THE MASTERS, MATES & PILOTS'
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLYonline

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

Volume 8 . . . . . Number 31 . . . . July 29, 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.

NOTE:

The period for receipt of resolutions at MM&P Headquarters for inclusion on the Convention Agenda closed on Friday, July 2, 2004 at 5:00 PM Eastern time.

 

STORIES COVERED
ALSO
REMINDERS

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


 

MM&P CONVENTION COMMENCES MONDAY, AUGUST 2 AT MITAGS

The 80th MM&P Convention commences on Monday, August 2 at MITAGS. Delegates, members and guests will hear from an impressive list of speakers who will share their insights on the current course of government affairs and fiscal policy, organized labor and the maritime industry.

The Honorable John Snow, Secretary of the United States Treasury and former CEO of CSX Corporation; US Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD); Capt. William Schubert, Administrator, US Maritime Administration; and Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley are among high-ranking federal and local government officials who will address convention delegates.

John Bowers, President, International Longshoremen's Association; Richard Trumka, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO; Michael Sacco, President, Seafarers' International Union; Gunnar Lundeberg, President, Sailors' Union of the Pacific; Mike McKay, President, American Maritime Officers; Ron Davis, President, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Leo Gerard, President, United Steel Workers of America; Ernie Grecco, President, Metropolitan Baltimore Council, AFL-CIO; and Ron DeJuliis, International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 37 are among top labor and maritime leaders scheduled to address the convention.

Chuck Raymond, President of MM&P-contracted Horizon Lines; James Patti, President, MIRAID; Valerie Verrecchio, Administrator, MM&P Health & Benefit Plans; Kathy Klisavage, Manager, MM&P Federal Credit Union; and Glen Paine, Executive Director, MITAGS will also address the delegates. Convention proceedings are open for all MM&P members to observe. For further info, contact Audrey Scharmann at Email: ascharmann@bridgedeck.org or phone: 410-850-8700x17.
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

LOCAL 88 TRUST FINALLY DISBURSES MONEY

International Headquarters was informed today (7/29) that, after almost ten years of frustration and delay, the payments to the members of the Local 88 Trust are being made.

The Judge has approved payment and the checks are being written as of Thursday, July 29.

Each member will receive a little over $1000 with approximately $6000 being held in reserve for contingencies and for those of the “lost battalion”. It is expected that the checks will go in the mail within the next two weeks.

If you believe that you are entitled to a check because you were a member of the Local 88 Trust on September 30, 1970, please contact the New York/New Jersey Union Hall at 201-963-1900 or the International at 410-850-8700x17 and your issue will be addressed.

Back to Stories Covered


 

HORIZON LINES ENHANCES US-PUERTO RICO SAILING SCHEDULE

Responding to a stronger than anticipated demand for shipping services in the US mainland-Puerto Rico trade, MM&P-contracted Horizon Lines is re-activating the Midweek Jacksonville Express (MJX) service with the sailing of the HORIZON CRUSADER early next month.

The MJX service, which sails Thursday from Jacksonville and returns with a Sunday sailing from San Juan, will recommence with the southbound sailing of the HORIZON CRUSADER from Jacksonville on August 5.

“The MJX service is generally suspended for the entire summer to coincide with off-peak seasonal demand,” said Gabriel Serra, vice president and general manager, Puerto Rico services, for Horizon Lines. “We have closely monitored the service levels and are experiencing a strong demand for Horizon Lines services. Our commitment to providing best-in-class service drives our decision to return the MJX into service a month ahead of schedule.”

Serra noted that the carrier “has the ability and capacity to respond to immediate demands of the trade. Horizon Lines will again have ample capacity to handle the demand during August and has advised customers of this additional availability via Jacksonville.”
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

APL PARENT COMPANY DOUBLES SECOND QUARTER PROFITS

Global shipping and logistics company Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), the parent company of MM&P-contracted APL, has reported second quarter 2004 net profits of $186 million, more than double 2003's net profits of $68 million for the same period. Total net profits for the first half increased 299% to $354 million.

NOL’s liner business, APL, achieved earnings of $189 million in the second quarter, a 130% improvement over last year. APL CEO, Ron Widdows, said, “strong volume growth and a strong focus on maximizing asset utilization, managing the mix of the business, and controlling costs produced higher average revenue per FEU (40-foot equivalent unit) boosted liner performance.”

