THE MASTERS, MATES & PILOTS'
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLYonline

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

Volume 8 . . . . . Number 21 . . . . May 20, 2004

 

Convention Call: MM&P 80th Convention

In accordance with Article IV, Section 2, of the International Constitution, members are hereby notified that a regular convention of the MM&P will be convened at 1000 on Monday, August 2, at MITAGS, 692 Maritime Blvd, Linthicum Heights, MD. Nominations for elective office will take place at this Convention. Constitutional amendments may also be considered at this Convention.

Members are also hereby notified that in accordance with Article IV, Section 6., Subsection b), all proposed resolutions must be forwarded to the International Secretary-Treasurer at least 30 days prior to the opening day of the Convention for inclusion on the Agenda and determination by the Convention.

 

STORIES COVERED
ALSO
REMINDERS

Did you miss a week? Back editions of the Wheelhouse Weekly are available in the Archives section.


 

NATION PREPARES FOR NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

This Thursday, May 20, the nation celebrates National Maritime Day, an annual event to honor the country's maritime heritage and those who both served and sacrificed their lives while serving in the US merchant marine.

The nation's capital will host the annual event beginning with activities at the US Navy Memorial, followed by a luncheon sponsored by the Propeller Club of Wash., DC and Kings Point Club of DC. A wreath laying ceremony at the Navy Yard will conclude the day's activities.

Some of the many other Maritime Day activities planned throughout the country include:

Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Steven Blust  addressed the Propeller Club of Los Angeles-Long Beach and Harbor Association of Industry & Commerce on Wed., May 19. He discussed the subject of fair maritime competition in a dynamic marketplace.

The annual National Maritime Day Observance and Memorial Service will be held at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial & Walls of Honor, located on Harbor Boulevard in John S. Gibson Park at the foot of 6th Street, San Pedro, at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, on Saturday, May 22, 2004, starting at 1000 hrs. The ceremony will include a memorial service honoring those merchant mariners who sacrificed their lives during armed conflicts since World War II. Congressman Rohrabacher, California State Senator Betty Karnette and Councilwoman Janice Hahn are scheduled to participate in the ceremony along with religious leaders and representatives of the USCG and California Maritime Academy. For further info contact John Pitts at 310-830-7899 or Email: AMMVMC@sbcglobal.net.

The Port Arthur (Texas) International Seamen Center will salute the industry's response to the war in Iraq and pay special tribute to the crew of the M/D LEE III lost in a collision at sea in February of this year. Later in the day, Lt. Colonel Sundin, USCG CMDR - 842nd Transportation Battalion will address a banquet.

The Port of Paducah, KY will celebrate May 21 & 22, beginning with a double shotgun start golf outing at Rollings Hills Country Club on Friday. On Sat., May 22 there will be a continental breakfast at the Seamen's Church Center for Maritime Education. This includes Maritime Person and Port Person of the Year awards.

The Port of Lake Charles' Propeller Club will celebrate its first memorial service/celebration on Sunday, May 23 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Sea Wall.

The Port of Corpus Christi (TX) will celebrate on Sat., May 22, beginning with a sailboat regatta in Corpus Christi Bay, wreath laying ceremony, shrimp boil, live music and dancing. Between 400 and 500 people are expected to attend.

The Propeller Club's Miami, Florida chapter will commence celebrations on Thursday, May 20 and will include a golf tournament and conclude with a dinner.

Louisville, KY's chapter will honor Cdr. Terry Gilbreath (USCG) and John Waggoner, Hornblower Marine Services as Persons of the Year, at a special dinner on the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE and more on May 22.

San Diego's celebration on May 21 will include a cruise aboard the M/V SPIRIT OF SAN DIEGO where a luncheon will be served, followed by a wreath laying ceremony.

Blessing of the Fleet will take place on May 21 by the Port of Chicago, followed by remarks by Capt. James Brinckerhoff, President, International Shipmasters Association. Events will also include laying of the wreath, blowing of the M/V ODYSSEY II's whistles and taps.

The Port of Norfolk Virginia Club, will be celebrating National Maritime Day on Friday May 21 with a lunchtime celebration that will take place at Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, on Norfolk's waterfront from approx. 1145 to 1300 hrs. The ceremony will start with music provided by the Atlantic Fleet Band and will include recognition of several local mariners by different maritime unions, Military Sealift Command and the Maritime Administration. The keynote speaker is CDR Steven Hanewich, Executive Officer and Alternate Captain of the Port, USCG Marine Safety Office Hampton Roads. The event will conclude with a somber wreath laying ceremony at the downtown harbor.

US Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is this year's "Man-of-the-Year" award recipient which to be recognized by the Propeller Club's Port of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island on Monday, May 24. Additionally, there will be a presentation by NOAA to Northeast Marine Pilots.

Events are also planned by the Propeller Club ports of Tacoma, Brunswick, Boston, San Francisco, and others.
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

MARITIME DAY OBSERVED AT US NAVY MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON

US Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao joined US Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert at the National Maritime Day ceremony in Washington today. Secretary Chao, former Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, Deputy Maritime Administrator and Deputy Secretary of Transportation, participated in the Maritime Day observance for the second year in a row. Secretary Chao’s statement:

“On this National Maritime Day 2004, I urge all Americans to honor the brave men and women who serve in the United States Merchant Marine and to remember those merchant mariners who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in the service of our country.

“The record of our merchant mariners and their contribution to our nation is long and distinguished. Their history of devoted service, in both war and peace, is an inspiration to every generation of Americans. Their tradition of courage, patriotism and perseverance has become an integral part of our nation’s heritage.

“Today, merchant mariners are crewing auxiliary vessels for the United States Navy and supporting our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Being part of a noble and patriotic profession, these merchant mariners always stand ready to respond to those situations when commercial ships are called upon to support military operations overseas.

“More than 5,000 brave merchant mariners have put themselves in harm’s way to deliver to our troops the combat gear, fuel, and other supplies needed to complete the liberation and reconstruction of Iraq.

“All told, merchant mariners have delivered more than 2.6 million short tons of cargo, representing more than 85 percent of the equipment and supplies needed by our brave troops. And true to America’s compassionate character, these courageous merchant mariners are also delivering food and supplies to the Iraqi people.

“The United States in the 21st Century is the single largest national economy in the world and a premier force in international trade. America needs a strong US-flag merchant marine to carry our commerce, promote our exports and support our national defense.

“National Maritime Day 2004 keeps alive the memory of merchant mariners who sacrificed for us in the past and who honor us today with their service. It is altogether fitting to pay our respects to these men and women who have always been ready to assist in America’s defense.”
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

MSC TO HONOR US MERCHANT MARINERS AT WASHINGTON NAVY YARD

The US Navy's Military Sealift Command will honor some unsung heroes of national defense, US merchant mariners, at a Maritime Day ceremony on May 20 at 1400 hrs at Willard Park at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC. The event, hosted by Vice Adm. David Brewer III, USN, Commander, MSC, will feature remarks from US Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS).

Merchant mariners have been a vital component of American sea power since the Revolutionary War. During World War II, 6,000 US seafarers and more than 700 US merchant ships fell to enemy action. Today, mariners continue to play a critical role in our nation's defense, enabling the US military to operate around the world.

"We celebrate Maritime Day to honor the merchant mariners who have served the United States during her 228-year history," says Vice Adm. Brewer. "We especially remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

Military Sealift Command, headquartered in Washington, DC, is the single largest employer of US merchant mariners. More than 80 percent of MSC's mostly civilian 10,000 person workforce serves at sea, either as federal civil service mariners or as commercial mariners employed by companies under contract to MSC.

Civilian merchant mariners played a key role in Operation Iraqi Freedom and continue to support the Global War on Terrorism. They operate ships that support US forces by providing transportation for Army and Marine Corps combat equipment, munitions for the Air Force and Navy and fuel for the Department of Defense. Since Sept. 11, 2001, MSC has moved 56 million square feet of combat cargo and 5 billion gallons of fuel worldwide in support of US forces.

CIVMARS also operate ships that support the Navy's combatant fleet by at-sea replenishment of food, fuel, parts and supplies, as well as providing oceanographic and ocean surveillance data to support daily operations. In addition, merchant mariners serve aboard ships laden with military cargo and prepositioned in strategic locations around the globe, ready to respond to any contingency.

National Maritime Day is observed in May each year to commemorate the first voyage of the steam ship SAVANNAH across the Atlantic on May 22, 1819. The day was declared a holiday in 1933 by a Joint Resolution of Congress.
 
