Wheelhouse Weekly, December 17, 2024

Volume 30… Number 51, December 17, 2024

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• Holiday Greetings!
• Unions Call on Senate to Restore Fair Treatment for Retirees
• Transportation Labor Backs Inquiry Into Spain’s Denial of Entry to US-Flag Ships
• MM&P Member Honored by Crowley for Helping to Save the Life of a Shipmate
• Exciting News From MM&P Plans! New MM&P Plans Member Portal Now Online
• Please Respond to the ITF Survey on Shore Leave

Mark Your Calendar:

• Holiday Closing Schedule
• Last Day for Processing Vacation and PRO Payments
• Holiday Parties in the Union Halls

Also:

• Correction to 2024 Election Results in Last Week’s Weekly

Job Opportunities:

• Offshore Jobs
• Great Lakes Jobs

And:

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

HOLIDAY GREETINGS!

MM&P leadership and staff wish all MM&P members and applicants at sea and ashore and their families a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year.

For those at sea, especially those in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean, may you and your shipmates stay out of harm’s way and have uneventful voyages.

May 2025 bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all.
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UNIONS CALL ON SENATE TO RESTORE FAIR TREATMENT FOR RETIREES

The labor movement is calling on the Senate to pass bipartisan legislation that would eliminate penalties on millions of people who have had their Social Security benefits slashed simply because at one point in their careers, they worked in the public sector.

The House version of the legislation, HR 82, was passed last week by an overwhelming majority of members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.

The Senate has only a few days left to act before Congress goes home for the holidays on Dec. 20.

Millions of people have been penalized by the unfair laws, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which were passed under the Reagan administration.

If Congress does not repeal the two laws, the retirements of millions more are at risk.

“No one who works hard and pays into Social Security should see their benefits slashed,” the unions told senators in a Nov. 21 letter.

“These penalties have undermined the economic security of millions of seniors across the country.”

“Older Americans covered by the WEP have seen their earned Social Security benefit reduced by 40-60 percent.”

Under GPO, a worker who receives a public pension and whose spouse dies first is not entitled to a Social Security spousal benefit.

“This is a wrong that should be righted as soon as possible,” the unions wrote.

They blame the penalties in part for the fact that so many public sector jobs go unfilled, adding, “No one should be expected to sacrifice their earned Social Security benefits in order to take a job.”

Unions urging passage of the bill include MM&P, the AFL-CIO, the Transportation Trades Department and the Maritime Trades Department.

“The nearly 13 million workers in the AFL-CIO are standing together and telling the Senate that it’s time to get this done,” says AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond.

Please send a message or call your senators today urging them to pass the Social Security Fairness Act.
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TRANSPORTATION LABOR BACKS INQUIRY INTO SPAIN’S DENIAL OF ENTRY TO US-FLAG SHIPS

MM&P has joined other transportation unions in expressing support for an investigation by the Federal Maritime Commission into Spain’s denial of entry to US-flag vessels.

The FMC, an independent body charged with evaluating conditions that may affect shipping and US international trade, opened the inquiry after Spain refused to allow at least three cargo vessels into its ports, including some enrolled in the Maritime Security Program.

NATO allies are supposed to afford MSP vessels and their owners protection against “restrictive and discriminatory” practices because their services are often used by the US military.

Two of the three incidents noted by the commission took place in November and involved vessels operated by Maersk. The other occurred in May.

“We are writing to express our full support for the FMC investigation in response to disturbing reports that the Government of Spain has denied entry to US flag vessels at its ports,” the unions wrote.

“This unacceptable practice undermines the principles of fair trade and creates unfavorable conditions for US shipping in foreign trade.”

“We commend the Commission for its prompt action in addressing these serious concerns.”

In the letter, the unions noted that MSP-enrolled vessels are essential for maintaining the security and reliability of US foreign trade and defense readiness.

“Such actions by the Spanish government jeopardize the free flow of commerce through the diversion of US-flag vessels while also disrupting shipping operations, in direct violation of international norms and agreements.”

“Maritime labor stands united in its commitment to support the mission of the United States, including the promotion of our nation’s economic and national security interests by delivering timely cargo on behalf of the American people,” they wrote.

“We trust that the FMC will act decisively to address these violations and protect the rights of US-flag vessels to operate freely in international trade.”

