MASTER AND MMP MEMBERS ABOARD AND INTERESTED PERSONS THE MASTERS, MATES AND PILOTS' -- WHEELHOUSE WEEKLY
Bridging the Information Gap With E-News You Can Use
VOLUME 5. . . . . NUMBER 2. . . January 12, 2001
STORIES COVERED
- Bush Selects Chao For His New Choice For Labor Secretary
- NAVSAC Positions Open; MM&P Members Encouraged To Apply
- USCG Sets Meeting On Great Lakes Pilotage System
- Judge Rules US Coast Guard Violated Oil Pollution Act
ALSO
- Speculation Adrift On Huge Maersk Sealand Boxship Newbuilds
- MITAGS Academic Notes & Special Announcements
- Pacific Northwest Maritime Institute (PNW) Academic Notes
- MM&P Market Watch
BUSH SELECTS CHAO FOR HIS NEW CHOICE FOR LABOR SECRETARY
President-elect George W. Bush has named the former chairperson of the Federal Maritime Commission Elaine Chao to be his new labor secretary. Chao replaces Bush's earlier choice for the job, Linda Chavez, who withdrew her name from consideration earlier this week after disclosures involving an illegal immigrant who lived in her house during the early 1990s.
In contrast to the Chavez nomination, which drew a harsh response from the leaders of organized labor (see last week's Wheelhouse Weekly), Chao's selection was greeted more positively. In a statement notable mainly for its absence of any negative comments, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said:
"President-elect George W. Bush has chosen a nominee for Secretary of labor who has worked with the labor movement and has experience in government, in the private sector and in public service. I have served with her on the board of the United Way.
"I informed Ms. Chao, when she called, that I would like to meet with her to discuss the many challenges facing the new Secretary of Labor and learn more about her goals if she is confirmed by the Senate.
"The AFL-CIO believes strongly that the continued strength of America's economy, and the security of America's working families, depends upon government, labor and management working together on important common issues. We will certainly support any nominee who shares this perspective."
Besides serving as FMC chairperson, Chao, 47, also held the number two position in the Transportation Dept. under Secretary Elizabeth Dole. She also served as a former Peace Corps director under Bush's father.
Chao is the wife of Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican. Washington observers say she is likely to gain Senate confirmation with little difficulty.
NAVSAC POSITIONS OPEN; MM&P MEMBERS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
The USCG is seeking applications for membership on the Navigation Safety Advisory Council (NAVSAC). The Council advises the USCG on the prevention of vessel collisions; rammings and groundings; Inland Rules of the Road; International Rules of the Road; navigation regulations and equipment; routing measures; marine info; diving safety; and aids to navigation systems.
MM&P members are encouraged to apply to this important maritime council. Application forms can be obtained on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. They can also be obtained by voice: 202-267-6164; fax: 202-267-4700; or Email at: Jshort@comdt.uscg.mil. Completed forms should reach the USCG before Feb.16. For further info, contact Margie Hegy, Executive Director of NAVSAC at voice: 202-267-0415 or fax: 202-267-4700. MM&P members are asked to send an info copy of their completed applications to Joe Stone at MM&P HQ, 700 Maritime Blvd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090; Email: jstone@bridgedeck.org.
USCG SETS MEETING ON GREAT LAKES PILOTAGE SYSTEM
The USCG's office of Great Lakes Pilotage will hold a public meeting in response to the marine industry's request for a comprehensive review of the Great Lakes Pilotage System. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss options for improving the safety, reliability and efficiency of the system. The meeting will be held Jan.30 from 1000 to 1600 hrs. in Cleveland. Comments must be received before Jan.22. For further info, contact Tom Lawler at USCG HQ at 202-267-6164.
JUDGE RULES US COAST GUARD VIOLATED OIL POLLUTION ACT
The Environmental News Service reports that the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has ruled that the USCG is violating the 1990 Oil Pollution Act (OPA-90) by failing for more than a decade to require oil tankers to install leak detection equipment to notify tanker crews of a leak in an oil cargo tank.
The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by the national environmental organizations Bluewater Network and Ocean Advocates. The Court also found the USCG must consider future petitions seeking regulations which would require tankers to employ two tug escorts in sensitive or risky areas where such escorts are not already required.
Chief Judge Edwards criticized the agency's "continuing recalcitrance" and "blatant disregard" in failing to comply with OPA-90, passed after the EXXON VALDEZ ran aground in Alaska in 1990, spilling 10.7 million gallons of oil. Judge Edwards blasted the USCG for trying to turn the Oil Pollution Act's "clear and long-passed deadlines" on their head.
SPECULATION ADRIFT ON HUGE MAERSK SEALAND BOXSHIP NEWBUILDS
Lloyds List reports that MM&P-contracted Maersk Sealand has ordered a dozen new containerships covering a range of sizes. Amid industry speculation that the company is building ships in excess of 8,000-TEU, Maersk Sealand recently announced that four S-Class 6,600-TEU vessels have been ordered, along with four 3,700-TEU, three 2,800-TEU and two 2,200 vessels.
