THE MASTERS, MATES & PILOTS'
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLY

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

Volume 7 . . . . . Number 4. . . . . January 23, 2003

STORIES COVERED

ALSO REMINDERS

 

 

READY RESERVE FORCE FLEET BREAKOUT UNDERWAY

The activation of Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels is underway. Over a dozen RRF ships were activated last week and it is thought that many more will be brought up to Full Operating Status (FOS) in the very near future. These activations could occur any day. All members are asked to remain alert for a personnel call-up.

All MM&P members, applicants, port offices and representatives are reminded that under terms of an existing agreement among MM&P, MEBA and AMO for the crewing of government RRF vessels in a time of national emergency, if any of the organizations experiences a shortfall in filling contracted billets, the ship operator is to advise MARAD. MARAD will then contact the other unions to ensure that the billet is filled.

Under this agreement, none of the organizations are to directly contact a hiring hall of another organization for crewing of RRF vessels, nor should any of the unions directly recruit members or applicants of any of the other unions for employment. All such requests must flow from the ship operator through MARAD and to the other unions.

Any requests received by MM&P members or applicants, hiring halls or representatives that do not follow the prescribed pattern should be brought to the attention of Mike Rodriguez at MM&P HQ or Capt. David Boatner at the LA/LB Hall so that appropriate arrangements may be made that will ensure proper benefit payments, sea time and pension credits.

Questions regarding this issue may be directed to MM&P Secretary-Treasurer Capt. Glen Banks gbanks@bridgedeck.org; phone: 410-850-8700 ext.21, Capt. Dave Boatner dboatner@bridgedeck.org; phone: 310-834-7201, Mike Rodriguez mrodriguez@bridgedeck.org; 410-850-8700 ext.23 or to the Vice President in your area.

Mike Rodriguez is MM&P's weekend and after-hours point-of-contact. He will field questions from members and applicants, other unions and government agencies, and will respond to any crewing requests. Mike may be contacted at MM&P HQ, 410-850-8700x23, or by cell phone at 443-310-5868.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

UPDATE ON THE MSC AS READY RESERVE SHIPS ARE ACTIVATED

As the activation of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) fleet gathers steam, an increasing number MM&P members may be called upon to crew these commercially contracted and operated reserve vessels.

MARAD is responsible for the operation and maintenance of RRF vessels while they are in reserve status. Once they are activated to Full Operating Status (FOS) and are crewed, loaded and ready to sail, these ships come under the control of the Military Sealift Command. Specialized training is required to sail as a licensed deck officer on these vessels.

MSC courses in Damage Control (DC) & Small Arms (SMA) are available at MITAGS as a package. From Feb.17-21, members who need this training can take advantage of “MSC” week at MITAGS and then follow-up the next week with either SMA or MSC Communications.

The following month, members can take DC on March 20-21 and start SMA on Mon., March 24. Members should consult the MITAGS website at www.mitags.org or call MITAGS Admissions at 443-989-3226 for the latest MSC course offerings as additional courses may be added to the schedule.

For those members not current with the scope of its global operations, the following overview is designed as an update on MSC activities outside of RRF operations.

The MSC has more than 7,500 employees worldwide. Over 83 percent of MSC personnel serve at sea. The MSC is the single largest employer of US merchant mariners. Over 3500 Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARS) are federal employees.

MSC’s five Area Commands coordinate regional requirements for MSC ships in support of the Numbered Fleet Commanders and Geographic commanders. Each Area Commander is integrated into, and reports operationally through, the chain of command of a numbered fleet commander. Activated RRF vessels can also be detailed to these fleets.

The Pacific Command is located in San Diego and supports the Navy’s 3rd Fleet. The Atlantic Command is in Norfolk and supports the 2nd Fleet. The European Command is in Naples, Italy and services the 6th Fleet. The Central Command in Bahrain supports the 5th Fleet, and the Far East Command based in Yokohama, Japan services the 7th Fleet.

The MSC’s 30 CIVMAR operated Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force ships are the lifeline to US Navy ships at sea. Providing “the beans and the bullets” -- fuel, food, ammunition, spare parts and other supplies -- these ships enable the Navy fleet to operate at the highest operational tempo possible, alleviating the need for combatants to constantly return to port for supplies or refueling.

In 2001, MSC took a significant step in its growth when the Navy transferred the fast combat support ship, USS SUPPLY, to MSC. This marked the first of four such ships that will transfer to MSC by 2004. When all four ships have transferred, the MSC will be saving the Navy more than $74 million annually in operational costs. Almost 2,000 sailors will be freed up to serve in the Navy’s combatant fleet. Better yet, more than 700 new civil service mariner positions will be added to the MSC fleet.

