact John Peige at jpeige@bridgedeck.org. The Wheelhouse Weekly is sent via Email to MM&P-contracted vessels at sea, broadcast worldwide via FEC marine telex andis posted on our web page under “News” at: http://www.bridgedeck.org.
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