Wheelhouse Weekly, Dec. 2, 2025

Volume 31… Number 48, December 2, 2025

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• Maersk Says It Has No Specific Timeline for Returning to Suez Canal Transits
• CSA Honors Mariners and Ships for Environmental Excellence
• More Countries Adopt Cabotage Laws Like the Jones Act
• Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson Assumes Command of MSC
• 2026 Mariners for America Conference at MITAGS: Last Call for Speakers; Registration Now Open
• Washington State Pilot Exam for Grays Harbor and Puget Sound Districts
• MM&P Vacation Plan—Last Day for Processing Vacation and PRO Payments

Mark Your Calendar:

• Holiday Parties in the Union Halls

Job Opportunities:

• AMG Jobs
• Great Lakes Jobs
• Offshore Jobs

And:

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

MAERSK SAYS IT HAS NO SPECIFIC TIMELINE FOR RETURNING TO SUEZ CANAL TRANSITS

BIPARTISAN MAJORITY MOVES TO FORCE HOUSE VOTE ON BILL TO RESTORE FEDERAL WORKERS’ UNION RIGHTS

Maersk said in a statement released last week that to ensure the safety of crews, vessels and cargo, it would hold off on returning to the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Suez Canal.

Maersk released the statement together with Hapag-Lloyd, its partner in the Gemini Cooperation network.

The companies announced the introduction of a Cape of Good Hope network as an alternative to the Suez Canal when they launched the Gemini Cooperation initiative earlier this year.

But they have continually underlined their intention to return to a Suez-based East-West network once security conditions in the region allow.

CMA CGM, the parent of MM&P-contracted APL, has maintained some canal transits, at times with EUNAVFOR escorts.

It recently sent the CMA CGM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN and CMA CGM JULES VERNE through the canal.

The Suez Canal Authority has been pushing to increase traffic by offering discounted tolls for large containerships.

It said on Nov. 25 that CMA CGM had decided for a full return and would increase its transits starting this month.
Back to Stories Covered

---

CSA HONORS MARINERS AND SHIPS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE

Mariners and their vessels were recognized last month by the Chamber of Shipping of America at its annual Environmental Achievement Awards ceremony.

MM&P-contracted companies were among those that were recognized at the event, which was held in Washington, DC, on Nov. 12, for operating their fleets for lengthy periods without any reportable environmental incidents.

“Tonight, we honor the men and women at sea and ashore whose commitment to safe and environmentally responsible operations sets the standard for our industry,” said CSA President and CEO Sean Kline.

“These awards are not just about statistics: they are about a culture of stewardship that runs deep across the US maritime community.

“Every year, our seafarers and companies prove that protecting the oceans and powering the global economy go hand-in-hand.

“Their professionalism, leadership, and dedication strengthen our industry and our nation, and it is a privilege to recognize their achievements on behalf of the entire maritime community.”
Back to Stories Covered

---

MORE COUNTRIES ADOPT CABOTAGE LAWS LIKE THE JONES ACT

The number of nations with laws that reserve domestic maritime transport for their own citizens is growing.

About 85 percent of countries have their own version of the Jones Act, an increase of 14 countries since 2018.

The growth in the number of countries with cabotage laws was reported by the International Transport Workers’ Federation in a report: “Domestic Maritime Policies: A Focus on National Security.”

The Jones Act, which has long been supported by broad, bipartisan majorities in Congress, mandates that cargo moving between domestic ports be carried on American-built, -owned and -crewed vessels.

The law ensures that American maritime jobs are not shipped overseas and that the assets underlying US defense capabilities are not outsourced to foreign nations.

The economy, supply chains and national security all benefit when a country reserves jobs in domestic maritime transport for its own citizens, the ITF says.

Countries with strong national fleets are best positioned to maintain the movement of essential goods on a day-to-day basis.

And during times of crisis—such as pandemic or conflict—countries need access to domestic fleets and trained seafarers to sustain critical operations.

MM&P is an ITF affiliate.
Back to Stories Covered

---

REAR ADM. BENJAMIN NICHOLSON ASSUMES COMMAND OF MSC

The new head of Military Sealift Command is Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, who assumed the leadership role at MSC after serving as assistant deputy chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy.

