Volume 32… Number 13, March 31, 2026
STORIES COVERED
In This Issue:
- AFL-CIO: “Unnecessary, Ineffective Jones Act Waiver Puts Foreign Corporations Ahead of America’s Workers”
- Iran Says Strait of Hormuz “Open to Non-Hostile Vessels”
- US Maritime Authorities Advise Turning Off AIS in Houthi Risk Area
- The Spring 2026 Issue of the MM&P Magazine Is Now Online
- Opening of Soo Locks Marks Beginning of Great Lakes Shipping Season
- National Maritime Center Updates: Email Delivery of Medical Certificates
- Application Submission Portal Restored
- Government Shutdown Mitigation Effort
mark Your Calendar:
- MM&P Holiday Closing Schedules
Job Opportunities:
And:
“UNNECESSARY, INEFFECTIVE JONES ACT WAIVER PUTS FOREIGN CORPORATIONS AHEAD OF AMERICA’S WORKERS”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement on the Trump administration’s decision to issue an unnecessary and ineffective 60-day waiver of the Jones Act:
“As American maritime workers risk their lives in the Middle East and around the world, it is deeply concerning that the Trump administration would open U.S. waterways to nonunion foreign competitors.
“This unnecessary and ineffective waiver is a giveaway to foreign shipping interests, dressed up as relief for America’s families at the pump.
“Domestic shipping costs less than 1 cent per gallon of gas.
“This waiver will do nothing to fix the squeeze working families are feeling when they fill up their tank, while handing good union jobs to foreign corporate competitors.
“The Jones Act exists to protect a strong, American-flagged maritime fleet that is essential to our economy, national security and military readiness.
“The Trump administration should reverse this decision and come up with solutions to reduce energy costs that actually work, without sacrificing the workers who keep our nation’s waterways moving and our country secure.”
MM&P is one of the 65 AFL-CIO affiliates, which together represent more than 15 million working Americans.
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IRAN SAYS STRAIT OF HORMUZ “OPEN TO NON-HOSTILE VESSELS”
The government of Iran on Wednesday informed the UN Security Council that the Strait of Hormuz is open to ships of nations other than the US, Israel, and their allies—provided they consult Iran first and get permission.
A Chinese-owned containership reportedly paid a large fee for safe passage last week, while India said in a statement that it had been able to arrange safe passage for several of its tankers and gas carriers after receiving assurances from Iran.
India’s Shipping Ministry said there were 22 India-flag vessels with over 600 seafarers aboard in the western Persian Gulf and another three with an additional 76 seafarers on board east of the Strait of Hormuz.
It identified 20 of the vessels as high-priority because they are carrying LNG, LPG and crude oil.
Meanwhile, the UK and France are reportedly standing up a multinational task force to provide stability in the region once hostilities have ceased.
Reuters has reported that France will be conducting a video conference this week with a broad group of 30 allies who may participate in the effort to create the conditions necessary to restore safe shipping in the area.
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US MARITIME AUTHORITIES ADVISE TURNING OFF AIS IN HOUTHI RISK AREA
The Houthis remain a threat to American vessels in the Red Sea, Bab El Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Somali Basin, a new US maritime advisory warns.
Although there have not been any Houthi attacks on commercial ships since the Israel-Gaza ceasefire agreement in October 2025, the Houthis on Sunday claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel.
It was the first time that Israel had been fired on by the Yemen-based Houthis since the start of the war in February. Israel said it had intercepted the missile.
The maritime authorities warn that potential threats against ships could include: one-way unmanned aerial vehicles; unmanned surface vehicles; unmanned underwater vehicles; ballistic and cruise missiles; small arms fire from small boats; explosive boat attacks; and illegal boardings, detentions, and/or seizures.
To avoid being targeted, American ships are strongly advised to turn off their AIS transponders unless the master believes that doing so would compromise the safety of the vessel.
Additional onboard systems that transmit commercial data, such as reefer temperatures and weather, could also be used for tracking.
For this reason, the authorities advise ship operators to alert crews to the fact that since all electronic signals pose a risk to maritime operations, when feasible they should secure wi-fi routers while underway in high-risk areas.
If a US-flag commercial vessel without a contracted armed security detail is boarded, the crew should not forcibly resist the boarding party, the authorities said.
Refraining from forcible resistance does not imply consent to boarding.
The authorities noted that adherence to all flag state and international requirements and guidance regarding operation of AIS, and the safe navigation of the vessel, remains the responsibility of individual companies and vessel masters.
