Wheelhouse Weekly, April 30, 2024

Volume 30… Number 18, April 30, 2024

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• Crew of CIRCLE LINE MANHATTAN Pulls Kayaker From Treacherous Waters of Hell Gate
• First Ship Enters Port of Baltimore; City Sues Owner and Operator of MV DALI
• Union Election Petitions Are Up 35 Percent, But Congress Continues to Flat-Fund the National Labor Relations Board
• Rear Adm. Chad M. Cary Nominated to Head NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps
• Important U.S. Coast Guard Notice: Temporary Extension of Grace Period Pertaining to Renewal of Expired Merchant Mariner Credentials

Mark Your Calendar:

• Offshore Membership Meeting in the Boston Hall on May 15
• Atlantic Maritime Group Quarterly Meeting Postponed Until May 29
• AMG Staten Island Ferry Meeting on May 30

Job Opportunities:

• Offshore Jobs Available
• MITAGS-West Seeks Full-Time Lead Instructor

And:

• MITAGS-East Academic Notes
• MITAGS–West Academic Notes

CREW OF CIRCLE LINE MANHATTAN PULLS KAYAKER FROM TREACHEROUS WATERS OF HELL GATE

The crew of CIRCLE LINE MANHATTAN saved a man who was being carried away by the turbulent waters of the East River on April 21.

The CIRCLE LINE MANHATTAN is crewed by members of the MM&P Atlantic Maritime Group.

Aboard the vessel at the time were Captain Kenneth Corcoran, senior deckhand Omar Kaye, deckhand Anthony Sena, deckhand Rafael Zorrilla, and tour guide Jerry Kaiser.

More than 200 passengers were aboard the vessel for Circle Line’s Best of New York Cruise when the rescue took place.

Deckhand Anthony Sena was the first to spot the man struggling desperately to remain afloat in Hell Gate, a narrow tidal strait in the East River.

“He was clinging to a submerged kayak as the turbulent water swirled him around,” said Captain Kenneth Corcoran. “We knew time was of the essence when we saw the terror in his face.”

The crew sprang into action, sounding the alarm and setting up a recovery station on the bow.

“The vessel came about to swoop him up as he was moving with the swift current at over three knots,” Corcoran said.

“He was weak but able to speak when senior deckhand Omar Kaye told him to grab the rescue sling, which he was able to hold onto.”

“The rescue ladder was in place with deckhand Rafael Zorrilla descending to reach him as he held him and placed him on the platform of the ladder.”

“The crew assisted him up the ladder to safety.”

Throughout the rescue, the captain said, “Tour guide Jerry Kaiser was instrumental in keeping the passengers informed and out of the way.”

Once the man was on board, he was found to be hypothermic. Passengers with EMT training helped give him first aid and he was transferred to an NYPD boat for transport to a hospital.

“I’m extremely proud of my crew for executing a safe and successful rescue,” Corcoran said.

“It shows how drills and proper training pay off. MM&P and Circle Line Sightseeing have always supported this mission.”

“The professionalism and training of the crew helped save a life,” said Nicole Estevez of New York Cruise Lines Inc.

“This is a great example of the type of leadership we have at Circle Line.”
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FIRST SHIP ENTERS PORT OF BALTIMORE; CITY SUES OWNER AND OPERATOR OF MV DALI

On Sunday, a Liberia-flagged containership, MSC PASSION III, became the first vessel to arrive at the Port of Baltimore since March 26, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge was struck by the Singapore-flagged MV DALI and collapsed.

The MSC CARGO PASSION III arrived via a temporary channel created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the other organizations that make up the Unified Command.

The temporary channel, the fourth to be created, also allowed several ships that had been stuck in port since the accident to get out.

A spokesperson for the Army Corps said that, in accordance with its original timeline, it expects to reopen the main shipping channel—measuring 50 feet deep and 700 feet wide—by the end of May.

Meanwhile, the City of Baltimore has filed a claim alleging 32 counts of negligence against Grace Ocean Private Ltd., owner of the MV DALI, and Synergy Group, which operates the ship.

Immediately after the accident, the two Singapore-based companies had petitioned the court to cap their liability at approximately $43.6 million.

Lawyers for Baltimore are asking the court to hold the two liable for the full extent of the damages.

