THE MASTERS, MATES & PILOTS'
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLY

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

Volume 7 . . . . . Number 2. . . . . January 9, 2003

STORIES COVERED

ALSO REMINDERS

 

USNS COMFORT RESCUES MAN AFTER BOAT SINKS OFF BERMUDA

Just two days after deploying from its layberth in Baltimore, the MM&P-crewed Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS COMFORT rescued a man adrift in the Atlantic Ocean off Bermuda.

Two other men are missing and presumed lost after their 40-foot fishing boat capsized and broke apart in treacherous storm-tossed seas.

The COMFORT is under the command of MM&P member Capt. Richard Cicchetti. MM&P member Dean Bradford is serving as Chief Mate. Second Mate is currently David Lieberman and MM&P member Third Mate Kirby rounds out the LDO complement.

The COMFORT was en route to an undisclosed location in support of the President's war on terrorism when she responded to a call for assistance from the USCG Response Coordination Center in Bermuda issued at 1900 hrs on Jan.7.

At 1049 hrs on Jan.8, an USCG C-130 search-and-rescue plane spotted a sole survivor adrift in the water and dropped a life raft and survival gear. Once the survivor’s exact coordinates were known, deck officers aboard the COMFORT quickly steered a course to his precise location. Despite roiling 15-foot seas, the COMFORT's crew was able to effect the tricky rescue by late afternoon.

"The ship's deck department performed admirably, in cooperation with the Coast Guard to complete the shipboard recovery of the victim," said Second Mate David Lieberman.

"The man, Robert Lambe, 35, of Bermuda, was treated for minor hypothermia by the staff of the Navy Medical Treatment Facility embarked aboard the ship and is reported to be in good condition," said Petty Officer Second Class Ellen Maurer, USN, of COMFORT's public affairs office.

USNS COMFORT is crewed by 61 civilian mariners. Three hundred medical and support personnel from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD currently staff its onboard Medical Treatment Facility. For info and photos of the ship, visit the MSC website at www.msc.navy.mil.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

USCG TO HOLD REGIONAL MEETINGS ON MARITIME SECURITY

On Dec.30, 2002 the US Coast Guard published a far-reaching Notice of meetings; request for comments. The USCG will be holding a series of seven public meetings to discuss the requirements for security assessments, plans, and specific security measures for ports, vessels, and facilities.

The USCG encourages individuals and organizations to attend the meetings and submit comments for discussion during the meetings. They also seek comments from anyone unable to attend the public meetings.

Meeting Information: Public meetings will be held on the following dates and at the following locations:
 


Those wishing to obtain a copy of the USCG 65-page document may do so electronically at: http://dms.dot.gov/, when the window opens go to “simple search” and insert the number 14069 in the docket number block.

Members planning to attend one of these meetings should make contact prior to the session with the local MM&P representative to ensure the Union presents a united front on these important issues.

This future USCG rule making incorporates the work done on behalf of mariners worldwide at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during five sessions held since Sept.11, 2001. The portions of this rule were accepted at IMO and are not in question.

The question is: How did the USCG arrive at some of their information? This includes published statements like,  “We do not anticipate that implementing the ISPS Code will require additional manning aboard vessels; the duties envisioned can be assumed by existing personnel”. The MM&P believes that this is an item for the vessel owner who is responsible for the vessel not the USCG.

The more mariners who read a copy of the docket prior to attending a public meeting will assist in getting the word out on blatant flaws in the USCG’s rationale on implementation.

Those who attend the public meetings should ask questions that will lead to identifying weak points in some of the assumptions that the USCG has made while trying to convince the public on how to proceed with US implementation of the Amended SOLAS 1974 and ISPS Code.

For example, Appendix C of the docket includes cost analysis and a series of tables of implementation costs and follow on costs.  These tables are flawed in many aspects i.e. the Vessel Security Officer is the same cost whether onboard an Ocean Freight Vessel (Table 5) or a Fish Processor (Table 14).

The USCG has unilaterally brought the IMO inside the Boundary Line. This will have a severe impact on coastal and inland owners and mariners. We all agree that we need maritime security but at what cost? The question must be asked: How many people will be put out of business/work with unilateral implementation?

For further info, contact Special Representative Capt. Joe Stone at MM&P HQ at Email: jstone@bridgedeck.org or phone: 410-850-8700 ext.24.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

MITAGS OFFERS NEW SHIP SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING COURSE

Glen Paine, MITAGS and PMI Executive Director, has announced that a new training course for Ship Security Officer (SSO) will be available for all interested mariners and company representatives. There will be two one-week sessions, the first beginning on Feb.3 and the second beginning on Feb.10.