APL introduced several new services in 2004. In March, APL launched the SSX (serving the Indian-Subcontinent) followed by the startup of the ACX (Australia/China Express) in May. In June, the New World Alliance reintroduced the PSV (S. China/LA Express) service. SCX, a new Asia-Europe service was launched in July.

The combined new services have added capacity in excess of 5,000 TEUs per week compared with 2004’s first quarter capacity. APL has recently signed new charter agreements for the delivery of four containerships in 2007-2008.

Back to Stories Covered


 

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION NOMINATES JOHN KERRY

It’s now official. Delegates at the Democratic National Convention meeting in Boston this week have nominated John Kerry for President in 2004. Senator John Edwards was chosen as Kerry’s Vice Presidential running mate.

On Monday night, former President Bill Clinton took the opportunity during his keynote speech to blast Republicans on the issue of port security. Clinton said tax cuts were more important than protecting US ports.

“On Homeland Security, Democrats tried to double the number of containers at ports and airports checked for Weapons of Mass Destruction,” Clinton said. “The one billion dollar cost would have been paid for by reducing the tax cut of 200,000 millionaires by five thousand dollars each.”

Clinton, who referenced his own recent millionaire status, noted that “almost all 200,000 of us would have been glad to pay $5,000 to make the nearly 300 million Americans safer, but the measure failed because the White House and the Republican leadership in the House decided the tax cut was more important.”

Clinton signaled his support for the Kerry-Edwards team by telling the delegates on the convention floor that “if you agree with that choice, re-elect them. If not, give John Kerry and John Edwards a chance.”

Back to Stories Covered


 

USCG AGGRESSIVELY PUTS NEW SECURITY MEASURES INTO PLACE

Earlier this week (7-27) during a joint interview with the Pentagon Channel and the American Forces Press Service, USCG Commandant Adm. Thomas Collins said the Coast Guard is “aggressively” putting new security measures into place to comply with the new Maritime Transportation Security Act, which took effect July 1.

As previously reported in the Wheelhouse Weekly, the new law is designed to protect US ports and waterways from a terrorist attack. Adm. Collins called the new law an important part of “an overarching security framework” in place in the US and around the world.

Also vital to this framework, he said, is the new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPFS), which also took effect July 1 and regulates shipping and port operations worldwide. More than 140 nations have signed on to the code, which was coordinated through the International Maritime Organization.

Collins said, “I think we have come a long way since 9/11 in trying to build a robust security regime for maritime.” The challenge ahead, he said, is to ensure that these measures are implemented “in a vigorous way in the US and around the world.” The USCG is adding 500 people to its force to focus on this enforcement.

The USCG published new maritime security regulations last year in anticipation of the law's passage. These regulations focus on sectors of the maritime industry with the greatest risk of being involved in a transportation security incident. They include tank vessels, barges, large passenger vessels, cargo vessels, towing vessels, offshore oil and gas platforms and port facilities that service these vessels or handle dangerous cargo.

To learn more about these new security measures, see these related sites:

USCG: www.uscg.mil

Maritime Transportation Security Act -and- International Ship and Port Facility Security Code: www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/mtsa.shtml

International Maritime Organization: www.imo.org
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

HOUSE PASSES BILL AUTHORIZING $8.2 BILLION FOR USCG

Who is paying for all these new USCG security measures? As usual, US taxpayers will be footing the bill. Late last week (7-22), legislation that authorizes $8.2 billion for USCG operations and new equipment was overwhelmingly approved by the US House of Representatives.

The conference report on HR 2443, The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Authorization Act for 2004, was approved by a 425-to-1 vote and is now awaiting action by the US Senate.

“I believe that through our negotiations with the other body, we have crafted legislation that will give the Coast Guard the resources and authorities necessary to protect the safety and security of lives and property on US waters,” said US Rep. Don Young (R-AK), the Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“As this body's only licensed mariner and the elected representative for all of Alaska, I am extremely interested in making sure the USCG has the tools necessary to carry out its many and varied missions.

