Volume 32… Number 31, Aug. 4, 2026
STORIES COVERED
In This Issue:
- 91st MM&P Convention Begins
- Shipmasters’ Federation Calls for Stronger Protections for Mariners in War Zones
- Engineer Missing After Liberia-Flag Bulk Carrier Struck in Strait of Hormuz
- New Issue of the MM&P Magazine Now Online
- VTS and Bridge Decision-Making: Graduate Student in Germany Asks Members to Respond to a Brief Survey
Mark Your Calendar:
- Offshore Membership Meeting in San Francisco/Oakland Hall on Monday, Aug. 10
- Offshore Membership Meeting in Norfolk Hall on Thursday, Aug. 13
- Offshore Membership Meeting in Los Angeles/Long Beach Hall on Aug. 20
- Offshore Membership Meeting in the Honolulu Hall on Friday, Sept. 18
- Offshore Membership Meeting in Seattle Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 23
- Offshore Membership Meeting in Charleston Hall on Oct. 8/a>
Job Opportunities:
And:
91ST MM&P CONVENTION BEGINS
Delegates representing the union’s five membership groups convened the 91st MM&P Regular Convention at MITAGS on Aug. 3.
Among the guests were national and international labor leaders, a member of Congress, and the president of the American Pilots Association.
Speakers on the first day included:
— Maritime Administrator Captain Stephen Carmel;
— Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), a strong advocate for the American Merchant Marine who represents Maryland’s third Congressional district;
— MM&P President Emeritus Captain Don Marcus;
— American Flight Attendants Association International President Sara Nelson;
— AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan;
— AFL-CIO Associate General Counsel Maneesh Sharma; and
— American Pilots’ Association President Captain Jorge J. Viso.
MM&P President Don Josberger and Secretary-Treasurer J. Lars Turner gave their reports, as did Melany Velleca, who heads the MM&P Women’s Caucus Committee, and Miriam Anthony, who heads the MM&P Mental Health Resources Committee.
Delegates serving on committees performed convention-related functions, examined the union’s financials and considered a number of resolutions submitted by MM&P members.
A complete report on the Convention, along with photos, will be published in The Master, Mate & Pilot.
Back to Stories Covered
SHIPMASTERS’ FEDERATION CALLS FOR STRONGER PROTECTIONS FOR MARINERS IN WAR ZONES
The International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations is speaking out over the continuing loss of merchant seafarers’ lives in areas of armed conflict.
IFSMA represents MM&P members and thousands of other professional mariners.
It has consultative status with the International Maritime Organization, which means it can participate in IMO committees, subcommittees, and working groups.
In an open letter to governments, international organizations and maritime industry leaders, it called for stronger protections for merchant seamen.
“Recent attacks on merchant vessels demonstrate the unacceptable risks faced by civilian seafarers who transport the food, energy, medicines and other essential goods on which the world depends,” IFSMA said.
“Merchant seafarers are civilians. They are not participants in armed conflict and must never become legitimate military targets.”
“Seafarers have little or no influence over a ship’s route, cargo or the commercial decisions that place them in conflict areas.”
“They must receive accurate information on security risks and have the genuine right to decline service in high-risk areas, or to be safely repatriated, without dismissal, financial loss or other retaliation.”
“Where service is undertaken voluntarily, it must be based on informed consent and supported by appropriate security measures, insurance and compensation.”
IFSMA is calling on all parties to take immediate measures to safeguard merchant ships and their crews.
“Shipowners must conduct robust risk assessments, while shipmasters must retain their overriding authority and responsibility to delay, divert or refuse a voyage where the safety of the ship or crew cannot be assured, without commercial or professional consequences.”
“The protection of merchant seafarers is a shared international responsibility.”
“The loss of civilian seafarers’ lives must never be accepted as a cost of maintaining global trade.”
In its July 31 open letter, the federation reaffirmed its commitment to working with the international maritime community to strengthen legal and practical protections for mariners.
Back to Stories Covered
ENGINEER MISSING AFTER LIBERIA-FLAG BULK CARRIER STRUCK IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ
An engineer aboard a Greek-operated bulk carrier was reported missing on Monday after the vessel was hit by a projectile while sailing northbound through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Minoan Pioneer was struck at around 2200 UTC about 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, underlining the dangers facing ships attempting to use the Omani side of the strait.
The projectile struck the vessel’s engine room, causing a blackout, and a fire broke out in the accommodation block.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
A crew-led firefighting operation was ongoing Tuesday morning local time.
