THE MASTERS, MATES & PILOTS'
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLY

- Bridging the Information Gap With E-News You Can Use -

Volume 6 . . . . . Number 47. . . . . November 21, 2002

STORIES COVERED

ALSO REMINDERS

 MM&P-CREWED CSX DISCOVERY RESCUES FOUR OFF THE BAHAMAS

The MM&P-crewed CSX Lines containership CSX DISCOVERY rescued four people and a dog from the SUMMER HEAT, a 37-foot sailboat which had lost its mast and suffered engine failure in heavy seas about 60 miles north of the Bahamas this past Sunday.

The 700-foot CSX DISCOVERY was en route to Jacksonville from San Juan when she was contacted at 1330 hrs on Sunday by the USCG and requested to divert from its course to go to the aid of the crippled craft.

The DISCOVERY located the sailboat at approximately 1615. With 20-foot seas and 35-knot winds buffeting the area, the DISCOVERY’s crew knew they had little time to effect a rescue once the ship came alongside the sailboat. – The four rescued sailors were safely onboard by 1730. "They are in great shape for what they have been through,"  said MM&P-member Capt. John Hess, the ship’s Master who supervised the recovery. MM&P members C/M Robin Espinosa, 2/M Paul Goodhue, 3/M Kris Karandy and 3/M Paul McQuarrie were also instrumental in the rescue effort.

With the rescue completed, the DISCOVERY once again set her course for Jacksonville. Upon their arrival on Monday morning, one of the rescued sailors told a reporter that, “The DISCOVERY’s crew was fantastic. The rescue was fantastic. Once onboard, they treated us like royalty.”

The operation was coordinated by the USCG as part of the AMVER (Automated Mutual-assistance VEssel Rescue) program which diverts the nearest participating merchant ship to assist a vessel in distress. Founded in the wake of the RMS TITANTIC disaster in 1912, today some 12,000 ships from 140 nations participate in AMVER.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 HOUSE AND SENATE PASS MARITIME SECURITY BILL

Late last week, the Senate voted unanimously to pass legislation that would require a massive integration of federal, state, local and private law enforcement in the nation's seaports. The bill would also authorize more security officers, more screening equipment, and the building of new security infrastructure at seaports.

Early Friday morning, the House of Representatives by voice vote passed the bill. The measure is expected to be signed by the President within days. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said he was pleased the new bill included virtually every measure that was in the House maritime security legislation (H.R. 3983)."This is one of the most important security bills Congress has ever approved,” Congressman Young said.

The Senate first passed the bill on Dec. 20, 2001, but a compromise wasn't reached on the measure until Tuesday.
The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct an immediate risk assessment for all vessels and facilities on or near the water. It requires the secretary to develop plans to deter incidents that might result in significant loss of life, environmental damage, transportation disruption or economic harm.

It also authorizes $90 million in research and development grants to encourage development equipment to inspect merchandise, detect nuclear materials, improve tags and seals on ships and mitigate the consequences of terrorist attacks. Another $33 million is authorized to train and educate federal, state and private personnel.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 ILWU OPTIMISTIC FOR NEW CONTRACT BY YEAR’S END

Lindsay McLaughlin, legislative director for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, told the annual meeting of the National Industrial Transportation League earlier this week that the recently announced technology agreement between the ILWU and the Pacific Maritime Association was a major step toward a contract settlement.

"My prediction is the two sides will come together and sign an agreement before the 80-day cooling-off period of the Taft-Hartley Act ends," he told the NIT League which represents many of the nation's largest importers and exporters. The cooling-off period ends Dec. 27.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

SAFETY ALERT: TELEVISION ANTENNAE INTERFERENCE WITH GPS

The USCG and FCC are concerned that certain consumer electronics-grade active VHF/UHF marine television antennas are causing operational degradation in the performance of Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers.

This interference may be realized as a display of inaccurate position information or a complete loss of GPS receiver acquisition and tracking ability. The interference is not limited to the GPS equipment onboard the vessel with the installed active marine television antennae. There have been reports of interference occurring on other vessels and installations operating up to 2000 feet away from vessels using such antennas.

In one particular case, the interference caused the position of the vessel as displayed on the electronic chart to move erratically and dramatically often across large expanses of land. As can be expected, various data displays indicated erroneous information such as excessive speeds. In these instances the problem would occasionally correct itself while at other times required resetting the system. -- To the vessel's crew these annoyances were frustrating and caused concerns that perhaps less obvious inaccuracies were occurring. Ultimately this affected their confidence in the performance of the GPS and Electronic Chart Display and Information System.