“There are continuing concerns that some of the USCG’s traditional missions may be suffering as a result of the new emphasis on homeland security. I remain optimistic that this legislation will provide the Coast Guard with the resources and legal authorities necessary to get the service back to an acceptable state of mission balance,” Young said.
 
 

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BOMB-THREAT JOKE LANDS CAPTAIN IN US JAIL

The Master of the Turkish bulker CENK KAPTANOGLU who “joked” with a USCG boarding party about having a bomb aboard his ship, was arrested and has been held over for trial by a federal judge in Wilmington, DE. He told USCG officers that the bomb would detonate when the vessel arrived at its destination at the Port of Philadelphia.

Appearing in federal court earlier this week, the 46-year-old Turkish national was denied bail after the judge determined that probable cause exists that he committed two felonies: making false statements to a federal officer and making a false bomb threat.

No date has been set for his next hearing, but under the government’s expedited trial procedure, he has 70 days to either be indicted or plead guilty to the information. He could face up to 15 years if convicted on both charges.

The incident occurred after the captain grew weary of a USCG boarding and inspection of his ship. Reportedly, he then told a boarding officer that there was a bomb on board and that it would explode when the ship docked. The FBI and other agencies were immediately notified and the ship was diverted from its Philadelphia destination to a safe spot in Delaware Bay, where it was searched. No explosives or bomb-type devices were found.

An FBI spokesman said, “We're taking things like these very seriously, especially with people who are in charge of commercial vessels.”
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

PIRATE ATTACKS FALL AS CREW DEATHS DOUBLE


The good news is that pirate attacks on ships worldwide fell by 22 percent in the first half of the year as incidents in India and Bangladesh dropped, the International Maritime Bureau said last week. The bad news is that crew deaths from pirate attacks doubled.

Attacks totaled 182 in the first six months of the year, compared with 234 a year earlier, the IMB's Piracy Reporting Center in Kuala Lumpur said in a report. The number of attacks in India fell by half because of stricter policing. Incidents in Bangladesh fell by 22 percent.

Indonesia accounted for more than a quarter of the attacks with 50 incidents, followed by the Strait of Malacca with 20, said the piracy center. Nigeria ranked third with 13 attacks. The IMB, part of the International Chamber of Commerce, was set up 12 years ago and financed with donations by shipowners and insurers.

“There are no signs that the number of attacks will drop unless Indonesia takes serious steps to address the problem,” the IMB said. Most of the incidents involving violence happened in Indonesia, where pirates were armed with guns and knives.

Thirty people were killed, up from 16 a year earlier, the IMB said. About 139 people were taken hostage and 21 were reported missing.

In February, hijackers shot dead four crewmembers on an oil tanker off Indonesia after its owner failed to pay ransom. The other nine escaped. Also in February, pirates with M-16 rifles held hostage nine fishermen and the crew of three trawlers off Indonesia, releasing them only after receiving part of a $132,000 ransom.
Over a quarter of the attacks targeted tankers shipping oil, gas and chemicals and 17 percent were aimed at dry-bulk vessels carrying iron-ore, coal and grain. About 13 percent of the attacks involved container ships.

Eight ships were hijacked in the period, one less than a year ago. Thailand's naval police arrested four men in March and accused them of changing the names of stolen vessels after the recovery of a barge containing about $1.8 million worth of palm oil.

About 16 percent of the attacks involved ships registered in Panama. Pirate attacks rose 20 percent last year to 445, the IMB said. They reached an annual record of 469 in 2000.
 

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MITAGS SEEKS FULL-TIME INSTRUCTOR FOR PMI IN SEATTLE

The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) is accepting applications for a full time instructor to work at its Pacific Maritime Institute in Seattle, WA.

This state-of-the-art facility requires an instructor who will develop courses in the maritime field and provide quality classroom and simulation instruction to merchant marine deck officers at all levels of their professional development.

A broad background with experience on dry and liquid cargo vessels is preferred. Outstanding verbal and written presentation skills with experience and enthusiasm in teaching adults in both a classroom and on-the-job setting are desired. Excellent computer skills are a must: MS Office Suite and Windows operating systems.

Five years maritime experience at the Chief Mate or Master level with in-depth knowledge and technical skills with bridge systems, completion of STCW-95 requirements desired. Maritime or military academy graduate preferred.

