Wheelhouse Weekly, Jan. 6, 2026

Volume 32… Number 1, January 6, 2026

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• New York Times Reports: “Sanctioned Tankers Flee Venezuela After US Military Operation”
• New Issue of the MM&P Magazine Now Online
• Temporary Reduction of Service at REC New Orleans
• Police in Australia Find Cocaine Hidden in Refrigeration Unit of a Shipping Container
• New San Francisco Bay Diesel Ferry Now in Service
• Winter Weather Forecasting Webinars for Blue Water Mariners on Jan. 6 and 7
• Union Plus Scholarship Application Deadline Is Jan. 31
• District One Boston Seeks Harbor Pilot Trainees

Job Opportunities:

• AMG Jobs
• Great Lakes Jobs
• Offshore Jobs

And:

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

“SANCTIONED TANKERS FLEE VENEZUELA AFTER US MILITARY OPERATION”

Sanctioned oil tankers are using fake names and GPS spoofing in an attempt to dodge the US naval blockade on Venezuelan energy exports, The New York Times has reported.

In an article published on Jan. 5, journalists Christiaan Triebert and Anatoly Kurmanaev reported that at least 16 sanctioned oil tankers left Venezuela’s ports after the capture by US armed forces of President Nicholas Maduro and his wife.

Since President Trump imposed the blockade on sanctioned tankers on Dec. 16, the US military has encountered three shadow fleet vessels trying to trade Venezuelan oil.

One, identified as the SKIPPER, was halted and seized by the Coast Guard on Dec. 10.

The second, the CENTURIES, was halted by the Coast Guard and boarded on Dec. 20 but was not seized.

The third, originally called the BELLA 1, is now identifying itself as the MARINERA. The New York Times reports that it is still being pursued.

Fifteen of the 16 ships that were on the move the day the military operation took place are said to be under sanctions for transporting Venezuelan oil to Iran and Russia.
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NEW ISSUE OF THE MM&P MAGAZINE NOW ONLINE

The Winter 2025 issue of The Master, Mate & Pilot has been posted on bridgedeck.org under News and Announcements.

In this issue:

— SHIPS for America Act continues to move forward in Washington, slowly and steadily;

— MLL to swap nine vessels for three 2014 built and six 2026 built, the latter with dual-fuel capability;

— SLNC Star saves crew of drifting fishing boat;

— MM&P licensed deck officers take command of CMA CGM Phoenix;

— court victory for unions in fight to restore federal workers’ bargaining rights;

— MM&P pledges support for global alliance to protect port workers’ jobs;

— MT Allied Pacific completes Far East mission;

— Maritime College honors MM&P Pilots Group Vice President Tim Ferrie;

— MM&P member Burley Smith speaks at commemoration of Korean War rescue of 14,000 people by the SS Meredith Victory–Smith, now 97 years old, was sailing as junior third mate when the rescue took place.

A painting by Captain Brian Hope of the Association of Maryland Pilots graces the cover of the Winter 2025 issue of the union’s magazine.

The Master, Mate & Pilot will be in your mailbox soon! In the meantime, look for it online on bridgedeck.org under Latest News.
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TEMPORARY REDUCTION OF SERVICE AT REC NEW ORLEANS

Due to staffing shortages at Regional Examination Center New Orleans, the National Maritime Center has implemented the following temporary measures:

— Mariner Examinations: REC New Orleans will continue to provide mariner testing via scheduled examination appointments only.

Examination appointments are available Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. CT.

Examination appointments are not available on Fridays or federal holidays.

— Counter Service: REC New Orleans has temporarily discontinued all counter service including by appointment and is unable to accommodate walk-in visits.

Only applicants with scheduled examination appointments will be permitted to enter the REC at this time.

— Application Submission: Effective Jan. 5, 2026, REC New Orleans will no longer accept applications in person.

The NMC says that it anticipates there will be a transition to an online application submission portal in January (see Dec. 2, 2025, announcement for further details).