These sessions will be some of the first SSO training opportunities offered to the public and will be presented in a “beta” format. Feedback from attendees will be utilized to finalize course materials and content, which will be submitted to the USCG as a proposed model course.

Piracy and terrorist attacks on commercial shipping are increasing worldwide. The International Chambers of Commerce Piracy Report, released Oct.24, notes a significant increase on “piracy attacks on the world's oceans, rising from 253 incidents in the nine months of 2001 to 271 for the corresponding period in 2002.”

Terrorists have taken their attacks to the seas in such highly visible assaults as the USS COLE and the French tanker LIMBURG. Commercial ships, in particular US-flag ships and those perceived to be US allies in the war against terrorism, are preferred terrorist targets. Along with this “spike” in terrorist activity, piracy continues to be a major threat against commercial shipping.

The MITAGS Ship Security Program is based on International Maritime Organization amendments that contain the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and USCG NAVIG 10-02. MITAGS team of Military Special Operations, Law Enforcement, and Maritime Specialists have developed a quality Ship Security Officer (SSO) course that will meet or exceed these regulatory requirements.

Attendees will learn to develop and modify a ship security plan, study potential weaknesses and apply corrective action to prevent an incursion.

Techniques for identifying and searching for dangerous objects and persons, as well as methods for conducting risk assessments based on type of ship, cargo, port-of-call and political variables will also be taught. Instructors with both maritime and military/law enforcement experience will utilize an actual ship as a training platform.

For more info on MITAGS’ Ship Security Officer training please contact Craig Thomas at Tel: 443-989-3358, Email at cthomas@mitags.org, or visit their website at www.mitags.org.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

USCG SAYS COME IN EARLY TO AVOID REC DELAYS

Jan.31 marks the end of the STCW-95 grandfathering deadline. As expected, the USCG is already seeing a surge in business at their Regional Examination Centers (RECs). It is expected that the RECs will be very busy as mariners rush to meet the deadline.

In its attempt to be as fair as possible, service is being provided on a first-come, first-served basis via a sign-in sheet. Mariners coming in during the last business hours of the day may find that they can not be assisted until the following day. To better manage the RECs increased service demands, the USCG strongly urges members to come in early in the day and to avoid waiting until the last few days of the month.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

PLANS ADMINISTRATOR TO VISIT NORFOLK HALL JAN.22

Ms. Valerie Verrecchio, Administrator of the Plans will be present at a special membership meeting on Wed., Jan.22 at the Norfolk Hall to answer all questions pertaining to the various Plans. The Health and Welfare Plan has undergone some significant changes so the meeting should be very informative. Spouses are invited to attend. The meeting will start at 1300 hrs.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

TSA SAYS BARGAINING CONFLICTS WITH SECURITY NEEDS

Adm. James Loy, under secretary of transportation for security, signed an order on Jan.9 precluding collective bargaining by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners after determining “mandatory collective bargaining is not compatible with the flexibility required to wage the war against terrorism.”

Adm. Loy’s order was in response to petitions filed with the Federal Labor Relations Authority by the American Federation of Government Employees, which asked for elections to designate the union as the exclusive representative of TSA security screeners at New York LaGuardia and Baltimore-Washington International airports.

“Fighting terrorism demands a flexible workforce that can rapidly respond to threats,” said Adm. Loy, who exercised his legal authority under the 2001 Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA).

“That can mean changes in work assignments and other conditions of employment that are not compatible with the duty to bargain with labor unions.” Adm. Loy said screeners enjoy many of the same protections as other federal employees, including equal employment opportunity and whistleblower protection.

At the end of January 2002, the TSA had 13 employees. It now has about 64,000, including some 56,000 screeners whose salaries range from $23,600 to $35,400 a year, plus locality pay.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

TTD SAYS BUSH WRONG TO DENY RIGHTS TO AIRPORT SCREENERS

The following statement was issued today (Jan.9) by Sonny Hall, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, in response to the Transportation Security Administration's decision to deny collective bargaining rights to newly federalized airport security screeners.

"The Bush Administration is trying to make the case that being a union member is incompatible with the nation's war against terrorism. The statement by Admiral Loy is akin to saying that being a union member gives aid and comfort to the enemy. It is time for this Administration to stop hiding behind the war on terrorism to mask a brazen assault on the basic rights of US working men and women.

"Given the long history of labor-management collaboration in the federal government, there is no credible basis for the Administration to argue that exercising one's freedom to join a union somehow conflicts with waging war to defend our basic freedoms. Today's announcement is deeply offensive to TSA employees and all federal workers and it weakens - not strengthens - our national security.