Other published reports on huge containerships in the offing indicate that the China Shipping Group is planning to order two of the world's largest container ships, 9,800-TEU behemoths for its trans-Pacific service. The company said the ships would be built in South Korea. The vessels, which are expected to be delivered in 2004, will be deployed on a shuttle service between Hong Kong and LA.
MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES
As the deadline for STCW-95 draws closer, lead times for openings in BRM, BST and ARPA are running from 6-8 weeks. Classes are being "doubled" whenever possible and a BST class has been added for 2/19-23. Openings in classes over the next six weeks are:
- 1/15-19: GMDSS, SMA
- 1/20: CBRD-1, ROR-1
- 1/22-26:WX-HWA, FF-ADV
- 1/29-2/2: EINS, HAZ, MED-1ST, ROP
- 2/5-9: BRMP, COMP-APS
- 2/10: ROR-1, CBRD-1
- 2/12-15 SMA
- 2/12-16: COMP-NET, FF-ADV, GMDSS, TPIC
- 2/19-23: BST
- 2/24:ROR-1
MSC Classes
The 4-day MSC Small Arms course (SMA) will be offered at MITAGS Feb. 12-15 and Mar 12-15, 2001. Remember that to maintain currency in Small Arms, you must take the course once a year. The next Strategic Sealift Communications Course will be held at MITAGS April 2-6, 2001. The reimbursement program for MITAGS arranged MSC training will remain in effect for 2001. Claim forms are provided with course confirmations.
RADAR Classes
ROR-1 classes have been added for 1/20, 2/24, 3/5, and 3/24. An ROP has been added 1/29-2/2. The ROR-1 scheduled for 3/31 has been canceled.
ECDIS Course Earns USCG Approval
MITAGS & PNW now have the first USCG approved course in the operational use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). The 35-hour course uses live ECDIS equipment, networked with simulators, to train mariners in integrating the powerful ECDIS tool into bridge operations. Although not yet required, the course is certain to meet any future requirement, since the USCG regards this particular course as the ECDIS standard. It is anticipated that the first class will convene at PNW 2/26. Due to delays in equipment installation, the ECDIS course scheduled for MITAGS on 1/29 has reverted to an EINS class. First ECDIS offering at MITAGS is now slated for 5/14.
GMDSS License Renewal
There have been significant changes to the renewal process. Fee has increased to $50. Forms have been revised. You cannot apply for renewal prior to 90 days before expiration date. Check under GMDSS on the MITAGS website at: www.mitags.org for up-to-date forms and submission info.
MITAGS SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
The All Weather Navigation Simulator (AWN) is off line until January 20 to complete system and space upgrades. When completed all eight, interactive ship simulators will be equipped with ARPA, DSC, and ECS displays. The space is being upgraded in anticipation of the Trust company need for an IMO approved ECDIS Course. The upgrades will also allow the AWN simulator to accommodate multiple classes at the same time.
MITAGS is upgrading the full-mission shiphandling #2 simulator in 2001. The "request for quotes" (RFQ) went out the second week of December. The final decision on simulator is expected to be made at the February MATES Trust Meeting.
The estimated $2,000,000 upgrade will significantly enhance the school's container, RO/RO, tankship, pilot, high-speed craft, cruise, military, and tug/tow training programs. The simulator will meet DNV, IMO, and ISO standards. MITAGS still seeks your input on the type of ship models, gaming areas, and bridge equipment to include. Email suggestions to: gpaine@mitags.org.
For additional MITAGS course info, please contact Mary Matlock at Voice: 443-989-3226 or e-mail: admissions@mitags.org.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST MARITIME INSTITUTE (PNW) ACADEMIC NOTES
Jan. classes at PNW in Seattle with available spaces include:
- 1/15-19 TPIC Barge
- 1/15-19 GMDSS
- 1/15-17 BRM 3-day
- 1/29-2/2 BRM 3-day.
Download their entire schedule at: http://www.stcw95.com. For further info contact Gregg Trunnell at voice: 206 239-9965; fax: 206-441-2995; Email: info@stcw95.com.
MM&P MARKET WATCH AS OF 1-11 CLOSE
DOW 10,609.55
-302.86 for the week
NASDAQ 2.640.57
+74.74 for the week
Vanguard 500 Index Fund 122.53
-0.56 for the week
Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund 26.80
+0.50 for the week
Vanguard International Growth Fund 18.79
-0.17 for the week
Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund 17.80
+0.34 for the week
Vanguard Windsor II Fund 26.33
-0.23 for the week
Chase Growth Fund 16.08
-0.16 for the week
Fidelity Asset Manager 16.74
+0.04 for the week
Fidelity Growth and Income 41.06
-0.22 for the week
Fidelity Magellan Fund 120.82
-0.24 for the week
Spartan US Equity Index Fund 47.06
-0.22 for the week
The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly is the official electronic newsletter of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, ILA, AFL-CIO, 700 Maritime Blvd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1941. Phone: 410-850-8700; Fax: 410-850-0973; Email: iommp@bridgedeck.org. For further info contact John Peige at jpeige@bridgedeck.org. The Wheelhouse Weekly is sent via Email to MM&P-contracted vessels at sea, broadcast worldwide via FEC marine telex and is posted on our web page under "News" at: http://www.bridgedeck.org.