Volume 31… Number 38, September 23, 2025
STORIES COVERED
In This Issue:
- Faster Labor Contracts Act: Bipartisan Bill Would Make Employers Come to Table to Negotiate a First Contract
- Shipmasters Advocacy Group Urges Action to Protect Mariners’ Safety and Rights
- The Fall 2025 Issue of the MM&P Magazine Is Now Online
- Unions Applaud Senate Introduction of Bill to Restore Labor Rights to Federal Workers
- National Maritime Center Policy Changes: Crediting Recent Service of Applicants for National Officer Endorsement
- National Maritime Center Policy Changes: Removal Exam Requirement for Master 500/1,600 GRT Applying for Unlimited Tonnage 3/M
Mark Your Calendar:
- Membership Meeting in San Francisco/Oakland Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Membership Meeting in Los Angeles/Long Beach Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Offshore Familiarization Course in Los Angeles/Long Beach Hall, Oct. 22-23
- Membership Meeting in the Houston Hall, Oct. 29
- Offshore Familiarization Course in the Houston Hall, Oct. 28-9
Job Opportunities:
And:
BIPARTISAN BILL WOULD MAKE EMPLOYERS COME TO TABLE TO NEGOTIATE A FIRST CONTRACT
Legislation in Congress seeks to put an end to the delay tactics used by employers to avoid negotiating a first contract with newly unionized workers.
On average, the process now takes well over 400 days.
Reps. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) introduced the legislation, the Faster Labor Contracts Act, in the House of Representatives on Sept. 16.
“Legislators on both sides of the aisle have long recognized the need to address the unnecessary and unproductive delays frequently experienced by employees who choose to be represented by a union in getting to their first contract,” said International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots President Don Josberger.
“MM&P is grateful that Representatives Norcross and Stauber and their colleagues are seeking to fix this problem in a bipartisan way, and we fully support it.”
“The right of workers to form a union and collectively bargain is crucial to improving wages, hours, working conditions, and so much more. I know because I’ve lived it,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus.
“Right now, employers can delay negotiations on first contracts for years. This hurts workers who, despite exercising their right to bargain collectively, are prevented from doing so by employers who enjoy the benefits of the status quo.
“The Faster Labor Contracts Act will force employers to act in good faith and come to the negotiating table quickly.”
“America’s workers are the backbone of our economy, yet far too often, they are met with silence or stalling tactics when negotiating their first union contract,” said Congressman Pete Stauber.
“As a former police officer who organized a union, I’ve seen firsthand how unfair and frustrating this process can be for some.
“That’s why I am proud to partner with Representative Norcross to hold employers accountable and ensure workers have a real voice at the negotiating table, because when our workers succeed, our entire nation succeeds.”
The Faster Labor Contracts Act would amend Section 8(d) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), to require that:
— After workers have voted to form a union, employers must begin negotiating with the new union within 10 days.
— If no agreement is reached after 90 days, the dispute will be referred to mediation.
— If mediation fails after 30 days, or additional periods agreed upon by both parties, the dispute will be referred to a binding three-person arbitration panel to secure an initial contract.
— The Government Accountability Office commission a report on average workplace time-to-contract one year after enactment.
Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
Back to Stories Covered
SHIPMASTERS ADVOCACY GROUP URGES ACTION TO PROTECT MARINERS’ SAFETY AND RIGHTS
The International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA) has expressed “growing concern” for the safety of mariners in the face of rising geopolitical tensions and an increasing number of violations of their fundamental rights.
MM&P is a member of IFSMA, which represents the interests of ships’ officers in forums that include the International Maritime Organization and the International Labor Organization.
IFSMA warned in a Sept. 16 open letter to governments that conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and elsewhere have led to a surge of attacks on merchant vessels, while piracy has re-emerged as a serious threat, with several hijackings reported last year off the coast of Somalia.
“Simultaneously,” the organization wrote, “terrorists are using advanced technologies, including unmanned attack vessels, drones and naval mines, making the maritime domain ever more unpredictable and dangerous.
“Shipmasters are on the front line of these challenges and are often required to make rapid decisions in high-risk and pressured environments that endanger not only their vessels and cargo, but also the lives of their crews.”
At the same time, it noted, “shipmasters are increasingly working under high levels of stress, facing threats of detention, prosecution, and financial penalties.
“They are often subject to undue pressure from port authorities, shipping and management companies, charterers and other stakeholders.
“These conditions severely impact decision-making and crew welfare, endangering maritime safety.
“Seafarers play an essential role in supporting global trade, but they are increasingly being used as pawns within conflicts,” IFSMA says.
It calls on shipping companies to ensure legal assistance and support to mariners whose rights or safety are under threat.