“The allision was a direct result of the petitioners’ negligence,” the city asserts in its brief.

“None of this should have happened.”

“There were no high winds, visual obstructions, or any reasons to believe disaster was about to occur.”

An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board is under way, as is a criminal investigation by the FBI.

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UNION ELECTION PETITIONS ARE UP 35 PERCENT, BUT CONGRESS CONTINUES TO “FLAT-FUND” THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD

The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects employees from unfair labor practices and protects the right of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve wages, benefits and working conditions.

The NLRB announced in April that union election petitions had increased by 35 percent in the first half of fiscal year 2024.

“This increase in filings continues the surge in NLRB caseload in recent years,” the agency said in a statement.

In fiscal year 2023, unfair labor practice charges were up 10 percent and election petitions were up 3 percent over the previous year.

In fiscal year 2022, union petitions were up 53 percent and ULP charges filed increased 19 percent over fiscal year 2021.

This surge in caseload occurs as the NLRB struggles with funding and staffing shortages.

Last year, Congress gave the NLRB a $25 million increase, which ended a hiring freeze, prevented furloughs, and allowed the NLRB to backfill some critical staff vacancies.

But the agency remains understaffed after flat funding in nine of the past 10 years.

In the past two decades, staffing in field offices has shrunk by 50 percent.

“As the NLRB’s case intake reflects a critical moment in our nation’s history, I’m proud of NLRB Field and Headquarters staff for processing cases with professionalism and care,” said NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo.

“However, Congress needs to fully fund the NLRB to effectively and efficiently comply with our Congressional mandate when providing quality service to the public in conducting hearings and elections, investigating charges, settling and litigating meritorious cases, and obtaining full and prompt remedies for workers whose rights are violated.”

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REAR ADM. CHAD M. CARY NOMINATED TO HEAD NOAA’S OFFICE OF MARINE AND AVIATION OPERATIONS AND THE NOAA COMMISSIONED OFFICER CORPS

President Biden has approved the nomination of Rear Adm. (Lower Half) Chad M. Cary to serve as the next director of NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.

He currently serves as deputy director for operations of OMAO and of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, where he leads the agency’s 15 ships, 10 aircraft, autonomous systems, health services, cyber, training, and commissioned officer corps.

His career includes nine years of sea time and 13 years of shore time.

He has previous underway command experience aboard NOAA ships REUBEN LASKER, HENRY B. BIGELOW, NANCY FOSTER, and JOHN N. COBB.

Cary is an Alaska native, born in Cordova and raised in Juneau. He earned a B.S. in Environmental Science with an emphasis in marine sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before joining the NOAA Corps.

He also earned an M.S. in Geography from Portland State University and a Graduate Certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University.

He is a graduate of NOAA’s Leadership Competencies Development Program and serves formally and informally as a mentor to NOAA’s future leaders.

Co-workers say his command philosophy centers on fostering a safe work environment, forming an inclusive charge, empowering the experts, having each other’s backs, and having a little fun along the way.

MM&P Civil Service licensed deck officers are employed aboard NOAA survey vessels.

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TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF GRACE PERIOD PERTAINING TO RENEWAL OF EXPIRED MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS

The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy has published CG-MMC Policy Letter 01-24, Temporary Extension of Administrative Grace Period for Credentialing Transactions.

This policy letter will allow mariners to renew a merchant mariner credential up to six years after its expiration without taking the complete original examination.

All other credentialing requirements for renewal after expiration remain unchanged, and so in some circumstances an open book examination may be required in accordance with 46 CFR 10.227(e)(1).

Mariners who had previously applied for renewal of their MMC after the one-year grace period had expired may re-apply for renewal if they are within the new, extended grace period.

A new application will be necessary, including payment of required fees, per 46 CFR 10.219.

If you have a current approval to test letter issued by the National Maritime Center to re-instate an MMC expired beyond the one-year administrative grace period but within six years, please contact the NMC at IASKNMC@uscg.mil or (888) 427-5662.

This policy letter is effective immediately and will remain in effect indefinitely.

The Coast Guard will provide additional guidance concerning expiration of this policy as necessary.

The policy letter is available on the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Policy Letter webpage.