"Shortly after 9/11, we made a national commitment to improve an aviation security system that was broken. And Congress overwhelmingly chose to federalize this work force because private security contractors failed to train their workers and paid them barely above the minimum wage, leading to annual turnover rates as high as 400 percent.

The nation was shocked by the stories of screeners leaving their jobs for better-paying fast-food jobs. So it looked like we were finally starting to get it right. Until today. We urge the President to reverse this ill-advised decision. TSA workers and the nation deserve better."

MM&P is a member of the TTD which represents 35 member unions in the aviation, transit, trucking, highway, rail, longshore, maritime and related industries. For more info, visit their website at: www.ttd.org.
 
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES

Class Openings

Between now and the end of February 2003, seats are available in following courses:

"Refresher" Week courses

"Shipboard Management" Week courses

"MSC" Week courses

New "Cluster" Weeks

Look for the "Course Cluster" weeks in the 2003 schedule.

"Refresher" week offers Radar Renewal, BST elements, HAZMAT renewal, and sessions covering the admin requirements associated with license renewal, as well as tips on license exam preps.

"Shipboard Management" week provides an ISM/Regulatory update, contingency planning, media response, maritime security, and shipboard assessor training.

"MSC" week has MSC certified courses in Environmental Protection, Anti-Terrorism (Level I), CBRD Orientation and Damage Control.
 
 

Damage Control & Small Arms

Starting in January, Military Sealift Command (MSC) courses in Damage Control (DC) & Small Arms (SMA) will be available at MITAGS as a package:
From February 17-21, take the "MSC" week, including DC, then follow-up the next week with either Small Arms or MSC Communications. In March, take DC on 20-21 and start SMA on Monday, March 24.
These courses are required for all LDOs sailing on LMSRs and are highly recommended for all members.

 

Please Note:

Schedules, Course Info & Registration

Always check the MITAGS website for updated course availability. You can also check future 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:


Benefits of PMI Programs: Whether you are just getting started in the maritime industry or well on your way to a Captain’s License, PMI has a training program that will take you to the next level. The training programs are comprehensive and never lose sight of the real world practical application, so when you graduate you have the knowledge, skills and confidence to do your job well.

Benefits of the PMI training programs include:


MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

MM&P MARKET WATCH AS OF 1-9 CLOSE

 D O W
 N A S D A Q
 8,776.10
+434.50 for the week
 1,438.48
 +102.97 for the week
 Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
 85.60
 Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
19.33
 Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
 12.38
 Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
 11.70
 Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
 21.84
 Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
10.72
 Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
13.01
 Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
14.25
 Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
 31.47
Fidelity Magellan Fund (FAGX)
 82.84
 Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
  32.86

 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

~ Reminders ~



 

NEW US CUSTOMS 24-HOUR RULE REQUIRES ADVANCE CARGO LISTS

The new 24-hour rule requiring advance cargo manifests from sea carriers went into effect on December 2. Under the new rule, US Customs will grant sea carriers a 60-day grace period to fully implement the program.

"By quickly implementing the '24-hour rule', we can do a better job of protecting the American people and the global trading system as a whole," said US Customs Commissioner Robert Bonner. "Knowing the contents of a container before it is loaded onto a ship bound for the US is a critical part of our efforts to guard against the terrorist threat."

Customs has posted a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section on its website for those who have questions about the program. It may be accessed by going to: www.customs.gov/impoexpo/24hour_faq.htm or downloaded as an Acrobat file by going to www.customs.gov/impoexpo/24hour_rule.pdf. Questions can also be E-mailed to Customs at: traderelations@customs.treas.gov.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

SECURITY INFO FOR MARINERS AVAILABLE OVER THE INTERNET

With maritime security remaining a vital issue in the US and soon to be revisited at the International Maritime Organization's December meeting, mariners should be aware that security info is available via the Internet.

The latest Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format is circular 9-02 "Guidelines for Port Security Committees, and Port Security Plans For US Ports" and, more importantly, 10-02 "Security Guidelines For Vessels". The latest hard copy issued, but not yet available on the Internet, is titled "Recommended Security Guidelines for Waterfront Facilities.

The 9-02 and 10-02 NVICs can be downloaded via accessing: www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/nvic/index.htm and selecting "2000s" on the left and then clicking on the PDF icon on the right next to the 9-02 and 10-02 subject title. Read these NVICs carefully. This information is being supplied to the world at the IMO meeting in December.

Most of the responsibilities listed under 10-02 will most likely be assigned as collateral duties to a deck officer. With the existing workload licensed deck officers currently have, additional duties will make the LDOs job much more difficult and time-consuming.

