Wheelhouse Weekly, January 24, 2023

Volume 29… Number 4, Jan. 24, 2023

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• National Maritime Center Now Accepts E-Signatures
• Millions of Dollars in Development Funding Heads to Great Lakes Region
• Steel-Cutting Ceremony for Texas A&M’s New Training Ship
• Union Membership Grew in 2022
• Plus: National Hurricane Center’s New Tropical Atlantic Weather Briefing Now Online
• Sad News: Death of Former MM&P Vice President John “Jack” Duff
• Also: Swept Out to Sea While Fixing a Boat, He Survived for 24 Days on Rainwater and Ketchup

Mark Your Calendar:

• Atlantic Maritime Group Membership Meeting on Feb. 8 from 1100 to 1300
• Great Lakes & Rivers Region Holding Union Meetings in Cleveland and Traverse City March 28-31

Job Opportunities:

• Offshore Jobs Available
• Job Openings on the Great Lakes
• Engineering Jobs Available Offshore and on the Great Lakes

And:

• MITAGS Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements
• MITAGS East Academic Notes
• MITAGS West Academic Notes

NATIONAL MARITIME CENTER NOW ACCEPTS E-SIGNATURES

The National Maritime Center says it will now accept electronic signatures on all CG-719 series forms and all supporting documentation for merchant mariner credentials, medical certificates, and course approvals.

The agency says that e-mailing your application and e-signing your documents is “the preferred method for submission.”

“Applicants may e-sign applications and supporting documentation using software-generated electronic signatures (e.g., Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, etc.) on the CG-719 series of forms and other supporting documentation to include, but not limited to, sea service, assessments, mariner training documentation, and qualified assessor and designated examiner requests,” the agency says.

If more detailed instructions are necessary, they are posted here.

As a reminder, NMC says that any submission that is missing signatures will be returned to the mariner or course provider, and that missing information will cause applications to be delayed or rejected.

Requirements to e-submit your MMC application to a regional examination center, or to MEDAIP@uscg.mil for medical certificate applications, have not changed.

Please note: The Coast Guard says it can accommodate e-mails with attachments up to 35MB in size, but it suggests that prior to sending, applicants should verify whether their e-mail provider has size limits.

If you have any questions, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@USCG.mil, by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662), via our online chat system or by visiting the NMC website.
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MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN DEVELOPMENT FUNDING HEADS TO GREAT LAKES REGION

The Great Lakes region is now receiving millions of dollars in federal development funds under the omnibus legislation that President Biden signed into law in December.

A newly created “Great Lakes Authority” will direct the funds to economic development projects in the eight states that comprise the region: Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and New York.

“As the home of a highly skilled workforce, North America’s freshwater kingdom, and a growing, innovative hub of manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and defense, the Great Lakes region is poised and ready to capture the future,” says Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), who introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives during the 117th Congress.

“Our new Great Lakes Authority will serve as a powerful catalyst to strengthen America’s heartland and move us ahead for the 21st century.”

The Great Lakes Authority will identify and advance solutions to the economic and environmental challenges facing the region, targeting the funds to:

— workforce training, entrepreneurship, technology, and business development;

— transportation, telecommunications, and public infrastructure;

— conservation, tourism, recreation, and preservation of open spaces in a manner consistent with economic development goals.

The legislation authorizes the new Great Lakes Authority to receive the same amount of funding as the three existing regional development commissions—the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission—which are each authorized to receive $33 million annually through fiscal year 2023.

The fiscal year 2024 funding levels for the new Great Lakes Authority and the three Regional Commissions will be determined by the 118th Congress.
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STEEL-CUTTING CEREMONY FOR TEXAS A&M’S NEW TRAINING SHIP

Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips joined representatives of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy at Philly Shipyard last week for a ceremony marking the start of construction of the fourth National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV).

“These NSMVs will play a crucial role in the maritime industry: providing future generations of mariners a world-class platform for training and serving as an exceptional resource for emergency response and homeland security for the nation,” Phillips said.

