Patriot Wins Contract for Hayes and Waters82nd MM&P Convention CallPCF Campaign Underway!MM&P Holiday Party Photos
Vol. 44, No. 1 January - February 2008
Official Voice of the International
Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots
The International Marine Division of ILA/AFL-CIO
The Master, Mate & Pilot (ISSN 0025-5033) is the official voice of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (International Marine Division of the ILA), AFL-CIO. © 2008 IOMMP. Published bimonthly at MM&P Headquarters, 700 Maritime Blvd, Suite B, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1953.
Phone: (410) 850-8700E-mail: [email protected]: www.bridgedeck.org
Periodicals postage paid at Linthicum Heights, MD, and additional offices.
POSTMASTER Please send changes to: The Master, Mate & Pilot 700 Maritime Blvd, Suite BLinthicum Heights, MD21090-1953
Timothy A. BrownChairman, Editorial BoardLisa Rosenthal Communications Director
INTERNATIONAL OFFICERSTimothy A. Brown, PresidentGlen P. Banks, Secretary-Treasurer
VICE PRESIDENTSBob Groh, Offshore GulfDon Marcus, Offshore PacificRichard May, Offshore AtlanticMichael Murray, United InlandGeorge A. Quick, Pilotage
Table of Contents
Vol. 44, No. 1 January - February 2008
News Briefs 1Energy saving at Headquarters, MITAGS and MM&P Plans; 82nd MM&P Convention Call; Washington State Governor meets with MM&P members; Patriot Wins Hayes and Waters contract; retirement party for Captain Frank Medeiros; big win for MM&P in suit involving Westar and Brusco; PCF campaign up and running; Military Sealift Command accepts delivery of USNS Byrd; MM&P legal team wins national recognition.
Washington Observer 9First session of 110th Congress is one of unprecedented activity and progress for MIRAID and MM&P.
News From Headquarters 11MM&P continues efforts to ensure mariners involved in marine casualty investigations are treated fairly by investigating authorities in the United States and overseas.
Health & Benefit Plans 13New optical benefit cycle begins; optical benefit provider and prescription benefit manager change names; IRS IRAP and pension limitations for 2008.
Pensioners 15
Offshore Scholarship Recipients 16
Directory 17
Cross’d the Final Bar 21Scholarships named after Karl Fanning.
Sailing Through Time 23
MM&P Holiday Party Photos 24
The Faces of MITAGS 29
About the CoverCaptain Mike Smith beside the propel-
ler of the Horizon Falcon. The photo
was taken by Captain Tom McDorr
when he and Smith were in Korea to
take delivery of the Horizon Hawk.
Both the Horizon Eagle and the Horizon
Falcon were under construction at the
time.
The Navy Jack, a symbol of resistance which dates back to
the American Revolution, flies today on the jack staff on
the bow of all naval vessels. In accordance with a resolu-
tion made by the delegates to the 75th Convention of the
International Organization of
Masters, Mates & Pilots, every
issue of The Master, Mate &
Pilot includes a photograph of
the historic flag.
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 1 - January - February 2008
NEWS BRIEFS MM&P headquarters, MM&P Plans and MITAGS are imple-
menting a range of new strategies to preserve resources, boost
efficiency and promote environmental conservation.
At headquarters, the recent building renovation has provided
an opportunity to install energy efficient heating and air con-
ditioning, including sensors that regulate the temperature to
save energy when rooms are unoccupied. At the end of last year,
headquarters staff began recycling paper and cardboard, as well
as bottles and cans.
Enormous changes are underway at MITAGS, where countless
energy-saving innovations have been made under the oversight
of Director of Conference Center Operations Colin Mepstead, a
systems engineer.
Among the projects that have been completed: the installation
of new air conditioning units, that use only one third the power
of those they replaced, in the South Tower conference rooms and
South Tower bedrooms; the introduction of “soft start” motor
controls for the water cooling tower, that start slow and then
speed up, resulting in about 60 percent energy savings; instal-
lation of temperature and water flow controllers for bathroom
showers and faucets.
Signs have appeared in residents’ rooms, informing guests that
sheets and towels will only be changed daily if requested. And
effective Jan. 14, 2008, MITAGS/CCMIT began recycling office
paper, cardboard, plastic and glass bottles, and aluminum cans.
Collection containers have been placed throughout the school.
MyCleaning Maid Services properly disposes of the recycled
material every evening.
The recycling program was introduced at MITAGS in
response to direct requests from students and guest comments.
The Plans office stopped using Styrofoam cups a number of
The Greening of MM&P, Plans and MITAGS
As part of MM&P’s drive to conserve energy and resources, the union has
added drought-resistant plants to the landscaping around the headquarters
building. (Above) International Secretary-Treasurer Glen Banks and a friend
survey some of the new plantings.
years ago, says Plans Administrator Patrick McCullough, and
each employee now uses his or her own cup. Plans also buys
recycled paper for reports and copies, and is preparing to recycle
bottles and cans.
MM&P recently received word that MOSAIC, printer of The
Master, Mate & Pilot, is now 100 percent powered by wind. The
Master, Mate & Pilot has been printed on recycled paper, using a
waterless, non-toxic printing process, since last year.
“MM&P is proud to do its part for the environment,” says
International Secretary-Treasurer Glen Banks.
Brothers and Sisters:
In accordance with Article IV, Section 2,
of the International Constitution, you
are hereby notified that a convention
of the MM&P will be convened at
10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2008,
at the Maritime Institute of Technology
and Graduate Studies, 692 Maritime
Boulevard, Linthicum Heights, Maryland
21090. Nominations for elective office will
take place at this Convention.
You 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.
Please post this call in a prominent
location in your offices so that our
Membership will be aware of the time
and place of the 82nd Convention.
Fraternally,
Glen P. Banks
International Secretary-Treasurer
82nd MM&P Convention CallJune 23-25, 2008, Linthicum Heights, MD
January - February 2008 - 2 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
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NEWS BRIEFS Criminalization of Mariners Involved in Accidents Merits Congressional Attention, MM&P SaysEnsuring that seafarers involved in marine casualties are treated
fairly is a topic that must be part of current efforts to retain the
professional maritime workforce and attract qualified young
people to the industry, according to MM&P.
The union restated this position in response to a request
for information from members of the Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation, who were following up on
MM&P’s Oct. 17 testimony on the topic of maritime training and
the workforce.
