THE MASTERS, MATES & PILOTS'
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLYonline

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

Volume 8 . . . . . Number 46 . . . . November 10, 2004

STORIES COVERED
ALSO
REMINDERS

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


 

LEGAL WRANGLING CONTINUES IN USSM-MARAD-MAERSK SITUATION

A federal judge in Charlotte, NC is expected to grant United States Ship Management, Inc. (USSM) a preliminary injunction against the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) to halt the agency from transferring
Maritime Security Program slots and funding from USSM to Maersk Line, Ltd., (MLL) of six ships owned by Maersk, but operated by USSM in the Maritime Security Program. MM&P maintains collective bargaining
agreements both with Maersk and with USSM.

MLL has sought to become an intervenor in the case but the request was turned down on Nov.4 when the Richmond, VA Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals denied MLL's appeal.

According to news reports following the hearing in Charlotte, it was anticipated that federal judge Graham Mullen will grant USSM the injunction, blocking transfer of the $2.1 million annual MSP payments
to MLL until he has issued a final ruling in the case.

If the injunction is granted, USSM will remain in possession of at least six ships in its current 16-ship fleet, 12 of which take part in the MSP. Transfers were originally to have begun taking place on
Nov.2.

The North Carolina case began on Oct.20 as one of three federal district court actions now ongoing in separate jurisdictions, plus two circuit court appeals and a series of arbitrations in London and New York. The six ships in limbo are the 1,100-teu ALVA MAERSK and five 3,800-teu ships, the SEALAND INTREPID, SEALAND LIGHTNING, SEALAND CHARGER, SEALAND COMET and SEALAND METEOR. All of these
vessels were built between 1995 and 1998.

Since Aug.19, MLL has taken over operational control from USSM of three ships, the SEALAND PRIDE, SEALAND FLORIDA and SEALAND MOTIVATOR. The transfer of operational control for these ships had
earlier been cleared by the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

MM&P LDOs continue to serve aboard the vessels under operational control of both USSM and Maersk. The MM&P's International President commended deck officers on the SEALAND ships for their "long-standing record of professional operation and achievement," and extended thanks to "our members on these ships for continuing to maintain that same level of professionalism while the situation is settled by the
companies and the courts."

Back to Stories Covered


 

MM&P MEMBERS MAROONED ON S/L COMMITMENT AS STRANDED TANKER FORCES CLOSURE OF SUEZ CANAL

As of Nov.9, a grounded Liberian-registered 154,972-deadweight tanker that broke down in the Suez Canal on Nov.6, was still blocking the passage of 60 ships and forcing the strategic Egyptian waterway's
closure.

The Suez Canal authority released a statement saying the TROPIC BRILLIANCE, built in 1992, was fully loaded with crude oil when she suffered mechanical problems 45 miles south of the Mediterranean coastal city of Port Said. Efforts were under way to transfer part of the tanker's cargo to another ship and repair the stranded vessel.
Ten tankers traveling south are stuck behind the TROPIC BRILLIANCE, while another 30 ships bound for the Mediterranean have also been forced to wait.

In its latest statement on Nov.10, the Canal Authority reported that clearing the logjam of ships waiting to transit the Suez Canal will take much less time than first feared. Canal Authority chairman, Ahmed Ali Fadel, promised the backlog of more than 100 ships would be cleared within a matter of hours.

MM&P members Capt. Eric Franzen, Chief Mate Mike Shanley, Second Mate Bill Doherty, Third Mate Mike Heyman and the crew of the SEALAND COMMITMENT are sitting aboard the ship in El Ballah bypass, mid-way in the Suez Canal as efforts continue to refloat the tanker. SEALAND COMMITMENT, operated by USSM, is on the Mediterranean to Persian Gulf shuttle service for Maersk Sealand.

The Suez Canal, which opened in 1869, is one of Egypt's main foreign currency earners. It was closed after the June 1967 Mid East war and reopened in 1975 by late President Anwar Sadat. This is the first time since 1975 that the Canal has been closed. Egyptian newspapers have reported that the more than three day closure of the Canal is set to cost as much as $40 million.