If you are experiencing recurring outages or degradation of your GPS receiver operation you should perform an on-off test of your TV antenna. If turning off the power to the antenna results in improvement in the GPS receiver performance, the antenna may be the source of interference in the GPS band. In that case, you should contact the manufacturer of the antenna and identify the symptoms.

If the test is not positive and the GPS interference persists, contact the watchstander at the Coast Guard Navigation Information Service at phone: 703-313-5900 or Email: nisws@navcen.uscg.mil.

Antennae models identified during investigations of GPS interference.

Questions or comments related to this info may be addressed to Ken Olsen at phone: 202-267-1417 or Email: kolsen@comdt.uscg.mil.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

ENVIROMENTAL DISASTER LOOMS IN PHONY-FLAG TANKER SINKING

A flag-of-convenience tankship carrying more than 20 million gallons of fuel oil broke in two off northwest Spain and sank Tuesday, threatening an environmental disaster. An environmentalist warned the wreckage of the single-hull Bahamas-flagged PRESTIGE would be like a “time bomb” some two miles down on the ocean floor.

If the ship lost its entire cargo of fuel oil, the spill would be nearly twice the size of the 1989 EXXON VALDEZ disaster in Alaska. Some 10.92 million gallons of crude oil were lost from the VALDEZ.

A statement released by the International Maritime Organization said in part, “Despite the adverse conditions, no human life has been lost in this incident and the search and rescue authorities of Spain deserve much credit for dealing with this matter promptly and effectively.”

The American Bureau of Shipping, which has monitored and surveyed the 81,000-ton PRESTIGE throughout its operational life, reported that the 26-year-old tanker had its last full maintenance check six months ago and was carrying no known seaworthiness defects. Reportedly, the ship underwent an intensive dry-docking which involved extensive steelwork repairs in May 2001.

As the investigation continues there is no clear indication of what had caused the loss. The tanker, which was once named GLADYS, was acquired by the Greek group, Mare Shipping, seven years ago. The operating company at the time of its final voyage was also Greek.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

MM&P PORT HALL HOLIDAY PARTY SCHEDULE

All parties are at the Hall unless otherwise noted.

East Coast Schedule:

Gulf Coast Schedule: West Coast Schedule:

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES

Class Openings

Between now and the end of the year, seats are available in following courses: 12/2-13: GMDSS; 12/9-13: DCS, BST, ARPA; 12/16-20: FF-ADV, CMM-ECDIS. You can check schedules, review course descriptions, and register on-line at the new website www.mitags.org, or contact Admissions at admissions@mitags.org or 443-989-3226.

Course openings as of press time for Jan 2003. These are subject to change. Always call admissions or check the MITAGS website for current course availability:

DECEMBER classes for CMM-SHS-ADV-1 and CMM-SHS-ADV11 are full. A standby list is being maintained at admissions.

Special Note on LAP which runs 1/6/-2/7. Every person who takes LAP should know: During the past year, the USCG has made several significant changes to the license exam procedures in response to the requirements of the STCW-95. Some of these changes could impact the decision on which material you need to study and are ultimately tested on in your upcoming license raise of grade.

The decision on which modules you will be tested is solely that of the USCG. MITAGS instructors will do all they can to assist you in the process of reviewing and learning the material. But, you must ask your license issuing USCG Regional Exam Center (REC) what specific areas you will be expected to successfully complete (pass) during testing. It is imperative that you know what those areas are before you come to MITAGS, not after you get here.

You are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with the license evaluator to take your application to the REC that will issue your license and ask the evaluator to determine the modules on which you are to be examined for the license you seek. You should than request that this information be transmitted to the REC in Baltimore. Please send a copy of your approval letter to Mary Matlock in Admissions so MITAGS can plan the instruction schedule.

The RECs are currently busy with STCW-95 applications so plan on needing additional time to get an appointment. Do not wait to the last minute. You may be disappointed. We look forward to seeing you. The MITAGS LAP team.
 

DOT Training for D&A

This 1-day course is designed to provide individuals, designated as urine specimen collectors for drug testing, instruction and proficiency in Dept of Transportation (DOT) collection procedures as described in 49 CFR 40. This course also provides instruction in breath testing for alcohol as required in 46 CFR 4. Course will be held at MITAGS Dec.14, 17, 18, 19, and 20. Contact admissions for seats. One-day classes are also being held at Halls with New York scheduled for Dec.3-4. Attendance should be arranged through the hall. To maximize resources, MITAGS has been focusing on providing the 1-day training east of the Mississippi and PMI has a schedule with coverage in the west.
 
