Wheelhouse Weekly, April 9, 2024

Volume 30… Number 15, April 9, 2024

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• Goal Is to Restore Full Access to Port of Baltimore by End of May
• Maritime Labor Opposes Premature Jones Act Waiver for Baltimore Bridge Recovery
• Food Aid Proponents Call on Congress to Increase Funding for Key Programs
• Court in Australia Fines Shipowner and Shipmaster After Pilot Ladder Breaks
• Plus: New Legal Guide for Shipmasters Now Available
• Also: New Hampshire State Legislature Votes Down “Right to Work” Bill

Mark Your Calendar:

• Offshore Membership Meeting in the Seattle Hall on April 24
• Offshore Membership Meeting in the Boston Hall on May 15

Job Opportunities:

• Offshore Jobs Available

And:

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

GOAL IS TO RESTORE FULL ACCESS TO PORT OF BALTIMORE BY END OF MAY

The agencies managing the response to the Key Bridge collapse­ said Friday they have tentatively set a goal of reopening the Port of Baltimore by the end of May.

A vast debris field has blocked entry to the port since the Singapore-flagged cargo ship DALI struck a pylon early on March 26, causing the bridge to collapse.

The work to remove the ship and the wreckage is being overseen by a Unified Command that includes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard, the Navy, and the state of Maryland.

“Thanks to the exhaustive work of the Unified Command, including underwater surveys and detailed structural analysis of the wreckage, we’ve developed a better understanding of the immense and complex work that lies ahead,” USACE Commanding Gen. Scott A. Spellmon said Thursday.

“A fully opened federal channel remains our primary goal, and we will carry out this work with care and precision, with safety as our chief priority.”

He said that adverse weather conditions or “changes in the complexity of the wreckage” could lead to changes in the timeline.

By the end of this month, the Unified Command expects to open a channel 280 feet wide and 35 feet deep to support one-way traffic in and out of the port for barge container service and some roll on/roll off vessels.

Crews have also begun to assess what it will take to move the DALI, which has 3,000 to 4,000 tons of bridge trusses draped across its bow.

The port generates $2 million per day in wages, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the shutdown has put longshore workers and local businesses at risk.

Maryland’s state legislature is working on a bill to allow the governor to use the state’s “rainy-day” fund to pay for worker-assistance programs and help small companies, like drayage and logistics firms, that serve the port.
Back to Stories Covered

---

MARITIME LABOR OPPOSES PREMATURE JONES ACT WAIVER FOR BALTIMORE BRIDGE RECOVERY

The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, has reached out to Maritime Administrator Ann C. Phillips to discuss maritime labor’s concerns regarding the recovery and repair work on the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the reopening of the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore.

MM&P is one of the 37 unions representing millions of transportation workers nationwide who belong to the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department.

The April 3 letter to the Maritime Administrator was signed by MM&P, TTD, American Maritime Officers, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, and the Seafarers International Union.

“The Port of Baltimore is a critical seaport for the United States,” they wrote, “one that mariners and our members have been sailing to and from for centuries, and we are fully committed to working with you, the various state and local agencies, and the rest of the federal government to ensure a speedy and complete recovery from the bridge allision tragedy that occurred on March 26.”

“During a call with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and NEC Director Lael Brainard, last week with various stakeholders, including maritime labor, a suggestion was made for Jones Act waivers as a response to this crisis.”

“Maritime labor firmly believes that any calls for Jones Act waivers as part of the recovery effort for the Port of Baltimore are premature.”

“To be clear, we fully recognize the critical need to reopen the port and we expect and demand that every effort be made to do so as rapidly as possible.”

“As noted, our members sail from Baltimore, and our brothers and sisters in various shoreside jobs including truckers, longshoremen, and other trades are looking at a long period of no work.”

“It is in the best interests of everyone to get the Port open as soon as possible, and we would not stand in the way of that work.”

“However, we have found over the years that in times of crisis, whether they be natural disasters or man-made disasters, those who oppose America’s cabotage laws begin making demands for waivers and exceptions regardless of necessity or need, as a means of undermining those laws.”

“This crisis has been no different, with those opposed to the Jones Act, the Dredging Act and other cabotage laws coming out with public demands for waivers of those laws, some even before rescue and recovery efforts for the men on the bridge when it collapsed were completed.”

“We believe that existing law should be followed to the letter, and any potential Jones Act or other cabotage law waivers should be processed in accordance with that law, with specific vessel names, purposes, length of waivers, time limits and transparency.”

“Maritime labor has never stood in the way of a legitimate waiver of America’s cabotage laws when it has been necessary for national security.”

