Wheelhouse Weekly, October 1, 2024

Volume 30… Number 40, October 1, 2024

STORIES COVERED

In This Issue:

• ILA Members Out on Strike: Maritime Unions Pledge Solidarity With Longshore Workers
• New Issue of The Master, Mate & Pilot on Bridgedeck.org
• American Pilots’ Association Celebrates 140th Anniversary
• Captain of FOC Tanker Gets Eight Months in Prison for Oil Dumping
• Important: MM&P Tampa Hall Closed Until Further Notice Due to Flooding
• New List of Congressional Candidates Who Support the Merchant Marine Posted on Members Section of bridgedeck.org
• News From Union Plus: Hotel Prices Are Falling For Your Fall Getaway

Mark Your Calendar:

• Offshore Membership Meeting in Miami/PEV Hall on Oct. 29
• Membership Meeting at MM&P Houston Hall on Oct. 30
• Offshore Familiarization Course in Houston Hall on Oct. 29-30
• MM&P Closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Columbus Day)

Job Opportunities:

• Offshore Jobs Available
• Job Opportunities on the Great Lakes

And:

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

MARITIME UNIONS PLEDGE SOLIDARITY WITH LONGSHORE WORKERS

The presidents of MM&P, AMO, SIU and MEBA are expressing solidarity with members of the International Longshoremen’s Association who walked off the job at East and Gulf Coast ports early Tuesday morning.

“MM&P has a long record of solidarity with the ILA,” said MM&P President Don Marcus.

“Terminal operators and ocean carriers are bringing in record profits.”

“Under cover of ‘automation,’ on the docks and aboard ship, these employers are doing everything they can to reduce personnel and increase the workload for those who remain. “

“We stand together with our Sisters and Brothers in the ILA in seeking fair compensation and sustainable terms of employment.”

Marcus joined the presidents of American Maritime Officers, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, and the Seafarers International Union in issuing the following statement.

“[We] are pledged to support the ILA to the fullest extent permitted under U.S. law and our collective bargaining agreements.”

“We urge USMX to get back to the negotiating table with the ILA, and the Biden Administration to allow the negotiating process to continue without intervention.”

“We stand in solidarity with our Sisters and Brothers of the ILA in their fight to achieve a fair contract.”

In recent days, the ILA and USMX have both issued statements for the first time since negotiations came to a standstill in June.

“The 0cean carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy rich, billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA longshore workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject,” the ILA said in a statement that was issued this morning.

“We are prepared to fight as long as necessary, to stay out on strike for whatever period of time it takes, to get the wages and protections against automation our ILA members deserve.”

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NEW ISSUE OF THE MASTER, MATE & PILOT ON BRIDGEDECK.ORG

The Fall issue of The Master, Mate & Pilot will be in your mailbox soon.

In the meantime, look for it online on Bridgedeck.org under News and Announcements.

In this issue:

— vote your job in the 2024 Presidential election;

— report on the 90th MM&P Convention;

— the Seaman’s Protection Act protects mariners from retaliation for reporting violations of safety laws;

— the National Labor Relations Board under the Biden-Harris administration has consistently supported workers’ rights;

— the Nautilus Federation calls on NATO to reverse the decline in the number of merchant mariners;

— Mark Dickinson, the general secretary of the Nautilus Federation, has been elected president of Britain’s Trades Union Congress, the national organization that represents 48 British labor unions;

— unions ask head of International Maritime Organization to urge Panama Canal Administration to comply with rules on hours of work and rest;

— meet Mary Beth Baker, the first woman to join the MM&P General Executive Board.

Plus:

— five tips for finding a therapist who fits; and

— familiarize yourself with Rx Savings Solutions (RxSS), a prescription savings service personalized to you and your health plan that may help you save money.

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AMERICAN PILOTS’ ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 140TH ANNIVERSARY

MM&P leadership congratulates the American Pilots’ Association (APA) which celebrated the 140th anniversary of its founding on Sept. 30.