During the Oct. 17 hearing and in follow-up correspondence,
Mike Rodriguez, Executive Assistant to MM&P International
President Tim Brown, urged the subcommittee to consider leg-
islation that would put an end to the criminalization of mariners
involved in unintentional acts, calling such an effort essential to
improving morale, along with employee retention rates.
MM&P supports the proposed International Maritime
Organization’s Standards and Recommended Practices for a
Safety Investigation Into a Marine Casualty, an international code
that would require seafarers be informed of their right to counsel
if and when investigating authorities begin gathering informa-
tion with an eye to possible criminal prosecution. The IMO code
also calls for safety investigation functions to be separated from
criminal prosecutions and other disciplinary actions. At the very
least, MM&P argues, seafarers involved in an accident must be
informed of the nature of the investigation and the possibility
that their testimony may be used against them. MM&P was rep-
resented at the IMO meetings by Pilot Membership Group Vice
President George Quick and Mike Rodriguez.
The U.S. delegation to the IMO supported the code until last
June, when, apparently under pressure from the Department of
Justice, the Coast Guard representative stated instead that the
United States had changed its position on the fair treatment code
and would now oppose it.
Washington State Governor Meets With MM&P Members
Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire met with officers
and members of MM&P’s Offshore and United Inland Groups,
and other representatives of labor organizations, at the Marine
Engineers’ Beneficial Association’s Seattle Hall on Nov. 1. Labor
representatives took the opportunity to thank Gregoire for her
strong support of America’s working families. (Left to right)
Katharine Sweeney, Pacific Ports Vice President Don Marcus,
Scott Braymer, United Inland Group Vice President Michael
Murray, Lee Andersen, Christine Gregoire, Heide Lamm, Jon
Binns and Marsha Morse. PHOTOS BY FRED AT GREGG NYE PHOTOGRAPHY
Patriot Contract Services has been awarded the contract to operate
the USNS Waters and the USNS Hayes starting in February 2008.
“This is a great step forward in helping to secure job opportunities
for our members as well as future prosperity for one of our most
loyal employers,” said MM&P Vice President Don Marcus, who
worked on the project with Agent Pacific Ports Dave Boatner.
Patriot Awarded Contract to Operate USNS Waters and USNS Hayes
Patriot is accepting resumes for officer positions on the Hayes
and Waters. Early identification of all officer crewing is vital
because a secret security clearance is required for all officers
prior to assignment to the ships. Please send your resume, includ-
ing most recent training, by e-mail to [email protected] or
by fax to (925) 296-2051.
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 3 - January - February 2008
Frank comes from a fish-
ing family in Gloucester,
Mass. After riding the rails
to California as a very young
man in the 1930s, he began his
career in the merchant marine
in 1939. During World War II,
he sailed on both the East and
West coasts, and saw much
hazardous duty. Frank is a
survivor of the PQ-17 convoy,
on the famous Murmansk,
Russia, run. He also survived
the invasion of Saipan. After
being restricted aboard a ship
at anchor in Iceland for 172
days during the war, Frank is
also an honorary member of
the FBI, the “Forgotten Bastards of Iceland.”
Frank joined MM&P in 1944, after receiving his license in
Alameda, Calif. He sailed as a tanker master for many years
before coming ashore to serve MM&P members in the San
Francisco hiring hall.
In addition to receiving an MM&P watch engraved with his
years of MM&P service, 1944-2007, Frank was presented with a
plaque that expresses the union’s profound gratitude for his many
years of service.
At a recent party in San Francisco, MM&P thanked Frank
Medeiros, who has retired from his job as port representative, for
his many years of exemplary service to the union. Always a wel-
coming presence in the San Francisco hiring hall, Frank helped
many MM&P members get their start in the industry.
Frank Medeiros, who retired recently from his part-time job as MM&P’s San
Francisco port representative, helped many MM&P members get their start in
the industry. At his retirement party are (left to right, standing) Richard Vohs,
Todd Campbell, Don Marcus, Ray Shipway, Eric Oscarsen and David Boatner;
and (left to right, seated) Mike Medeiros, Frank Medeiros, Sandy Candau and
Gus Gusillian.
MM&P has agreed to resolve, for over $5.2 million, a suit against
the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) in
favor of MM&P members employed by Westar Marine Towing
and Brusco Tug & Barge.
The settlement resolves claims that prevailing wage laws are
applicable to MM&P employees on public works projects con-
tracted by CALTRANS and that both companies failed to pay the
established prevailing wages on construction projects involving
bridges in the San Francisco Bay area.
The union has been pursuing the claims, which benefit
approximately 100 members, for several years, through
both administrative proceedings and court hearings against
CALTRANS, the California Department of Industrial Relations
and both maritime companies.
MM&P reasoned that the workers on vessels who bring
employees to work sites, as well as workers on barges transport-
ing materials needed for the construction projects, should be paid
under the laws applicable to construction workers on the projects.
The union won a decisive ruling in the California state courts
Captain Frank Medeiros, We Wish You Well!
Frank Medeiros holds the plaque that
he received from MM&P to mark
his retirement. “In appreciation of
outstanding service to MM&P,” the
inscription reads, “afloat and ashore,
in peace and war.”
Big Win for MM&P in Suit Involving Westar and Brusco about a year ago which paved the way for the lawsuit for wages.
MM&P United Inland Group (UIG) Vice President Mike
Murray seized the opportunity to commend Ray Shipway, UIG
San Francisco representative, for his contributions to resolving
the case. “His dedication and hard work, along with the expert
guidance received from MM&P International Counsel John
Singleton, were fundamental in achieving this victory for our
members,” Murray said.
Singleton worked with San Francisco law firm Leonard Carter
and its counsel, Emily Morton, to prosecute the claims. A private
Bay area attorney, Gary Goyette, also represented some members
on the wage collection portion of the litigation.
“Our greatest thanks to our attorneys Eleanor Morton
and Beth Ross for their amazing work,” Shipway said. He also
singled out for special recognition MM&P UIG members Jack
Hutchinson, Scott Adams, Zane Hogan and Dan Deforge.
“Without their help, patience and tenacity, the original writ,
forcing the court to address the issue of prevailing wage for all
our members, would not have happened,” Shipway said.