The letter was signed by MM&P President Don Marcus, AMO President Willie Barrere, MTD President Mark Clements, SUP President Dave Connolly, SIU President David Heindel, MFOW President Anthony Poplawski, TTD President Greg Regan, and MEBA President Adam Vokac.
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MM&P MEMBER HONORED BY CROWLEY FOR HELPING TO SAVE THE LIFE OF A SHIPMATE

Kevin Zapolski has received an award from Crowley for helping to save a fellow crewmember who had fallen into the water while the POTOMAC EXPRESS was docked at the Garden City Terminal in Savannah.

Zapolski, who was sailing as second mate, was off duty and heading ashore on Nov. 1 when he met joining crewmember Kenneth Ward John and volunteered to help him carry his bags up the gangway.

After Zapolski had carried the first couple of bags onto the ship, he turned around to help with the rest but could no longer see his shipmate on the dock.

Then he heard splashing and a cry for help. He looked into the water and saw John hanging onto a fender between the dock and the vessel.

Zapolski threw him a life ring and provided support to help keep him afloat, while at the same time coordinating the rescue operation with emergency medical personnel and the terminal.

“His proactive leadership was instrumental in securing and stabilizing the crewmember in the water and organizing his safe retrieval,” said POTOMAC EXPRESS Master Hedi Marzougui.

“Through his courage and quick thinking, he has set a powerful example.”

Crowley presented Zapolski with its TOPS Award on Dec. 6, in appreciation of his “outstanding performance and for demonstrating the Crowley values of integrity and drive.”

“His selflessness and professionalism are deeply valued by the entire team,” the company said in a statement.

Photos of Kevin Zapolski receiving the award and the crew of the POTOMAC EXPRESS will be published in the Spring 2025 issue of The Master, Mate & Pilot.
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NEW MM&P PLANS MEMBER PORTAL NOW ONLINE

The Plan Office is thrilled to announce the launch of our new MM&P Plans Member Portal, designed with your needs in mind!

The portal gives you quick and easy access to essential tools and information—all in one place.

With the new portal, you can:

— View your EOBs “Explanation of Benefits” and Eligibility status;

— Access your Vacation Computation Sheets;

— Find and download important documents, whenever you need them.

And this is just the beginning: More features and enhancements are on the way to make your experience even better.

To explore the portal, visit members.mmpplans.com and click the Sign-Up button.

Click here for information on how to access the portal.

If you encounter any issues, send an email to HELP@mmpplans.com, or call 410-850-8638.
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PLEASE RESPOND TO THE ITF SURVEY ON SHORE LEAVE

The ITF Seafarers’ Trust asks that you take a few minutes to respond to a survey on shore leave.

To complete the confidential survey, go to https://bit.ly/ShoreleaveSurvey

The ITF Seafarers’ Trust provides grants to improve facilities and services for seafarers in ports, such as seafarers’ centers and vehicles.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, access to shore leave appears to have decreased, with reports of seafarers not being allowed shore leave for extended periods, lack of access to shore-based facilities, and shorter periods in port.

We’re asking seafarers to complete our confidential survey so we can get a real picture of what the issues and challenges around shore leave are.

The questionnaire is intended to enhance the understanding of access to shore leave, identify potential barriers and guide grant-making strategy regarding port-based welfare.

The Seafarers’ Trust will keep any identifying information that you provide in this survey private, unless you give permission to share it.

The Seafarers’ Trust privacy policy can be read at: https://www.seafarerstrust.org/our-privacy-and-cookies-policies.

MM&P is an ITF affiliate.
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MM&P Holiday Closing Schedule

All MM&P union halls, the Plan Office, the MM&P Federal Credit Union, and MM&P headquarters will be closed for the holiday on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

The San Juan Hall will be closed on Monday, Jan. 6, for Three Kings’ Day. 
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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 2024 no later than Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. EST.

All requests for 2024 Vacation and PRO payments received after this date and time will be held until Jan. 2, 2025, for processing and will therefore be taxable in 2025.

If you have questions, please contact the Vacation Department at 410-850-8625 or Ken Ryan at 410-850-8617.
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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.

Charleston – Wednesday, December 18th – Kickin’ Chicken, 1179 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm

Miami/PEV – Friday, December 20th – Umberto’s, 3051 E. Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm

LA/Long Beach – Friday, December 20, at 11:00 a.m. at the LA/Long Beach Hall

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CORRECTION TO 2024 MM&P ELECTION RESULTS IN LAST WEEK’S WEEKLY

The titles of two elected officials in the MM&P Pilot Membership Group were reported incorrectly in last week’s Wheelhouse Weekly article on the 2024 MM&P Election Results.

The MM&P Pilot West Coast Regional Representative is Zachary M. Kellerman.