Thanks to the S/L COMMITMENT's LDO's for filing the story with us.

Back to Stories Covered

EMPLOYMENT ABOARD MSC T-AGS VESSELS OPERATED BY HORIZON

Some MM&P members have expressed concern that the letter of commitment from Horizon Lines states that the mariners are a "candidate" for the position. Mike Bohlman, Director of Marine Services for Horizon Lines asked that this statement be passed on to MM&P mariners:

"One thing you can tell your members is that, if they get a letter of commitment from us (Horizon Lines) and proceed in a straightforward manner to get the required security clearance and training that is needed, they will have the job (or equivalent) that was initially offered. The only other caveat is that the individuals, after we do
the final selection, must be approved by MSC."

The hoops and hurdles are three fold - TRAINING, SECURITY CLEARANCE and MSC PHYSICAL. All mariners interested in a possible position aboard the T-AGS Oceanographic Vessels should Email MM&P's Director of Special Projects at rplant@bridgedeck.org or call 410-850-8700 x36. You will be emailed a T-AGS Facts Sheet along with the MSC Physical Exam Forms that Horizon Lines is distributing. In the facts sheet will be the wages, vessels particulars, training and security clearance requirements.

Please be aware that the MSC contract requirements specifies that STCW-95 certification (Basic Safety Training, Damage Control, Advanced Fire Fighting and others) be no more than five years old. Small arms must be renewed on a yearly basis. If your certificates are older than as specified and you are interested in applying for a
T-AGS vessel position please update your training certification as needed.

Initial takeover and manning began Oct.17, 2004 and will continue through Jan.3, 2005. Relief crewing will start four months (120 days) later, or from about Feb.17, 2005 through May 3, 2005. THERE ARE STILL OPENINGS FOR ALL POSITIONS, especially 2nd Mates.
 

Back to Stories Covered


 

PLANS UPDATE ON NMHCMAIL WEBSITE ISSUES

Plans Administrator Valerie Verrecchio reports that MM&P Plan members can access the NMHC website at www.NMHCmail.com to track orders, check prior history from the last 24 months and order refills
on-line. In order to avoid delays...

Go to www.nmhcmail.com
- DO NOT USE THE ON-LINE RX REFILL FORM ON THE TOP OF THE HOME PAGE.
- Instead, scroll to the bottom of the page to "MEMBER LOGIN".
- If you have previously registered, enter your member ID and password. You will be connected to your history file.

NEW USERS:
If you have not previously registered, go to www.nmhcmail.com.
- Go to the bottom of the page and click on "MEMBER LOGIN". You will be directed to a new screen for registered users.
- Click on the bullet marked "NEW USER-Register Here".
- Complete the on-line registration process. A unique password will be sent to your email address almost immediately.
- Once you have this password, you can go back to MEMBER LOGIN and change the system password to your own unique password.

You can also access the Member Login directly from www.NMHC.com. In order to comply with HIPAA privacy regulations, each dependent will have to register separately and will only have access to their own
specific history. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Back to Stories Covered


 

NEW ADDRESS IN DECEMBER FOR MM&P NEW ORLEANS HALL

Beginning in mid-December, the MM&P New Orleans' port office will move to a new location.

The new address will be: 3330 West Esplanade, Suite 209, Metairie, LA 70002-3454. Phone, fax and Email will remain the same.

The NOLA hall will remain in its current location at 2121 Airline Dr., Suite 510 in Metairie, LA until that time.

Back to Stories Covered


 

A.P.MOLLER-MAERSK CONTAINER FLEETS REACH 1 MILLION TEU

The multinational flag fleet operated by the container divisions of A.P. Moller-Maersk is expected to reach one million TEUs by mid-November. At that point, the company's vessels will account for 12.4 percent of the total container fleet capacity effectively deployed on all liner trades, the largest share in the world.

The company's different liner units, Maersk Sealand, Safmarine, Portlink, Norfolkline and APM Saigon Shipping-MCC, control 375 vessels. A.P.Moller-Maersk has an additional 88 ships on order with a
total capacity of around 460,000 TEUs.