Union membership following employment is required. Competitive salary and outstanding Union benefits. Email resume to hr@mitags.org or fax to: HR Manager, 443-989-3341. EEO AA.
 

Back to Stori es Covered


 

MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES

CLASS TIMES & TRAVEL PLANNING
Please plan your travel in accordance with the following class times.

Classes start daily at 0830 and conclude at 1630 hrs. The exception is Shiphandling, which may be scheduled for a morning or late afternoon starting time.

Shiphandling attendees will be assigned a starting time at the 0825 briefing for all students on Monday. If you are attending a Shiphandling course, do not make plans to depart MITAGS prior to the morning following course completion.

New at MITAGS-Complete Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting in a combined one week course, offered September 20th.

CLASS OPENINGS
Between now and the end of October 2004, seats are available in the following courses:
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CMM - Chief Mate and Master Courses
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MSC - Military Sealift Command Courses
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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.

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PMI MARITIME TECHNOLOGY & CAREER CENTER 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".

August 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 JULY 28, 2004 CLOSE

 
 D O W    N A S D A Q
 10,117.07 -91.73 for the week  1,914.88  -56.62 for the week
Fund Name & Trading Symbol
Closing
Price
 Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
101.30
 Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
26.29
 Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
16.02
 Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
14.31
 Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
27.27
 Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
10.31
 Vanguard High Yield Corporate Fund (VWEHX)
6.24
 Vanguard Total Bond Index (VBMFX)
10.09
 Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
15.39
 Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
15.38
 Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
35.34
 Fidelity Magellan Fund (FMAGX)
95.21
 Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
38.88

Back to Stories Covered

~ Reminders ~

 


 

REMINDER TO MEMBERS ON ISPS CODE AND MTSA-2002 RECORD-KEEPING

MM&P members are reminded that provisions of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code went into effect on July 1. These provisions impact LDOs aboard all oceangoing vessels sailing in the international and coastwise trade.

MM&P HQ has sent a letter to all Offshore Membership Group contracted ships and to the home address of every active member of the Offshore Membership Group addressing in more detail this issue and how it may affect our contracts.

MM&P advises members to note and follow these procedures:

  1. Maintain and keep detailed time and duty records for any hours of work performed doing anything that might be considered security duties.
  2. Maintain and keep detailed time and duty records for any hours of work performed doing anything outside the usual and normal duties of an LDO.
  3. All LDOs should submit penalty rate for payment for any time spent as outlined in items 1 and 2 if these duties are done during normal watch or duty hours.
  4. All LDOs should submit overtime for payment for any time spent as outlined in items 1 and 2 if these duties are done outside normal watch or duty hours.
Members having any questions or comments are asked to contact your area Vice President or Port Representative.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE ON MSC T-AGS SHIPS

Under a new Military Sealift Command contract, MM&P-contracted Horizon Lines will soon take over the operation and maintenance of seven oceanographic ships (T-AGS) to support the Naval Oceanography Program. MM&P will represent the deck officers.

For those members and applicants interested in employment possibilities on these vessels, contact MM&P HQ by calling 410-850-8700 x23 or by Email at: mrodriguez@bridgedeck.org.

Back to Stories Covered


 

August 30 Deadline: USCG SEEKS MERCHANT MARINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The USCG is seeking applications for appointment to membership on the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). MERPAC provides advice and makes recommendations to the USCG on matters related to the training, qualification, licensing, certification, and fitness of seamen serving in the US merchant marine. Applications should reach the USCG by August 30.

Application forms may be obtained via the Internet by logging on to www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/advisory/index.htm or by writing to:

Commandant (G-MSO-1)
United States Coast Guard
2100 Second Street SW
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Send completed applications to:

Mark Gould, Assistant Executive Director
MERPAC
Room 1210, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters
2100 Second Street SW
Washington, DC 20593-0001
 < /P>

For further info, call MERPAC at 202-267-6890, fax 202-267-4570 or contact Capt. Joe Stone at MM&P HQ at 410-850-8700 x24, Email: jstone@bridgedeck.org .

Back to Stories Covered


 

August 30 Deadline: COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR FRESHMAN AND GRAD-SCHOOL 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 August 20. The scholarships will be awarded September 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


 

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

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.