Until the portal is available, mariners should submit merchant mariner credential applications via email directly to MMCApplications@uscg.mil and medical certificate applications via email to MEDAIP@uscg.mil.

Only applicants seeking first class pilot routes in the REC New Orleans area of responsibility should mail or email their application to the REC.

The NMC says that it anticipates that the temporary measures at REC New Orleans may last for several months while it seeks to fill vacancies.

For more information regarding the status of REC New Orleans or how and where to submit credential applications, visit the NMC website.

If you have questions or require assistance, contact the NMC Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, by using Live Chat, emailing iasknmc@uscg.mil, or calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
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UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JAN. 31

Union members and their families seeking help in paying for college should apply to the 2026 Union Plus Scholarship Program.

Union Plus scholarships are reserved exclusively for current and retired union members, their spouses and dependent children.

(Grandchildren are not eligible unless they are legal dependents as defined by IRS regulations.)

Union Plus Scholarships help union families with the cost of college by providing awards ranging from $500 to $4,000 for study beginning in Fall 2026.

The deadline to submit an application is Jan. 31, 2026.

The scholarships can be granted to students attending a two-year college, a four-year college, graduate school or a recognized technical or trade school.

Recipients are selected based on their academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor.

Applications can be submitted until Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at noon (EST). Applications that arrive after the deadline will not be considered.

The award date is May 31, 2026. Award recipients will be notified during the first week of June 2026.

One year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant’s spouse or parent (if the applicant is a dependent) is required. The one-year membership minimum must have been satisfied by May 31, 2025.

Members of participating unions in the US, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands and Canada are eligible.

The applicant must be accepted into a US accredited college, university, community college, technical or trade school at the time awards are issued.

Awards must be used for the 2026–27 school year.

Get the official application and all the details including eligibility criteria by visiting unionplus.org/scholarship.
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POLICE IN AUSTRALIA FIND COCAINE HIDDEN IN REFRIGERATION UNIT OF A SHIPPING CONTAINER

Authorities in Australia have reported that they seized 27 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the refrigeration unit of a shipping container aboard a vessel in Port Botany, New South Wales.

The cocaine, which was packaged in 22 individually wrapped plastic blocks, was discovered by Australia’s federal police on Dec. 2.

Customs officers belonging to Australia’s border force had earlier tagged the container for inspection and conducted an x-ray investigation.

Pictures provided by the police show they located the packages, some of which also contained tracking devices, when they dismantled the refrigeration unit.

The police have estimated the value of the shipment at $5.9 million (AU$9 million)—enough cocaine for more than 130,000 street-level deals.

“Transnational criminal syndicates will go to any extreme in their attempts to import harmful illicit substances into our country,” said Aaron Burgess, detective acting superintendent of Australia’s federal police.

“Information sharing between partner agencies provides law enforcement a more complete picture of inbound suspicious cargo and where it is destined.”

He said police and border control officers working closely together have seized about 145 kg of cocaine in refrigerated containers since October 2025.
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NEW SAN FRANCISCO BAY DIESEL FERRY NOW IN SERVICE

San Francisco Bay Ferry’s newest high-speed passenger ferry, MV ZALOPHUS, has entered service on the Vallejo route.

The new vessel is the last diesel-fueled ferry that will be joining the SF Bay Ferry fleet, which is undergoing a transition to zero-emission technology for new short run and existing trans-bay routes.

The transition includes terminal electrification and the construction of the nation’s first high-speed, battery-electric passenger ferries.

The first five battery-electric vessels are currently under construction and are expected to enter service in early 2027.

The MV ZALOPHUS and its sister vessel MV KARL—which entered service last spring— are the cleanest high-speed, high-capacity diesel-fueled passenger ferries in the country.

“Adding MV ZALOPHUS to the San Francisco Bay Ferry fleet means providing even more fast, reliable, clean transit for the Bay Area,” said Jim Wunderman, SF Bay Ferry board chair.

“SF Bay Ferry is deeply committed to the Bay Area’s public health and air quality….”