“With this milestone event in the NSMV program, we now have four ships under active construction and a strong backlog into the future,” said Philly Shipyard President and CEO Steinar Nerbovik. The new ships, he added, “will build America’s future.”

The first of the new ships, TS EMPIRE STATE VII, was floated from the dry dock at Philly Shipyard on Sept. 24 and will be delivered to SUNY Maritime College this spring.

The second will be delivered to Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2024, and the third will go to Maine Maritime Academy, also in 2024.

The NSMVs have numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and space for up to 600 cadets to train in a maritime academic environment at sea.

In addition to being a state-of-the-art training and educational platform, each ship will feature modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad, and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need.

The vessels will also provide roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use in disaster relief missions.
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UNION MEMBERSHIP GREW IN 2022

The number of American union members increased by 273,000 last year, according to new data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The increase reflects the surge in organizing at workplaces that include coffee bars, software companies, universities, and museums.

“More and more people are realizing that the way to tackle economic and other challenges is to come together in a union,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

She said changes to the country’s outdated labor laws are needed to ease the process.

“Workers face a stacked deck when they organize,” Shuler said.

“We need stronger laws that protect our right to organize and hold union-busting corporations accountable.”

Masters, Mates & Pilots is one of the 58 affiliates of the AFL-CIO.
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NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER’S NEW TROPICAL ATLANTIC WEATHER BRIEFING NOW ONLINE

NOAA’s National Hurricane Center has posted its newest Tropical Atlantic Marine Weather Briefing for blue water mariners.

This briefing is valid through Jan. 27.
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DEATH OF FORMER MM&P VICE PRESIDENT JOHN “JACK” DUFF

MM&P members and officials are remembering former Great Lakes Vice President Jack Duff, who died on Jan. 16 at the age of 94.

Jack left school to work on river boats when he was 16. At 17 he joined the Navy, serving on an escort carrier in World War II.

He sailed as deckhand, mate, and captain during his 30-year career and served as an MM&P vice president until he retired.

“Jack was a strong union man for at least 70 years,” said MM&P President Don Marcus in remarks delivered at the Jan. 24 memorial service, which he attended with MM&P Great Lakes & Gulf Region Vice President Tom Bell.

“He started his career on steam-powered tow boats on the Ohio River and came up through many difficult times.”

“He was a sailors’ sailor, a man’s man and a truly fine human being.”

“He was a mentor to scores of our members and was responsible for preserving MM&P’s presence on the Great Lakes.”

“All MM&P members owe him a debt of gratitude.”
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SWEPT OUT TO SEA WHILE FIXING A BOAT, HE SURVIVED FOR 24 DAYS ON RAINWATER AND KETCHUP

A man who said he had been swept away by strong currents while repairing a sailboat near the island of Saint-Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles was rescued on Thursday after spending more than three weeks adrift.

Elvis Francois, 47, told rescuers he had survived by soaking up rainwater with a cloth and eating ketchup, garlic, and seasoning cubes. Doctors who examined him said he is in good health.

In a videotaped interview, he said he had had to constantly bail water out of the boat to keep it from sinking.

To attract the attention of passing planes, he used a mirror to signal and scrawled the word “help” on the hull.

The sailboat was spotted from the air 120 nautical miles northwest of La Guajira Peninsula.

Francois was then picked up by a containership and taken to Cartagena, from where he was set to be repatriated to his home country, Dominica.
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ATLANTIC MARITIME GROUP MEMBERSHIP MEETING ON FEB. 8 FROM 1100 TO 1300

There will be a meeting for AMG members in good standing in the Newark Union Hall on Feb. 8, from 1100 to 1300.

All AMG representatives will present their annual reports at the meeting.

This will be a hybrid meeting so that as many members as possible can attend.

An email with a link to attend the meeting virtually will be sent one day before the meeting.

Members must be in good standing by the close of business on Monday, Feb. 6 in order to attend.

As a reminder, the MM&P Newark Hall is located at 570 Broad Street, Suite 701, Newark, NJ 07102.
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GREAT LAKES & RIVERS REGION HOLDING UNION MEETINGS IN CLEVELAND AND TRAVERSE CITY

There will be a union meeting on Monday, Jan. 30, at 1800, at the Cambria Hotel, 255 Munson Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686.