The Maersk Sealand fleet, comprised of US-flag and foreign flag vessels, includes 25 very large container ships of more than 7,500 TEUs each, and another 20 vessels are on order. The MM&P has recently concluded an eight-year contract for crewing Maersk Sealand US-flagged vessels.

Back to Stories Covered


USNS RAINIER RETURNS FROM DEPLOYMENT WITH CARRIER GROUP

Fast combat support ship USNS RAINIER crewed by MM&P government employees' membership group licensed deck officers has returned from a five-month deployment to the Western Pacific as a part of the USS
JOHN C. STENNIS Carrier Strike Group. The STENNIS strike group participated in three major exercises during this deployment: Exercise Northern Edge, Rim of the Pacific exercise 2004 and a joint air and sea training exercise with the USS KITTY HAWK strike group.

During her deployment, RAINIER provided more than 49 million gallons of fuel for the strike group. That amount of fuel would fill 100 Olympic-size swimming pools. The ship also transferred more than 10 million pounds of food, ammunitions, mail and various dry cargo to re-supply other ships. RAINIER'S on-board Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 Detachment Two performed vertical replenishments to lift cargo to the other ships in the strike group.

"This deployment taught us a great deal. Everyday we learned how to better operate a multi-product ship in a strike group environment," said Capt. William Baldwin the master of RAINIER. "We have matured from a concept of operation to a smooth running operation."

Operation of the Supply-class ships by the US Navy's Military Sealift Command saves the strike groups time since they can receive all of the fuel, cargo and ammunition needed from one ship. Fewer ships in operation for one mission reduce the cost to tax payers as well. In the past, two ships, an oiler and either a combat stores ship or an ammunition ship, were needed to fulfill the same mission as a single Supply-class ship.

With a top speed of 29 knots, RAINIER has no difficulty keeping pace with the other ships. The 754-foot ship is crewed by 160 civil service mariners, a 28-member active duty Navy support department and a 32-member Navy helicopter detachment. The ship was transferred to MSC in August 2003. She was decommissioned as a combatant ship, and civil service mariners replaced her active duty Navy crew.

Following a brief voyage repair period, RAINIER will again deploy, but with a different carrier strike group. She will sail with the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN in mid-November.

Back to Stories Covered


WILHELMSEN LINES RO-RO BOARDED AND SEARCHED IN LA PORT

US Customs and Border Protection service (CBP) was the agency responsible for the September 27 boarding of the Wilhelmsen Lines Ro-Ro vessel TAMPA, which, according to media reports, has drawn the ire of company chairman Wilhelm Wilhelmsen.

The USCG played no role in the reported three-hour boarding and search, according to spokesman Jolie Shifflet. Wilhelmsen alleges that the boarding "went too far" in that about 20 armed men boarded the 2,450-TEU vessel in Los Angeles port without identifying themselves, strip searched some of the crew and restricted Capt. Ove
Overgaard's movements.

US Customs and Border Protection spokesman Mike Fleming says he is shocked at allegations made by Wilhelmsen and says Wilhelmsen has been given bad info. He said the boarding, by a 15-member party that
included two dogs, was strictly routine and went without incident. The officers wore uniforms with shoulder patches that clearly identified them as CBP agents, he said, and the senior supervising agent greeted Capt. Overgaard, explained the process and was offered coffee.

There was no strip search, merely a 'patting down' for weapons while fully clothed - a standard practice, Fleming said. Acting on a complaint from the line, the USCG Captain of the Port reviewed the boarding and found it within policy. "We board and inspect three to eight vessels per month in Los Angeles and Long Beach," Fleming
added. "And this inspection was as routine as most.

Back to Stories Covered


MARINE ELECTRIC SINKING TO BE ON HISTORY CHANNEL NOV.22

On November 22nd at 2100 Eastern Time, the History Channel will broadcast a one-hour documentary on the SS MARINE ELECTRIC, an MM&P-crewed bulk coal carrier operated by MTL which sank off the
Virginia Coast in the early 1980s with the loss of all hands except three.