“At the same time, we have opposed every unnecessary or political waiver of those laws, and we would do so again here.”

“We look forward to working together with you and the rest of the federal government to ensure that the Port of Baltimore reopens as soon as possible, and we stand ready to work with you to ensure that future accidents of this magnitude are averted whenever and wherever possible.”

“As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your understanding, and your continued support of the United States Merchant Marine.”

Back to Stories Covered

---

FOOD AID PROPONENTS CALL ON CONGRESS TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR KEY PROGRAMS

MM&P and MIRAID have joined forces with over 100 other organizations to urge Congress to increase funding for international food aid.

Under cargo preference rules, at least 50 percent of America’s food aid shipments must be carried aboard U.S.-flag vessels.

Appropriations legislation signed into law last month provides funding for key programs, including Food for Peace, through the end of fiscal year 2024.

The coalition is asking Congress to boost funding to help the growing number of people affected by war, drought, and inflation.

According to the U.N. Global Report on Food Crises, there are currently at least 238 million acutely food insecure people around the world, a 10 percent increase over the 2022 figure.

One reason food aid has enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress for more than 70 years is that besides aiding people in need, it plays an important role in pursuing America’s economic and national security interests.

Today, many former food aid recipient nations are among our country’s most important trading partners, showing that the programs help create a foundation for vulnerable communities to grow and prosper.

It’s also significant that food aid shipments strengthen international goodwill because they generally bear the image of the American flag and the words “from the American people.”

Joining MM&P and MIRAID in signing the letter were 121 other organizations, including maritime and longshore unions, MM&P-contracted shipping companies, port associations, and agricultural concerns.

“While our organizations at times have policy differences,” they wrote, “we stand united in our belief that U.S. food aid programs are among the world’s most critical foreign assistance programs, save countless lives, bolster our nation’s global security, and help millions in need around the world.”

The letter was addressed to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittees on Agriculture.
Back to Stories Covered

---

COURT IN AUSTRALIA FINES SHIPOWNER AND SHIPMASTER AFTER PILOT LADDER BREAKS

A court in Australia has fined the owner and the master of a Panama-flag vessel, BOSHI 58, for failure to comply with the legal requirement to maintain the pilot ladder.

The case arose from a serious accident that took place in May 2023, when a pilot was severely injured after the pilot ladder broke.

Both the master and the owner, Fu Ye Shipping, pleaded guilty. The master was fined 5,300 Australian dollars ($3,500). The shipowner was fined AU$ 32,000 ($21,000).

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which brought the case, charged that the master and the owner had both violated Australia’s Navigation Act of 2012.

Prosecutors showed that the pilot ladder had been improperly stored and had not been regularly checked, causing it to deteriorate to the point that it became unsafe.

In June 2023, AMSA won a similar case involving a faulty pilot ladder aboard the Cyprus-flag cargo ship AAL DAMPIER.

In that case, the pilot was seriously injured after falling seven meters onto the deck of the pilot boat.

Shipowner AAL Dampier Navigation Co. Ltd. was found guilty and fined AU$30,500 ($23,000).

AMSA Executive Director Operations Michael Drake said both accidents were preventable.

“Pilots rely on a ship’s master and crew to properly maintain, stow and rig pilot ladders, and neglecting a pilot ladder can have deadly consequences,” he said.

Risks include pilot ladders falling short of accommodation ladders when used in combination, unsafe use of shackles, and the failure to regularly inspect, maintain, and store the ladders appropriately.

“If you own, operate or are the master of a ship, the safety of everyone using the pilot ladder is in your responsibility,” he said.

Back to Stories Covered

---

NEW LEGAL GUIDE FOR SHIPMASTERS NOW AVAILABLE

The first edition of The Master’s Practical Guide to Maritime Law, a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide written specifically for shipmasters, has just been published.

It was developed by the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA), the International Chamber of Shipping and a panel of experienced Masters and shipping company representatives.

The guide offers practical insights and real-world examples that reflect current best practices for shipping companies and Masters, with particular emphasis on the commercial aspects that form a significant part of every Master’s responsibilities on board.

MM&P is a member of IFSMA, which represents the interests of serving shipmasters at the International Maritime Organization, the International Labor Organization, and other international and national organizations.

The guide costs £ 250.

It provides an excellent resource for:

— detailed, practical information relevant to real-life situations;

— designed to help Masters protect themselves within the legal framework;

— equally suited to seasoned Masters seeking to refresh their knowledge and Masters embarking on their first voyage;

— an easily accessible resource helping Masters navigate common legal issues and pitfalls and assist in protecting the shipowner’s interest.