It vows to continue its work “to promote fair, safe, and just working conditions for maritime professionals by engaging with key stakeholders across global shipping, including governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, national authorities and industry partners.”
Back to Stories Covered
THE FALL 2025 ISSUE OF THE MM&P MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE
The new issue of The Master, Mate & Pilot has been posted on bridgedeck.org.
In this issue of the MM&P magazine:
— AFL-CIO impartial umpire rules that LDO jobs aboard APL PHOENIX fall under MM&P’s broad contractual jurisdiction;
— MM&P joins lawsuit seeking to restore union rights to members of the MM&P Federal Employees Membership Group and hundreds of thousands of other federal workers;
— administration fires all members of maritime safety advisory committees;
— crew of Staten Island Ferry Samuel Newhouse honored for rescue.
On the cover:
— moonlight creates strikingly beautiful bioluminescent waves in a photo by Karl Fisher.
The Fall 2025 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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UNIONS APPLAUD SENATE INTRODUCTION OF BILL TO RESTORE LABOR RIGHTS TO FEDERAL WORKERS
MM&P is applauding the introduction of the Protect America’s Workforce Act in the Senate on Sept. 17.
The legislation would reverse two executive orders issued by President Trump in March that eliminated the collective bargaining rights of federal workers, including members of the MM&P Federal Employees Membership Group.
In the months since, the administration has expanded the executive orders and unilaterally canceled union contracts for nearly 450,000 federal employees.
“These moves are an assault on our fundamental freedoms and undercut critical services that people across the country rely on,” says AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.
The legislation to reverse the executive orders was introduced in the Senate by Democrats Chris Van Hollen (Md.), Mark Warner (Va.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.).
Bipartisan momentum in support of the Protect America’s Workforce Act is building in the House, where lawmakers are collecting the final signatures on a discharge petition to bring the bill to a vote.
“The labor movement looks forward to working with senators to stop the senseless assault on workers who provide essential government services to communities across America,” Shuler said.
“The labor movement stands united behind this bill, and we call on every senator—Democrat, Republican and independent—to keep their promise to workers by backing this legislation.”
In the House, the bill was introduced by Reps. Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), with 221 additional co-sponsors.
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CREDITING RECENT SERVICE OF APPLICANTS FOR NATIONAL OFFICER ENDORSEMENTS
The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing has published CG-MMC Policy Letter 02-25, titled Crediting Recent Service of Applicants for National Officer Endorsements.
Under current regulation (46 CFR 11.201(c)(1)), a mariner who has not worked on vessels of the uniformed services must have at least three months of qualifying service in the three years immediately prior to application for a raise of grade of their credentials.
This policy increases that recency period to seven years. This will allow mariners who had taken a short sabbatical from the maritime industry to re-enter the industry and use previously obtained sea service to raise the grade of their credentials without having to re-acquire recent sea service.
This policy letter is available on the Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentialing policy website.
Mariners and other interested parties should contact the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division at MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or (202) 372-2357 with any questions or feedback.
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REMOVAL EXAM REQUIREMENT FOR MASTER 500/1,600 GRT APPLYING FOR UNLIMITED TONNAGE 3/M
The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing has published CG-MMC Policy Letter 01-25, titled Professional Examination for Mariners Raising the Grade of Officer Endorsements from Master Less Than 500 or 1,600 Gross Registered Tons to Third Mate of Unlimited Tonnage.
This policy removes the examination requirement for mariners who hold a national endorsement as Master 500 GRT or Master 1600 GRT who are applying for an endorsement as Third Mate unlimited tonnage on the same route.
This policy letter is available on the Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentialing policy website.
Mariners and other interested parties should contact the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division at MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or (202) 372-2357 with any questions or feedback.
Back to Stories Covered
MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN SAN FRANCISCO/OAKLAND HALL ON THURSDAY, OCT. 21
There will be a membership meeting in the San Francisco/Oakland Hall on Thursday, Oct. 21, immediately after job call.
All members and applicants are encouraged to attend the meeting.
The contact information for the hall is:
315 Broadway, 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 510-808-7068
MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN LOS ANGELES/LONG BEACH HALL ON WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22
There will be a membership meeting in the Los Angeles/Long Beach Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 22, immediately after job call.
All members and applicants are encouraged to attend the meeting.
The contact information for the hall is:
533 N. Marine Ave., Ste A
Wilmington, CA 90744-5527
Phone: 310-834-7201
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OFFSHORE FAMILIARIZATION COURSE IN LOS ANGELES/LONG BEACH HALL, OCT. 22-23
The Offshore Familiarization Course will be held in the Los Angeles/Long Beach Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 22 and Thursday, Oct. 23.