Richard Plant, Director of Special Projects, has requested that the USCG IMO Delegation call for all port state authorities to review their certification of inspection (COI) manning requirements. In doing so, they should consider the present and future workloads that these regulations will impose on the crew.

Due consideration should also be given to whether additional unlicensed crew or LDOs are needed aboard foreign and domestic vessels to successfully complete the many tasks mandated under these new security proposals.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

"SOSPENDERS" LIFE JACKETS RECALLED

SOS Incorporated, manufacturer of SOSPENDERS brand life jackets has alerted the USCG and the public that they have recalled approximately 7,200 automatic inflatable personal flotation devices (PFDs).

The purpose of this recall is to investigate a safety defect involving the Hammar model MA1 Manual/Automatic inflators. Approximately 300 defective Hammar units in one lot of 500 were loaded incorrectly and will not inflate the vest. SOSpenders Corp. has made the decision to recall all Hammar products for 100-percent safety inspection.

The USCG and SOS Inc. stress that is important for consumers to stop using the PFDs immediately and return them to SOS.

Important info to assist in the identification of potential defective units and what to do when units are identified is available from two websites:

Questions regarding this recall may be addressed to Daniel McCormick of the USCG at dmccormick@comdt.uscg.mil or 202-267-2713.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM THE MM&P PLANS OFFICE

 

HEALTH & BENEFIT PLAN CHANGES

The Board of Trustees, based on recommendations by the Cost Containment Committee, adopted changes to the Health & Benefit Plan. The following changes will become effective January 1, 2003:

Annual Deductible

The current annual deductible of $150/$300 will be raised to $250/$500.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
The current out of pocket maximum of $2,000 will be raised to $3,000.
Dental Reimbursement Levels Prescription Drug Program
Mail order drugs will be subject to a 20% co-pay for all single source brand name and generic drugs with a maximum out of pocket, per prescription, of $75.

For brand name drugs where the generic equivalent is available, the member will be responsible for paying the total cost of the difference between the brand name and the generic drug. The Plan will then pay 80% of the cost of the generic and the member will be responsible for the 20% up to a per prescription maximum of $75.

The Plan has also removed the mandatory mail order provision. This means that any prescription, regardless of the number of refills, can be obtained at a retail level but will be limited to a 30-day supply. However, obtaining maintenance medications through the mail order program may still be less expensive to you.

A synopsis of these changes and additional changes effective April 1, 2003 appears in the November-December 2002 issue of the MM&P's Master, Mate & Pilot newspaper. The Plan Office has also mailed a summary of all changes, with examples, to Health & Benefit Plan participants.

ADDRESS CHANGES

Remember to notify the Plan office whenever you move or have a change of address. There are a number of important mailings scheduled for the next few months and we would like to keep all members well informed. You can fax your address changes to the Plan Office at 410-850-8655 or you can email them to the Plan Office at mmpplans@aol.com.
 
 

 

NEW DENTAL PROGRAM WITH DELTA DENTAL

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 have been sent a brochure that includes 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.

If you or your dentist have any questions, you can contact Delta Dental at 1-800-932-0783 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Plan members are identified by social security number and the Group Plan number for MM&P which is 7117.

Billing for both in and out of network claims should be submitted on standard dental billing forms and sent directly to Delta at
Delta Dental of Pennsylvania
One Delta Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
You can locate participating providers on-line at www.MidAtlanticDeltaDental.com. Masters, Mates and Pilots members have access to providers in all of the Delta networks.
 
 

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

 

CREDIT UNION MEMBERS: PAY YOURSELF FIRST WITH DIRECT DEPOSIT

Consider establishing payroll or pension direct deposit.

Many employers allow you to directly deposit your pay into several different financial institutions. Trinity Management, Strong America, Moran Towing of Florida, and McAllister Brothers are among the MM&P-contracted companies that already provide for employees to deposit funds directly into the MM&P Federal Credit Union.

MM&P Health & Benefit Plans Pensioners and A&G Region Pensioners may have deductions made directly from their pension check to their Credit Union account. In addition, employees of MM&P, Plans, MITAGS and MIRAID are also eligible for payroll deduction directly into their Credit Union account.

Add to your savings by paying yourself first! Contact your payroll office to establish Credit Union direct deposit or to find out if this is available for you. For additional details or to get answers to your questions on this or other MM&P Federal Credit Union programs, contact Kathy Klisavage, Credit Union Manager, toll-free at 1-800-382-7777 or by Email at mmpfcu@bridgedeck.org.

 

 

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

 

REMINDER: JERRY BACKMAN MEMORIAL FUND

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. Jerry leaves a widow and two children.

Donations made in memory of Jerry will be used to assist with the education of his children, a 22-year old daughter and a 15-year old son.

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 may 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

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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