“Never since the U.S. became a nation has there been any abatement of the necessity for the pilot’s calling, or of sincere respect for his services as a seaman expert, always on the alert to safeguard human life,” APA President Jorge Viso quoted the organization’s founders as saying in 1884.

“These leaders recognized that a unified and coordinated national effort was needed not only to advance the highest professional standards for pilots, but also to respond to legislative and regulatory efforts that could be detrimental to the state pilotage system.”

“During war, pandemic, depression, and recession, APA-member pilots have continued to be ‘silent servants,’ not always garnering the limelight, but always on the job making a difference.”

“As domestic and international challenges arise, it is more important than ever that APA and member-pilot groups continue to work together… to highlight the critical role pilots play in protecting the marine environment and ensuring the safe and efficient flow of maritime commerce on which the nation’s economy depends.”

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CAPTAIN OF FOC TANKER GETS EIGHT MONTHS IN PRISON FOR OIL DUMPING

A federal court in New Orleans has sentenced the captain of a Panama-flag tanker, PS DREAM, to eight months in prison for violating the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and trying to conceal the crime from the Coast Guard.

Captain Abdurrahman Korkmaz pleaded guilty to giving the Coast Guard falsified records that omitted the fact that the vessel had dumped oily waste into the ocean on several occasions before arriving in the United States in January 2023.

The case was based on evidence provided by two members of the crew who took photos and videos showing oil being pumped overboard and trailing behind the tanker. One man had also recorded ship’s officers discussing the discharge.

According to court documents, Korkmaz ordered the crew to pump overboard from the residual oil tank which contained oily waste and sludge that had been improperly transferred there from the engine room by a prior crew.

A portable pump placed inside the tank and connected to a long flexible hose was used to discharge the oil and sludge directly into the ocean.

Evidence presented at trial showed that the captain had informed the shipowner, Prive Overseas Marine, and the ship operator, Prive Shipping Denizcilik, that the oil-contaminated waste had been dumped.

“Deliberate pollution from ships, intentional falsification of records and obstruction of justice are serious environmental crimes that will be vigorously prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.

“Maritime laws regulating pollution from ships are intended to ensure that ocean waters are not used as a dumping ground.”

The companies pleaded guilty to conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships.

They were sentenced to pay a $2 million criminal penalty and complete four years of probation.

The financial penalty includes $500,000 in community service payments to fund maritime environmental projects in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

As a condition of probation, the companies must also adhere to an environmental compliance plan mandating audit, safety, and inspection requirements.
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MM&P TAMPA HALL CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO FLOODING

The Tampa Hall is closed until further notice due to flooding from hurricane Helene.
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NEW LIST OF CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES WHO SUPPORT THE MERCHANT MARINE POSTED ON BRIDGEDECK.ORG MEMBERS ONLY SECTION

The list of Congressional candidates who have received a contribution from the MM&P Political Contribution Fund (PCF) for their 2024 races has been posted on bridgedeck.org in the Members Only pages.

This list will be periodically updated as the MM&P PCF makes additional contributions and as more information about the candidates and their position on issues important to the Masters, Mates & Pilots become available.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact MM&P headquarters or Jim Patti at jpatti@miraid.org.

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HOTEL PRICES ARE FALLING FOR YOUR FALL GETAWAY

Union Plus is offering members of MM&P and other participating unions the opportunity to book vacations at discounted rates at hotels worldwide.

“Although summer is synonymous with vacation, fall is a wiser choice for planning a getaway,” Union Plus says.

“With cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and up to 50 percent off hotel stays, the possibilities are endless!

Book now, travel anytime!
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OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN MIAMI/PEV HALL ON OCT. 29

There will be an Offshore membership meeting in the MM&P Miami/Port Everglades Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 1100.

The Miami/PEV Hall is located at:

3081 East Commercial Blvd., Suite 100

Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308

Phone: 954-946-7883

All Offshore members and applicants are encouraged to attend the meeting.
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MEMBERSHIP MEETING AT MM&P HOUSTON HALL ON OCT. 30

There will be a membership meeting at the MM&P Houston Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 30, directly after the 1100 job call.