January - February 2008 - 4 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
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NEWS BRIEFS (CONTINUED)
Former DOT Secretary Mineta Calls for New Federal Maritime PolicyA new federal agency should be created to unify the responsibili-
ties for maritime industry promotion and oversight that are now
scattered among more than a dozen federal agencies, according
to Norman Mineta, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
In a recent speech to an audience of port industry executives
and investors, Mineta said that bringing together responsibilities
for maritime industry management, promotion and oversight
would allow the government to develop a comprehensive mari-
time policy and more efficiently raise money for maritime from
Congress. He argued that the government should transfer virtu-
ally all federal maritime programs to a new maritime authority,
including the responsibilities for aids to navigation from the
Coast Guard and the portion of the Army Corps of Engineers
that manages domestic ports and waterways.
He said the unification could embrace activities now overseen
by agencies that include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the Commerce Department and the Federal
Maritime Commission. Mineta said the new organization should
cover all maritime-related modes, such as inland rail, barge and
roadways, leading into and out of port facilities.
“The federal government must develop a legislative reau-
thorization process that puts maritime issues on the same level
of importance that surface and aviation assets currently have,”
he said. As long as port and waterway funding is relegated to
legislative channels such as the defense bill, he argued, it will
remain a stepchild of the overall system. Another suggestion:
that the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point be renamed
the National Maritime Academy and made into a federal service
institution along the lines of West Point.
To help ensure that the maritime industry receives its fair
share of infrastructure investments, Mineta also called on the
major industry players to create a national maritime association
to educate legislators and the public.
MM&P Continues Dialogue With U.S. Coast Guard Commandant In a letter to U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad W.
Allen, MM&P International President Tim Brown reiterated the
union’s willingness to work with the agency to address a number
of problems that have a negative effect on the working condi-
tions, recruitment and retention of American mariners.
Brown sent the letter as a follow-up to his Dec. 10 meeting
with Allen at USCG headquarters. Also present at the meeting
were MM&P Pilot Membership Group Vice President George
Quick and Mike Rodriguez, Executive Assistant to the MM&P
President, as well as members of Allen’s staff.
Ending the unjust criminalization of seafarers in the wake of
maritime accidents is fundamental to any effort to retain quali-
fied professional mariners, Brown wrote. The union is asking
the Coast Guard to undertake the multijurisdictional outreach
with other government bodies that could be necessary to ensure
seafarers are informed of their rights at the start of any investiga-
tion into a maritime accident and treated fairly at every step of
the process.
In the letter, Brown also restated MM&P’s opposition to the
USCG’s proposed medical evaluation NVIC, which calls for
mariners’ medical fitness to be vetted remotely from a centralized
location in West Virginia. The union says the proposal would
impose unnecessary additional burdens on seafarers, who would
be better served by the establishment of a network of USCG-
approved physicians.
Another issue that the Coast Guard has the power to rectify
involves the limits on access to shore leave that are now being
imposed by many U.S. terminals and port facilities. MM&P is
asking the Coast Guard to withhold approval of port security
plans that do not call for facilitation of access to ships and shore
by mariners, representatives of maritime labor, visitors to ships
and seafarers’ welfare organizations.
January 1 marked the start of a
far-reaching, ongoing campaign
to promote the MM&P Political
Contribution Fund (PCF). The
campaign was launched by MM&P
International President Tim Brown with a “Call to Action” in
the November-December issue of The Master, Mate & Pilot.
In his column, Brown called on each and every MM&P
member in all the union’s membership groups to support
our PCF. “The name of the game in D.C. is access,” he wrote,
“and getting in the door to make the case for the legislation
PCF Promotion Campaign Up and Running!we need and want. Unless we can do that, our arguments
will not be heard and our issues will get lost in the shuffle.
The best way to help elect those who support what we stand
for is to give to the MM&P Political Contribution Fund.”
The centerpieces of the PCF promotion campaign are
the new logo, pictured here, and the first of a series of post-
ers, which appears on the final page of this issue of The
Master, Mate & Pilot. Look, too, for changes on MM&P’s
website, www.bridgedeck.org, and in the halls.
The goal of the campaign is 100 percent participation. “I
support the MM&P PCF,” the poster reads. “How about you?”
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 5 - January - February 2008
MM&P Meets With Norwegian Union Reps
MM&P Director of Special
Projects Richard Plant
and Pacific Ports Vice
President Don Marcus met
with representatives of
the Norwegian Maritime
Deck Officers Union in
Oslo in November. Topics
of discussion included
the procedures for nego-
tiating a contract with the
Norwegian Shipowners
Association and SUEZ-
LNG and the part the
Norwegian Maritime
Unions would play. It is expected that negotiations for the partial
manning of up to nine SUEZ-LNG vessels will be completed by
mid- to late 2008. (Above, left to right) Richard Plant, Bernhard
Lie-Nielsen and Tore Gjestrum of the Norwegian Maritime Deck
Officers Union, and Don Marcus.
Three MM&P members were the focus of a
news story, “Horizon’s All-Woman Bridge,”
that was originally reported by papers in
Hawaii and received international expo-
sure after being picked up by Tradewinds.
The three are Captain Robin Espinosa,
Chief Mate Sam Pirtle and Second Mate
Julie Duchi, all of whom were sailing
aboard the Horizon Navigator. Espinosa,
who was interviewed by the Honolulu Star
Bulletin, commented that sailing as part of
an “all-woman bridge” was a first for the
three. The Star Bulletin says it may be a
first for any U.S.-flag ship.
MM&P Offshore member Andy
Merrill is featured in the December 2007
issue of Popular Mechanics. Merrill is
photographed on the bridge of Matson
Navigation’s MV Manulani as part of a col-
umn called “The World’s Coolest Jobs.”
The article, “This Is My Job: Merchant
Marine Captain,” reports that the $145 mil-
lion, 712-ft. vessel can carry 2600 20-ft.
containers. The ship has a 38,000-hp diesel
engine, which turns a 23.6 ft-diameter pro-
peller. On the round trip from Long Beach
to Shanghai, the vessel consumes about
500,000 gallons of fuel, the reporter says.
Three MM&P-crewed Military Sealift
Command vessels—USNS Grasp, T-AGS
ship Bruce Heezen and USNS Kanawha—
were featured in the December issue of
Military Sealift Command’s monthly mag-
azine, Sealift.
Oceanographic survey ship USNS
Heezen traveled to Vietnam in October to
familiarize staff at Vietnam’s weather and
hydrographic agencies with the U.S. Navy’s
oceanographic program and the capabili-
ties of hydrographic and oceanographic
survey vessels. Sealift reported that the
trip was the first time a Pathfinder-class
hydrographic and oceanographic survey
ship had ever visited Vietnam.