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

NOTE TO ALL PLAN PARTICIPANTS WHO ARE COVERED BY MEDICARE

Discount Prescription Drug Cards are being offered to all Medicare Seniors as part of the Medicare Drug Program. There are a number of companies who have been approved to offer the discount cards and the Medicare website contains a list of available cards. The cards vary in price and offer different levels of discounts.

The Plan is advising our members to ignore these card offers and continue to use your Plan Prescription Drug Benefit through NMHC and Express Pharmacy Services.

According to a report on CBS News on Thursday, May 13, these cards are wreaking havoc. A survey of one of the cards showed that the discounts offered were less than those available on a popular mail order website. Although the cards advertise "discounts of up to 35%", they fail to mention that there is no discount on some drugs.

Remember, the Plan discounts obtained from our pharmacy benefit manager are discounts off of the average wholesale price, not the retail price, and are significantly better than those you can obtain with the cards.

Bottom Line? Save your money and use your MM&P Health Plan benefit.
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

STUDY SAYS 20 MILLION US WORKERS LACK HEALTH INSURANCE

While MM&P Health & Benefit Plan participants are covered by one of the best health care plans in the country, some 20 million working people have no health care coverage at all according to a new study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released on May 5.

The study, "Characteristics of the Uninsured: A View from the States," also found that in six states, one in five working adults is not insured. In 38 other states, one in 10 is uninsured. Overall, nearly 44 million Americans lack health care coverage.

The report was released as part of an effort by a diverse group of organizations, including the AFL-CIO, SEIU, the Chamber of Commerce, health and insurance industry groups and community and health organizations, to focus attention to the plight of those without coverage. For more info go to www.covertheuninsured.org. =
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

USCG REPORT SAYS HUMAN ERROR LED TO FERRY GROUNDING

The Lloyd’s Register publication “Fairplay” reports that an investigation by the USCG into the May 10 grounding of the MM&P-contracted Alaska Marine Highway System ferry LECONTE has initially determined that the cause was human error.

USCG investigating officers have prepared a report that indicates the ferry’s captain and chief mate were on the bridge when the vessel ran aground on Cozian Reef about 30 n-miles north of Sitka. The conditions reported at the time were “good, with clear weather and calm seas,” according to the report.

However, when the ship was between Angoon and Sitka a decision was made to alter course for an unplanned route inside Otstoia Island to allow a tug and barge to pass. “The chief mate turned the ferry without first checking its position to determine the proper course,” the report said.

The LECONTE passed on the wrong side of a navigational aide and “grounded on the reef at cruising speed.” As the 235-foot ferry began to take on water due to significant damage to the its hull, 109 passengers and crewmembers were evacuated by lifeboat.

Over the last week emergency repairs were made at the scene and the LECONTE, with a patched hull, was towed to Ketchikan for repairs.
 

Back to Stories Covered

FINAL RULE UPDATES REGULATIONS ON AIDS TO NAVIGATION

The USCG is revising its aids to navigation and maritime info regulations by updating technical info concerning buoys, sound signals, international rules at sea, communications procedures, and large navigational buoys, and by rewriting some regulations to make them clearer and easier to understand.

The USCG's Office of Short-Range Aids to Navigation frequently reviews the rules on Aids to Navigation. During its most recent review, it was determined that many rules do not reflect current technologies and practices. For example, what were formerly called "fog signals,” are now call "sound signals.”

The USCG also wants to inform users that certain safety info, such as "Notice to Mariners" can now be found on the World Wide Web. Therefore, the aids to navigation rules have been updated in an attempt to eliminate ambiguous, confusing, or gender-specific language.

This final rule is effective June 4 and is available for inspection on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. If you have questions on this rule, call Dan Andrusiak, USCG, at 202-267-0327 or Email: dandrusiak@comdt.uscg.mil.
 

Back to Stories Covered


 
 

REMINDER: MM&P 80TH CONVENTION SET FOR AUGUST 2

A regular convention of the MM&P will be convened at 1000 on August 2 at MITAGS. Nominations for elective office will take place and Constitutional amendments may also be considered at this Convention. All proposed resolutions must be sent to the MM&P Secretary-Treasurer at least 30 days prior to the Convention for inclusion on the Agenda.

Back to Stories Covered


 

WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINER CELEBRATION AT MITAGS

MITAGS will host a spectacular Dinner-Dance evening honoring the Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II, the evening before the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Wash DC on May 29. The May 28 Dinner-Dance event will be held on the MITAGS campus.