There will be a union meeting on Feb. 1, at 1800, at the Sachsenheim Hall, 7001 Denison Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102.

Ian Jones of AndCo Consulting will be attending the Cleveland Union meeting on Feb. 1.

Please let Great Lakes & Rivers Region Vice President Tom Bell know if you plan to attend the meetings: tbell@bridgedeck.org.
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OFFSHORE JOBS AVAILABLE

Tanker-qualified CM needed.

Fully trained LMSR LDO’s needed. Security clearance required
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JOB OPENINGS ON THE GREAT LAKES

There are jobs for ABs and engine personnel at Grand River Navigation.

There are jobs for unlicensed deck personnel, unlicensed engineering personnel and licensed engineering personnel at Weeks Marine.

If you are interested, please contact MM&P Vice President Great Lakes & Gulf Region Vice President Tom Bell, tbell@bridgedeck.org, or (216) 776-1667.
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ENGINEERING JOBS AVAILABLE OFFSHORE AND ON THE GREAT LAKES

There are openings for engineers in the MM&P Offshore fleet and the Great Lakes & Gulf Region.

For engineering jobs in the Offshore Group, contact Atlantic Ports Vice President Tom Larkin, tlarkin@bridgedeck.org, or 201-963-1900.

For engineering jobs on the Lakes, contact MM&P Great Lakes & Gulf Region Vice President Tom Bell, tbell@bridgedeck.org, or (216) 776-1667.
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MITAGS COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

Full COVID vaccination is mandatory for everyone attending training on campus at MITAGS East and MITAGS West.

If you are not vaccinated, please contact MITAGS for information about exemptions.

Unvaccinated participants who have received exemptions will be required to wear a face mask while on campus.

We appreciate your cooperation during these very trying times.
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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): 01/30/23, 06/05/23

AIS-1 – Automatic Identifications Systems Orientation (1-Day): Not currently scheduled

ARPA-OIC– Automated Radar Plotting Aids (4-Day): 02/06/23, 03/13/23, 04/17/23, 06/19/23, 09/04/23, 11/13/23,

AZIPOD (2-Day): 04/03/23

BRM – Bridge Resource Management (5-Day): 05/01/23, 07/24/23, 10/09/23, 12/11/23

BRMP –Bridge Resource Management for Pilots (2-Day): Not currently scheduled Online: 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) : Not currently scheduled

BT – Basic Safety Training (5-Day) : 01/30/23, 05/08/23, 09/11/23

BT-Revalidation (2-day) (Must have 1 year of sea service in last 5 years) –02/20/23*, 03/13/23, 04/24/23, 06/05/23, 09/26/23, 10/16/23, 11/15/23, 12/19/23

BT-Refresher (3-day) –02/20/23*, 04/24/23, 09/26/23, 11/15/23, 12/18/23

CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling Basic (5-Day): 03/27/23, 09/18/23

[CMM – Chief Mate and Master Courses]

ADVSTB-CMM – Advanced Stability (5-Day): 03/20/23, 06/26/23, 07/24/23, 12/18/23

ADVWX-CMM – Advanced Meteorology (5-Day): 04/17/23, 06/19/23, 07/31/23, 10/30/23, 12/11/23

CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10 Days): 03/27/23, 10/16/23

CM-OPS 1 – Chief Mate Operations – Week 1 (5-Day): 02/27/23, 7/10/23, 11/27/23

CM-OPS 2 Maersk – Chief Mate Operations II Maersk Specific (5-Day): 03/06/23, 07/17/23, 12/04/23

CM-OPS 2 APL – Chief Mate Operations II APL Specific (5-Day): Not currently scheduled

ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (5-Day): 01/30/23, 04/10/23, 08/07/23, 10/02/23

LMS – Leadership and Managerial Skills (Management Level – Formerly MCL-CMM) (5-Day): 01/30/23, 04/24/23, 08/14/23, 10/16/23

