Wheelhouse Weekly, June 2, 2026

Volume 32… Number 22, June 2, 2026

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• American Maritime Partnership Launches Campaign Opposing Jones Act Waiver
• Merchant Mariners Honored on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery
• Mariners Working in the Gulf After Feb. 28 Asked to Respond to a Brief Survey
• NMC Extension Policy Update: Extension of Merchant Mariner Credentials and Medical Certificates
• Uber and Lyft Workers in Massachusetts Form First Union for App Drivers
• Volunteer Captains & Deckhands Urgently Needed by a Maritime Non-Profit in NJ

Mark Your Calendar:

• Offshore Membership Meeting in San Francisco/Oakland Hall on Monday, June 1
• Offshore Membership Meeting in the Seattle Hall on Tuesday, June 2

Job Opportunities:

• AMG Jobs
• Great Lakes & Gulf Jobs
• Offshore Jobs

And:

• MITAGS-East Academic Notes
• MITAGS–West Academic Notes
• MITAGS-West Now Offers Self-Paced OICNW Exam Preparation

AMERICAN MARITIME PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN OPPOSING JONES ACT WAIVER

The American Maritime Partnership has announced a new national campaign calling on President Trump to end the unprecedented 150-day Jones Act waiver and put American workers, American businesses and American maritime strength first.

The campaign will feature television, connected TV, radio, digital advertising, and the voices of some of the 650,000 men and women of American maritime.

It will air in prominent maritime states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, in the months leading up to—and following—America’s 250th birthday.

“Clearly, President Trump has been led to believe that waiving the Jones Act is a way to lower gas prices, when we all see that prices have not gone down,” said AMP President Jennifer Carpenter.

“While it may be a convenient talking point for Kevin Hassett and others pushing this failed attempt to lower prices, it directly undermines the very policies that President Trump campaigned on—buy American, hire American, and strengthen our national might.

“The President should trust his instincts, follow his outlined policies and put America and our national security first.”

The campaign’s first ad, “End the Waiver,” features the captain of a Jones Act vessel telling the audience that American maritime is the quintessential America First industry.

It ends with a call to President Trump to end the waiver and “Put Americans back to work.”

Recent independent analysis puts the waiver’s price impact at just $0.000157 per gallon of gas.

Total fuel moved under the waiver over the first 60 days amounted to roughly 11 hours of national consumption.

Those immaterial benefits are a result of foreign carriers being able to operate free from compliance with US immigration, minimum wage and taxation laws.

Data show that American vessels were available for about 90 percent of those routes.

The uncertainty regarding the waiver has already caused at least one investment platform to halt a planned $1 billion capital raise for the maritime industry, putting at risk over $2.6 billion in active US shipyard contracts and billions more in planned expansion.

Hundreds of maritime industry workers have already reached out to their senators and representatives to express their concerns about how this waiver is undermining America’s economy.

Will you join them?

You can find contact information for your members of Congress here.

To find out more about AMP and to receive action alerts, visit the AMP website.

MM&P and MIRAID are both members of AMP, a coalition working to defend the Jones Act and support and strengthen the domestic maritime industry.
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MERCHANT MARINERS HONORED ON MEMORIAL DAY AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

America’s merchant mariners were honored on Memorial Day during a commemoration that included laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The commemoration was organized by the American Merchant Marine Veterans.

“Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and participating in the National Memorial Day Parade are fitting tributes for our nation to honor thousands of U.S. Merchant Mariners who gave their lives during military conflicts,” said AMMV National President Darin Huggins.

“On Memorial Day, Americans should salute fallen US Merchant Mariners,

including more than 9,500 Merchant Marine officers and crew members killed

in action or missing at sea during World War II, who served in war zones under

the command of U.S. military sealift operations.

“We also honor their surviving families and loved ones, as our nation remembers all service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in times of war.”

During the National Memorial Day parade that followed the official remarks, American mariners were represented by a float that flew the merchant marine flag to honor their service and sacrifice.

MM&P and Matson were among the sponsors of the event,

AMMV is a non-profit established in 1984 to gain public and government recognition for the service of America’s mariners in peace and war.

It advocates for merchant marine veterans and the need to maintain a strong American merchant marine fleet.
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MARINERS WORKING IN THE GULF AFTER FEB. 28 ASKED TO RESPOND TO A BRIEF SURVEY

Seafarers who have worked in the Gulf region or the Strait of Hormuz since Feb. 28 are asked to respond to a brief, anonymous survey about their experiences.