The show is called "Deep Sea Detectives" and will carry a segment interviewing Bob Cusick, an MM&P survivor along with a segment with author Robert Frump who wrote a book on the sinking entitled, "Until the Sea Shall Free Them". The show will be rebroadcast at later dates and times to be announced. For more info, go to
www.historychannel.com.

Back to Stories Covered


 


 

INFO ON HOW TO RECEIVE DUPLICATE MM&P ELECTION BALLOTS

Those members who have not received a MM&P election ballot in the mail and are interested in receiving a duplicate ballot, should contact MM&P Comptroller John Gorman at 410-850-8700 x12 or Email him at:jgorman@bridgedeck.org.

Back to Stories Covered


 


 

MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES

The Company Required Courses list has been updated. You can access and download the latest version from MITAGS website.
(NOTE: This is a PDF file and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, available as a free download by CLICKING HERE.)

CLASS OPENINGS THROUGH JANUARY 2005

  • ARPA - Automatic Radar Plotting Aids: 01/03
  • AZIPOD - Azipod Propulsion System: 01/03

    •  
  • BRM - Bridge Resource Management: 01/24
  • BRMP - Bridge Resource Management for Pilots: 11/15
  • BST - Basic Safety Training: 12/13, 01/31
    •  
    CMM - Chief Mate and Master Courses
    MSC - Military Sealift Command

    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. Check the MITAGS website for up-to-date course descriptions associated with all course title abbreviations, and for schedule revisions and 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 MARITIME TECHNOLOGY & CAREER CENTER ACADEMIC SCHEDULE - Winter 2004-2005

    All the courses below will be conducted at the new Pacific Maritime Institute facility located in Seattle at 1727 Alaskan Way South, Pier 34. Come see the new facility at PMI's "Maritime Technology and Career Center" which houses our state-of-the art Full Mission Ship Simulator.

    November 2004

    Holidays:

    December

    Contact DeeDee Lazik at 206-441-2880 or 888-893-7829 (toll free) or by email to admin@mates.org for class openings and registration, or visit the PMI website at mates.org.

    Back to Stories Covered


     
     

    MM&P MARKET WATCH AS OF NOVEMBER 9, 2004 CLOSE

     D O W    N A S D A Q
     10,137.05 +180.59 for the week  2,004.33  +41.79 for the week
    Fund Name & Trading Symbol
    Closing
    Price
     Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
    104.59
     Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
    28.44
     Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
    17.45
     Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
    15.14
     Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
    28.53
     Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
    10.47
     Vanguard High Yield Corporate Fund (VWEHX)
    6.40
     Vanguard Total Bond Index (VBMFX)
    10.32
     Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
    16.13
     Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
    15.70
     Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
    36.18
     Fidelity Magellan Fund (FMAGX)
    98.62
     Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
    39.87

    Back to Stories Covered


    ~ Reminders ~


     

    T-AGS OCEANOGRAPHIC SURVEY SHIPS MANNING REQUIREMENTS

    REQUIRED COURSEWORK

    All MM&P members are reminded that to sail aboard the T-AGS ships that MM&P-contracted Horizon Lines will be operating, you must have the required training certification and your certificates must be current in accordance with Military Sealift Command requirements. Members are also required to have had a MSC pre-employment physical and to possess Ship Security Clearance (see below).

    The MSC Contract calls for all training certificates required for manning of these vessels to be no older than 5 years and that all STCW-95 courses be renewed every 5 years, or annually, as applicable.

    Five-year renewable courses include, but are not limited to:

    Small Arms certificates must be less than 1 year old.

    Members interested in applying for one of the positions onboard the T-AGS vessels are advised to make sure your certificates are up to date. If not, contact Mary Matlock or Diane Ford at MITAGS Admissions, email: admissions@mitags.org, and schedule to take the course(s) needed.

    Those MM&P members interested in obtaining more information and facts about the T-AGS Oceanographic Vessels are asked to email the Director of Special Projects requesting the "facts sheet". It will be provided by return email in an Adobe Acrobat PDF format.