MM&P President Don Marcus, Pacific Ports Vice President Lars Turner and Gulf Ports & Government Contracts Vice President Jeremy Hope will attend the meeting and give their reports.

The Houston Hall is located at:

13850 Gulf Freeway

Suite 250

Houston, TX 77034

Phone: 281-464-9650

All Offshore members and applicants are encouraged to attend.
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OFFSHORE FAMILIARIZATION COURSE IN HOUSTON HALL ON OCT. 29-30

The Offshore Familiarization Course will be held in the MM&P Houston Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 29 and Wednesday, Oct. 30.

There is no sea-time requirement to take the course.

All Offshore applicants, potential transferees from other membership groups and other interested Offshore members are encouraged to take the course as soon as possible.

If you are interested in participating in the course, please RSVP by sending an email houston@bridgedeck.org.
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MM&P CLOSED FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY (COLUMBUS DAY)

All MM&P union halls, the MM&P Plan Office, the MM&P Federal Credit Union, and MM&P headquarters will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14, for Indigenous People’s Day (Columbus Day).
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OFFSHORE JOBS AVAILABLE

2M Urgently needed for PAX, TPIC preferred, but if any interested candidates with Tanker Assist, please throw in for the job.

MARAD ROS CM and 3M positions open. No training required.  Pensioners may work Government Contracts.

 

CMs, 2Ms, 3Ms Needed for LMSR’s, please email  jhope@bridgedeck.org with any questions or visit any Offshore Hall.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES ON THE GREAT LAKES

here are job openings on the Great Lakes!

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

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

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

Interested candidates should reach out to Thomas Bell at the MM&P Cleveland office: tbell@bridgedeck.org.
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MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES

For registration contact our Admissions Department: 866.656.5568 or admissions@mitags.org

Classes are 5-day unless otherwise noted

Class dates followed by an * are full
AB – Able Seaman (5-Day): 02/10/25

ARPA-OIC– Automated Radar Plotting Aids (4-Day): 11/04/24, 03/24/25

AZIPOD (2-Day): Contact Admissions

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

BRMP –Bridge Resource Management for Pilots (2-Day): Contact Admissions

BRMP-EMR –Bridge Resource Management for Pilots with Emergency Shiphandling – (Now also included in BRMP-Refresher) (3-Day): Contact Admissions

BRMP-Refresher (Now including Emergency Shiphandling for Pilots) (3-Day): Not currently scheduled

BT – Basic Safety Training (5-Day): not currently scheduled

BT-Revalidation (2-day) (Must have 1 year of sea service in last 5 years): 10/28/24

BT-Refresher (3-day): 10/28/24

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

[CMM – Chief Mate and Master Courses]

ADVSTB-CMM – Advanced Stability (5-Day): 10/07/24, 12/09/24, 01/13/25, 03/24/25, 04/28/25

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

CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10 Days): 10/14/24, 01/20/25

CM-OPS 1 – Chief Mate Operations (5-Day): 12/09/24, 02/10/25, 05/12/25

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

ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (5-Day): 11/11/24, 03/31/25

LMS – Leadership and Managerial Skills (Management Level – Formerly MCL-CMM) (5-Day): 11/18/24, 03/10/25

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

(DCS-1 available on request – contact Admissions)

SHMGT-CMM- Ship Management (5-Day): 10/28/24, 02/17/25

SHS-ADV-I-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (week 1) (5-Day): 11/04/24, 12/02/24, 01/13/25, 02/03/25, 03/10/25, 04/07/25, 05/05/25,

SHS-ADV-II-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (week 2) (5-Day): 10/07/24, 11/11/24*, 12/09/24, 01/20/25, 02/10/25, 03/07/25, 04/14/25, 05/12/25

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

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

WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping (5-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-day) – 11/16/24

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

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

DDE – Great Lakes (20-Day): 01/27/25

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

ERM – Engine Resource Management (5-Day): 12/09/24, 03/17/25

FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-day): Not currently scheduled

FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced (5-Day): Not Currently scheduled

FF-ADV-Rev (1-day) (Must have 1 year of sea service in last 5 years) – Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation: 10/30/24

FF-ADV-REF (2-day) – Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher: Not Currently Scheduled

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

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

GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (10-Day): 01/06/25

HAZ – Hazardous Materials (5 day): 12/02/24

LAP – License Advancement Program for Mate to Master (20-Day): 10/07/24, 03/10/25

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

LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Program for Original 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross Ton License (15-Day): 06/03/25

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

LNG-BADV – Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations (3 Day): 10/21/24, 10/28/24, 12/16/24, 01/13/25, 03/12/25, 05/05/25, 06/04/25

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

MEECE – Management of Electrical and Electronic Control Equipment (Assessments /not included): 12/02/24, 03/24/25

MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 12/02/24, 01/20/25, 04/07/25, 05/12/25

MED-PIC-REF– Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 11/18/24, 01/06/25, 03/03/25, 04/28/25

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

MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day): 11/17/24, 12/07/24, 01/11/25, 01/25/25, 03/08/25, 04/12/25, 05/03/25, 05/17/25

[MSC – Military Sealift Command Courses]

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

MSC-ATO-III – Military Sealift Command Anti-Terrorism Officer III (1-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

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

MSC-CBRD-1 – Military Sealift Command Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Orientation (Basic) (1-Day): 10/31/24, 01/09/25, 03/13/25, 05/08/25, 06/12/25

MSC-DC – Military Sealift Command Damage Control (2-day): 11/01/24, 01/10/25, 03/14/25, 05/09/25, 06/13/25

MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 11/01/24, 01/12/25, 03/16/25, 05/11/25

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

MSC-SMA – Military Sealift Command Small Arms Qualifications (4-Day): 11/04/24, 01/13/25, 02/11/25, 03/17/25, 04/15/25, 05/12/25, 06/16/25

MSC-Security Watch Basic (1-Day/ 8-hour): 11/02/24, 01/11/25, 03/15/25, 05/10/25, 06/14/25

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

MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 11/08/24, 01/17/25, 03/31/25, 05/13/25, 06/20/25

NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 12/09/24*, 12/11/24*, 01/07/25, 01/09/25

PSC – Personal Survival Craft (Lifeboatman) (5-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

PSC-REF – Personal Survival Craft Refresher (2-Day): 02/17/25

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

ROR-1 – Radar Observer Renewal (1-Day): Not Currently Scheduled

ROR-1N – Radar Observer Renewal Evening Classes (1-Night): Not Currently Scheduled

ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 10/28/24, 03/17/25

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

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

SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling (5 Day): 10/14/24*, 12/16/24*, 01/27/25, 04/21/25, 06/23/25

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

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

TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: 10/21/24, 11/11/24

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

TTT – ** NOT covered by the MATES Program **: 10/07/24

VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): 12/04/24

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

WX-OIC –Meteorology (Operational Level): 03/10/25
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MITAGS–WEST ACADEMIC NOTES

You can enroll online at www.mitags.org or contact our Admissions Department 866.656.5568 or admissions@mitags.org

October 2024
2nd Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

7-9 Search & Rescue

7-10 Advanced Firefighting

14-18 Ship Construction and Basic Stability

21-25 Basic Cargo Handling & Stowage

21-25 Basic Training

28-29 Basic Training Revalidation

28-30 Security Officer–Vessel, Company & Facility

28-31 ARPA

30th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

November 2024

4-8 Leadership & Managerial Skills

4-8 Medical Care Provider

11-13 Search & Rescue

18-22 Basic Training

December 2024

2-13 Advanced Cargo Operations

2-13 GMDSS

5-6 Advanced Firefighting Refresher

7-8 Basic Training Revalidation

7-9 Basic Training Refresher

9th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation

9-13 Basic Training

16-19 Advanced Firefighting
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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.