Like MV KARL, MV ZALOPHUS has a seating capacity of 320, a fully enclosed upper deck area, bike storage and an expansive bar.

The two have top speeds of 36 knots when all four engines are in operation.

A second-grade student, Reed Marvin, suggested the new ferry’s name because Zalophus is the scientific name of the genus that includes the California sea lion.

The name was voted on by the public and approved by SF Bay Ferry’s Board of Directors.
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WINTER WEATHER FORECASTING WEBINARS FOR BLUE WATER MARINERS ON JAN. 6 AND 7

The Ocean Prediction Center and the National Hurricane Center are offering two free webinars on winter weather forecasting.

The webinars are intended for mariners who operate over the open ocean:

“Ocean Prediction Center’s Forecast Products and Services”

(North of 31N in Atlantic/30N in Pacific)

3pm EST, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026

Mr. Darin Figurskey

Register Here

“Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch/National Hurricane Center’s Forecast Products and Services”

(South of 31N in Atlantic/30N in Pacific)

3pm EST, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026

Dr. Chris Landsea

Register Here

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DISTRICT ONE BOSTON SEEKS HARBOR PILOT TRAINEES

The Pilot Commissioners for District One Boston invite applications for the selection of Harbor Pilot candidates to fill Harbor Pilot vacancies that are expected to occur over the next three years.

The first successful candidate will commence training on or about Nov. 1, 2026.

Further training dates will be determined by the Boston Harbor Pilots and Commissioners as the need arises.

Candidates must prove they are in compliance with the requirements in 995 CMR 2.00. (Rules and Regulations – Pilotage within District One, Boston) Sections 2.06. 2.09 & 2.12.

Requirements for applicant for Pilot Candidate can be found at https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___www.masspilotage.com___.YXAzOmJyaWRnZWRlY2s6YTpvOjMwMjkzOTczOWIzMmU2NjY2NGFiYjAxM2RmNGE0MGZkOjc6NjNkYTo2NTdkMzZhMDI4YzI3ZjM2YjMzODU1YmVhNGJkMTk5ZGY5MDdjYzllN2E2NTNiMzBjMmZjNjM0YjcyNGFiNTA2OnQ6VDpO.

Application forms and copies of 995 CMR 2.00 are available from the Pilot Commissioners’ office: 100 1st Ave, Suite 102, Charlestown, MA 02129, or at https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___www.masspilotage.com___.YXAzOmJyaWRnZWRlY2s6YTpvOjMwMjkzOTczOWIzMmU2NjY2NGFiYjAxM2RmNGE0MGZkOjc6ZjY3MTpjNWFhMzA2ZjRhNTBjYTMzMDU5YzMyMWY4Mjk3Mjg2YmRjZDlmMGNlNjMzZGViYzdmYzdlNzM1NTRmYWQ2YjA4OnQ6VDpO

Email: pilotcommissioners1@comcast.net.
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ATLANTIC MARITIME JOBS

Buchanan Marine

1) Mate – MMC with a Mate of Towing within Inland Waters

2) Captain – MMC with a Master of Towing within Inland Waters

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please fill out an application on the company’s website first. Google Buchanan Marine LP, then click “careers” and scroll down to “apply online.” Then email your resume and copies of your credentials to Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org. If you have any questions, please call Paulina at 973-495-9377

Staten Island Ferry

1) Provisional Marine Oilers with their QMED

If you are interested, please fill out an application on the city’s web-site. https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/marine-oiler-in-staten-island-jid-36530___.YXAzOmJyaWRnZWRlY2s6YTpvOjMwMjkzOTczOWIzMmU2NjY2NGFiYjAxM2RmNGE0MGZkOjc6ZGYxZDo2YjZjODc2NTU3Y2QwZWUzNjlkM2QwNjM0MDQyMzZhZmEyMzU2Yzc5MDUzNTViNjgxMzM5NDFlZjNkZWZkNGNkOnQ6VDpO Any questions, please send an email to Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org