 

Schedules, Course Info & Registration

You can now check schedules, review detailed course descriptions and register on-line or contact Admissions at admissions@mitags.org or 443-989-3226.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

PACIFIC MARITIME INSTITUTE ACADEMIC NOTES

PMI will be providing DOT Training for D&A on the following dates and locations: Dec.9: Houston; Dec.13: Seattle; Dec.16: San Fran; Dec.17: Los Angeles; Jan.13: Honolulu; Jan.17: Seattle.

PMI will be running the programs necessary to upgrade from Able Seaman to Mate in Jan. 2003. In order to attempt
to fill their first courses, they are offering a 40-percent discount to mariners wishing to start their training in
Jan. For the latest up-to-date info on class schedules, visit the PMI website at www.mates.org.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

MM&P MARKET WATCH AS OF 11-20 CLOSE

 D O W
 N A S D A Q
8,623.00
+224.60 for the week
 1,419.35
 +58.01 for the week
 Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
 84.60
 Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
19.09
 Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
 12.51
 Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
 11.69
 Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
 21.33
 Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
10.71
 Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
13.38
 Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
14.10
 Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
 31.22
Fidelity Magellan Fund (FAGX)
 83.21
 Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
  32.48

 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

~ Reminders ~

 

 

ALL-HANDS MESSAGE FROM MM&P PRESIDENT BROWN

MM&P International President Capt. Tim Brown and Executive Asst. Mike Rodriguez recently attended a meeting with the US Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration and the Military Sealift Command focusing on the assets needed to conduct an operation in the Middle East.

Deployment and time frames are still being discussed. Below is what the Union knows as of this time.

It is anticipated that merchant marine personnel will be key to this operation. MM&P, MEBA and AMO have a cooperative agreement so that if any of the unions' contracted vessels need personnel and the contracted union cannot supply licensed marine officers, one of the other unions will staff these billets.

Within the next few days, MM&P will be sending a letter to all MM&P applicants, to retirees who retired within the last 3 years, and retirees that retired within the last 4-7 years. The purpose of the letter will be to ascertain your current address, the validity of your license, whether or not you have STCW-95, and other personnel data.

There are plans underway to provide a fast track STCW-95 course for those needing it as well as providing assistance in revalidating your license if it has expired.

In the case of retirees, you will be able to return to covered employment without the fear of exceeding the earnings limitation for health care. However, no additional pension credits will be provided for any service that you may render to your country during this emergency employment.

Since Desert Shield/Desert Storm, American Merchant Mariners have been provided with re-employment rights. These rights will insure that your present employer will give your current employment position back when you return from service with the MM&P in this type of deployment.

More details will be forthcoming in future issues of the Wheelhouse Weekly as they become known.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

 

MAJOR CHANGE TO MM&P'S DENTAL BENEFIT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1

This is a reminder that effective October 1, 2002, the MM&P Plan's contract with Prudential Dental expired. Prudential was purchased by Aetna/US HealthCare in 2001 and could no longer offer the Plan the same type of fee-for-service arrangement as before.

In order to continue to offer Plan Participants an in-network dental benefit option, the Plan reviewed proposals from organizations that provide network dental services. After review, the Trustees approved a contract with Delta Dental, the largest provider of dental services in the US.

The Delta Dental Claims Processing Center in Mechanicsburg, PA, will handle claims administration for all MM&P eligible participants and dependents. This includes claims submitted by out of network dentists as well as those who are Delta Dental providers.

Plan participants who choose to go to a contracted provider will pay 10 percent of the contracted amount and the Plan will pay 90 percent. Participants will have access to all Delta providers in the Delta Premier Network option that includes over 133,000 dentists nationwide.
 
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

~ Where Does My Dentist Submit My Claims?

Effective October 1, 2002, all dental claims with dates of service on or after October 1, 2002, from both in and out-of-network providers, should be sent directly to: Delta Dental, One Delta Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-6999. Participants will receive a claim form in the mailing sent out by the Plan Office on August 11. Your dentist can copy this form and use it to submit all dental claims incurred on or after October 1, 2002.

~ How Do I Find A Delta Dentist?