The aim of the survey is to understand how the current instability and disruption of shipping in the region affects seafarers, and to identify factors that may help crews in similar situations in the future.

The survey is aimed at all seafarers working on international commercial vessels (i.e., vessels with an IMO number) who are currently in the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, or who have worked in the region since Feb. 28.

The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. Respondents will be asked about their experiences, as well as background questions about themselves and their ship.

The answers will be anonymous and will be used to make recommendations about how to improve life at sea.

Go to the survey:

https://response.questback.com/nordlandsforskning/seafarerexperiences_gulfregion

SHARE THE LINK:

Please share the link with other seafarers who are currently working in the region or have worked there since Feb. 28 and who might be interested in participating.

CONTACT:

The research project is being carried out by an international team of researchers from the University of Zadar (Croatia), the Nordland Research Institute (Norway), the University of Lisbon (Portugal), the Swedish National Road and Transport Institute/VTI (Sweden) and ICMA (Canada).

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Birgit Pauksztat, Nordland Research Institute, Norway, email: bpa@nforsk.no.
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EXTENSION OF MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS AND MEDICAL CERTIFICATES

The National Maritime Center is expanding the existing extension policy outlined in Update #3: Mitigation Efforts – Extensions, dated April 22, for merchant mariner credentials and medical certificates affected by the 2026 lapse in appropriations and the continued processing delays.

Effective immediately, MMCs (National endorsements only) and medical certificates (National and Pilot expiration dates only) that expire between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2026, will remain valid through Aug. 31.

Mariners who are actively working on expired credentials that meet the expiration criteria must carry the expired credential and a copy of the update while sailing under the authority of those credentials.

NMC will not issue separate or replacement MMCs or medical certificates reflecting the extension.

This extension is intended to support continued maritime operations while the NMC works through increased application volumes and processing backlogs following the lapse of government funding.

Applications will continue to be processed on a first-in, first-out basis.

Mariners are strongly encouraged to apply early via the ASAP Tool due to the ongoing processing delays.

Submitting paper documents, because of the need for manual handling, may delay the issuing process.

All other extension policies and measures outlined in Update #3: Mitigation Efforts – Extensions, dated April 22 remain in effect unless otherwise superseded or rescinded.

For questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center via the online chat system, by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
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UBER AND LYFT WORKERS IN MASSACHUSETTS FORM FIRST UNION FOR APP DRIVERS

Drivers for Uber and Lyft in Massachusetts will soon be represented by the first labor union in the country for ride-share drivers.

The newly formed App Drivers Union said in a statement that it will represent nearly 70,000 workers who won the right to collectively bargain under a state-wide referendum that passed in 2024.

The union can now begin contract negotiations with Uber and Lyft on issues including pay and driver safety.

Formation of the new union has been supported by the Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Similar unionization efforts are underway in other states, including California and Illinois.

“No matter how powerful Big Tech becomes, workers still have the power to organize, demand fairness and win a real voice on the job,” said Brian Bryant, IAM international president.

“For too long, the gig economy was built on a fools’ bargain: the companies got rich and workers scraped by,” said April Verrett, international president of SEIU.

“But Massachusetts rideshare drivers flipped the script…. They are steering the future of the labor movement and taking their destiny into their own hands.”
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VOLUNTEER CAPTAINS & DECKHANDS URGENTLY NEEDED BY A MARITIME NON-PROFIT IN NJ

The Liberty Nautical Education Center (LiNE) is a non-profit organization passionately committed to empowering new generations through its maritime-focused programs based at its homeport on the Rahway River in Linden, NJ.

Young people are given unique opportunities to grow, learn and lead onboard the Sea Dart II.

There is an urgent need for volunteer captains (100 ton Masters License) and deckhands.

If you or someone you know is interested, email jimmyzat@gmail.com to learn more.
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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://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/marine-oiler-in-staten-island-jid-36530 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://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/deckhand-in-staten-island-jid-36197

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

Poling & Cutler

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

2) 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.