The schedule for the course is 0930-1530 and you must attend both days.
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 contact Wendy Karnes, wkarnes@bridgedeck.org.
The contact information for the hall is:
533 N. Marine Ave., Ste A
Wilmington, CA 90744-5527
Phone: 310-834-7201
Back to Stories Covered
OFFSHORE MEMBERSHIP MEETING, HOUSTON HALL, WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29
An Offshore Membership Meeting will be held in the Houston Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 1100, immediately following job call.
MM&P International President Don Josberger will attend the meeting.
The address of the Houston Hall is:
13850 Gulf Freeway
Ste 250
Houston, TX 77034
All members and applicants are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Back to Stories Covered
OFFSHORE FAMILIARIZATION COURSE, HOUSTON HALL, OCT. 28-9
The Offshore Familiarization Course will be held in the MM&P Houston Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct 28-9, from 0830-1630 each day.
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.
Please RSVP by calling or emailing the hall at 281-464-9650 or Houston@bridgedeck.org.
The address of the Houston Hall is:
13850 Gulf Freeway
Ste 250
Houston, TX 77034
Back to Stories Covered
ATLANTIC MARITIME JOBS
— BUCHANAN MARINE is looking for a Mate: MMC with a Mate of Towing with Inland Waters
— BUCHANAN is looking for a Deckhand – MMC with an OS.
If you are interested, please fill out an application on the company’s website https://www.buchananmarinelp.com.
Click on “Careers” on the top right and scroll down to “Apply Online.”
If you have questions, please contact Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org or 973-495-9377.
— MORAN is looking for a tankerman with a PIC, preferably with an AB and STCW but will work with an OS.
If interested, please email your resume to Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org. If you have any questions, please call at 973-495-9377.
— POLING & CUTLER is looking Mates & Captains with a 200-ton coastwise license & TOAR.
If interested, please email your resume to Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org. If you have any questions, please call at 973-495-9377.
— STATEN ISLAND FERRY is looking for Provisional Marine Oilers with their QMED.
If you are interested, please go to this link to fill out an application:
https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/job/marine-oiler-in-staten-island-jid-27357
If you have questions, please contact Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org.
— STATEN ISLAND FERRY is looking for a 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-34931
Any questions, please send an email to Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org
— STATUE CITY CRUISES is looking for Mates and Captains with a 100-ton license.
If you are interested, google Statue City Cruises LLC, then click “careers” on the bottom right.
Once you fill out an application, please inform Paulina at 973-495-9377.
— REINAUER is looking for a Mate – MMC with 500-ton license and TOAR. If interested, please email Keith at kpoissant@bridgedeck.org.
OFFSHORE JOBS
Senior LMSR positions available.
Back to Stories Covered
GREAT LAKES & GULF JOBS
Immediate openings in the Great Lakes region for the following permanent jobs:
— Key Lakes – In need of Mate for 30 day or permanent rotation (Mates with Pilotage given preference) Start Date 9/1
— Weeks Marine QMED – Must have all STCW Documents (21/21 Rotation) Start Date Immediately
— Weeks Marine Cook/Steward – Must have all STCW Documents 21/21 Rotation Start Date Immediately
— Great Lakes Towing CAPTAINS – Must live within one hour 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: Not Currently Scheduled
FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting: 01/26/26
FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced: Not Currently Scheduled
MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 01/05/26, 03/09/26
MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 10/06/25*, 12/08/25, 02/02/26
MED-PIC-REF – Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 11/17/25, 01/12/26
MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day): 10/11/25, 11/16/25, 12/13/25, 01/10/26, 02/07/26
PSC – Personal Survival Craft (Lifeboatman): Not Currently Scheduled
[STCW License & Radar Renewal Courses]
Revalidations (REV): You have 360+ days of sea time in the last 5 years
BT-REV (2-day): 09/22/25, 10/20/25, 11/12/25
FF-ADV-REV (1-day): 09/24/25, 10/22/25, 11/14/25
Refreshers (REF): You have less than 360 days of sea time in the last 5 years
BT-REF (3-day): 09/22/25, 11/12/25
FF-ADV-REF (2-day): 09/18/25, 11/10/25
PSC-REF (2-day): Not Currently Scheduled
ROR-1N – Radar Observer Renewal Evening Classes (1-Night): 09/24/25, 11/11/25
[CMM – Chief Mate & Master Upgrade Courses]
ADVSTB – Advanced Stability: 10/13/25, 12/08/25, 02/16/26
ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology: 09/29/25, 12/01/25, 02/09/26
CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10-Day): 10/20/25, 02/23/26
