USCG Marine Safety Program Under Microscope

The “Card Report,” authored by former Coast Guard Commandant James C. Card, outlines the challenges facing the Coast Guard’s marine safety program and makes suggestions on how it could be improved. To read the report in its entirety, please click here.

Former Coast Guard Manager Presents Overview of REC Centralization

In an article published in installments in the industry newsletter MarEx, former USCG manager Andy Hammond, who spent many years working at the Boston Regional Exam Center, presents an overview of the centralization effort now underway. The series is posted on the MM&P website with permission of the author and MarEx. To read the report , please click here.

USMMA ALUMNI FOUNDATION SEEKS NEW PRESIDENT

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMAA) Alumni Foundation seeks a leader who will work to boost funding for the foundation through the development of programs that increase support from alumni as well as other individuals, corporations and foundations. Click here to read the detailed job description.

U.S. Presidential Candidates Speak Out on the Jones Act, Cargo Preference and MSP

Where do the leading three Presidential candidates stand with regard to issues important to MM&P? To inform members about the candidates’ views on three issues of crucial importance to all MM&P members, employees and their families, we report on policy statements made by Sen. Clinton, Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain on the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and Cargo Preference laws. Click here to read the report.

MM&P 2008 ELECTION GUIDELINES

MM&P’s 82nd Convention will be held June 23-25. Click here to read the Notice of Nomination and Election, Offices to be Elected by Membership Groups, Election Period Rules and Conduct and Membership Mailing Information.

“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.

MM&P Continues Dialogue With Coast Guard Commandant

In a letter to U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad W. Allen, MM&P International President Tim Brown reiterated the union’s desire to work with the agency to address a number of problems that have a negative effect on the working conditions, recruitment and retention of American mariners. Brown sent the letter as a follow-up to his Dec. 10 meeting with Allen at USCG headquarters. To read the text of the letter, click on this link. Letter to Coast Guard -(click here to download pdf)

Security Document Template

Horizon Lines has provided MM&P with the SF-86 form, which can serve as a template to help gather one’s personal information in preparation for filling out the final security application online. This form is being distributed to all ports. Access to the Horizon Lines E-QIP program is provided by the company once mariners have actually been assigned to a vessel. To download and print the SF-86, please click on this link: Security Document -(click here to download pdf)

MM&P Testifies on the Importance of America’s Maritime Workforce

MM&P presented testimony Oct. 17 on the changes in U.S. government policy that are needed to motivate and conserve America’s maritime workforce. Among the policies advocated by MM&P: support for the Jones Act and cargo preference laws; full funding for the Maritime Security Program (MSP); modification/rationalization of the Transport Worker Identification program; changes to the U.S. Coast Guard’s new medical evaluation policy. Click here to read MM&P's statement: Testimony - October 17, 2007 - (click here to download pdf)

Written Follow-Up to MM&P July 12 Testimony on TWIC

MM&P has reiterated its major concerns regarding the TWIC program in a letter to the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Subcommittee Chairman Elijah Cummings requested that the union provide suggestions on how the TWIC program can be changed by Congress to minimize its negative effects on maritime labor. Click here to read the letter: Supplemental Information on TWIC - (click here to download pdf)

MM&P Testifies on TWIC Before House Subcommittee On Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) should preempt local and state terminal access schemes and be compliant with international standards for security documents, according to MM&P. The union restated its position in official testimony given July 12 by Mike Rodriguez, executive assistant to MM&P International President Tim Brown, before the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
To read the union’s testimony, click here: Twic Hearing Testimony - (click here to download pdf)

MM&P IS BACK IN THE LNG BUSINESS!

MM&P will crew as many as nine ships for international energy industry leader Suez LNG.  The historic agreement, which includes the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), covers recruitment, training and manning of Suez LNG vessels with licensed deck officers and engineers.

The historic, three-part agreement was announced at a Maritime Day commemoration ceremony in Boston on May 24 by U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton “This is a great step forward and shows what can be accomplished when all parties work together,” Connaughton said.

Suez LNG plans to employ MM&P members and MMA cadets and graduates on as many as nine vessels. The company will deploy three vessels to deliver LNG to the Neptune Deepwater Port, in Massachusetts Bay. Six more ships will operate internationally. 

To find out more about the agreement, read the the May 28, 2007 issue of the MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly: http://www.bridgedeck.org/mmp_news_archive/2007/mmp_news070528.html
MM&P/MIRAID Comments on MARAD LNG Program - (click here to download pdf)

MM&P MEMBERS VOTE IN FAVOR OF MERCHANT OFFICERS’ LABOR ALLIANCE WITH MEBA

MM&P members have voted by an overwhelming margin to approve the Merchant Officers’ Labor Alliance (MOLA) with the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA). The agreement, which was the object of a 90-day ballot, was approved by a vote of 1,720 to 170, or 91 percent. The votes were tallied June 19. MEBA members had earlier approved the alliance by a vote of 745-426. To read the complete MOLA agreement, click here: MOLA Agreement - (click here to download pdf)

Matson Navigation Is Seeking Resumes for Potential Employment as Masters and Chief Mates Aboard Watson Class LMSRs (click link to download resume pdf)

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