It was the fourth security incident reported close to Oman’s Musandam Peninsula in five days.
An LNG carrier was hit on Friday while sailing eastbound, causing a fire and leaving it without means of propulsion.
There were no reported injuries among members of the crew, who received assistance from the Omani Coast Guard.
A tanker later reported an explosion and large splash close to the vessel, while another master heard an explosion nearby on Sunday.
Neither ship reported damage.
Traffic through the strait remains significantly disrupted by drone and projectile attacks, military activity and uncertainty over which routes can be transited safely.
Prior attacks in this area are said to have all been Iranian in origin.
Iran objects to the Omani route, as it bypasses Tehran’s so-called Persian Gulf Strait Authority.
To maintain control and collect fees, Iran is now negotiating with the government of Oman on sharing administrative responsibilities.
Iran and the White House do not publicly agree on whether they are negotiating towards a peace agreement, although President Donald Trump said Sunday that talks are moving quickly and that a “deal is imminent.”
Back to Stories Covered
NEW ISSUE OF THE MM&P MAGAZINE NOW ONLINE
The Summer 2026 issue of The Master, Mate & Pilot has been posted on bridgedeck.org under News and Announcements.
In this issue of the MM&P magazine:
— Letter from MM&P President Emeritus Don Marcus: “If the administration’s Jones Act waivers continue, foreign-built vessels and workers will be flooding our ports, undermining national security, safety, environmental standards, and our country’s economic independence”;
— US fleet honors Rep. Salud Carbajal with Salute to Congress award;
— American Merchant Marine Veterans convene at MITAGS;
— AFL-CIO Convention delegates pass resolution supporting the Jones Act;
— leaders of unions, shipping companies and the maritime academies go to Capitol Hill to advocate for the American merchant marine;
— the MM&P Plan Office will launch a new member portal app in August.
The Master, Mate & Pilot will be in your mailbox soon! In the meantime, look for it online on bridgedeck.org under Latest News.
Back to Stories Covered
GRADUATE STUDENT IN GERMANY ASKS MEMBERS TO RESPOND TO A BRIEF SURVEY
A graduate student in nautical studies has asked MM&P and other unions that are affiliates of the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations to respond to a brief academic survey on VTS and bridge decision-making.
Here is his message.
My name is Jakob-Johann Dumrath, and I am a final-year Nautical Studies student at the college of Wismar, Germany.
For my thesis, I am conducting research on the influence and significance of Vessel Traffic Services on the nautical decision-making of the bridge team in international shipping.
To ensure my research is grounded in actual maritime practice, I have designed a brief, completely anonymous online survey (approx. 3 minutes) tailored specifically for active mariners as well as active VTS operators.
Given your crucial role in maritime safety and traffic management, your team’s insights would be highly valuable.
Here is a link to the survey. Please share it with captains and other officers, active VTS operators, and ships operating in your fleet/jurisdiction.
All data collected will be used strictly for academic purposes and analyzed confidentially.
Thank you very much for your time, support, and contribution to maritime safety research. Wishing you calm seas and a safe watch.
Sincerely,
Jakob-Johann Dumrath
+49 152 08876062
j.dumrath@stud.hs-wismar.de
Back to Stories Covered
Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN SAN FRANCISCO/OAKLAND HALL ON MONDAY, AUG. 10
There will be a membership meeting in the MM&P San Francisco/Oakland Hall on Monday, Aug. 10 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 MM&P NORFOLK HALL ON THURSDAY, AUG. 13
There will be an Offshore membership meeting in the MM&P Norfolk Hall on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 1100.
Please contact dispatcher Pete at norfolk@bridgedeck.org for a head count.
The Norfolk Hall is located at:
Interstate Corporate Center, Building 8
6353 Center Dr., Ste 200
Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: 757-489-7406
All Offshore members in the area are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Back to Stories Covered
Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN LOS ANGELES/LONG BEACH HALL ON AUG. 20
There will be an Offshore membership meeting in the MM&P LA/LB Hall on Aug. 20 immediately following the 11:00am job call.
MM&P Pacific Ports Vice President Melany Velleca and Port Agent-Pacific Ports John Taylor will attend the meeting.
The Los Angeles/Long Beach Hall is located at:
533 N. Marine Ave., Ste A
Wilmington, CA 90744-5527
Phone: 310-834-7201
All Offshore members in the area are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN THE HONOLULU HALL ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 18
There will be an Offshore Membership Meeting in the MM&P Honolulu Hall on Friday, Sept. 18.
The meeting will take place after the 1000 job call.