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THE SPRING 2026 ISSUE OF THE MM&P MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE
The Master, Mate & Pilot has been posted on bridgedeck.org. In this issue of the MM&P magazine:
— National Labor Relations Board rules in favor of OSG and ATC licensed deck officers seeking MM&P representation;
— AMG members back at work after offshore wind projects restart;
— excessive workloads driving American mariners to leave the profession;
— crew of Maersk Denver makes first US-flag transit of Bab El-Mandeb straits in two years.
The Spring 2026 issue of 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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OPENING OF SOO LOCKS MARKS BEGINNING OF GREAT LAKES SHIPPING SEASON
The US Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District opened the Poe Lock to marine traffic on March 25, marking the beginning of the 2026 Great Lakes shipping season.
The USACE Detroit District maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors, including the Great Lakes connecting channels that join lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
During the winter shutdown, maintenance crews performed a variety of critical tasks on the Poe Lock, including underfloor cleanout and manhole inspection, a five-year periodic inspection, and gate repairs.
Additional work was simultaneously completed on the MacArthur Lock, which remains closed for maintenance until repairs are complete.
Although this year’s shipping season has officially begun, a shortage of icebreakers has delayed the start of traffic on the Upper Great Lakes, where parts of Lake Superior are still covered by a thick blanket of ice and snow and ships are unable to transit Whitefish Bay.
At least a dozen vessels have become stuck in the Upper Great Lakes, according to the Lake Carriers Association, which notes that the US Coast Guard only has one heavy icebreaker in the area, the Mackinaw.
The other Coast Guard vessels deployed to the region are either not powerful enough to handle the ice cover or in need of maintenance.
Members of Congress representing Great Lakes states won an initial funding allocation for a second heavy icebreaker, but the administration diverted the money to other projects.
More than 4,500 vessels, carrying up to 80 million tons of cargo, maneuver through the locks annually.
Iron ore, coal, wheat and limestone are among the most frequently carried commodities on the Great Lakes.
The MM&P Federal Employees Membership Group represents masters, mates and pilots employed by USACE.
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NMC APPLICATION SUBMISSION PORTAL RESTORED
Mariners can resume submitting applications and documents via the National Maritime Center’s Application Submission and Additional Information Portal (ASAP) because the technical difficulties affecting its function have been resolved.
The NMC appreciates stakeholders’ patience and understanding during the outage.
Please monitor the NMC website for updates on system availability and REC operating status.
For questions, please contact the Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
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EMAIL DELIVERY OF MEDICAL CERTIFICATES
NMC will begin issuing medical certificates by email on April 1.
This enhancement improves delivery speed, reliability, and accessibility by providing mariners with immediate access to their certificates.
All new medical certificates that do not include a medical waiver will be delivered electronically to the mariner’s email address on record as the standard method of issuance starting on April 1.
Certificates must be signed to be valid. It is also recommended that mariners print and maintain a signed certificate for their use.
To help mariners during this transition, mariners should ensure their current email address is included on the medical certificate application.
An active and valid email address is required to receive a medical certificate.
If you haven’t received your medical certificate post-launch, first check the online status tool to confirm issuance status.
If the certificate shows “Issued,” contact the NMC Customer Service Center to request the certificate be resent.
Submission of an application or affidavit is not required to have a certificate resent.
Electronic delivery for medical certificates that include waivers is in development and is expected to be available shortly.
These certificates will continue to be handled under current processes until electronic delivery is implemented.
This improvement is designed to simplify the process, reduce wait times associated with mail delivery, and provide mariners faster, more reliable access to credentials needed for employment and compliance.
For more information, visit the NMC website.
If you have any questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, by using the NMC online chat system, by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
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UPDATE ON GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN MITIGATION EFFORTS
Details of the National Maritime Center’s most recent update on the impact of the government shutdown appear below and on the NMC website.
— Merchant mariner credentials (national endorsements only) and medical certificates (national and pilot expiration dates only) that expire between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2026, remain valid until June 30, 2026.
Mariners actively working on expired credentials must carry the expired credential and a copy of the attached letter while sailing under the authority of those credentials.
The NMC will not issue separate or replacement MMCs or medical certificates reflecting the extension.
International Convention Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, for MMCs and medical certificates:
— MMCs: Pursuant to Article VIII, dispensations may be granted for continued service for mariners operating on endorsements that expired on or after Jan. 1, 2026, provided a renewal application was submitted to the NMC and the employer applied to the Coast
Guard for dispensation.
STCW dispensations that are approved will expire up to Aug. 31, 2026. Once the STCW dispensation letter is issued, mariners shall carry the letter and a copy of this bulletin with the MMC.
Requests for dispensation must be submitted via email with the subject line “STCW Dispensation” to STCWDispensations@uscg.mil and must include the following: ship name, IMO number, ship tonnage, mariner name, mariner reference number, capacity per STCW regulations, credential issuance and expiration dates, company name, company point of contact, and valid mariner email address.