The officers and crew of USNS Kanawha
received kudos for heroism in rescuing 16
people from a North Korean-flagged ves-
sel in the Arabian Sea several months ago.
In the photo that accompanied the article,
MSC Commander Rear Adm. Robert D.
Reilly Jr. is shown congratulating Kanawha
Chief Mate Will McDermott, who accepted
an AOTOS award on behalf of the vessel’s
officers and crew.
USNS Grasp completed a massive envi-
ronmental clean-up operation in Italy last
fall, after the Navy decided to close its base
in La Maddalena, Sardinia. The goal of the
operation was to leave the harbor “in pris-
tine condition” after decades of Navy use,
according to the article. Grasp’s crew of 26
civilian mariners supported dive opera-
tions during the mission, in which the
ship’s 40-ton boom was used to lift heavy
debris.
MM&P Members in the News!
Students in MED-PIC ClassTake a Well-Earned Break
Participants in a summer session of the MITAGS Medical Person
in Charge (MED-PIC) class took a break from the intense,
hands-on class to attend an evening seminar on bridge resource
management. (Left to right) Dale Rodriguez, J.D. Schampera,
Colin Wright, Don Sacca, Eugene Phillips, and Kerry Phillips.
January - February 2008 - 6 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
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NEWS BRIEFS (CONTINUED)
Great Lakes Freighter Calumet Retires, Signaling End of an EraThe 603-foot Calumet, a Great Lakes freighter sailed for years by
members of MM&P’s Great Lakes & Rivers Group, is on her way
to the International Marine Salvage yard at the southern end of
the Welland Canal.
The Calumet entered service in 1929 as the flagship of U.S.
Steel Corp. It was originally named the Myron C. Taylor in honor
of a board member of U.S. Steel who would later go on to become
the company’s chairman and chief executive officer.
In 2001, Grand River Navigation bought the ship and
renamed it the Calumet. It carried limestone and hauled salt
from Cleveland’s Cargill mines for the next seven years until an
accident on Nov. 15. The Calumet had just dropped a load of
limestone at the Ontario Stone Company in Cleveland and was
pulling back into the harbor to turn around when a gust of wind
blew it into a concrete wall, splitting a side and ending the ship’s
long career a couple of months ahead of schedule.
MM&P Great Lakes Representative Charlie Malue nostalgi-
cally recalls the ship’s earlier days. “When the ship was sold some
years ago,” he said, “a lot of guys stayed on as regular crew. Even
though it was hard work, they liked it: they were used to the
routine. The ship had nice quarters, big rooms. And it was built
to last,” Malue says.
Of more than 300 American and Canadian freighters that
worked the Great Lakes from 1920 through 1960, fewer than 140
remain today.
News From MM&P’s Government Group
MM&P Government Membership Group representative Randi
Ciszewski paid a visit recently to the Norfolk Federal Pilots.
Among the topics discussed was the group’s collective bargain-
ing agreement. Here, Ciszewski chats with (left to right) Captain
Larry McCabe, Captain Bill Roberts, Captain Doug Scott and
Captain Moore.
LNG Training Standards Update
MM&P’s Richard Plant and Chester Urban, LNG instructor at
SUNY Maritime, Fort Schuyler, presented an overview of the
development of U.S. LNG training standards at the 9th SIGTTO
Pan American meeting in Houston on Nov. 7. SIGTTO is the
Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators.
Plant and Urban recently spearheaded development of the
LNG training standards in the United States. The standards,
which are in compliance with the 2005 SIGTTO Competency
Standards as well as in the IMO/STCW format, were developed
with guidance from representatives of all U.S. state, federal and
union schools.
At the conference, Plant and Urban also presented an over-
view of LNG training and simulation capabilities in America’s
maritime schools.
In 2007, Plant was instrumental in forging a letter of intent
between MM&P, SUEZ-LNG (Hoegh LNG, BW Gas and Mitsui
Orient Lines) and Massachusetts Maritime Academy for the
manning of up to nine LNG vessels.
Participants in the SIGTTO Pan American meeting. (Left to right) MM&P
Special Projects Director Richard Plant, Chester Urban of SUNY Maritime,
SIGTTO Director Bill Wayne, and Paul Steele, SIGTTO Technical Advisor.
Extra Point Per Day for Applicants on T-AGS Oceanographic VesselsMM&P is offering an extra point per day to applicants who work
on the T-AGS oceanographic vessels after Jan. 1. If you are inter-
ested, please contact MM&P Atlantic Ports Vice President Rich
May at [email protected] or 201-963-1900.
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 7 - January - February 2008
The issue of control of ships in an emergency was an important
one for mariners at the International Maritime Organization
(IMO) meetings in October. Incidents such as the sinking of the
Prestige and the appalling treatment to which the ship’s master
was subjected afterwards prompted the IMO member states to
draft guidelines that would establish the responsibilities of ship
masters, coastal states and salvors.
MM&P Pilot Membership Group Vice President George
Quick and Mike Rodriguez, Executive Assistant to MM&P
International President Tim Brown, represented the union at the
IMO meetings.
The draft guidelines that were considered at the Safety of
Navigation subcommittee meeting in July (NAV 53) were vague
as to who has the ultimate authority to make decisions to safe-
guard the lives of those on board a ship in an emergency. The
Master’s Judgment "Supreme" Under New IMO GuidelinesITF delegation, in which MM&P participated, was able to add
language to the guidelines that reserves for the ship master the
ultimate authority to protect the lives of those on board.
That language survived the most recent meeting of the IMO’s
Maritime Safety Committee meeting (MSC 83) in October. It is
now part of the general guidance included in IMO Circular 1251,
Guidelines on Control of Ships in an Emergency.
Paragraph 4.5 of the circular reads: “At no time should the
Master be prohibited from taking action which, in the Master’s
judgment, is required to protect the lives of crew and passengers
or others on board.”
One disappointing development related to this document was
that NAV 53 declined to add “hold harmless” language for salvors
who get involved in emergencies. This is a disincentive for sal-
vors to go out to ships in need of assistance.