“I am deeply honored to assume command of Military Sealift Command and to join the men and women who keep the Navy and our nation moving across the world’s oceans,” Nicholson said at the change-of-command ceremony on Nov. 13.

“To our entire team, thank you for what you do every day. I look forward to serving alongside you, learning from you, and championing the mission we all share.”

Nicholson’s previous flag-officer assignments include commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two; commander of Joint Region Marianas Task Force West; and Indo-Pacific Command senior military official for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau.

MM&P represents the LDOs, Pursers and MSOs aboard all MSC CIVMAR manned ships.

MSC directs and supports operations for approximately 140 civilian-crewed ships that replenish Navy ships at sea, conduct specialized missions and move military equipment and supplies to deployed US forces.
Back to Stories Covered

---

LAST CALL FOR SPEAKERS; REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

The 2026 Mariners for America Conference will take place at MITAGS–East in Linthicum Heights, MD, from March 30 to April 1.

The conference will bring together maritime professionals, industry leaders, vessel operators, academics, regulators and students from across the country to participate in expert-led sessions and discussions, hands-on training and networking opportunities.

America’s maritime industry is entering a period of historic growth as a result of the President’s Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance and the introduction in Congress of the Ships for America Act.

At the center of the effort to reconstitute the nation’s maritime industry is the need to attract and retain a strong, sustainable American mariner workforce.

Conference participants will explore bold new ideas and proven strategies to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of American mariners.

Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and advance your career in the maritime industry!

Registration is now open! Go to the MITAGS website to register today!

Potential speakers are invited to submit their proposals on topics including:

— attracting the next generation of mariners (career pathways, recruiting strategies, eliminating barriers to entry);

— career development (training, technology, mentorship, shore-based careers);

— mariner wellbeing (mental health, work-life balance, employee engagement).

Each presentation should be 30 minutes long with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A.

Notification of acceptance of proposals is Jan. 16, 2026.

Submit your proposal to Captain Jon Kjaerulff: jkjaerulff@mitags.org.

Required information:

• Title of presentation (10 words or less)

• 200-word description

• Intended outcomes & learning objectives

• Presenter bio & contact info.

Mark your calendar to attend the 2026 Mariners for America Conference at MITAGS March 30-April 1.
Back to Stories Covered

---

WASHINGTON STATE PILOT EXAM FOR GRAYS HARBOR AND PUGET SOUND DISTRICTS

On Monday April 13, 2026, at 0800 PDST, the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners will administer to qualified applicants a knowledge-based test (KBT or written exam) to be followed by a simulator evaluation for those eligible.

The KBT will be administered via live remote proctor in your local area and the

simulator evaluation will be held in Seattle.

Applicants who meet or exceed the cut score set by the Board on the KBT and simulator evaluation will be placed on a waiting list to be called into a pilot training program as needed.

Successful completion of the pilot training program is required to qualify for issuance of a state pilot license for the applicable pilotage district.

The simulator evaluation is scheduled in the simulator at MITAGS West the week of April 27–May 1, 2026.

Applications are available at click here or by written or e-mail request.

Board of Pilotage Commissioners

2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500

Seattle, WA 98121

Fax: 206-515-3906

E-mail: PilotageInfo@wsdot.wa.gov

Any inquiries regarding the application contents or process must be made in writing.

The complete application must be received by the Board office by 2359 PDST on March 13, 2026, unless prior written permission to file an application at a later time is obtained from the Board.

For the 2026 exam, you may complete your application by email, mail or you may deliver your application in-person via appointment.

The 2026 Washington State Marine Pilot Exam and licensing process will be governed by and administered pursuant to Chapter 363-116 WAC.
Back to Stories Covered

---

MM&P VACATION PLAN—LAST DAY FOR PROCESSING VACATION AND PRO PAYMENTS

The Plan Office received approval to close the year-end Internal Revenue Service and company reports and to process Vacation and PRO payments for 2025 no later than Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EST.

All requests for 2025 Vacation and PRO payments received after this date and time will be held until January 2, 2026, for processing and will therefore be taxable in 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact the Vacation Department at 410-850-8625.
Back to Stories Covered

---

HOLIDAY PARTIES IN THE UNION HALLS

MM&P is welcoming the holiday season with parties in the union halls!