Mariners and other interested parties should contact the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division at MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or (202) 372-2357 with any questions or feedback.
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OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN THE BOSTON HALL ON MAY 15

There will be an Offshore membership meeting in the MM&P Boston Union Hall on Wednesday, May 15, at 1200.

MM&P Secretary-Treasurer Don Josberger will participate and give his report.

The Boston Hall is located at:

12 Channel Street Suite 606-A

Boston, MA 02210-2333

The phone number is: 617-671-0769

All Offshore members are encouraged to attend the meeting.
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ATLANTIC MARITIME GROUP QUARTERLY MEETING POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 29

The Atlantic Maritime Group quarterly membership meeting has been postponed until Wednesday, May 29.

The meeting will be held both in person and virtually so that all interested parties can attend.

It will take place from 1100 hours to 1300 hours.

You must be a member in good standing to participate in the meeting.

The in-person meeting will be held at the NY/NJ Union Hall, 570 Broad Street, Suite 701, Newark, NJ 07102.

To receive a link to participate in the meeting virtually, you must register with AMG Representative Paulina Trzepacz before noon on Tuesday, May 28.

Her email address is: Ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org

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AMG STATEN ISLAND FERRY MEETING ON MAY 30

There will be a Staten Island Ferry meeting on May 30 at the Ocean Yacht Club on Front Street.

Details to follow.
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OFFSHORE JOBS AVAILABLE

CM USNS PILILAAU needed ASAP. PRO CARD and Early Return from vacation! Vessel due to sit in Jacksonville for a while. Security Clearance required.

CM’s Needed for LMSR’s, please email jhope@bridgedeck.org with any questions or visit any Offshore Hall.
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MITAGS-WEST SEEKS FULL-TIME LEAD INSTRUCTOR

MITAGS-West is seeking a full-time lead instructor, responsible for presenting courses and providing quality classroom instruction.

The position entails ensuring that course content is current, consistent with the latest directives from regulatory authorities and best practices in the maritime industry.

The lead instructor shall act as a course content expert and:

— assist in development of curriculum and professional training;

— collaborate with colleagues to ensure courses meet the needs of students and standards set by the USCG, IMO, and or other regulatory authorities;

— participate in professional development, such as conferences and training;

— brief instructors on any changes to the course curriculum or content prior to instructors teaching any course under the lead instructor’s purview;

— give feedback to the department head on the qualifications and effectiveness of instructors teaching courses under the lead instructor’s purview;

— assist the department head and, as appropriate, the assistant academic director in sourcing and recommending qualified instructors.

The lead instructor may be designated to work directly with specific companies for curriculum development or special projects.

Desired qualifications include:

— USCG Officer Level License, with experience sailing under his/her highest-level license and similar experience are a plus—may be substituted with equivalent uniformed service experience (NOAA, USCG, USN);

— if not holding a Chief Mate-Master’s license, working diligently towards that certification;

— degree in Adult Education, Maritime Sciences, or related field desired;

— two years’ experience supervising subordinates in a similar environment desired;

— experience teaching adults professional subjects for minimum of two or more years;

— experience, training, and qualifications required to obtain approval to teach the courses in the field from the U.S. Coast Guard is required;

— excellent computer skills, including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and related information systems;

— demonstrated sound judgment and decision-making skills;

— capable of developing sound, detailed analyses to support actions and/or recommendations;

— strong interpersonal, writing and communication skills required, as well as ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization.

Position may require moderate physical activity, as well as some travel, to MITAGS-East campus or other sites and company locations as directed.

This is a full-time job with full benefits. The starting salary is $90,854.40.

For immediate consideration, please send resume and cover letter to: jsibiski@mitags.org
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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
AB – Able Seaman (5-Day): 06/10/24, 09/16/24

AIS-1 – Automatic Identifications Systems Orientation (1-Day): Not currently scheduled

ARPA-OIC– Automated Radar Plotting Aids (4-Day): 08/12/24, 11/04/24

AZIPOD (2-Day): Contact Admissions

BRM – Bridge Resource Management (5-Day): Not currently scheduled

BRMP –Bridge Resource Management for Pilots (2-Day): Contact Admissions

BRMP-EMR –Bridge Resource Management for Pilots with Emergency Shiphandling – (Now also included in BRMP-Refresher) (3-Day): Contact Admissions