USCG Issues Reminder That Ship Security Officers Must Carry Proof of QualificationsThe U.S. Coast Guard has released the following notice:
“The mandatory requirements for ship security officer (SSO)
contained in the STCW Convention will come into force Jan. 1,
2008. The requirements also provide transitional provisions that
can be applied until July 1, 2009. The United States intends to
continue our existing practice for SSO. We urge vessel owners
and operators who operate vessels on foreign trade to ensure that
SSOs carry proof of their qualifications. Examples of documents
that will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the STCW
Convention are: course completion certificate (in accordance
with the MTSA regulations and the ISPS Code; and/or in accor-
dance with the International Maritime Organization’s SSO model
courses) from a course provider; company letter/certificate attest-
ing to the qualifications (in accordance with the MTSA regula-
tions and ISPS Code).
“We have determined that our existing regulations, 33 CFR
104.215, are substantially equivalent to the STCW requirements.
To continue to meet our Convention responsibilities, we will seek
to amend 33 CFR 104.215 in order to include a license endorse-
ment provision and transitional provisions. Once the regula-
tions are published, all U.S. mariners will be required to carry an
endorsement on their license. Per the Convention requirements,
the cut-off date for obtaining the license endorsement using our
existing practice (transitional provisions) will be July 1, 2009. We
will inform Port State Control officials worldwide of this arrange-
ment. If you have any questions or comments on this arrange-
ment, please contact Mayte Medina at [email protected]
or (202) 372-1406.”
USCG Seeks to Answer Mariners’ QuestionsIn an effort to aid comprehension of the announcement reprinted
at left, the USCG has distributed a list of frequently asked ques-
tions, which are published below.
1. To whom do the Ship Security Officer (SSO) STCW require-
ments apply?
The STCW requirements for SSO are based on the application
requirements in the ISPS Code. The requirements will apply to
seafarers working on board seagoing vessels of 200 GRT/500 GT
and above and all seagoing passenger vessels.
2. Do the requirements apply to vessel security officers?
Yes. The term “SSO” is used by the International Maritime
Organization in various maritime conventions and codes. The
term “VSO” is interchangeable with the term "SSO".
3. How often should VSO training be renewed?
At present there are no domestic requirements imposing refresher
training for VSO.
4. Are the STCW requirements for VSO applicable to all offi-
cers or only to those persons serving as VSO?
The STCW requirements are only applicable to persons serving
as VSO.
5. When will the Coast Guard start issuing VSO
endorsements?
The Coast Guard will propose amendments to 33 CFR 104.215 in
order to include a provision for the issuance of an endorsement
to the STCW certificate. The endorsements will be issued follow-
ing the entry into force of these future regulatory amendments.
6. Where would the VSO endorsement be displayed?
Since the training requirements are part of the STCW
Convention, it is envisioned that the endorsement will be dis-
played on the STCW Certificate.
January - February 2008 - 8 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
laceholder
NEWS BRIEFS (CONTINUED)
Military Sealift Command Accepts Delivery of USNS Richard E. Byrd
Military Sealift Command (MSC) reports that it has accepted
delivery in San Diego of the dry cargo ammunition ship USNS
Richard E. Byrd. The T-AKE 4 vessel is the fourth in the Lewis
and Clark-class of underway replenishment ships which deliver
ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and
petroleum products to the Navy’s underway carrier and expedi-
tionary strike groups.
An official MSC press release quoted MM&P Government
Group member Robert Jaeger, Byrd’s civil service master. “One of
the really exciting things about the T-AKEs is their capability to
carry food, ammunition and fuel,” Jaeger says.
Later in January, the Byrd will go on a short “shakedown
cruise” during which the ship’s crew will test a range of shipboard
operations, including a mock ammunition transfer that will use
shipboard cranes to lift dummy ordnance from barges onto the
vessel’s deck.
The Byrd is expected to deploy on its first operational mission
this summer. The first ship of the class, USNS Lewis and Clark,
recently completed its deployment in the Persian Gulf. Lewis
and Clark was replaced in theater by the second ship of the class,
USNS Sacagawea.
Byrd has a crew of 124 civil service mariners working for MSC,
as well as a military detachment of 11 sailors who provide opera-
tional support and supply coordination.
The T-AKEs will replace aging, single-mission ships that are
nearing the end of their service lives.
Horizon Lines Retains Right to Apply Tonnage Tax in Puerto Rico TradeWith strong support from MM&P and MIRAID, Horizon Lines
has succeeded in its bid to retain the right to apply the tonnage
tax on its Puerto Rico trade. The news came at the last minute
before the congressional holiday recess, when legislators removed
language from the Technical Corrections Act that would have
foreclosed that option to Horizon Lines and other domestic car-
riers. In an official statement, Horizon Lines said it would now be
free to devote its attention to expanding and enhancing various
aspects of its U.S.-flag service, including the development of
short sea shipping initiatives along the coast.
MM&P’s Legal Team Called “Among Nation’s Best”MM&P International
Counsel John Singleton
and Associate Counsel
Gabriel Terrasa have
been listed among “the
superlawyers of 2008”
by Baltimore Magazine
and Law & Politics
Magazine. “The super-
lawyers” are chosen
based on nominations
from other lawyers
and judges, as well as
a review of periodicals
and court records, and
vetted by a peer review
panel. Only five per-
cent of lawyers in the
region are selected for
this honor. For 2008,
Singleton has also been
named one of “America’s
Best Lawyers.” In addi-
tion, this is the 20th
year in a row that he
has been rated tops
for skill and ethics by
Martindale and Hubbell,
and listed in their pub-
lication, “Pre-Eminent
Lawyers in America.” MM&P Associate Counsel Gabriel Terrasa
MM&P International Counsel
John Singleton
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 9 - January - February 2008
WASHINGTON OBSERVER
The first session of the
110th Congress was a year
of unprecedented activity
and progress on a number
of legislative priorities for
the Masters, Mates & Pilots
and the Maritime Institute
for Research and Industrial
Development (MIRAID).
From enactment of the first
major short sea shipping/marine highway initiative, to full fund-
ing of the Maritime Security Program (MSP), to a new focus
on maritime security, to advocating for our members’ rights
in the context of the Transportation Worker Identification
Credential (TWIC) and the Coast Guard’s Administrative Law
Judge system, 2007 was one of our most productive years.