Here is the schedule. To RSVP and for more information, please contact the hall.
ATLANTIC PORTS

— Charleston: 12/2/25 @ 1130-1530; Kickin’ Chicken, 1179 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407

— Newark: 12/5/25 @ 1130-1530; Newark Union Hall, 570 Broad Street, Suite 701, Newark, NJ 07102

— Boston: 12/9/25 @ 1130-1530; Boston Union Hall, 2 Channel Street, Unit 505, Boston, MA 02210-2333

— Norfolk: 12/16/25 @ 1130-1530; Dockside Seafood, 3311 Shore Dr.,

Virginia Beach, VA 23451

— Miami/PEV: 12/19/25 @ 1130-1530; Umberto’s, 3051 E. Commercial Blvd.,

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

GULF PORTS

— Houston: 12/10/25 @ 1100, Esteban’s Cantina, 402 W Main St. League City, TX 77573

PACIFIC PORTS

— Honolulu: 12/11/25 after 1100 job call; Honolulu Hall, 521 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 254, Honolulu 96813

— LA/LB: 12/12/25 after 1100 job call; LA/LB Hall, 533 N. Marine Ave., Suite A, Wilmington, CA 90744

— Seattle: 12/16/25 after 1100 job call; Seattle Hall, 15208 52nd Ave., South, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98188

— SF/Oakland: 12/9/25, from 1200 to 1500; Fat Lady, 201 Washington St., Oakland, CA 94607.
Back to Stories Covered

---

ATLANTIC MARITIME JOBS

BUCHANAN MARINE is looking for:

— MMC with a Mate of Towing within Inland Waters;

— Deckhand MMC with an OS.

If you are interested, please fill out an application on the company’s website.

Google Buchanan Marine LP, then click “careers” and scroll down to “apply online.”

If you have questions, please contact Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org or 973-495-9377.

MORAN is looking for:

— Tankerman: MMC with a PIC, preferably with an AB and STCW but will work with an OS;

— Licensed Engineer (Ship Assist) – MMC with STCW;

— Assistant Engineer (ATB/Offshore) – 3rd AE Unlimited Oceans or C/E;

— AB (ATB/Offshore) – MMC with AB & STCW.

If interested, please email your resume and copies of your credentials to Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org. If you have any questions, please call at 973-495-9377.

POLING & CUTLER is looking for:

— Mate with a 200-ton coastwise licensed & TOAR;

— Tankerman – PIC with an OS

— Deckhand with OS & minimum 1 year experience who is interested in becoming a PIC

— Captain with a 200-ton coastwise license & TOAR

If interested, please email your resume and copies of your credentials to Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org. If you have any questions, please call at 973-495-9377.

STATEN ISLAND FERRY is looking for 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-27357

Any questions, please send an email to Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org.

STATEN ISLAND FERRY is looking for a Deckhand with an AB.

If you are interested, please fill out an application on the city’s website.

https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/deckhand-in-staten-island-jid-34931

Any questions, please send an email to Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org.
Back to Stories Covered

---

OFFSHORE JOBS

Senior LMSR positions available.
Back to Stories Covered

---

GREAT LAKES & GULF JOBS

Immediate openings in the Great Lakes region for the following permanent jobs:

— Great Lakes Towing CAPTAINS – Must live within two hours of Ports: Detroit, Toledo, Chicago, Duluth, Cleveland, Buffalo – Start Date Immediately.

If you’re interested in applying or want more information, please contact MM&P GL&G Vice President Ed Lulko, elulko@bridgedeck.org.
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: 02/02/26, 03/16/26, 09/07/26, 11/30/26

FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-Day): 03/02/26

FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced: 02/02/26, 03/16/26, 09/07/26, 11/30/26

MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 01/26/26*

MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 12/08/25*, 02/02/26

MED-PIC-REF – Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 01/05/26

MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day):

12/13/25, 01/10/26, 02/07/26

[STCW License & Radar Renewal Courses]

Revalidations (REV): You have 360+ days of sea time in the last 5 years

BT-REV (2-day): 12/08/25, 01/19/26, 03/30/26, 05/15/26, 09/14/26, 09/28/26, 10/26/26

FF-ADV-REV (1-day): 12/10/25, 01/21/26, 04/01/26, 05/20/26, 09/16/26, 09/30/26, 10/28/26