BRMP-Refresher (Now including Emergency Shiphandling for Pilots) (3-Day) : Not currently scheduled

BT – Basic Safety Training (5-Day): 05/06/24, 09/09/24

BT-Revalidation (2-day) (Must have 1 year of sea service in last 5 years): 05/06/24, 06/10/24*, 09/30/24, 10/28/24

BT-Refresher (3-day): 06/10/24*, 09/30/24, 10/28/24

CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling Basic (5-Day): Not currently scheduled

[CMM – Chief Mate and Master Courses]

ADVSTB-CMM – Advanced Stability (5-Day): 06/24/24, 10/07/24, 12/09/24

ADVWX-CMM – Advanced Meteorology (5-Day): 06/17/24, 09/23/24, 12/16/24

CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10 Days): 10/14/24

CM-OPS 1 – Chief Mate Operations (5-Day): 07/08/24, 12/09/24

CM-OPS 2 Maersk – Chief Mate Operations II Maersk Specific (5-Day): 07/15/24, 12/16/24

ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (5-Day): 08/12/24, 11/11/24

LMS – Leadership and Managerial Skills (Management Level – Formerly MCL-CMM) (5-Day): 08/12/24, 11/18/24

MPP-CMM – Marine Propulsion Plants (5-Day): 09/30/24

(DCS-1 available on request – contact Admissions)

SHMGT-CMM- Ship Management (5-Day): 10/28/24

SHS-ADV-I-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (week 1) (5-Day): 05/06/24*, 06/03/24*, 07/08/24, 08/05/24*, 09/09/24, 09/30/24, 11/04/24, 12/02/24

SHS-ADV-II-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (week 2) (5-Day): 05/13/24, 06/10/24, 07/15/24, 08/12/24*, 09/16/24, 10/07/24, 11/11/24, 12/09/24

**SHS-ADV-I & II are now approved to include SAR-CMM assessments at MITAGS**

VPEN-CMM – Voyage Planning & Electronic Navigation (5-Day): 11/04/24

WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping (5-Day): 09/16/24

WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-day) – 05/11/24, 07/27/24, 11/16/24

CIW-DPA/IA – Continual Improvement Workshop: Designated Person Ashore & Internal Auditor (3-Day) ** This course is NOT covered by the MATES Program **

Online: 05/15/24

CIW-SMS – Continual Improvement Workshop: Successful Safety Management (2-Day) – Online: Not Currently Scheduled

CNAV-OIC– Celestial Navigation (15-Day): 05/06/24

CRISIS-COMMS – Crisis Communications (1-Day): Not currently scheduled

CRSMGT – Crisis Management and Human Behavior (1-Day): Not currently scheduled

CDMGT – Crowd Management (1-Day): Not currently scheduled

CSE – Confined Space Entry (3-Day): Not currently scheduled

CSE-AWR – Confined Space Entry Awareness (2-Day): Not currently scheduled

DDE – Great Lakes (20-Day): Not currently scheduled

ECDIS for Pilots (2-Day): Not currently scheduled

ERM – Engine Resource Management (5-Day): 12/09/24

ADV-FF – Advanced Fire-Fighting (4-day): Not currently scheduled

FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced (5-Day): 05/06/24, 09/09/24

FF-ADV-Rev (1-day) (Must have 1 year of sea service in last 5 years) – Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation: 05/08/24, 06/12/24, 10/02/24, 10/30/24

FF-ADV-REF (2-day) – Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher: 06/13/24, 10/03/24

FSM – Fatigue, Sleep, & Medications (1-Day): Not currently scheduled

Online: Not currently scheduled

GL-Pilot – Great Lakes Pilotage Familiarization (2-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (10-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

HAZ – Hazardous Materials (5 day): 05/06/24, 08/26/24, 12/02/24

LAP – License Advancement Program for Mate to Master (20-Day): 07/22/24, 10/07/24

LAP-Great Lakes – License Advancement Program – Great Lakes (15-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Program for Original 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross

Ton License (15-Day): 06/03/24

LEG – Legal Aspects of Pilotage (1-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

LNG-BADV – Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations (3 Day): 05/20/24*, 06/17/24*, 10/21/24

LTS –Leadership and Teamworking Skills (Formerly MCL-OIC) (1-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