Of course, the progress that we made on a number of leg-
islative issues is due largely to the aggressive leadership by
a number of new committee and subcommittee chairmen,
including (but certainly not limited to): Congressman James
Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee; Congressman Elijah Cummings
(D-Md.), chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Subcommittee; Congressman Bennie
Thompson (D-Miss.), chairman of the Homeland Security
Committee; Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), chairman of
the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation;
and Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), chairman of the Senate
Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure,
Safety and Security Subcommittee. Here is an overview of
our activities in Congress during the course of 2007.
Short Sea Shipping MM&P and MIRAID, working with the leadership of the House
Transportation Committee, led by Congressmen Jim Oberstar
and Elijah Cummings, successfully pushed the development of a
short sea shipping marine highway system as a means to protect
the environment and reduce America’s energy dependence. As
a result of these efforts, the omnibus energy legislation passed
by Congress and signed by President Bush on Dec. 19 contains
unprecedented incentives for the development of a short sea
shipping/marine highway system. The short sea shipping provi-
sions contained in the new statute would direct the Secretary of
Transportation to “establish a short sea transportation program
and designate short sea transportation projects to be conducted
under the program to mitigate landside congestion.” As part
of this program, the statute directs the Secretary to “designate
short sea transportation routes as extensions of surface trans-
portation systems to focus public and private efforts to use the
waterways to relieve landside congestion along coastal corridors.”
Under this initiative, a project may be designated as a “short
sea transportation project if the Secretary determines that the
project may offer a waterborne alternative to landside trans-
portation services using documented vessels and provide
transportation services for passengers or freight (or both)
that may reduce congestion on landside infrastructure using
documented vessels.” In addition, the Secretary is authorized
to “encourage State departments of transportation to develop
strategies, where appropriate, to incorporate short sea trans-
portation, ferries, and other marine transportation solutions
for regional and interstate transport of freight and passengers
in their transportation planning [and] to enter into memoran-
dums of understanding with the heads of other federal entities
to transport federally owned or generated cargo using a short
sea transportation project… when practical or available.”
Finally and most significantly, the statute gives American
companies the opportunity to use the money they had deposited
into a Capital Construction Fund (CCF) to build and rebuild
vessels in the United States for short sea shipping operations.
Prior to enactment of this bill, CCF money could only be used
to build vessels for the foreign trades, not the domestic trades.
The change further demonstrates the federal government’s
commitment to short sea shipping and, more importantly, gives
American shipping companies that have Capital Construction
Funds, such as Horizon Lines, the opportunity to use these
funds to build vessels for short sea shipping projects. It contin-
ues to be our position that only vessels owned, built and oper-
ated in the United States in full compliance with the Jones Act
should be eligible to operate in short sea shipping projects.
More work needs to be done in Congress to make develop-
ment of a short sea shipping industry a reality. Specifically, it is
essential that Congress act as soon as possible in 2008 to exempt
short sea shipping operations from the Harbor Maintenance
Tax (HMT). Under the current system, cargo moving by water
between American ports is taxed under the HMT at each
port. In contrast, cargo moving by rail or truck in domestic
commerce is taxed once. This system creates a significant
economic disincentive for cargo shippers to use commercial
2007 Ushers in New Level of Activity for MM&P, MIRAID
C. James Patti
January - February 2008 - 10 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
vessels. MM&P and MIRAID will continue to work closely with
Congressman Elijah Cummings in support of his legislation
(HR 1499) to rectify this situation and place waterborne cargo
on the same tax footing as cargo moving by rail and truck.
Maritime Security Program FundingThe omnibus legislation to fund federal programs in fiscal year
2008 that was passed by Congress and signed by the President
immediately prior to the Congressional Christmas recess con-
tains full funding for the Maritime Security Program (MSP). As
authorized by Congress, the program requires $156 million to
fully support the 60-ship MSP fleet in fiscal year 2008. This is
the amount contained in the funding bill and ensures that each
vessel participating in the Maritime Security Program will be
eligible to receive the $2.6 million that is necessary to help offset
the cost of doing business under the U.S.-flag resulting from
U.S.-government imposed rules, regulations and tax obligations.
The effort to secure full funding for the Maritime Security
Program for fiscal year 2008 was spearheaded by Sen. Patty
Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressman John Olver (D-Mass.),
chairpersons of the respective appropriations subcommittees
with jurisdiction over the Maritime Administration and the
Maritime Security Program. Working with us and others in our
industry, they made sure their colleagues knew that the U.S.-flag,
U.S.-crewed maritime security fleet has played a critical role in
support of America’s military and defense-related operations
throughout the world, including in Operation Iraqi Freedom
and the War on Terror. “It has become increasingly apparent that
fully funding and implementing the Maritime Security Program
is one of the best ways our nation has to truly support our troops
overseas,” said MM&P International President Tim Brown in
response to the action by Congress. “Without this program,
and without the U.S.-flag vessels and their U.S.-citizen crews,
American troops would be totally dependent on foreign-flag ves-
sels and foreign crews to bring them the supplies, equipment and
material they need, putting American troops at risk and threat-
ening their ability to protect and advance America’s interests.”
When Congress returns in early 2008, the effort to secure
full funding for the Maritime Security Program for fiscal year
2009 will begin. As in the past, MM&P and MIRAID will work
closely with others in our industry and with the supporters of
the MSP in Congress to make sure that this critically impor-
tant commercial sealift program receives the funds neces-
sary to guarantee operation of the maritime security fleet.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)Before last year, many of the concerns voiced by MM&P and the
rest of maritime labor regarding implementation of the TWIC
program had fallen largely on deaf ears. But when Congressman
Elijah Cummings took over the House Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, the situation changed.
Cummings made clear from the beginning of the 110th Congress
that he and Ranking Member Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio) and
their colleagues on the subcommittee were all concerned about
the impact of the TWIC program on recruitment and reten-
tion of mariners, as well as on the efficient flow of commerce.
MM&P, the International Longshoremen’s Association, the
International Longshore and Warehouse Union, the AFL-CIO
Transportation Trades Department and the other seafaring
unions have consistently advocated that the TWIC program be
amended to preempt all other state, local and private identifica-
tion card requirements, and to make clear that once an individual
has been issued a TWIC, no other maritime-related access
control requirements apply. If instead the program is allowed to
go forward as it is now structured, state, local and private entities
will be able to demand that America’s maritime workforce obtain
multiple maritime port and vessel access credentials and force
our nation’s U.S.-citizen maritime workforce to file numerous
applications, undergo repetitive, time-consuming background
checks, and pay all the fees associated with possibly dozens
of identification credentials. If this situation is not corrected,
the system as a whole will become a burdensome and costly
administrative impediment to the efficient flow of commerce.