Refreshers (REF): You have less than 360 days of sea time in the last 5 years

BT-REF (3-day): 01/19/26, 03/30/26, 10/26/26

FF-ADV-REF (2-day): 01/22/26, 04/02/26, 10/29/26

ROR-1N – Radar Observer Renewal Evening Classes (1-Night): 01/21/26

[CMM – Chief Mate & Master Upgrade Courses]

ADVSTB – Advanced Stability: 12/08/25, 02/16/26, 04/20/26, 06/08/26

ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology: 12/01/25, 02/09/26, 04/27/26, 06/01/26

CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10-Day): 02/23/26

LAP – License Advancement Program for Mate to Master (20-Day): 04/20/26

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: 12/15/25, 02/16/26, 03/23/26

MPP-CMM – Marine Propulsion Plants: 03/23/26

SHMGT-CMM – Ship Management: 03/09/26

SHS-ADV-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (10-Day): 12/01/25, 01/12/26*, 02/06/26*, 03/02/26, 04/06/26, 05/11/26, 06/15/26

WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping: 03/16/26

[AB TO MATE Upgrade Courses]

ARPA-OIC – Automated Radar Plotting Aids (4-Day): 02/09/26*

CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling & Stowage: 03/09/26, 05/11/26

CNAV-OIC – Celestial Navigation (15-Day): 12/01/25, 03/09/25

ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems: 02/23/26*, 03/02/26

FL – Visual Communications / Flashing Light (1 Day): Contact Admissions

LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Prep (15-Day): 03/23/26, 05/25/26

LTS – Leadership and Teamworking Skills (1-Day): Contact Admissions

ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 02/02/26*

SAR – Search and Rescue (3-Day): 02/16/26, 05/04/26

SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 02/23/26*, 04/27/26*

STB-OIC – Stability and Cargo Handling: 03/16/26, 05/18/26

TNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 01/05/26*

WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (10-Day): 01/12/26, 03/30/26

WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 01/05/26, 02/16/26

[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): 01/26/26

MSC-CBRD-1 – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Orientation (Basic) Indoctrination (1-Day): 01/08/26, 03/12/26

MSC-CBRD-OFF – Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Officer: 03/23/2026, 06/22/2026

MSC-DC – Damage Control (1-Day): 01/09/26, 03/13/26

MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 01/09/26, 03/13/26

MSC-SMA – Small Arms (4-Day): 12/09/25, 01/12/26, 02/09/26, 03/15/26, 04/13/26

MSC-SWB – Security Watch Basic (1-Day): 01/10/26, 03/14/26

MSC-SW-ADV – Security Watch Advanced (1-Day): 12/08/25, 01/11/26, 02/08/26, 03/15/26, 04/12/26

MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 01/16/26, 03/20/26

[MM&P Company Specific Requirements Courses]

CM-OPS 1 – Chief Mate Operations: 01/12/26

CM-OPS 2 Maersk – CM Operations II Maersk Specific: 01/19/26

LNG-BADV – Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations (3-Day): 12/15/26, 02/02/26, 02/05/26

NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 12/02/25*, 12/04/25* 01/06/26, 01/08/26, 03/17/26, 03/19/26, 5/12/26, 05/14/26, 09/01/26, 09/03/26, 10/27/26, 10/29/26 – Contact Admissions to Register

SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling: 01/26/26

WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-Day): 12/06/25

[Other MITAGS Courses]

AB – Able Seaman: 02/16/26

BRM – Bridge Resource Management: 03/23/26*

GL-Pilot – Great Lakes Pilotage Familiarization (2-Day): 02/13/26

LAP-Great Lakes – License Advancement Program – Great Lakes (15-Day): 02/16/26

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: Not Currently Scheduled

VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): 02/23/26

[Continual Improvement Workshops – NOT covered by the MATES Program]

Designated Person Ashore & Internal Auditor (3-Day): Online: 02/04/26

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

Back to Stories Covered

---

MITAGS–WEST ACADEMIC NOTES

2024 Fall/Winter

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

December 2025</strong?

3rd Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

4-5 Advanced Firefighting Refresher

8-12 Basic Training

15-18 Advanced Firefighting

15-19 Tankerman Person-In-Charge

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.