The event is scheduled to begin at 1800, with music of the 1940s era being performed by The Radio King Orchestra. Vice Admiral Gordon Holder (USN), Director of Logistics, Joint Chief of Staff-Pentagon, and former Director of the Military Sealift Command, will be the guest speaker.

Tickets are $40 each or $75 per couple. MITAGS is currently offering a special overnight package for those individuals wishing to attend. Go to the MITAGS website at www.mitags.org or contact the MITAGS reservations department toll-free at 866-900-3517.
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES

SECURITY OFFICER-PORT, COMPANY, SHIP
Due to high demand, an additional SEC-PCS course has been added to our schedule on May 24-26. Plenty of space is still available.
 
CLASS OPENINGS
Between now and the end of June 2004, seats are available in the following courses:
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
~~~
CMM - Chief Mate and Master Courses
~~~
~~~
~~~
MSC - Military Sealift Command Courses
~~~
~~~
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Check the MITAGS website for up-to-date course descriptions associated with the course title abbreviations, and for schedule revisions.

 

Attendance Verification & Cancellation is Vital

If you are scheduled for a course, call, write, or Email admissions to advise whether or not you will attend. Many classes are in demand and maintain a Standby List. "No Shows" are missed training opportunities for other members.
 
 

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 by calling toll-free, 1-866-656-5568.
 
 

Back to Stories Covered

 

PMI ACADEMIC SCHEDULE

All the courses below will be conducted at the new Pacific Maritime Institute facility located in Seattle at 1727 Alaskan Way South, Pier 34. The new facility features a state-of-the art Ship Simulator that has to be experienced. PMI phone numbers remain the same. Come see the new facility at PMI's "Maritime Technology and Career Center".
 
 

May 2004 Courses

June 2004 Courses

Contact DeeDee Lazik at 206-441-2880 or 888-893-7829 (toll free) for registration or visit the PMI website at mates.org.

Back to Stories Covered

 

MM&P MARKET WATCH AS OF MAY 19, 2004 CLOSE

 
 D O W    N A S D A Q
 9,937.71 -106.60 for the week  1,898.17  -27.42 for the week
Fund Name & Trading Symbol
Closing
Price
Year-to-Date Fund 
Percentage Return
5 Year
Fund
Percentage Return
 Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
100.77
-1.26
 -2.56
 Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
26.25
-1.43
 +2.17
 Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
16.03
-3.47
 -1.09
 Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
14.65
-1.55
 -1.44
 Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
26.84
+1.47
 +1.30
 Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
10.19
-1.01
 +6.07
 Vanguard High Yield Corporate Fund (VWEHX)
6.13
+1.90
 +3.72
 Vanguard Total Bond Index (VBMFX)
10.00
-0.97
 +6.18
 Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
15.38
+3.49
 +3.26
 Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
15.43
-1.48
 +2.75
 Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
35.05
-1.11
 -1.81
 Fidelity Magellan Fund (FMAGX)
95.70
-1.70
 -3.15
 Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
38.67
-1.29
 -2.65

Back to Stories Covered

~ Reminders ~

GRAND OPENING FOR PMI'S NEW SIMULATOR SET FOR JUNE 10

The Grand Opening for the MM&P-MITAGS Pacific Maritime Institute's new 15,000 square-foot facility which features a DNV Class A, full-mission, visual ship simulator is scheduled for June 10th for government officials and June 11th for maritime industry guests.

The new simulator boasts a combination of state-of-the-art visual technologies, accurate hydrodynamic modeling, and modern bridge design that will offer a highly realistic training environment. Four secondary bridges are available for interactive operational exercises.

"PMI's expansion and relocation signals our commitment to provide customers with a comprehensive and all-inclusive training environment. Our new full-mission simulator will provide an efficient and realistic way to train and assess mariners. Students and companies can rely on PMI for all their training requirements," said Gregg Trunnell.

The new training facility will enhance PMI's ability to providing regulatory and customized courses to a wide range of maritime professions, including ship and towing officers, tankermen, pilots, the fishing industry, port security officers, and vessel traffic control personnel.

For more info about PMI or license advancement courses currently being offered, contact Gregg Trunnell at 206-719 2801 or via Email at gtrunnell@mates.org, or visit PMI's website at www.mates.org.

Back to Stories Covered


 

MM&P FCU NEWS

Rates Drop, Limits Increase On Auto Loans

MM&P FCU vehicle loan rates have dropped across-the-board. Effective May 5, borrowers may finance up to $30,000 on vehicle loans for terms up to 72 months. This is an increase of $5,000 and 12 months over past maximum financing amounts and terms.