MEECE – Management of Electrical and Electronic Control Equipment (Assessments /not included): 12/02/24

MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 05/13/24, 08/19/24, 09/30/24

MED-PIC-REF– Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 05/06/24, 07/29/24, 11/18/24

MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: (5-Day): 05/13/24, 07/08/24, 08/19/24

MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day): 05/05/24, 05/18/24, 07/13/24, 08/03/24, 08/24/24, 10/05/24, 11/17/24

[MSC – Military Sealift Command Courses]

MSC-ATO-II – Military Sealift Command Anti-Terrorism Officer II (5-Day): 08/19/24

MSC-ATO-III – Military Sealift Command Anti-Terrorism Officer III (1-Day): 08/23/24

MSC-CBRD-OFF – Military Sealift Command Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Officer (5-Day): 07/08/24

MSC-CBRD-1 – Military Sealift Command Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Orientation (Basic) (1-Day): 05/09/24, 06/07/24, 08/08/24, 09/12/24, 10/31/24

MSC-DC – Military Sealift Command Damage Control (2-day): 05/10/24, 06/07/24, 08/09/24, 09/13/24, 11/01/24

MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 05/10/24, 06/07/24, 08/09/24, 09/13/24, 11/01/24

MSC-FF-HELO (2-Day): Not currently scheduled

MSC-SMA – Military Sealift Command Small Arms Qualifications (4-Day): 05/13/24, 06/10/24, 07/15/24, 08/12/24, 09/16/24, 11/04/24

MSC-Security Watch Basic (1-Day/ 8-hour): 05/11/24, 06/08/24, 08/10/24, 09/14/24, 11/02/24

MSC-Security Watch Advanced (1-Day): 05/12/24, 06/09/24, 07/14/24, 08/11/24, 09/15/24, 11/03/24

MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 05/17/24, 06/14/24, 07/19/24, 08/16/24, 09/20/24, 11/08/24

NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 05/15/24*, 05/17/24*, 08/19/24*, 08/21/24*, 12/09/24*, 12/11/24*

PSC – Personal Survival Craft (Lifeboatman) (5-Day): 06/17/24, 09/23/24

PSC-REF – Personal Survival Craft Refresher (2-Day): 06/06/24, 09/26/24

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

ROR-1 – Radar Observer Renewal (1-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

ROR-1N – Radar Observer Renewal Evening Classes (1-Night): 06/12/24

ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Program – Unlimited: 08/05/24, 10/28/24

SAR – Search & Rescue – (Now with OIC and CMM assessments) (3-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 07/22/24

SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling (5 Day): 06/24/24, 07/22/24, 10/14/24, 12/16/24

STB-OIC – Ship Construction and Basic Stability: Not currently scheduled

TCNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: Not Currently Scheduled

TRAC-TUG-2 (2-Day): Not currently scheduled

TTT – ** NOT covered by the MATES Program **: Not Currently Scheduled

VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): 05/31/24, 08/26/24, 12/04/24

WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (Operational Level) (10-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

WX-OIC –Meteorology (Operational Level): 07/29/24
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MITAGS–WEST ACADEMIC NOTES

You can enroll online at www.mitags.org or contact our Admissions Department 866.656.5568 or admissions@mitags.org

May 2024

6-10 Basic Training

13-17 Medical Care Provider

13-24 Medical Person-In-Charge

20-22 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility

30-31 Advanced Firefighting Refresher

June 2024

1-2 Basic Training Revalidation

1-3 Basic Training Refresher

3rd Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

3-7 Basic Training

3-14 GMDSS

3-21 Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation

24-25 Basic Training Revalidation

26th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

July 2024

15-18 Advanced Firefighting

15-2 Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation

22-23 Basic Training Revalidation

24th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

29-2 Basic Training

August 2024

5-9 Radar Observer Unlimited

12-16 Medical Care Provider

12-23 Medical Person-In-Charge

26-27 Basic Training Revalidation

26-30 Advanced Stability

28th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

September 2024

4-7 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility

9-13 Basic Training

9-13 Advanced Shiphandling (Week 1)

16-20 Advanced Shiphandling (Week 2)

16-27 GMDSS

23-26 ARPA

23-27 Advanced Meteorology
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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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