LAP – License Advancement Program for Mate to Master (20-Day): 10/20/25, 04/13/25
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: 10/06/25, 12/15/25, 02/16/25
MPP-CMM – Marine Propulsion Plants: Not Currently Scheduled
SHMGT-CMM – Ship Management: 09/22/25
SHS-ADV-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (10-Day): 10/06/25*, 11/03/25*, 12/01/25, 01/12/26, 02/06/26, 03/02/26
WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping: Not Currently Scheduled
[AB TO MATE Upgrade Courses]
ARPA-OIC – Automated Radar Plotting Aids (4-Day): 11/10/25, 02/09/26
CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling & Stowage: 01/19/26, 03/23/26
CNAV-OIC – Celestial Navigation (15-Day): 12/01/25
ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems: 11/17/25, 02/23/26
FL – Visual Communications / Flashing Light (1 Day) 02/13/26
LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Prep (15-Day): 03/23/26
LTS – Leadership and Teamworking Skills (1-Day): 02/12/26
ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 10/13/25, 02/02/26
SAR – Search and Rescue (3-Day): 02/09/26, 03/02/26
SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 02/02/26
STB-OIC – Stability and Cargo Handling: 01/12/26, 03/16/26
TNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 10/20/25, 01/05/26
WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (10-Day): 02/23/26, 03/30/26
WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 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): 01/26/26
MSC-CBRD-1 – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Orientation (Basic) Indoctrination (1-Day): 11/16/25
MSC-CBRD-OFF – Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defense Officer: 03/23/2026, 06/22/2026
MSC-DC – Damage Control (1-Day): 11/07/25
MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day – Evening Class): 11/09/25
MSC-SMA – Small Arms Qualifications (4-Day): 10/14/25, 11/10/25, 12/09/25
MSC-SWB – Security Watch Basic (1-Day): 11/08/25
MSC-SW-ADV – Security Watch Advanced (1-Day): 10/13/25, 11/09/25, 12/08/25
MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 11/14/25
[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): 10/01/25, 10/15/25*, 02/02/26, 02/05/26
NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 09/30/25*, 10/02/25*, 12/02/25*, 12/04/25* – Contact Admissions to Register
SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling: 11/17/25, 01/26/26, 04/20/26
WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-Day): 10/04/25, 11/15/26, 12/06/25
[Other MITAGS Courses]
AB – Able Seaman: 09/22/25, 02/16/26
AZIPOD (2-Day): Not currently scheduled
BRM – Bridge Resource Management: 03/23/26
BRMP-EMR – Bridge Resource Management for Pilots with Emergency Shiphandling (Now also included in BRMP-Refresher) (3-Day): 10/20/25, 10/27/25
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: 11/03/25
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): Not Currently Scheduled
[Continual Improvement Workshops – NOT covered by the MATES Program]
Designated Person Ashore & Internal Auditor (3-Day): 11/05/25
Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis (2-Day): Online: 09/18/25
Learn America Online Courses: Contact Admissions for Access
Breakbulk Shipping: 90 Day Online Access
Contract Management for Shipbuilding and Repairs: 90 Day Online
Corrosion and Coating Protection of Ships: 90 Day Online Access
Maritime Logistics: 90 Day Online Access
Ship Superintendent – Marine: 365 Day Online Access
Ship Superintendent – Technical: 365 Day Online Access
Ship Superintendent – General: 365 Day Online Access
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
September 2025
24th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
22-26 Basic Cargo Handling & Stowage
29-1 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility
29-3 Leadership & Managerial Skills
29-3 Meteorology – Operational Level
29th MSC – Security Watchstander Advanced
30-3 MSC – Small Arms
October 2025
6-9 Search & Rescue
7-10 Advanced Firefighting
9th Flashing Light
10th Leadership & Teamworking Skills
13-17 Basic Training
13-17 Ship Construction & Basic Stability
13-24 Watchkeeping – Operational Level
20-21 Basic Training Revalidation
20-22 Basic Training Refresher
20-24 Basic Cargo Handling & Stowage
22nd Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
22-23 Advanced Firefighting Refresher
27-30 ARPA
27-31 Medical Care Provider
27-31 Basic Shiphandling
27-7 Medical Person-In-Charge
November 2025
3-5 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility
3-7 Leadership & Managerial Skills
10-12 Search & Rescue
10-13 Advanced Firefighting
17-18 Basic Training Revalidation
19th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
December 2025</strong?
1-2 Basic Training Revalidation
1-3 Basic Training Refresher
1-12 GMDSS
3rd Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
4-5 Advanced Firefighting Refresher
8-12 Basic Training
15-18 Advanced Firefighting
15-19 Tankerman Person-In-Charge
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.