Rates on 6 year auto financing range between 5.50% and 6.25%. Vehicle loan rates are as low as 4.00%. Rates apply to new and used cars, and to loans refinancing higher rate vehicle loans from other institutions. Contact the Credit Union office to find out how these rates may cost less than dealers incentives and how you qualify for new, low rate vehicle financing.
 
 

Signature Loan Rates Dip

As an added bonus, Signature Loan rates have also been lowered. Now is the time to start thinking about those summer vacation plans or home improvement projects. Signature loan rates range from 9.00% to 9.75%. Hurry and take advantage of these new lower rates and start saving money today.

Need More Info? Contact Kathy Klisavage, MM&P FCU Manager, to learn more about loan rates and products, direct deposit, share savings accounts and certificates of deposit, benefits of membership and membership eligibility. Kathy Klisavage can be reached by email to mmpfcu@bridgedeck.org, or by calling 410-850-8700 x43 or toll-free 1-800-382-7777.

All MM&P FCU loan rate percentages are APR or Annual Percentage Rate. All MM&P FCU savings and certificate rates are APY or Annual Percentage Yield. Loan terms and conditions are subject to change. Contact the MM&P FCU for eligibility info and for full terms and conditions.

Protect Your Personal Information - Beware of Email Scams

"It's the curse of technology," was overheard recently as someone talked about Email scams. Email scams are rampant these days, just like telephone scams were not so long ago. In the most-common current scenario, an Email is received from what looks like a legitimate entity that asks you to provide sensitive, private information to "verify" your identity or account. Scam artists are now even posing as the Internal Revenue Service to try and get your info.

The IRS recently issued a warning that fraudulent emails disguised as being from them are aimed at tricking taxpayers into providing their Social Security numbers, driver's license information and bank and credit card numbers through a web site that's set up to look like it belongs to a federal agency. If this information is obtained it can be used by identity thieves to take over a person's financial accounts, run up charge cards, apply for loans and file fraudulent tax returns.

Protect yourself. No financial institution, federal agency or legitimate business will initiate contact by Email or phone and ask for any such personal information. Legitimate entities with which you are already established should have that info. If you receive such a request, contact the sender to verify if it is legitimate. The MM&P Federal Credit Union has never been the target of such a scam and will never initiate an Email to you that asks for this type of private information.

Back to Stories Covered


 

PILOT CANDIDATES SOUGHT FOR PORT OF FORT PIERCE FLORIDA

Florida's Port of Fort Pierce has announced an opening for a certified deputy pilot. Those interested should submit a completed application and a non-refundable application fee of $200 by June 1.

The application is available via the web at: www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/pilotc/pilot_index.shtml.

The Deputy Pilot Examination is currently scheduled for Sept.9 in Tallahassee.

For more info contact the Board of Pilot Commissioners at 850-922-2918; Fax: 850-922-2918.
 
 

Back to Stories Covered

TAX FILING DELAY OK FOR OIF MARINERS

The April 15 deadline for filing US federal tax returns has passed, but for merchant mariners sailing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom "on vessels under Department of Defense operational control in direct support of the United States Armed Forces" (and for their spouses ­ even if separate returns are filed), missing the dreaded deadline may be OK.

For merchant mariners and several other groups, the Internal Revenue Service is allowing an extension of time for tax filing. The extension, authorized in section 7508(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Service Code, 26 United States Code, gives an additional 180 days PLUS the number of days served in a combat zone between January 1, 2004 and April 15, 2004. IRS reports that merchant mariners qualified for the extension are those "serving in the combat zone as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard Maritime Administration and Military Sealift Command owned or controlled vessels."

In addition to the tax filing extension, section 7508 also allows to be postponed the "payment of income, estate, or gift taxes (except employment and withholding taxes), tax claims filings or bringing suits for credits or refunds, filing any petition with the US Tax Court, making a qualified retirement contribution to an IRA, or performing any other act listed in Revenue Procedure 2002-71." According to the notice, "no penalties or interest will be imposed for failure to file a return or pay taxes during the extension period."

IRS Tax Tip 2004-40 published Feb.27, 2004 says, "the various extensions granted to combat zone participants to file returns or pay taxes will also apply to those serving in Contingency Operations, as designated by the Secretary of Defense. This is effective for any acts whose deadline has not expired before November 11, 2003."