Pacific Ports Vice President Melany Velleca and Honolulu Representative Randy Swindell will attend the meeting and give their reports.
The MM&P Honolulu Hall is located at:
521 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste 254
Phone: 808-523-8183
All Offshore members in the area are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Back to Stories Covered
Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN THE SEATTLE HALL ON WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23 /strong>
There will be an Offshore Membership Meeting in the Seattle Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 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.
All Offshore members and applicants are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Back to Stories Covered
Mark Your Calendar:
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN CHARLESTON HALL ON THURSDAY, OCT. 8
There will be an Offshore membership meeting in the MM&P Charleston Hall on Oct. 8 at 11:00 a.m.
Please contact dispatcher John at charleston@bridgedeck.org for a head count.
The Charleston hall is located at:
1481 Tobias Gadson Blvd., Suite 2C
Charleston, SC 29407-4794
Phone: 843-766-3565
All Offshore members in the area are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Back to Stories Covered
ATLANTIC MARITIME JOBS
Buchanan Marine
— Mate – MMC with a Mate of Towing within Inland Waters
If you are interested in this position, first please fill out an application on the company’s website.
Google Buchanan Marine LP, then click “careers” and scroll down to “apply online.”
After that, email your resume and copies of your credentials to Paulina Trzepacz at: ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org
If you have any questions, please call her at 973-495-9377.
Staten Island Ferry
— Provisional Marine Oilers with their QMED
If you are interested, please fill out an application on the city’s website:
https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/marine-oiler-in-staten-island-jid-36530
If you have any questions, please send an email to Anthony Turzio at:
— Deckhand with an AB
If you are interested in this position, please fill out an application on the city’s website:
https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/deckhand-in-staten-island-jid-36197
If you have any questions, please send an email to Anthony Turzio at:
Marine Oil Service
— Tankerman PIC–MMC tankerman (PIC) with DL (required)
If you are interested in this position, please fill out an application online at:
https://marineoilservice.com/careers/
or email the company at careers@marineoilservice.com
If you have any questions, please send an email to Anthony Turzio at:
Reinauer
— 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 the above positions, please email your resume and copies of your credentials to Keith at Poissant at:
If you have any questions, please call him at 973-420-0492
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, 01/25/27
FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced: 09/07/26, 11/30/26
MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 11/02/26, 11/09/26
MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 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):
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): 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: 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): 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): 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: 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): 10/05/26
WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (10-Day): 09/14/26, 02/15/27
WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 11/16/26, 01/08/27
[MSC – MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND Courses]
MSC-ATO-I – Anti-Terrorism Officer (Online): Contact Admissions
MSC-CBRD-1 – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Orientation (Basic) Indoctrination (1-Day): 08/06/26, 09/17/26, 11/05/26
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): 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): 08/09/26*, 09/20/26, 11/08/26, 12/06/26
MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 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): 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: 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: 12/14/26
Qualified Assessor (Online): Contact Admissions
RFPNW – Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (3-Day): Not Currently Scheduled
TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: 8/31/26
VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): Not Currently Scheduled
[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
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
August 2026
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
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.
Related Posts
Wheelhouse Weekly, April 21, 2026
Volume 32… Number 16, April 21, 2026 STORIES COVERED In This Issue: Sail-In to Focus on Coast Guard Funding, Maritime Revitalization Unions and Employers Warn: “Lapse in Government Funding Is Interfering With Critical Maritime Operations” DoD Terminates Collective Bargaining Agreements Covering Most Employees: MM&P Members Protected as Legal Case Plays Out US Navy Seizes Iran-Flag […]
Wheelhouse Weekly, September 3, 2024
Volume 30… Number 36, September 3, 2024 STORIES COVERED In This Issue: Important Notification: Attention Vessel Masters “Union Approval Rating” Continues to Climb ILWU Pledges Solidarity With ILA as Contract Deadline Nears USNS BURLINGTON Completes Operation Continuing Promise Thousands of Hotel Workers Strike Over Low Pay, Service Cuts Mark Your Calendar: Atlantic Maritime Group Membership […]
Wheelhouse Weekly, March 4, 2025
Volume 31… Number 9, March 4, 2025 STORIES COVERED In This Issue: MM&P Captain Files Whistleblower Claim Against American President Lines and Subsidiaries After Retaliation for Reporting Rest Period Violations and Other Protected Activity Maritime Unions Call on New Hampshire Lawmakers to Reject Anti-Jones Act Bill ILA Members Ratify New Six-Year Contract Administration Fires Hundreds […]