The MM&P Pilot Gulf Coast Regional Representative is Kristi Taylor.

Their titles were inverted in the article.

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NEW OFFSHORE JOBS

Tanker CMs needed, 2M needed ASAP and Tanker PICs at all levels.

Applicants, did you know that three consecutive years of tanker service can earn you a B Book? Email jhope@bridgedeck.org for more information.
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GREAT LAKES JOBS

GREAT LAKES JOBS

There are job openings on the Great Lakes!

KEY LAKES, a division of Key Stone, has openings for Mates with Great Lakes pilotage; they may take an Open Water Mate if COI allows. The company operates a fleet of two 1000’ x 105’ ships.

GRAND RIVER NAVIGATION has an opening for a 1st Assistant Engineer.

If you want more information about Great Lakes job listings, go to https://bridgedeck.org/job-opportunities/.

Interested candidates should reach out to Thomas Bell at the MM&P Cleveland office: tbell@bridgedeck.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): 02/10/25, 04/28/25

ARPA-OIC– Automated Radar Plotting Aids (4-Day): 02/03/25, 03/24/25

AZIPOD (2-Day): 01/09/25

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

BRMP-EMR –Bridge Resource Management for Pilots with Emergency Shiphandling – (Now also included in BRMP-Refresher) (3-Day): 01/06/25

BT – Basic Safety Training (5-Day): 02/03/25, 02/24/25

BT-Revalidation (2-day) (Must have 1 year of sea service in last 5 years): 01/20/25, 03/24/25

BT-Refresher (3-day): 01/20/25

CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling Basic (5-Day): 02/17/25

[CMM – Chief Mate and Master Courses]

ADVSTB – Advanced Stability (5-Day): 01/13/25, 03/24/25, 04/28/25

ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology (5-Day): 12/16/24, 01/06/25, 03/17/25, 06/02/25

CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10 Days): 01/20/25

CM-OPS 1 – Chief Mate Operations (5-Day): 02/10/25, 05/12/25

CM-OPS 2 Maersk – Chief Mate Operations II Maersk Specific (5-Day): 12/16/24, 02/17/25, 05/19/25

ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (5-Day): 03/31/25

LMS – Leadership and Managerial Skills (5-Day): 03/10/25

MPP-CMM – Marine Propulsion Plants (5-Day): 03/03/25

(DCS-1 available on request – contact Admissions)

SHMGT-CMM- Ship Management (5-Day): 02/17/25

SHS-ADV-I-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (week 1) (5-Day): 01/13/25, 02/03/25, 03/10/25, 04/07/25, 05/05/25,

SHS-ADV-II-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (week 2) (5-Day): 01/20/25, 02/10/25, 03/07/25, 04/14/25, 05/12/25

VPEN-CMM – Voyage Planning & Electronic Navigation (5-Day): 04/28/25

WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping (5-Day): 02/24/25

WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-day) – 01/11/25, 03/01/25, 04/26/25, 08/02/25

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

Online: 02/19/25

CNAV-OIC– Celestial Navigation (15-Day): 05/05/25

DDE – Great Lakes (20-Day): 01/27/25

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

ERM – Engine Resource Management (5-Day): 03/17/25

FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-day): 03/03/25

FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced (5-Day): 02/03/25

FF-ADV-Rev (1-day) (Must have 1 year of sea service in last 5 years) – Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation: 01/22/25, 03/26/25

FF-ADV-REF (2-day) – Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher: 01/23/25

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

GL-Pilot – Great Lakes Pilotage Familiarization (2-Day): 02/07/25

GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (10-Day): Not currently scheduled

HAZ – Hazardous Materials (5 day): 02/24/25

LAP – License Advancement Program for Mate to Master (20-Day): 03/10/25

LAP-Great Lakes – License Advancement Program – Great Lakes (15-Day): 02/10/25

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

Ton License (15-Day): 06/03/25

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

LNG-BADV – Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations (3 Day): 12/16/24*, 01/13/25, 03/12/25, 05/05/25, 06/04/25

LTS –Leadership and Teamworking Skills (Formerly MCL-OIC) (1-Day): 02/24/25

MEECE – Management of Electrical and Electronic Control Equipment (Assessments /not included): 03/24/25

MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 01/20/25, 04/07/25, 05/12/25

MED-PIC-REF– Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 01/06/25, 03/03/25, 04/28/25

MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: (5-Day): 02/03/25, 04/07/25, 05/12/25

MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day): 01/11/25, 01/25/25, 03/08/25, 04/12/25, 05/03/25, 05/17/25

[MSC – Military Sealift Command Courses]

MSC-ATO-II – Military Sealift Command Anti-Terrorism Officer II (5-Day): 01/20/25

MSC-CBRD-OFF – Military Sealift Command Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Officer (5-Day): Not currently scheduled

MSC-CBRD-1 – Military Sealift Command Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Orientation (Basic) (1-Day): 01/09/25, 03/13/25, 05/08/25, 06/12/25

MSC-DC – Military Sealift Command Damage Control (2-day): 01/10/25, 03/14/25, 05/09/25, 06/13/25

MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 01/12/25, 03/16/25, 05/11/25

MSC-SMA – Military Sealift Command Small Arms Qualifications (4-Day): 01/13/25, 02/11/25, 03/17/25, 04/15/25, 05/12/25, 06/16/25

MSC-Security Watch Basic (1-Day/ 8-hour): 01/11/25, 03/15/25, 05/10/25, 06/14/25

MSC-Security Watch Advanced (1-Day): 01/12/25, 02/10/25, 03/16/25, 04/14/24, 05/11/25, 06/15/25

MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 01/17/25, 03/31/25, 05/13/25, 06/20/25

NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 01/07/25*, 01/09/25*, 03/25/25*, 03/27/25, 04/29/25, 05/01/25

PSC – Personal Survival Craft (Lifeboatman) (5-Day): 02/17/25

PSC-REF – Personal Survival Craft Refresher (2-Day): 01/16/2025

RFPNW – Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (3-day): 01/29/25

ROR-1N – Radar Observer Renewal Evening Classes (1-Night): Contact Admissions

ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 01/27/25, 03/17/25

SAR – Search & Rescue – (Now with OIC and CMM assessments) (3-Day): 02/26/25

SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 03/07/25, 04/14/25

SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling (5 Day): 12/16/24, 01/27/25*, 04/21/25, 06/23/25

STB-OIC – Ship Construction and Basic Stability: 02/10/25

TCNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 01/20/25

TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: Not currently scheduled

TTT – ** NOT covered by the MATES Program: Not currently scheduled

VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): , 02/26/25

WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (Operational Level) (10-Day): 01/20/25, 04/21/25

WX-OIC –Meteorology (Operational Level): 03/10/25

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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
October 2024
30th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

December 2024

16-19 Advanced Firefighting

January 2025

6-7 Basic Training Revalidation

6-8 Basic Training Refresher

8th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

9-10 Advanced Firefighting Refresher

13-16 Advanced Firefighting (Original)

20-24 Basic Training

27-31 Lifeboatman/Proficiency in Survival Craft

27-31 Medical Care Provider

27-31 Advanced Shiphandling I

27-7 Medical Person-In-Charge

February 2025

3-21 Celestial Navigation

10-14 Basic Training

10-14 Advanced Shiphandling II

17-21 Able Seaman

19-20 Basic Training Revalidation

21st Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

24-27 Advanced Firefighting (Original)

24-28 Meteorology (Operational Level)

March 2025

3-4 Basic Training Revalidation

3-7 Leadership & Managerial Skills

3-7 Basic Shiphandling

5th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

10-14 ECDIS

10-14 Basic Training

10-28 Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation

17-20 Advanced Firefighting (Original)

17-21 Lifeboatman/Proficiency in Survival Craft

24-28 Able Seaman

17-28 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)

31-4 Radar Observer Unlimited

31-4 Basic Training

April 2025

7-8 Basic Training Revalidation

7-9 Basic Training Refresher

7-9 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility

7-11 ECDIS

9th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

10-11 Advanced Firefighting Refresher

14-17 Advanced Firefighting (Original)

14-25 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)

21-24 ARPA

21-25 Medical Care Provider

21-2 Medical Person-In-Charge

2-2 ECDIS

28-9 GMDSS

May 2025

5-9 Basic Training

5-16 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)

12-15 Advanced Firefighting

12-30 Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation

19-20 Basic Training Revalidation

21st Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

June 2025

2-6 Radar Observer Unlimited

2-6 Leadership & Managerial Skills

2-6 Basic Training

9-13 Med PIC Refresher

9-13 Advanced Shiphandling I

16-17 Basic Training Revalidation

16-20 Advanced Shiphandling II

18th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

23-26 Advanced Firefighting

23-27 Advanced Stability

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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.

For subscriptions, address changes or messages to the editor, send an email to communications@bridgedeck.org.