THE MASTERS, MATES AND PILOTS'
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLY

Bridging the Information Gap With E-News You Can Use

Volume 5. . . . . Number 45. . . November 9, 2001

STORIES COVERED

ALSO

 

SENATE TO CONSIDER BEEFED UP BILL ON PORT SECURITY

The Congressional Information Bureau reports that the Senate is likely to soon begin consideration on S. 1214, the Port and Maritime Security Act of 2001. The bill cleared the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in September (SR 107-64). Amendments are expected when floor consideration commences.

One such amendment may contain language which would mandate utilization of US mariners on certain foreign-flag cargo vessels entering US seaports.

During a press conference last week, Sen. Bob Graham (D-FL), co-sponsor of S. 1214, stressed the fact that America’s seaports represent a critical component of US economy and infrastructure, yet less than 3 percent of the 16,000 containers entering the country daily are monitored. There is no federal security or guidelines for our ports, he noted. US port management system has fallen behind the rest of the world.

Also attending the press conference was USCG Commandant Admiral James Loy who pointed out that seaport and maritime security is and must be the responsibility not only of federal agencies, but also of states, localities and the private maritime sector. Maritime security leadership must be blended.

He briefed reporters on four major initiatives of the USCG since the September 11 attacks:
    Control movement of vessels to and from the US;
    Increased USCG presence at ports;
    Inventory of critical infrastructure;
    Outreach to ports, state, local and private sector.

On the subject of how commercial vessels approaching US ports are treated now as compared prior to September 11, Admiral Loy said that there is a heightened examination of cargo awareness, profile of vessels and control of personnel on board.

Concerning reports that the USCG may be brought under the jurisdiction of the Defense Department rather that the Department of Transportation, Admiral Loy discounted the idea, noting that the organizational profile now in place is just right. However, he did disclose that on or about November 7, the USCG will be using US Navy employees and gunboats to increase security.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

NRC INFO ON HOW TO REPORT SUSPECTED TERRORIST ACTIVITY

MARAD has issued the following advisory to operators of US-flag and effective US-controlled vessels and other maritime interests regarding maritime industry reporting of suspected/actual terrorist incidents. This USCG message was originally sent to all USCG units on Oct 31.

This message is to provide the maritime industry with one national telephone number (800-424-8802) to report suspected and actual terrorist incidents.

The National Response Center (NRC) is the central point of contact for all oil, chemical, radiological, biological and etiological releases in the US. These substances may potentially be used in a terrorist incident, and given the existing capabilities, the NRC can serve as an effective clearinghouse for notification of terrorism incidents.

While it may be difficult to predict and prevent a terrorist attack, certain steps can be implemented to minimize the chance that the attack will disrupt vessel/port operations. USCG HQ is working with industry, field units, and other law enforcement agencies to develop and communicate the best practices for prevention.

The FBI and USPS have published guidance on their websites that provide “tell-tale” signs for identifying suspicious packages. Further, some cruise ship companies have set up satellite mail processing trailers to minimize the impact of an anthrax threat on both the vessel and terminal operations.

Upon notification of a potential terrorist incident the NRC will connect the caller to the FBI’s Strategic Intelligence and Operations Center (SIOC), who will coordinate with other agencies to perform an immediate assessment of the threat credibility.

In some instances, the FBI may be able to verify that the report is a false alarm or hoax and requires no response.  Other cases may require an on-scene assessment by the FBI and other federal, state and local officials. In conjunction with the threat assessment, the NRC will also notify other NRT response agencies under existing protocols.

In addition to oil and hazardous substance releases, the NRC should be notified of any suspected terrorist incident, particularly those affecting transportation systems. Units should ensure all reports of suspected or actual incidents are reported to the NRC at 800-424-8802 or 202-267-2675.
 
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

FLORIDA PORTS GET SECURITY ASSISTANCE FROM NATIONAL GUARD

Florida Governor Jeb Bush announced November 1 that the Florida National Guard will be used to protect port and nuclear plants to provide enhanced security at "high risk" facilities. Four Florida seaports that have a high level of cruise ship traffic and high volumes of fuel and hazardous materials received Florida National Guard protection.