You can locate participating dentists in your area in two ways. You can call 1-800-932-0783 from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, Monday-Friday, or you can sign on to the Delta website at www.MidAtlanticDeltaDental.com. Once you have signed on to the website, key on the bar marked "Pennsylvania". (MM&P Plan members are enrolled in the Delta Premier Option through Delta Dental of Penn.) Next enter the search criteria to find participating Delta dentists in your area or enter your own dentist's name to find out if he/she participates with the Premier network.
 
 

WORK IN PROCESS

Delta Dental will coordinate with the Plan Office to transition all billing for "work in process". This means that all root canals, orthodontia work and other staged procedures that are not completed under the old arrangement will be carried over and the remaining balance billing, for work performed on or after October 1, 2002 will be processed by Delta Dental.

It is important to remember that all work that has been pre-determined by Prudential/Aetna must be completed and billed with a billing date on or prior to September 30, 2002, in order to assure that your co-pay will remain the same as quoted in the initial pre-determination.

Any work started under the old Plan but billed for date of service on or after October 1, 2002 will be reimbursed according to whether the dentist is participating in the Delta Dental network. If your dentist is not a participating dentist, the balance billing will be paid at the out-of-network rate of 80 percent of the Plan's UCR schedules.
 
 

CLAIMS QUESTIONS

All questions about any dental claims incurred on or after October 1, 2002, including claims submitted by out-of-network providers, should be directed to Delta Dental at 1-800-932-0783. You have been provided with a Delta claim form to forward to your dentist, however, your dentist may submit any standard dental billing form as long as the bill is sent directly to Delta at the above listed address.
 
 

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Participants will be receiving a brochure in early October that will include a perforated generic identification card. This card lists the telephone number and the billing address for Delta. You are not required to carry an identification card because your social security number and birth date will identify you as an eligible participant in the Delta Dental Network.

It is important to remember that MM&P claims will be processed by Delta Dental of Pennsylvania. You or your dentist can access your eligibility by calling either the Plan Office or Delta Dental at 1-800-932-0783.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 
 

 

QUOTAS SET FOR OFFSHORE LICENSED GROUP AT GEB MEETING

MM&P's General Executive Board met on October 3-4. One item of particular note is that the Offshore Advisory Committee established quotas for admittance to the Offshore Membership Group.

Effective October 4, 2002, no member of any membership group, including the Offshore Unlicensed Membership Group, may transfer into the Offshore Licensed Membership Group without having been a member of the organization for at least as long as the length of time that the lowest applicant admitted into membership has in the organization.

Please see your local Offshore Vice President for additional information.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

SUPPORT FUND ESTABLISHED FOR GISELE SCHMIDT

MM&P has established a Fund to receive donations on behalf of Gisele Schmidt, the daughter of Brother Gary Schmidt. Gisele, who is 21, was rendered paralyzed as the result of a tragic auto accident in March.

Please Note: The fund is open only through December 31, 2002.

Contributions may be made payable to the:

Gisele Schmidt Fund
c/o MM&P
700 Maritime Blvd.
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

JERRY BACKMAN MEMORIAL FUND CREATED

A memorial fund has been established in the memory of recently deceased MM&P member Jerry Backman. Jerry shipped out of San Francisco and was 49-years old at the time of his tragic death as the result of an auto accident last month.

He will be affectionately remembered as a loyal union brother, outstanding licensed deck officer and a fine person. Jerry leaves a widow, a 22-year old daughter and a 15-year old son.

Donations on behalf of Jerry will be used to assist with the education of his children. The Backman family is privately managing the fund. They are most appreciative of all the messages expressing sympathy and the positive stories from his shipmates and friends.

Contributions can be sent to:

The Jerry B. Backman Memorial Fund
c/o Bank of the West
2900 Railroad Avenue
Pittsburg, CA 94565
 
 
MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

NEW, USED OR REFI: LOW VEHICLE LOAN RATES AT MM&P FCU

Members are reminded that the Masters, Mates & Pilots Federal Credit Union is offering vehicle loans as low as 5.25 percent. Rates range from 5.25 to 6.99 percent for terms of 24 to 60 months. It doesn't matter if it's for a new, used or a refinanced vehicle.

These rates are also in effect for new or used recreational vehicles, motorcycles or boats. Limited funds available at this rate, certain terms and conditions apply.

MM&P Federal Credit Union membership is open to all MM&P members, to all MM&P, MITAGS, MIRAID and Plans staff, and to their immediate families.

Rates and terms of offer are subject to change. Call Kathy Klisavage, Credit Union Manager, toll free 1-800-382-7777 or Email mmpfcu@bridgedeck.org for all the details.
 
 

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 or to subscribe 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.

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