Officers Unions Say Mariners Losing Work Because of Problems in USCG Medical Review and Credential Programs

Representatives of the nation's maritime officers unions have told Congress that the Coast Guard's medical review process is both unfair and unworkable, and in many cases has the effect of denying mariners the opportunity to provide for their families. The unions made the remarks in testimony before the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, chaired by Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.). To read the unions' testimony, click here.

Maritime Labor Asks Congress to Help Those Affected by NMC Backlog

The nation's maritime unions are calling for immediate improvements in the way the Coast Guard's National Maritime Center (NMC) is conducting merchant mariner credentialing and medical review functions. "Unfortunately, there are those within the Coast Guard who still do not understand that their failure to manage their licensing and documentation and medical review missions properly has a direct impact on the ability of American merchant mariners to continue in the maritime profession and to provide for their families," the unions said in a recent letter to Congress. To read the unions' letter, click here.

Unions, U.S.-Flag Shipping Companies, Express Support for Short Sea Shipping and Harbor Maintenance Tax Reform

The nation’s maritime and longshore unions, along with representatives of U.S.-flag shipping companies, have written to Congress in support of a bill that would modify tax laws to promote short sea shipping. “The use of commercial vessels for the carriage of cargo along our coasts will be a cost-effective, efficient and environmentally sound way to supplement and complement the rail and truck traffic that is already pushed to capacity in most major transportation corridors,” the letter said. To read the letter, click here.

Captain Richard Phillips' Testimony Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Maersk Alabama Captain Richard Phillips presented testimony April 30 before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Phillips, a member of MM&P who was held hostage by pirates earlier in the month during a failed attempt to hijack his ship, outlined possible strategies that could be used to stem the growing problem of piracy in the Gulf of Aden. To read Phillips' testimony, click here.

Maritime Labor United in Support of Lautenberg Bill to Overhaul Medical Review Process, Investigate Role in Accidents of Undermanning

The nation's maritime unions have come out strongly in favor of a bill introduced by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), that would address grave deficiencies in the medical review process for merchant mariner credentials that was unilaterally implemented last year by the Coast Guard. The proposed legislation would establish a national registry of medical examiners for merchant mariners, a review process that has long been successfully employed in other transportation modes. The bill would also require the Coast Guard to investigate the causal effect between under-manning and accidents at sea. To read the letter that the maritime unions wrote to Sen. Lautenberg, click here.

MARITIME UNIONS ASK THAT TWIC CARDS BE DELIVERED TO MARINERS BY MAIL

The nation's maritime unions are advocating a procedural change that would save mariners and other maritime industry workers the time it now takes them to travel to an enrollment center to pick up their Transportation Worker Identification Cards (TWICs) in person. The unions made the request in a letter to House Homeland Security Committee Chair Bennie Thompson. To read the letter, click here.

Columbia Bar Pilots Profiled in "Smithsonian Magazine"

A dramatic feature story in the Jan. 24 issue of "Smithsonian Magazine" details the day-to-day work of the pilots who navigate the Columbia River Bar. "Despite all the jet-powered wizardry at their disposal, the pilots' stock in trade is still their feel for the water," writes journalist Matt Jenkins. He calls the work "highly technical, difficult, wet and dangerous." While researching the article, the journalist accompanied Captain Dan Jordan on "his morning commute." He says the trip felt like "riding a mechanical bull through a dunk tank." To read the article, "Steering Ships Through a Treacherous Waterway," click here.

Right Whale Compliance Guide

The National Marine Fisheries Service has established regulations to implement speed restrictions of no more than 10 knots applying to all vessels 65 ft (19.8m) or greater in overall length in certain locations and at certain times of the year along the east coast of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard. The purpose of the regulations is to reduce the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to endangered North Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with ships. To read the compliance guide that details the requirements of the new regulations, click here.

"FAIR TREATMENT OF SEAFARERS" INFORMATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Shipping Federation (ISF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have joined forces in a new initiative to help protect seafarers involved in maritime accidents. The three organizations, which represent maritime employers and trade unions worldwide, announced last week in London that they have united to support and promote the IMO and ILO Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident. The guidelines require that seafarers be treated fairly by the port or coastal state, the flag state, the seafarer state and shipowners.

As part of the campaign, the organizations have designed a poster to be displayed on ships and union halls.
Click here to download the poster -(download pdf)

They are also encouraging their members -- national ship owners' associations belonging to the ISF and ICS, and seafarers' unions affiliated with the ITF -- to approach their governments to promote the guidelines and to monitor how effectively they are being implemented.
Click here to download the IMO/ILO Guidelines on Fair Treatment - (download pdf)
Click here to download the IMO Resolution on Fair Treatment - (download pdf)

REMEMBER-- If you are questioned about a maritime accident involving your vessel:

• If you think it is necessary, ask for a lawyer before answering any questions or making any statements to port, coastal or flag state investigators, since any statement you make could be used against you in future criminal or other legal proceedings
• Contact your company and/or union for advice and assistance
• Make sure you fully understand everything that you are asked

If there is anything you don't understand:

• ask the authorities to stop the questioning
• request the assistance of an interpreter, if necessary

It is important to ensure that you protect your interests first. Therefore, follow the advice you receive from your company, union or lawyer, and importantly, when advised to provide information, be truthful with investigators. Read the fair treatment guidelines and know your rights. If in doubt, ask for advice.

D-Book Membership Evaluation Forms

To be considered for D-Book status, applicants must have completed the MM&P history class now being offered on a rotating basis in the union halls, have four favorable recommendations, have paid their initiation fee and have at least 360 days sea time under MM&P contract.

To download a copy of the application form, click here.

The evaluation form should be filled out by masters or chief mates with whom the applicant has recently sailed and then returned to the applicant for submission.

If you have questions about D-Book Membership, please contact your Area Vice President, the MM&P Agent-Pacific Ports or MM&P Gulf Port Representative.

Fact Sheet on Swine Flu

MM&P Health & Benefits Plans provider Coventry has provided us with a list of frequently asked questions about swine flu. To view the frequently asked questions, click here.

To read the update on swine flu from Ceriedian LifeWorks, click here.

For the most up-to-date information, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/flu/swine. You may also follow developments on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website at www.dhhs.gov.

Phone Service Discounts for Union Members and Union Local Offices

The AFL-CIO has entered into a series of agreements with vendors of telecommunications services covering phone equipment for union local offices, as well as a discount on wireless service for union members and their families. To read about the equipment union locals can purchase, as well as the discounts for union members and their families, click here: AFL-CIO newsletter.

Read previously reported comments in our: What's New Archive