Paper returns must be filed if claiming an extension under section 7508. When the return is sent, print the words "COMBAT ZONE" in bold red ink at the top of the return and in large red letters on the mailing envelope. For mariners, the IRS says to attach a brief statement listing the date(s) of service within the combat zone in order to provide them with the total number of days of extension to which you are entitled.

Mariners and others who qualify for combat zone tax filing relief may notify the IRS of their status in advance through a special e-mail address: combatzone@irs.gov. Include in the email the following:

Do not include any social security numbers in an email. Notification may be made by the taxpayer, or by the taxpayer's spouse, authorized agent or representative.

At present, the combat zone for Operation Iraqi Freedom is defined as follows:

More detailed information can be found on the IRS website at www.irs.gov. From the main page, click on "The Newsroom" link and go to "Armed Forces" under the "Related Topics" headline. You'll find useful info in the following titles: Taxpayers in the US may seek assistance by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Taxpayers outside the US may call the IRS in Philadelphia at 215-516-2000. The information presented here is to serve as a guideline only. As always, readers are urged to seek the advice of a tax professional to discuss their own circumstances.

Back to Stories Covered


 

MAY 21 DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR MASTER TOWING LICENSE

The USCG advises that if you began your service or training in the towing industry before May 21, 2001, you may receive a license for Master of Towing Vessels if, before May 21 2004, you complete the exam required by 46 CFR 10.903(a)(18)(i) and meet either of the following two requirements:
1. Three years of service, including: ~ OR ~

2. Three years of service aboard towing vessels, including:

The deadline to complete testing and service is May 21, 2004. If you miss this deadline, then the requirement to work up through Apprentice Mate, Mate, and then Master will apply. Although the deadline is this May, applications submitted after January may not allow sufficient time for evaluation and testing.

For additional info, please contact Richard Wells at 504-240-7300, ext 232, or via Email at REWells@msoneworleansrec.uscg.mil.

Back to Stories Covered


 

NEW CAREER GUIDANCE SECTION ADDED TO MITAGS WEBSITE

On the MITAGS website downloadable files are now updated on a regular basis in response to info received from the various government agencies and mariners. As always, these checklists are for guidance only. The final arbiter of training requirements is your local USCG Regional Examination Center. For more info, visit the Career Guidance section on the MITAGS website by CLICKING HERE, or go to www.mitags.org and select "Career Guidance" from the top menu.

Also, given the number of courses offered at MITAGS, the website now has new links to the various industry segment pages. These pages make it easier for mariners and companies to find the training designed specifically for them.

The links include:

Back to Stories Covered


 

IMPORTANT SHIPPING NOTICE ON COURSE DOCUMENTATION

All members shipping off-the-board and all company employees are reminded that they are responsible to insure that all of the company required courses they have completed are listed in the Union computer system.

In order to be dispatched/cleared, members must have certificates for any courses not listed in the computer in their possession and available for inspection by the dispatcher. Please double check that your documentation is in order prior to leaving your home to ship out of our Union halls. This can be done by checking your course history on the "Members Only" section of the MM&P website.

Back to Stories Covered


 

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR FRESHMAN DEPENDENTS

Attention all Members in good standing with dependent children who will be college freshman in September: A local Baltimore law firm is awarding two $2,500 one-time only scholarships to children of Union members. Since the MM&P is headquartered in the Baltimore area, Union members' children would be eligible to apply for these scholarships.

One scholarship is for Undergraduate and the other is for Graduate School. Students must already be accepted to a college prior to applying. The deadline for application is Aug.20. The scholarships will be awarded Sept.24.

If your son or daughter would like to make application for this scholarship, please have them contact the MM&P Plan Office at 410-850-8600 for an application. The member's name is required so that the Union can sign the application to certify that he/she is a member in good standing prior to sending the application to your child.

Members can also Email Plans Administrator Valerie Verrecchio at mmpplansval@aol.com with the member info including address where the application can be mailed.

Back to Stories Covered


 

RE-REGISTRATION NEEDED FOR EXPRESS PHARMACY MAIL-ORDER PRESCRIPTIONS THROUGH NHMC SITE LINK

All members currently getting prescription refills online through Express Pharmacy Services who access Express through the NMHC website link will have to re-register in order to be able to renew prescriptions online.