“When something goes wrong on board, legal issues often arise, and it is the Master’s responsibility to react appropriately,” the publisher says.

“A Master is not a lawyer but needs to understand how to respond within the confines of the law to protect the interests of themselves, the shipowner and other crew members.”

“This guide bridges the gap between theory and practice by exploring practical real-world scenarios commonly encountered by Masters, whether in port or at sea.”

“It offers valuable guidance on how to approach legal issues effectively, highlighting best practices, and providing expert advice on managing legal risks with particular emphasis on the commercial aspects that form a significant part of every Master’s responsibilities on board.”

If you would like to find out more about the guide, click here.

Back to Stories Covered

---

NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE LEGISLATURE VOTES DOWN “RIGHT-TO-WORK” BILL

The New Hampshire House of Representatives voted down a so-called “right to work” bill by a margin of 212–168 earlier this year.

“Right to work” laws require unions to represent free riders in the workplace who take advantage of union-negotiated contracts and benefits without paying dues.

Proponents of “right to work” say it boosts job creation.

But as shown in study after study, the reality is that it depresses wages, leading to reductions in consumer spending and lower living standards for everyone in the area.

In New Hampshire, more than 1,400 members of the public testified before the legislature or signed on to register their position on the bill over two days of testimony.

Only about 50 of those who testified said they supported it.

“While out-of-state billionaires and D.C. lobbyists continue to enlist legislators to introduce identical bills, year in and year out, our elected representatives of both political parties have voted to defeat them,” said New Hampshire AFL-CIO President Glenn Brackett in a statement.

“The people of New Hampshire, and the members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, know what we know, that ‘Right-to-Work’ is STILL wrong for New Hampshire.”

The New Hampshire House of Representatives has postponed any further discussion of “right to work” until 2025.
Back to Stories Covered

---

OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN THE SEATTLE HALL ON APRIL 24

MM&P Pacific Ports Vice President Lars Turner has scheduled an Offshore membership meeting in the Seattle Hall on Wednesday, April 24 at 1100, following job call.

MM&P President Don Marcus will participate and give his report.

There will also be a presentation by a representative of the Washington Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program and the Washington College Savings Plan (529s).

The Washington GET and the Washington 529 programs help families save for future higher education expenses.

All Offshore members and applicants in the area are encouraged to attend the meeting.

The Seattle Hall is located at:

15208 52nd Ave. S, Ste. 100

Seattle, WA 98188-2318.

The phone number is: 206-441-8700.
Back to Stories Covered

---

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.

Back to Stories Covered

---

OFFSHORE JOBS AVAILABLE

CM needed for Cape Horn FOS ASAP. PRO CARD and Early Return from vacation! Vessel underway.

CM Needed for Cape Henry ROS, PRO CARD and Early Return from vacation.

Master USNS Pililaau needed.

CM’s Needed for LMSR’s, please email jhope@bridgedeck.org with any questions or visit any Offshore Hall.

2M needed for PAX.

1AE SLNC Goodwill.

3AE SLNC Star.
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
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): Not currently scheduled

BRMP-EMR –Bridge Resource Management for Pilots with Emergency Shiphandling – (Now also included in BRMP-Refresher) (3-Day): Not currently scheduled

BRMP-Refresher (Now including Emergency Shiphandling for Pilots) (3-Day): Contact Admissions

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): 04/22/24*, 06/10/24, 09/30/24, 10/28/24

BT-Refresher (3-day): 04/22/24*, 06/10/24, 09/30/24, 10/28/24

CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling Basic (5-Day): 04/15/24

[CMM – Chief Mate and Master Courses]

ADVSTB-CMM – Advanced Stability (5-Day): 04/29/24, 06/24/24, 10/07/24, 12/09/24

ADVWX-CMM – Advanced Meteorology (5-Day): 04/22/24, 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): 04/15/24, 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: 04/24/24, 06/12/24, 10/02/24, 10/30/24

FF-ADV-REF (2-day) – Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher: 04/25/24, 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): 04/17/24*, 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: 05/26/24, 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

NDMS-ENAV – Navigational Decision Making Series – Best Practice in eNav (3-Day): Not currently scheduled

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): 04/18/24, 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): 04/24/24, 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: 04/29/24, 07/22/24

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

STB-OIC – Ship Construction and Basic Stability: 04/08/24

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

VPDSD – Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties: 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): 04/22/24, 07/29/24

Back to Stories Covered

---

MITAGS–WEST ACADEMIC NOTES

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

April 2024

22-23 Basic Training Revalidation

24th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

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

3-21 Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation

24-25 Basic Training Revalidation

26th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
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.