When Congress returns in 2008, it is expected that one
of the first items to be considered will be the so-called
Coast Guard Authorizations bill. This legislation can
serve as a vehicle for an amendment to mandate that the
federal TWIC program preempts all others. We will be
working closely with our allies in Congress and our col-
leagues in the maritime industry to achieve this goal.
There are, of course, a number of other legislative issues
that we will continue to pursue when Congress returns. We
are, for example, supporting a proposal to have Congress
transfer the Coast Guard’s Administrative Law Judge sys-
tem to the National Transportation Safety Board. The
ALJ system, as it is now organized, does not present the
appearance of fairness and impartiality. We are work-
ing to have legislation to require this transfer considered
by the House of Representatives and the Senate in 2008.
We are also continuing our fight to enact the so-called
Belated Thank-You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II
Act of 2007. Significantly, the House of Representatives passed
its version of this legislation (HR 23) in July 2007 and the
Senate bill, S 961, has attracted 57 cosponsors. We will con-
tinue to work with Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), sponsor of the
Senate legislation, to ensure this bill is considered in 2008.
WASHINGTON OBSERVER cont...
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 11 - January - February 2008
NEWS FROM HEADQUARTERS
In the November-December
issue of The Master, Mate &
Pilot, I reported on MM&P’s
testimony at an Oct. 17 hearing
before the House Subcommittee
on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation. The subject of
the hearing was maritime train-
ing and the workforce.
Our testimony covered a number of issues, including the Coast
Guard’s medical policy and fatigue, but the issue that received the
most attention from the members of the subcommittee was the
criminalization of the unintentional acts of mariners. In this issue
of the magazine, I thought it would be beneficial to talk a little
about the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) work on
criminalization. I will also present some guidance on mariners’
rights during an investigation.
Let me be clear. MM&P does not seek protection of anyone
who willfully commits an act that is clearly criminal. An individual
who willfully discharges oil into the water or operates outside the
customary standards of care should be held fully accountable. But
the rights of individuals and the fair treatment of mariners during
casualty investigations are just as important as discovering the
cause of an accident or prosecuting a person who is guilty of a
criminal offense.
Some Historical ContextFor decades, a number of international conventions have required
flag states to conduct investigations into marine casualties. Since
1948, the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), the most
important treaty regulating the safety of merchant ships, has
required IMO member states to conduct accident investigations.
Over the years, the multinational character of shipping has led
to conflicts between flag states, port states, and coastal states with
respect to accident investigations and the fair treatment of mari-
ners. These conflicts arise from flag states’ responsibility to regulate
and monitor the operation of the vessels on their registers, port
states’ authority to monitor and enforce compliance with inter-
national and national laws, and coastal states’ rights to investigate
accidents within their territorial waters. Mariners aboard ships in
international trade may therefore be subjected to multiple conflict-
ing legal systems following accidents.
Recently, the international maritime community, alarmed by
the criminalization and imprisonment of mariners after accidents
and concerned over the effect this was having on the recruitment
and retention of officers, has sought to implement a uniform stan-
dard for the fair treatment of seafarers. The IMO has recognized
that fair treatment of mariners begins with the procedures used
during an accident investigation and that since mariners are sub-
ject to conflicting legal systems, they require special protections.
In response to the increasing frequency with which criminal
action is being taken against seafarers following maritime acci-
dents, the IMO and the International Labor Organization (ILO),
the United Nations organization responsible for international
labor standards, convened a joint IMO/ILO Ad Hoc Expert
Working Group on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event
of a Maritime Accident. The guidelines the group developed
were adopted by resolution of the IMO Assembly and the ILO
Governing Body, with an effective date of July 1, 2006.
The IMO/ILO guidelines will become mandatory upon being
incorporated into an international convention. The IMO approved
the Code of the International Standards and Recommended
Practices for a Safety Investigation into a Marine Casualty or
Marine Incident (the code) at the 83rd session of the Maritime
Safety Committee (MSC 83) held in October 2007. This code will
become part of SOLAS, and therefore mandatory, when MSC
meets again in May of this year.
U.S. Opposition to the Code
The U.S. delegation to the IMO, headed by the Coast Guard,
opposed the code at MSC 83, apparently under pressure from
the Department of Justice. As the reason for its opposition, the
United States advanced the contention that the code would create
individual legal rights and legal process requirements that were
contrary to U.S. law. Chapter 12.2 of the code provides:
“a Seafarer from whom evidence is sought shall be informed, and
allowed access to legal advice, regarding:
(a) any potential risk that they may incriminate themselves in any
proceedings subsequent to the Marine Safety Investigation;
(b) any right not to self-incriminate or to remain silent;
(c) any protections afforded to the Seafarer to prevent the evi-
dence being used against them if they provide the evidence to
the Marine Safety Investigation.”
Despite the U.S. delegation’s stated reasons for opposition to the
Code, U.S. law does provide mariners with the right to be repre-
sented by counsel during an investigation (46 USC §6303, Rights
of Parties in Interest). The problem is that mariners are generally
unaware of this, while Coast Guard investigators often take the
position that U.S. law does not oblige them to inform mariners of
their rights before an investigation begins. In fact, the provision
in the code that the seafarer " … shall be informed, and allowed
access to legal advice …” is a major point of contention between
the U.S. delegation to the IMO and the international maritime
community.
The Nature of Investigations
The code provides that:
“All Seafarers from whom evidence is sought must be informed of
the nature and basis of the Marine Safety Investigation.”
Unfortunately, the U.S. law that authorizes USCG investigations
(46 USC §6301, Investigation of Marine Casualties) makes no dis-
Mariners’ Rights: CriminalizationMike Rodriguez
January - February 2008 - 12 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
placeholder for color bar
tinction between a safety investigation and a criminal investigation.
For this reason, without the benefit of a Miranda-type warning,
what begins as a safety investigation aimed at determining the
cause of an accident can quickly become a criminal investigation
that subjects the mariner to fines or imprisonment.
Furthermore, 6301 is punitive in nature and presupposes mis-
conduct or criminal conduct by mariners involved in an accident.