    Members interested in employment on the T-AGS ships are asked to provide a 1-2 page resume. Please list the desired position you are seeking along with the certificates of training you possess and their dates. Upon receipt it will be forwarded to Horizon Lines and a confirmation sent back to the member. Vessel turnover commences Oct.17, 2004 and will continue until Jan.3, 2005. Crew rotations will start beginning as early as January 2005 and will continue through as late as June 2005. Positions for all ratings remain open.

    The point of contact for sending a resume for employment on the Horizon Lines T-AGS Oceanographic Vessels is MM&P's Director of Special Projects. Send resumes in an email or as a Word file attachment to: rplant@bridgedeck.org, by fax to 410-850-0973 or by mail to:

    Director of Special Projects
    IOMM&P
    700 Maritime Blvd.
    Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
     

    SHIP SECURITY CLEARANCE NEEDED

    Members who want to sail for Horizon Lines on the T-AGS Oceanographic Survey vessels the company is set to begin operating for MSC must have Ship Security Clearance before going aboard.

    Special software must be downloaded from the US Government's Defense Security Service to complete the Security Clearance application. You must have an Internet connection and a Windows-based computer to retrieve the application and run the program.

    Go to https://sclient.dss.mil/download/w9xfull.htm to download the software titled "EPSQ SUBJECT2_2".

    After the software is installed and the program is launched, select "Create" from the menu bar at the top of the screen. You will be required to enter your Social Security Number and a case-sensitive password. A window titled "Type of Form" will appear.

    All Deck Officers should select the first button titled "Request for Security Clearance (SF86)" and then click "OK" to go to the next screen, "Type of Investigation".

    From the "Type of Investigation" screen:

    After selecting the appropriate investigation type, click on "OK" to begin filling in the forms.

    When complete and all information has been validated, click on "Communications" from the menu bar at the top of the screen and select "Transmit to Security Officer". Save the file to the hard drive on your computer using your last name (surname) as the file name. Send this file as an email attachment to Mike Bohlman at Horizon Lines, MBohlman@horizon-lines.com. His phone number is 908-259-2803. You will need to provide Mike Bohlman with your name and the case-sensitive password you assigned to the file in order for Horizon Lines to open the file and process your Security Clearance.
     

    Back to Stories Covered


     

    MM&P HEALTH & BENEFIT PLAN NEWS

    NOTICE TO MEMBERS WHO ARE TAKING VIOXX

    On Sept.30, Merck & Co. voluntarily withdrew Vioxx, a popular anti-inflammatory medication, from the market. As a result, individuals who are currently taking the drug have been asked to contact their health care professionals to discuss discontinuing use of Vioxx and possible alternative treatments.

    MM&P Plans Administrator Valerie Verrecchio reports that, "We have gotten a number of calls from members who want to know what to do with their remaining supply of Vioxx and whether the Plan or NMHC will refund their co-pay for the unused portion.

    "Unfortunately, neither NMHC nor the Plan was aware of the Merck decision prior to the public announcement on Sept.30. As of that date, all deliveries of Vioxx to our members was suspended in accordance with Merck's announcement. Orders that had already been processed and were in transit could not be stopped.

    "In regard to refunds, Merck has set up a website at www.vioxx.com where members can obtain information on how to recover refunds from Merck for the unused portion of medication. Members can also call following toll free number for information: 1-888-368-4699.

    "We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused to members currently taking this medication, however, the matter is out of the control of the Plans."

     

    NMHC MAIL-ORDER PRESCRIPTIONS WEBSITE UPDATED & IMPROVED

    MM&P Plans Administrator Valerie Verrecchio reports, "Good news! NMHC mail has finally gotten their website upgraded and functioning properly. I went in and tested it myself and found it to be quite user friendly."

    To use NMHC's upgraded service, go to the NMHC Mail website at www.nmhcmail.com and click on "MEMBER LOGIN" at the bottom of the screen.