In the next decade, MSC will take delivery of up to 12 new dry cargo/ammunition ships to modernize combat fleet logistics. These new dual-product ships will be built from the keel up to replace MSC's KILAUEA-class ammunition ships and MARS-class and SIRIUS-class stores ships. Operating these ships will take 1,500 new civil service mariners.

In the MSC’s Prepositioning Program, 37 prepositioned ships are strategically located in three areas: Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, Guam/Saipan in the western Pacific, and in the Mediterranean Sea. Of those, 16 ships support the Marine Corps, 13 vessels support the Army and 8 Logistics Prepositioning Ships support the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Defense Logistics Agency. Like other MSC and MSC-chartered ships, these are also operated by civilian merchant mariners.

The 1991 Gulf War brought to light the need for additional capacity in MSC’s prepositioning fleet for Army equipment. As a result, a program began that gained twenty ships for MSC: 5 were existing cargo ships converted to the Army’s needs while 15 were new builds that were designed for Army equipment. All have a roll-on/roll-off capability.

By way of comparison, it would take almost 140 C-5s (the Air Force’s largest cargo aircraft) to transport the combat supplies that one LMSR can carry. Prepositioning allows MSC to deliver large amounts of military cargo via sealift faster and far more efficiently than airlift. For more info on the MSC, check their website at www.msc.navy.mil
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

ILWU MEMBERS RATIFY NEW SIX-YEAR CONTRACT

International Longshore and Warehouse Union members have overwhelmingly ratified a landmark six-year contract agreement with the Pacific Maritime Association. The contract will be effective on Feb. 1, 2003.

The agreement provides ILWU members with substantial wage and benefits increases. This includes fully employer-paid health care, an increase in pension benefits, and job protection guarantees to ensure that no current worker will lose a job as a result of technology. The union also gets jurisdiction over waterfront planning jobs.

The vote brings to a close a turbulent negotiating process that included a 10-day lock-out of longshoremen by employers that shut down 29 West Coast ports. President Bush invoked provisions of the traditionally anti-labor Taft-Hartley Act to end the shutdown.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

US CUSTOMS TO SHARE INFO WITH EPA ON DANGEROUS SHIPMENTS

In an agreement signed earlier this week, the US Customs Service will now share info on incoming cargo ships with the US Environmental Protection Agency to help both agencies better respond to potentially hazardous shipments.

EPA will now have access to the Customs Service's database on incoming cargo ships, including what is being shipped, who sent it, where it came from, and where it's headed. The pact covers 301 ports of entry nationwide.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

OVER ONE BILLION TONS OF CARGO HANDLED BY US PORTS

As one of the world’s largest ocean trading nations, getting a handle on US maritime security issues continues to be an enormous undertaking. According to the US Department of Transportation, almost 1.2 billion tons of waterborne foreign trade moved through US seaports in 2000 (the most recent statistics available).

About 90 percent of US overseas international trade tonnage and a significant portion of domestic trade is carried by water. The report notes significant regional differences in US waterborne foreign trade:

The West Coast: California, Oregon and Washington rank first in container traffic because of their heavy use in trade with Asia.

The Southwest: Texas ranks first for tanker traffic because of their use in the petro-chemical trade with Latin American countries.

The Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia rank first for dry-bulk traffic because of heavy dry bulk trade with Asia, Europe, the Med. and Latin America.

Great Lakes maritime trade is primarily dry bulk and generates over $4.3 billion in total personal income for this region of the country.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

NEW STEPS ANNOUNCED TO TOUGHEN EUROPEAN MARITIME SAFETY

Maritime safety has become a hot topic in Europe following several high-profile shipping incidents. The most recent was the collision of the Turkish tanker VICKY with a sunken bulk carrier off the French coast on Jan.1. The tanker was transporting 70,000 tons of highly flammable kerosene.

Just two months ago, massive oil pollution was caused by the sinking of the heavily-loaded tanker PRESTIGE off the Spanish coast. Large quantities of oil still leaking from the vessel continue to devastate marine life and scar the pristine coastlines of Spain, France and Portugal.

The PRESTIGE was carrying twice the amount of oil that the EXXON VALDEZ was when she caused a huge environmental disaster in Prince William Sound, AK over a decade ago. That incident resulted in the US adopting much tougher maritime safety legislation that will ultimately ban the use of single hull tankers in US waters.

The overwhelming conclusion now drawn by the leaders of the European Community is that their maritime safety remains far from satisfactory. New legislative initiatives are underway to set forth a detailed policy regarding the legal responsibility for maritime accidents.