MPP-CMM – Marine Propulsion Plants (5-Day): 03/13/23, 10/02/23

(DCS-1 available on request – contact Admissions)

SEC-APPS – Practical Defense Tactics: Not Currently Scheduled

SHMGT-CMM- Ship Management (5-Day): 05/01/23, 11/06/23

SHS-ADV-I-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (week 1) (5-Day): 02/27/23, 03/27/23, 04/10/23, 06/05/23, 07/10/23, 08/14/23, 09/11/23, 10/02/23, 10/30/23 12/04/23

SHS-ADV-II-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (week 2) (5-Day): 03/06/23, 04/03/23, 06/12/23, 07/17/23, 10/09/23, 11/06/23, 12/11/23

**SHS-ADV-I & II are now approved to include SAR-CMM assessments at MITAGS**

VPEN-CMM – Voyage Planning & Electronic Navigation (5-Day): 04/10/23, 06/26/23, 10/09/23

WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping (5-Day): 03/06/23, 09/25/23

WX-HW-ATL – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Atlantic Ocean (2-day) – Not Currently Scheduled

WX-HW-IND – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Indian Ocean (2-day) – Not Currently Scheduled

WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-day) – 03/18/23

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

CIW-SMS – Continual Improvement Workshop: Successful Safety Management (2-Day) – Online: Not Currently Scheduled

CNAV-OIC (15-Day) – Celestial Navigation: 05/08/23, 10/30/23

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

CY-MAR – Cyber-Skilled Mariner (5-Day) **NOT covered by the MATES Program ** – Not currently scheduled

Cyber-MAR-ONL – Cyber Skilled Mariner, Management of Information & Systems Security (Online Seminar) **NOT covered by the MATES Program ** – Not Currently Scheduled

DDE – Great Lakes (20-Day): 02/06/23

ECDIS for Pilots (2-Day) –03/13/23

ERM – Engine Resource Management (5-Day): 03/27/23, 08/07/23

ADV-FF – Advanced Fire-Fighting (4-day): 02/06/23, 04/03/23,

FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced (5-Day): 01/30/23, 03/27/23, 05/08/23, 08/28/23

FF-ADV-Rev (1-day) (Must have 1 year of sea service in last 5 years) – Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation: 02/22/23, 03/15/23, 06/07/23, 09/27/23, 10/16/23, 11/17/23, 12/21/23

FF-ADV-REF (2-day) – Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher: 02/24/23, 04/27/23, 09/29/23, 11/13/23, 12/16/23

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): 07/17/23

HAZ – Hazardous Materials (5 day): 05/01/23, 06/19/23, 09/11/23, 11/16/23

IEN – Integrated Electronic Navigation (3-Day): Not currently scheduled

LAP – License Advancement Program for Mate to Master (20-Day): 01/30/23, 07/10/23, 10/16/23

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): 06/05/23

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

LNG-TPIC (10-Day): Not currently scheduled

LTS –Leadership and Teamworking Skills (Formerly MCL-OIC) (1-Day): 05/04/23

MEECE – Management of Electrical and Electronic Control Equipment (Assessments not included): 04/17/23, 08/07/23, 12/04/23

MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 04/10/23, 07/10/23, 10/02/23, 12/04/23

MED-PIC-REF– Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 03/20/23, 05/22/23, 08/07/23, 11/27/23

MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: (5-Day): 04/10/23, 07/10/23, 09/18/23, 10/02/23

MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day): 02/19/23, 03/12/23, 03/25/23, 04/15/23, 04/23/23, 05/20/23, 06/04/23, 07/15/23, 09/24/23, 10/07/23, 10/15/23, 11/18/23, 12/09/23, 12/22/23

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[MSC – Military Sealift Command Courses]

MSC-CBRD-1 – Military Sealift Command Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Orientation (Basic) (1-Day): 02/23/23, 05/22/23, 06/08/23, 08/10/23, 09/07/23, 10/26/23

MSC-DC – Military Sealift Command Damage Control (2-day): 02/24/23, 05/23/23, 06/09/23, 08/11/23, 09/08/23, 10/27/23

MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day) –03/06/23, 06/19/23, 08/21/23, 11/16/23

MSC-FF-HELO (2-Day): Not currently scheduled

MSC-SMA – Military Sealift Command Small Arms Qualifications (4-Day): 02/27/23, 04/17/23, 05/15/23, 06/12/23, 08/14/23, 09/11/23, 10/30/23

MSC-Security Watch Basic (1-Day/ 8-hour) –02/25/23, 05/13/23, 06/10/23, 08/12/23, 09/09/23, 10/28/23

MSC-Security Watch Advanced (1-Day) –02/26/23, 04/16/23, 05/14/23, 06/11/23, 08/13/23, 09/10/23, 10/29/23

MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day) –03/03/23, 04/21/23, 05/19/23, 06/16/23, 08/18/23, 09/15/23, 11/03/23

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): 03/20/23*, 03/22/23*, 05/22/23, 05/24/23, 07/31/23, 08/02/23, 11/13/23, 11/15/23

PSC – Personal Survival Craft (Lifeboatman) (5-Day) – 02/06/23, 04/24/23, 09/18/23

PSC-REF – Personal Survival Craft Refresher (2-Day): 02/27/23, 05/01/23, 10/02/23

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): Upon Request

ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Program – Unlimited: 02/20/23, 03/06/23, 06/19/23, 08/28/23, 11/27/23

SAR – Search & Rescue – (Now with OIC and CMM assessments) (3-Day): 02/27/23, 05/01/23, 09/19/23, 12/12/23

SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 03/20/23, 04/24/23, 06/26/23, 09/11/23, 12/11/23

SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling (5 Day) – 02/06/23, 06/19/23, 08/28/23, 10/16/23, 12/18/23

STB-OIC – Ship Construction and Basic Stability: 02/27/23, 09/11/23

TCNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 01/30/23, 07/31/23

TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: 07/10/23

TRAC-TUG-2 (2-Day): Not currently scheduled

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

VPDSD – Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (1-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day) : 02/20/23, 05/31/23, 06/26/23

WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (Operational Level) (10-Day): 04/17/23, 10/09/23,

WX-OIC –Meteorology (Operational Level): 03/27/23, 08/21/23, 12/04/23
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MITAGS WEST ACADEMIC NOTES

2023 Winter/Spring

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 2023
30-3 Radar Observer Unlimited

February 2023

6-10 Ship Construction & Basic Stability

6-10 Advanced Shiphandling I

13-14 Basic Training Revalidation

13-17 Advanced Shiphandling II

13-24 GMDSS

14-17 Advanced Firefighting

15 Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

20-4 Medical Care Provider

20-3 Medical Person-In-Charge

27-3 Basic Shiphandling

27-3 Leadership & Managerial Skills

March 2023

6-10 Basic Cargo Handling & Stowage

6-10 Advanced Meteorology

8-10 Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW)

13-14 Basic Training Revalidation

13-17 Basic Meteorology

13-17 Advanced Stability

15th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

20-3 ARPA

20-4 Basic Training (original)

27-9 Search & Rescue

27-9 Security Officer–Vessel, Company & Facility

30th Flashing Light Exam

31 Leadership & Teamworking Skills

27-31 Able Seaman

27-31 Basic Training (original)

April 2023

3-7 ECDIS

10-11 Basic Training Revalidation

10-21 Watchkeeping (Operational Level)

12th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

24-5 GMDSS

24-12 Celestial Navigation

May 2023

1-4 Advanced Firefighting

15-26 GMDSS

18-19 Advanced Firefighting Refresher

20-21 Basic Training Revalidation

20-2 Basic Training Refresher

22 Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

22-6 Basic Training (original)

23 Radar Renewal

30-1 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility

June 2023

12-3 Basic Training Revalidation

14 Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

19-23 Basic Training (original)

26-30 Tankerman Person-In-Charge
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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©2021. 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 or to MM&P headquarters, e-mail communications@bridgedeck.org. Back issues of The Weekly are posted on www.bridgedeck.org