    First-time and Registered users may bypass the welcome screen and go directly to the log-in page at https://members.nmhcrx.com/Login/Login.aspx.

    After creating your account, NMHC will email you a password to gain entry into your records. With your first sign-in, the NMHC system will prompt you to change the NMHC password to one of your own choosing.

    Once you are registered at NMHC, you can check the status of open orders by logging-in to the system through the "MEMBER LOGIN" page and going into the "MAIL ORDER" menu. You can look up all prescriptions and get the price our members will pay for any medication. You can also view an order history of all of your medication transactions (both retail and mail) for the last 24 months, locate 24-hour pharmacies in your zip code region as well as access other helpful member education information.

    "We hope this welcome improvement will assist our members. Although you cannot order refills on line if you don't provide a credit or debit card number, you can phone in your refill. Once you register on the website, you will still have access to all of the other information including checking the status of your order once it is phoned in," said Ms. Verrecchio.

    Back to Stories Covered


     

    USCG JOB OPENINGS OF INTEREST TO RETIRED MM&P MEMBERS

    The U.S. Coast Guard has a number of jobs that might be of interest to retired MMP members. Go to the USCG website at www.uscg.milthen click on the link for "Coast Guard Jobs" in the lower left column, then "Jobs/Careers", then "Civilian Careers" and then "Current Job Openings".

    Back to Stories Covered


    WWII USCG VETERANS OUTREACH

    The U.S. Coast Guard has announced an initiative to identify and collect the oral histories of its World War II veterans. Coast Guard WWII veterans, including SPARS and merchant mariners, are encouraged to record their histories online with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project at www.loc.gov/folklife/vets.

    Those veterans needing assistance in recording their stories can receive help from their local Coast Guard Auxiliary public affairs contact by leaving a message at 1-877-875-6296, a toll-free call.

    Back to Stories Covered


     

    COMPANY GIVES BUCKS BACK FOR BUYING SAFE SHOES

    LMS Ship Management, the company that manages vessels for Central Gulf, Sulphur Carriers and Waterman Steamship, wants to remind MM&P members that they offer their crewmembers a $75 reimbursement on the cost of purchasing certain slip-resistant shoes and boots for use aboard ship.

    This offer has been in place for some time and LMS reports that "we have been pleased with the participation to date, but feel a reminder may be in order." Their goal is for every crewmember to wear slip resistant footwear during working hours aboard their vessels.

    The $75 reimbursement is available to each crewmember who provides LMS 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.

    Vessels in the LMS footwear reimbursement program are:

    LMS notes that in order to receive reimbursement, crewmembers must purchase one of the following recommended brands: LOOK FOR THE UNION LABEL:

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

    Redwing's Union-made products are: Red Wing shoes and boots, Red Wing motorcycle boots and Craftsman (Sears).

    Wolverine World Wide manufactures boots under the Caterpillar brand using US union labor. (Other union made safety-shoe brands by Wolverine are the company's Hy-Test, Durashock and Bates Military labels. The company's Wolverine brand combat boots are also produced using US union labor.)

    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". To shop for union-made products online, go to www.ShopUnionMade.org.

    Back to Stories Covered


     

    NEW WEBSITE OFFERS UNION-MADE GOODS AND SERVICES

    The Union Label recently went digital with a new website offering shoppers an array of union-made gifts, from clothing and chocolates to computers, games and greeting cards.

    The website, www.ShopUnionMade.org, launches on the eve of the fall and winter holidays, when shoppers will spend an estimated $1 trillion on gifts, food, drinks and other seasonal items, explained Matt Bates, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department. The all-union shopping site, however, will be a year-round operation because that is what consumers demand, he added.

    "Shoppers spent $56 billion in Internet sales last year, and on-line spending is doubling every two to three years. Everyday we receive Email and calls from people who want to support good jobs by buying union-made goods and services. The website will reach millions of people, 24 hours a day, with a quick convenient way to shop union," Bates said.

    "The public is ready for this. People have seen millions of good jobs disappear and they are looking for ways to take a stand and make a difference," he added.