Marine Oil Service
1) Tankerman PIC – MMC tankerman (PIC) with DL (required)

If you are interested, please fill out an application online https://avanan.url-protection.com/v1/r01/url?o=https%3A//marineoilservice.com/careers/&g=ZTI2ZjJkOTljODYzYjliYg==&h=OTNiOGYzYTQwMmQzOTNlMjg2N2ZiZTY2YTU4ZGFjYzc2YTI0MzNiYzhjNTczOWM2ZTllNDFkYjFkOWJiNTQwMg==&p=YXAzOmJyaWRnZWRlY2s6YTpvOjc2OTE2OWVlODk1YTQ0YzA0NGRhNWY5NmZhMjJjMzVkOjc6dDpU or email the company careers@marineoilservice.com

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

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GREAT LAKES & GULF MARITIME REGION JOBS

— Unlimited Masters with Great Lakes Pilotage needed for 28/28 rotation – Self Unloading Vessels

— Unlimited Mates with Pilotage needed for 28/28 rotation – Research Vessel and Self Unloading Vessels

— QMED with STCW (RFPW and Able Seafarer-Engine) 21/21 rotation needed for Hopper Dredges

— 2nd Cook needed May through October aboard R/V Lake Guardian operating in the Great Lakes

Email resumes and MMC to elulko@bridgedeck.org
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OFFSHORE JOBS

Senior LMSR positions available.
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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: 09/07/26, 11/30/26

FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-Day): 09/28/26

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

MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 06/29/26, 11/02/26, 11/09/26

MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 07/13/26, 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):

07/18/26, 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: 06/08/26, 08/24/26, 10/05/26, 12/14/26

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): 07/13/26, 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: 07/20/26, 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): 06/15/26*, 07/06/26, 08/03/26, 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, 10/19/26

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): 06/15/26, 10/12/26

LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Prep (15-Day): 08/24/26, 01/04/2027

LTS – Leadership and Teamworking Skills (1-Day): 10/02/26

ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 08/03/26, 10/26/2026

SAR – Search and Rescue (3-Day): 08/03/26, 10/05/26

SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 06/15/26, 07/13/26, 11/30/26

STB-OIC – Stability and Cargo Handling: 08/10/26, 10/26/26

TNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 07/13/26, 10/05/26

WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (10-Day): 07/20/26, 09/14/26

WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 07/06/26, 11/16/26

[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): 06/22/26

MSC-CBRD-1 – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Orientation (Basic) Indoctrination (1-Day): 06/11/26, 08/06/26, 09/17/26, 11/05/26

MSC-CBRD-OFF – Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Officer: Not Currently Scheduled

MSC-DC – Damage Control (1-Day): 06/12/26, 08/07/26, 09/18/26, 11/06/26

MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 06/11/26, 08/07/26, 09/18/26, 11/06/26

MSC-SMA – Small Arms (4-Day): 06/15/26, 07/13/26, 08/10/26, 09/21/26, 10/12/26, 11/09/26, 12/07/26

MSC-SWB – Security Watch Basic (1-Day): 06/13/26, 08/08/26, 09/19/26, 11/07/26

MSC-SW-ADV – Security Watch Advanced (1-Day):, 06/14/26, 08/09/26, 09/20/26, 11/08/26, 12/06/26

MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 06/19/26, 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): 06/28/26, 07/01/26, 07/27/26*, 07/30/26*, 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: 06/08/26, 07/20/26, 07/27/26 10/26/26

WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-Day): 06/06/26, 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: 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: 06/01/26, 7/6/26, 8/31/26

VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): 08/17/26

[CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT WORKSHOPS – NOT covered by the MATES Program]

Designated Person Ashore & Internal Auditor (3-Day): Online: Not Currently Scheduled

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

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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

June 2026

8-12 Basic Training (Original Certification)

8-12 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*

16-17 Basic Training Revalidation

18th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

July 2026

13-31 Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation

20-21 Basic Training Revalidation

22nd Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

28-31 Advanced Firefighting

August 2026

3-4 Basic Training Revalidation

3-7 Meteorology (Operational Level)*

3-7 Radar Observer Unlimited

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
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MITAGS-WEST NOW OFFERS SELF-PACED OICNW EXAM PREPARATION

MITAGS-West now offers a focused, one week self-paced OICNW exam preparation program designed for professional mariners seeking structured study time with access to expert guidance.

This program is ideal for students who prefer independent learning while having direct support available when needed.

What’s Included:

DEDICATED STUDY SPACE

• Quiet, professional study room

• Available Monday through Friday, 0800–1600

INSTRUCTOR ASSISTANCE

• Up to 3 hours per day with a USCG-approved instructor

• Get answers to questions, clarification on difficult topics, and exam-focused guidance

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM RESOURCES

• All MITAGS-provided USCG exam prep materials

• Charting tools, reference books, and practice exams

• Access to proven study aids covering topics such as:

– Navigation General

– Chart Plotting

– Rules of the Road

– Deck General & Safety

– Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMAT

• Study at your own pace

• Focus more time on areas where you need the most support

• Instructor assistance available when you choose to use it
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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.

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