If you access your prescription renewals directly through www.ehs.com, you will be fine and have no need to re-register. The Plans office apologizes for the inconvenience, but the issue is related to problems with the link to Eckerd on the NMHC website. Please contact the Plan Office if you experience any problems.

Back to Stories Covered


 

NEW MAILING ADDRESSES FOR MITAGS, PLANS & CREDIT UNION

The buildings remain where they have always stood, but they have now been assigned new addresses. Local authorities have determined that it was necessary to put in place new street numbering for the MM&P's MITAGS facility and for the MM&P Health & Benefit Plan office. The longstanding address of 5700 Hammonds Ferry Rd., used for both MITAGS and the Plan, has been eliminated.

Effective immediately:

The change brings the MITAGS, Plans and MM&P FCU addresses into conformance with Postal and 911 emergency mapping since all the buildings are located on the same road of the campus.

Plan Administrator Valerie Verrecchio advises Plan participants that "it is important to remember when you send mail to the Plans that you clearly address it to 'MM&P Plans' and to include our new suite number. This is what the Post Office will use to differentiate mail between the Union and the Plan office. Otherwise, the Post Office may send it through the mail system at the Union and your claims processing could be delayed for a couple of days."

There is no change to the Union HQ mailing address.

Back to Stories Covered


 

MITAGS JOB OPENING: ACADEMIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) seeks an individual who can apply his/her knowledge and experience in marine shipboard operations to help solve organizational problems through training and education.

Excellent written and verbal skills a must. Person must also have an outgoing personality and be a goal-oriented self-starter with the ability to work independently. Travel expected 25 percent of time to seek opportunities and present proposals.

Desired background:

MITAGS is located near the BWI airport, convenient to Baltimore, Washington and Annapolis, MD. Excellent full Union benefits, competitive salary. See our web site, www.mitags.org for more info. Resumes to Human Resources Fax: 443-989-3341; Email: hr@mitags.org. EOE.

Back to Stories Covered


 

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR ALL LDOs ON STCW-95 CERTIFICATION

All Licensed Deck Officers who possess STCW-95 certificates containing Basic Safety Training (BST) completion dates close to or more than five years old need to carry copies of their USCG discharges with them so they can prove that they have the required sea service necessary to extend their BST qualification. For questions or further info, contact Mike Rodriguez at 410-850-8700 ext.23 or Email: mrodriguez@bridgedeck.org.

Back to Stories Covered


 

LMS OFFERS REIMBURSEMENT FOR SLIP-RESISTANT FOOTWEAR

MM&P-contracted LMS Ship Management recently reviewed the causes of injuries on board their vessels and found that accidental falls tend to be the cause of many of the crew's injuries. In an effort to reduce the number of injuries caused by these falls, LMS is offering crewmembers that sail with them an incentive to purchase and wear proper shoe attire. The goal is for every crewmember to wear slip resistant footwear during their working hours aboard their vessels.

LMS will offer a reimbursement of up to $75 for the cost of the shoes to each crewmember who provides them with an original receipt for the purchase of slip resistant footwear. In order for the crewmember to obtain the reimbursement, they must wear the shoes while on duty. Upon presentation of the receipt, the crewmember will be reimbursed on their pay voucher. The receipt will be retained by the Master and will remain aboard the vessel.

LMS requests that crewmembers purchase one of the following recommended brands in order to be reimbursed:

* Of the above, Red Wing and Caterpillar boots are produced by US union labor.

Red Wing has contracts with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) while Wolverine World Wide has contracts with UNITE!, the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees, for production of its Caterpillar brand (as well as its Hy-Test, Durashock and Bates Military labels). Some other Wolverine branded products including combat boots are manufactured under UFCW contract. Most Dr. Marten's shoes and boots are produced in the UK.

To find US, union-made products, visit the AFL-CIO Union Label Service and Trades website at www.unionlabel.org and click on Union Made Product Search.

Back to Stories Covered


 

WWII REGISTRY SITE OPEN TO ALL WHO SERVED IN ANY CAPACITY

The National WWII Memorial has a site on its webpage for individuals who served in any capacity during WWII to register to be included in the Memorial's Registry. The main site is www.wwiimemorial.com.

If the individual clicks on WWII Registry, he/she can find out if he/she is already included as a result of one of the WWII databases and, if not, can follow the directions to register. Any American who contributed to the war effort is eligible for the Registry.

Back to Stories Covered

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.

TOP OF PAGE