The European Council has also just adopted its first set of rules prohibiting the transport of heavy fuel in single hull tankers and has now set an earlier date for their complete phase-out.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

REMINDER: USCG SAYS COME IN EARLY TO AVOID REC DELAYS

January 31 marks the end of the STCW-95 grandfathering deadline. It is expected that the Regional Exam Centers will be very busy as mariners rush to meet the deadline. The USCG is strongly urging all members to come in early during the day and to avoid waiting until the last few days of January.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 


 

MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES

Class Openings

Between now and the end of February, seats are available in the courses listed below:

MSC Courses

Military Sealift Command (MSC) courses in Damage Control (DC) & Small Arms (SMA) are available at MITAGS as a package. From February 17-21, take the "MSC" week, including DC, and then follow-up the next week with either SMA or MSC Communications. In March, take DC on 20-21 and start SMA on Monday, March 24.

 

"MSC" Week Courses

HWA Accepted for CMM

The MITAGS 35-hour Heavy Weather Avoidance (HWA) course will now be accepted by the USCG as satisfying the Advanced Meteorology requirement for Chief Mate/Master set forth in NMC Policy Letter 04-02. USCG will accept all certificates for HWA completed after May 1, 1999. This recognition is for the training area only. No specific assessments or control sheets are included.

 

1-Day MED-DOT-DA at JAX

Another 1-day DOT Drug & Alcohol class has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 5 in Jacksonville. The course is designed to provide instruction and proficiency in DOT collection procedures, as described in 49 CFR 40, to individuals designated as urine specimen collectors for drug testing. Course also provides instruction in breath testing for alcohol as required in 46 CFR 4. Contact the Hall to register.
 
 

Schedules, Course Info & Registration

Courses are subject to change. 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

Training Packages include: Call for details at 888-893-7829 or download the PMI course schedule with descriptions at www.mates.org/Schedule/Schedule.pdf.

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 1-225 CLOSE

 D O W
 N A S D A Q
 8,373.60
-349.50 for the week
 1,359.48
 -79.32 for the week
 Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
 81.08
 Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
18.62
 Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
 12.08
 Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
 11.16
 Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
 20.90
 Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
10.74
 Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
12.62
 Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
13.93
 Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
 30.24
Fidelity Magellan Fund (FAGX)
 78.63
 Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
  31.12

 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

~ Reminders ~

 

 

MM&P HQ MEMORANDUM TO ALL OFFSHORE PORTS

The following memorandum from MM&P International Secretary-Treasurer Glen Banks has been sent to all Offshore Ports regarding the clearing or dispatching of MM&P Personnel on Surge and RRF vessels:
Maritime Administration (MarAd) and Military Sealift Command (MSC) officials have advised maritime labor that a break-out of surge and RRF vessels is possible in the near future. In order to ensure that enough qualified mariners are available to man these ships, MM&P, MEBA and AMO agreed, in 1999, to provide manpower aboard each other's contracted vessels in times of national emergency.

The agreement established a process for filling vacant billets aboard vessels manned by other unions. The process is as follows:

  1. A ship operator identifies a crewing shortfall.
  2. The operator contacts the appropriate government agency.
  3. The agency contacts the other unions.
  4. The other unions fill the requirement.
The ONLY points of contact at MM&P will be Capt. David Boatner in our LA/LB office or Mike Rodriguez at International HQ.

Capt. Boatner and Mike Rodriguez will receive calls only from the appropriate government officials. In other words, ports are NOT TO CLEAR OR DISPATCH our people directly to any vessel not under contract with MM&P without the specific authorization of Capt. Boatner or Mr. Rodriguez.

When these positions become available they will go to active offshore members and applicants first. The jobs will be called in the appropriate halls in accordance with MM&P shipping rules.

In an emergency, Pensioners will be our second choice for filling these jobs. For instance, a pensioner may be shipped to prevent a ship from sailing late. Pensioner earning limitations and contribution issues will be addressed as necessary.

Members and Applicants are reminded that in order to receive pension credit, vacation and other benefits, you must ship through a MM&P hall in the manner described above. Shipping in any other way will not ensure that benefits will passed be through to MM&P Plans. Applicant points will be awarded only for assignments shipped through MM&P offices.

You may direct your questions regarding this issue to:

  • Capt. Banks: gbanks@bridgedeck.org; phone: 410-850-8700 ext. 21
  • Capt. Boatner: dboatner@bridgedeck.org; phone: 310-834-7201
  • Mike Rodriguez: mrodriguez@bridgedeck.org; 410-850-8700 ext. 23
    •  or to the Vice President in your area.
     
     
    MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

     

     


     

    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

     

    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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