— Medical certificates: When the STCW expiration date of a medical certificate occurs during a voyage, the certificate remains valid for three months from the expiration date.
— Additional information letters, approval to test letters, training course completion certificates and drug test letters that expire between February and April 2026 are extended until June 30. The NMC will not issue updated letters reflecting the extension.
— Qualified assessor and designated examiner certification letters and course approvals that expire between February and April 2026 are extended until June 30.
The NMC will not issue updated certificates/letters reflecting the extension.
— Mariner exams: Mariners who began but did not complete all modules of an exam prior to Feb. 13 may resume testing without penalty once the NMC reopens.
Testing should be completed within 60 days of reopening. Contact the NMC regarding waivers due to sea service.
Ninety-day retest periods are paused beginning on Feb.13 and will restart upon
reopening. Contact the NMC regarding waivers due to sea service.
For questions regarding credentialing issues related to National Defense, employers should contact the NMC Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662)
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MM&P HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE
Pacific Mainland Ports will be closed on Tuesday, March 31, for a contract holiday.
All MM&P union halls, the MM&P Plan Office, the MM&P Federal Credit Union and MM&P headquarters will be closed on April 3 for Good Friday.
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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.
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.
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
GREAT LAKES & GULF MARITIME REGION JOBS
2nd Cook needed May through October aboard R/V Lake Guardian operating in the Great Lakes
Email resume 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: 04/13/26, 09/07/26, 11/30/26
FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-Day): 05/11/26
FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced: 09/07/26, 11/30/26
MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 06/29/26
MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 04/06/26*, 05/11/26*, 07/13/26, 10/12/26, 11/30/26
MED-PIC-REF – Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 04/27/26*, 08/10/26, 11/16/26
MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day):
04/11/26, 04/26/26, 05/16/26, 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): 05/18/26, 09/14/26, 10/26/26, 12/07/26
FF-ADV-REV (1-day): 05/20/26, 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: 04/20/26, 06/08/26, 08/24/26, 10/05/26, 12/14/26
ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology: 04/27/26, 06/01/26, 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): 04/20/26*, 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: 05/04/26, 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): 04/06/26, 05/11/26, 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): 05/04/26, 07/06/26
CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling & Stowage: 05/18/26, 08/17/26
CNAV-OIC – Celestial Navigation (15-Day): 05/25/26
ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems: 05/18/26, 07/13/26
FL – Visual Communications / Flashing Light (1 Day): 05/07/26 or Contact Admissions
GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (10-Day): 04/13/26, 06/15/26
LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Prep (15-Day): 05/25/26, 08/24/26
LTS – Leadership and Teamworking Skills (1-Day): 05/08/26
ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 04/27/26*, 06/29/26
SAR – Search and Rescue (3-Day): 05/04/26, 08/03/26
SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 04/27/26, 07/13/26*
STB-OIC – Stability and Cargo Handling: 05/11/26, 08/10/26
TNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 04/06/26, 06/08/26
WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (10-Day): 07/20/26
WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 07/06/26
[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): 05/07/26, 06/11/26, 08/06/26, 09/17/26, 11/05/26
MSC-CBRD-OFF – Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Officer: 03/23/26
MSC-DC – Damage Control (1-Day): 05/08/26, 06/12/26, 08/07/26, 09/18/26, 11/06/26
MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 05/09/26, 06/11/26, 08/07/26, 09/18/26, 11/06/26
MSC-SMA – Small Arms (4-Day): 04/13/26, 05/11/26, 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): 05/09/26, 06/13/26, 08/08/26, 09/19/26, 11/07/26
MSC-SW-ADV – Security Watch Advanced (1-Day):04/12/26, 05/10/26, 06/14/26, 08/09/26, 09/20/26, 11/08/26, 12/06/26
MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 05/15/26, 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): 07/27/26*, 07/30/26, 10/26/26, 10/29/26
****Offsite LNG-BADV at MMP LA/LB Union Hall: 05/24/26, 05/27/26
NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 5/12/26, 05/14/26 – Contact Admissions to Register
SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling: 04/20/26*, 07/20/26
WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-Day): 05/02/26, 06/06/26, 07/11/26, 08/22/26, 10/03/26, 12/05/26
[Other MITAGS Courses]
AB – Able Seaman: 04/20/26, 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: 06/15/26
Qualified Assessor (Online): Contact Admissions
RFPNW – Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (3-Day): 04/08/26
TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: 04/13/26, 7/6/26, 8/31/26
VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): Not Currently Scheduled
[Continual Improvement Workshops – NOT covered by the MATES Program]
Designated Person Ashore & Internal Auditor (3-Day): Online: 05/13/26
Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis (2-Day): Online: Not Currently Scheduled
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
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
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.
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