    The AFL-CIO will target the peak of the holiday shopping season by promoting "Buy Union Week" Nov. 26 through Dec. 5. The newly-launched, all-union shopping site will be a cornerstone of that campaign. MM&P has a link to the Shop Union Site on this website under "Links and Other Sources".
     

    Back to Stories Covered


     

    PCF RAFFLE FEATURES ORIGINAL PAINTING OF SS SEAWANHAKA

    Raffle tickets for a chance on winning a beautiful original painting of the SEAWANHAKA by MM&P member, Maryland Pilot and artist Capt. Brian Hope commissioned by the MM&P are available at $25 each, 5 for $100. Proceeds will benefit the Masters, Mates & Pilots Political Contribution Fund. (The fire aboard the SEAWANHAKA and the scapegoating of Capt. Charles Smith are the beginnings of the MM&P.)

    Ticket purchases should be made payable to the MM&P PCF with a notation for the raffle in the memo line, and mailed to the

    MM&P PCF
    700 Maritime Blvd.
    Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
    Tickets can also be obtained by members making PCF contributions through the Members Only section of the MM&P website, noting that the contribution is for the raffle. Tickets are also available through MM&P port offices.

    Cutoff for ticket purchases is Dec.31, 2004. Drawing for the prize will take place at noon on Jan.7, 2005 at MITAGS. Also available at a later date will be a limited number of prints of this painting, numbered and signed by the artist, for a $50 contribution to the PCF designated for the print.

    Capt. Brian Hope is a self-taught artist. He graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy in 1965. He joined the MM&P upon graduation from Kings Point and sailed on the Vietnam Sealift and later with US Lines, until joining the Association of Maryland Pilots in 1970.

    He continues as an active pilot and an at-large convention delegate with the Pilot Division of the MM&P. His son, Jeremy, a 1999 Kings Point graduate, is a member of the Offshore Division of the MM&P. Capt. Hope's paintings hang in several museums and in many businesses and private homes throughout the Baltimore-Washington area.

    Several of his works may be seen at MITAGS as well. He considers himself to be a "folk artist", that is, one whose artistic subject revolves around his field of work, but who does not make a living as an artist. He says, "If I relied on my art to survive I would have starved to death long ago! I paint because it's fun."

    In addition to his art work, Capt. Hope was Chairman of Project Liberty Ship from 1988 to 2002, helping to guide the restoration of the Liberty Ship JOHN W. BROWN.
     
     

    The fine print:
    Raffle tickets are available only to those individuals who are otherwise eligible to make a contribution to the MM&P PCF. Contributions in exchange for raffle tickets or for a signed and numbered print do not qualify for any other PCF contribution incentive premiums. All contributions to the MM&P PCF, including contributions in exchange for raffle tickets, are voluntary contributions for political purposes and no physical force, job discrimination, financial reprisals or thereat thereof has been or will be used to secure such contributions. PCF contributions are not deductible for tax purposes.
    Back to Stories Covered


     

    MM&P ELECTION PERIOD PUBLICITY GUIDELINES

    Members are reminded that for the duration of the MM&P election period the name or likeness of any known candidate for any elected MM&P position will not be referred to by name or photo in any MM&P publication. Reference may be made by title or in contact information such as an email address when it is directly relevant to the communication.

    As example, the Master of a MM&P-contracted ship who has declared himself to be a candidate for a MM&P elective position was recently quoted in an article appearing in the "Master, Mate & Pilot", but was referenced as the Master of the vessel and not by name. Similarly, this member's likeness was not included in a photo published with the article. This same rule was applied within the same publication with regard to two other members employed by MM&P at Union headquarters who are candidates for elective position.

    This rule has been put into effect to ensure that publications by the MM&P to MM&P members are not used on behalf of any candidate for campaign purposes. These exclusions will end upon completion of the election.

    Members wanting to know more about this policy may contact International Counsel John Singleton at 410-850-8700 x19, email:jsingleton@bridgedeck.org, or Communications Director Karl Schwartz at 410-850-8700 x27, email: communications@bridgedeck.org.

    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