2) Deckhand with an AB

If you are interested, please fill out an application on the city’s web-site. https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/deckhand-in-staten-island-jid-36197___.YXAzOmJyaWRnZWRlY2s6YTpvOjMwMjkzOTczOWIzMmU2NjY2NGFiYjAxM2RmNGE0MGZkOjc6OGE5ZjpkZDE4YzdhMGI5YzA2OTJhYzM5NDlhNDhmZmZkZTcwZjA1ZTkxOTNjNGM4MjczNjliOTA5YjNlZmJlYzAyODg3OnQ6VDpO

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

Poling & Cutler

1) Mate with a 200-ton coastwise license & TOAR

2) Tankerman – PIC with an OS

3) Captain with a 200-ton coastwise license & TOAR

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

Moran

1) Licensed Engineer (Ship Assist) – MMC with STCW

2) Assistant Engineer (ATB/Offshore) – 3rd A/E Unlimited Oceans or C/E (limited) or A/E (limited) Oceans or Near Coastal (min 6000hp) & STCW

3) AB (ATB/Offshore) – MMC with AB & STCW

If interested in any of the above positions, please fill out an application on Moran’s website first. Then email your resume and copies of your credentials to Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org. If you have any questions, please call Paulina at 973-495-9377.
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OFFSHORE JOBS

Senior LMSR positions available.
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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.
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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

[STCW, MEDICAL & SAFETY Courses]

BT – Basic Safety Training: 02/02/26, 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, 09/07/26, 11/30/26

MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 01/26/26 MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 02/02/26*, 04/06/26, 05/11/26 MED-PIC-REF – Medical Person in Charge

Refresher: 01/05/26, 04/27/26 MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day): 12/13/25, 01/10/26, 02/07/26, 04/11/26, 04/26/26, 05/16/26

[STCW License & Radar Renewal Courses]

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

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

FF-ADV-REV (1-day): 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, 04/01/26, 10/28/26

[CMM – Chief Mate & Master Upgrade Courses]

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

ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology: 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: 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): 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*, 05/04/26

CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling & Stowage: 03/16/26, 05/18/26

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

ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems: 02/23/26*, 03/02/26, 05/18/26

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

GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (10-Day): 02/02/26, 04/13/26*

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, 04/27/26

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: 03/19/26, 05/11/26 TNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 01/05/26*, 04/06/26

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): 01/19/26

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): 01/12/26*, 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): 01/11/26*, 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): 02/02/26, 02/05/26

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

SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling: 01/26/26*, 04/20/26 WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-Day): 01/24/26, 02/14/26

[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: 02/02/26 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

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

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

January 2026

12-13 Basic Training Revalidation

14th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

20-23 Advanced Firefighting (original certification)

26-30 Meteorology (Operational Level)

26-6 Medical Person-in-Charge

February 2026

2-3 Basic Training Revalidation

4th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

2-6 Basic Shiphandling

2-20 Celestial Navigation

9-13 Medical Care Provider

16-18 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility

23-27 Basic Training (original certification)

23-27 Meteorology (Operational Level)

28-29 Basic Training Revalidation

28-1 Basic Training Refresher

March 2026

2nd Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

2-6 Basic Shiphandling

9-12 Advanced Firefighting (original certification)

9-13 ECDIS

11-13 Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW)

16-20 Leadership & Managerial Skills

16-20 Basic Training (original certification)

16-27 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)

30-31 Basic Training Revalidation

30-3 Able Seafarer

April 2026

6-10 ECDIS

6-10 Basic Training (original certification)

20-23 Advanced Firefighting (original certification)

27-8 Medical Person-in-Charge

27-8 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)

May 2026

11-15 Basic Training (original certification)

16th Vessel Personnel w/Designated Security Duties (VPDSD)

18-19 Basic Training Revalidation

20th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

20-22 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility

26-29 Advanced Firefighting (original certification)

June 2026

1-5 Medical Care Provider

8-12 Basic Training (original certification)

16-17 Basic Training Revalidation

18th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

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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.