Funding was provided by shifting $5 million from the Coastal Protection Trust Fund. Up to 335 guard personnel will be assigned by November 9 to the Ports of Miami, Everglades, Tampa, and Canaveral. They will be used to provide assistance with passenger and baggage screenings, as well as enhancing security levels at the perimeter and storage areas of the ports.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 MM&P AND OTHERS URGE INCLUSION OF AMT REPEAL IN PACKAGE

Many US maritime interests have urged the Senate to include repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) in the fiscal stimulus package currently under consideration.

In a letter to Sen. John Breaux (D-LA.), maritime labor, ocean carriers, shipbuilding interests and organizations, said that the AMT has severely hampered the industry in its ability to compete with foreign companies who pay little or no corporate income tax.

In particular, the November 1 letter said that AMT discourages American participation in capital intensive businesses, like the maritime industry, that are vital to the nations economic and security interests.

Among others, the letter is being endorsed by: American Maritime Congress, Central Gulf Lines, Crowley Maritime Corporation, MEBA, MM&P, Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development, Matson Navigation Company, Inc., SIU, Shipbuilders Council of America, Transportation Institute and Waterman Steamship Corporation.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

DOD COMPLETES REVIEW OF MERGER PROPOSALS FOR NEWPORT NEWS

The Department of Defense has completed its review of the
proposals by General Dynamics Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp. to acquire Newport News Shipbuilding Inc.

The DoD concluded that the proposal by General Dynamics would eliminate competition for nuclear submarines, resulting in a monopoly. Additionally, the acquisition would harm competition for surface combatants and for the development of emerging technologies for both nuclear submarines and surface ships.

The department determined that the benefits and savings offered by each transaction were comparable. The Northrop Grumman transaction has the additional benefit of preserving competition. DoD's views have been communicated to the
Department of Justice.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 


 

MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES

Openings in classes through the end of February 2002

Remainder 2001
January 2002

Replacement Certificates

Certificates will only be reissued when there is a clear requirement mandating presentation of the certificate. Usually, this will be to support an application to the Coast Guard. In the case of company requirements, our operating companies will accept the MITAGS database, as reflected in the halls, as proof of completion. Requests for replacement certificates should be forwarded directly to the Registrar via mail, fax, or Email. State clearly the specific requirement that is driving the request. Actual certificates will only be reissued if the course completion is within the last five years. A letter will serve as documentation for courses beyond five years.

FCC Changes

Effective Dec.1 2001, the FCC will only accept applications for licenses and renewals via the internet (www.fcc.gov/uls). Additionally, failure to keep the FCC advised of your correct address and/or failure to submit your renewal in a timely fashion may well result in fines. For instance, if the FCC tries to contact you and the mailing is returned, you may be fined $7500.00 and have your license revoked. Renewal of your license after it has expired may also result in a fine. The MITAGS website will be updated under “GMDSS” to reflect the changes.

Course Equivalency

Before submitting requests for equivalencies, members should ensure that their submissions are in accordance with established policy. Policy can be found in hard copy at the halls or on the MITAGS website at www.mitags.org under “Training Policy & Procedures”.

Schedule Info

Schedule through June 2002 is being maintained on the website. Hard copies of the January-June 2002 schedule have been mailed to the halls. Check the MITAGS website at: www.mitags.org for up-to-date info. For additional course info, contact Mary Matlock at voice: 443-989-3226 or Email: admissions@mitags.org.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

PACIFIC NORTHWEST MARITIME INSTITUTE (PMI) COURSE OPENINGS

Openings in classes through December

The first Medical Person-In-Charge course will commence on February 18, 2002 in Seattle. Successful candidates will receive STCW certificates in Elementary First Aid, Medical First Aid Provider and Medical Person in Charge.

Registration is available on-line at http://www.stcw95.com/register.htm.

For further info, contact:

Phone: 206-239-9965; Fax: 206-441-2995; Email: info@stcw95.com
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

MM&P MARKET WATCH AS OF 11-8 CLOSE

 D O W
 N A S D A Q
 9,587.50
+323.60 for the week
 1,827.77
 +81.47 for the week
 Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
 103.34
 Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
21.16
 Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
 14.72
 Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
 13.91
 Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
 25.48
 Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
10.60
 Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
14.13
 Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
15.44
 Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
 36.69
Fidelity Magellan Fund (FAGX)
 101.49
 Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
  39.66

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

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.

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