The law encourages Coast Guard investigators to be biased and
prosecutorial. In the United States, for this reason, marine safety
investigations are not conducted in the same way that they are in
other nations. In the United States, the information given dur-
ing an accident investigation is not insulated from a criminal
proceeding. This is why, at the time of this writing, the crew of
the Cosco Busan refuses to talk to National Transportation Safety
Board investigators about the causes of the Nov. 7 accident in San
Francisco.
The code addresses this problem. It expresses the generally held
international view that the purpose of a marine safety investiga-
tion is the prevention of future accidents through lessons learned.
Accident investigations should be separate from, and independent
of, any other investigation. Chapter 16 of the code emphasizes
these principles:
“… a Marine Safety investigation should have functional indepen-
dence from
(a) the parties involved in the Marine Casualty or Marine
Incident;
(b) anyone who may make a decision to take administrative or
disciplinary action against an individual or organization
involved in a Marine Casualty or Marine Incident; and
(c) judicial proceedings.”
The U.S. delegation to IMO contends that investigations would
be impeded if the investigators were required to reveal the nature
of the investigation they were carrying out. This position was over-
whelmingly rejected by the member nations of the IMO. Under
international law, the contracting parties to conventions have a
treaty obligation to conform their national laws to the interna-
tional standards set forth in the convention.
So the U.S. delegation had it backwards in that it demanded that
international standards be instead aligned with U.S. laws.
MM&P’s Proposals
MM&P has proposed that Congress give consideration to:
1. amending U.S. law to provide that parties in interest in
marine accident investigations must be informed of their
right to counsel prior to being interrogated;
2. separating marine safety investigation functions from
administrative and disciplinary functions, as well as from
criminal prosecutions. Alternatively, consideration should be
given to a statutory requirement that mariners be informed
of the nature of the marine casualty investigation and the fact
that their testimony may be used against them.
Guidance for Mariners Subject to Investigation
Certainly, the consequences of a maritime casualty can be grave
and far-reaching. Besides the potential for lost and damaged
careers, there may be serious environmental damage, serious inju-
ries, and loss of life. Since mariners involved in an accident may be
emotionally vulnerable, they may not evaluate the situation and its
possible consequences in a rational way.
The first concern following an accident is to make certain that
passengers, crew, and the vessel are safe from further harm. The
company should provide instructions on what actions to take at
this point. However mariners should also always keep in mind the
following.
1. Right to an attorney: Mariners always have the right to legal
counsel and to decline to answer questions no matter how
aggressive or threatening an official may be. An individual
mariner may not in fact have all the information relevant
to the accident. What happened aboard the other ship? Did
equipment malfunction? Was a buoy off station?
2. Identify officials: The Coast Guard may not be the only
agency investigating an accident. For example, officials from
other federal agencies, and state or local offices, may board
the vessel. Mariners have the right to ask each person who
comes aboard to identify themselves. Mariners should keep a
record of names and affiliations.
3. Keep detailed notes: Officials may ask questions or search the
ship. Mariners have the right to take detailed notes, record
questions and answers, and videotape searches if possible.
The blame culture that drives the United States and other gov-
ernments to criminalize mariners is detrimental to our industry
and to safety. Seasoned officers, in the driver’s seat due to world-
wide shortages, are declining assignments to ships trading to
the United States. The dissemination throughout the industry of
lessons learned from marine casualties is compromised by the fact
that crews rightly fear prosecution if they cooperate with safety
investigators. Talented people are giving up their careers, while
others decline promotions.
The United States needs to get on board with the international
maritime community and abandon the notion that stepping on
the rights of mariners during investigations will improve maritime
safety. The effect is quite the opposite.
The IMO’s Code of the International Standards and
Recommended Practices for a Safety Investigation into a Marine
Casualty or Marine Incident, 46 USC §6301, Marine Casualty
Investigations, and 46 USC §6303, Rights of Parties in Interest, are
available on the MM&P web site: www.bridgedeck.org.
For more information about this article, please contact Mike
Rodriguez, Executive Assistant to the International President, at
(410) 850-8700 ext. 23 or [email protected].
NEWS FROM HEADQUARTERS cont...
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 13 - January - February 2008
Masters, Mates & Pilots PlansAdministrator’s Column
Patrick McCullough
As this is my first column of
2008, I would like to review
with you some items of interest
to participants in the MM&P
Plans.
Health & Benefit Plan
Vision Care Benefit
Effective Jan. 1, a new two-year
optical benefit cycle started for
all covered Plan participants
and dependents. Each covered eligible individual is entitled to a
$360 optical benefit over the next two years. The benefit covers
eye exams, glasses and contact lenses.
The Plan’s participating optical provider is now called
“EyeMed,” since EyeMed recently acquired our previous provider,
Cole Vision. Under our agreement with EyeMed, the Plan has
access to a larger network of providers, including Sears, JC Penny,
Target and Pearle Vision. You will still have the option of going to
an eye doctor or optician of your choice. If, however, you go to a
participating EyeMed provider and stay within contract allow-
ances, you may pay nothing out of pocket and EyeMed will bill
the Plan directly. For more information, please visit EyeMed’s
web site: www.eyemedvision.com.
Prescription Benefit
The MM&P Plans’ prescription benefit manager, PharmaCare,
has changed its name to Caremark. (If you recently called our
prescription benefit manager, you may have noticed that the rep-
resentatives now identify themselves as employees of Caremark.)
Please keep in mind that you can continue to use your current
Health & Benefit Plan identification card. All phone numbers
remain the same, as does the web address: www.pharmacare.
com/members.
Medicare Part D Program
For 2008, the Plan’s Prescription Drug Program is comparable
to the coverage offered by the Medicare Part D Program, as has
been the case since 2006 (the year in which the Medicare Part
D Program took effect). In early October 2007, you received the
required annual notice explaining that the Plan’s prescription
drug coverage is “creditable” (except in the case of Columbia
Northwest Group retirees, as described below). In other words,
Medicare-eligible Offshore pensioners do not need to opt for the
Medicare Part D Program and, if for any reason they dropped
coverage with the MM&P Health & Benefit Plan in the future,
they would be able to apply for Medicare Part D coverage
without any penalty. To opt out of the Medicare Part D Program,
Offshore pensioners do not have to take any specific action.
Because the MM&P Health & Benefit Plan provides “credit-
able coverage,” the Plan can receive a subsidy for a percentage
of the prescription drug costs incurred by Medicare-eligible
Offshore pensioners. To obtain the subsidy, each year, the Plan
files an application with the Center for Medicare Services (CMS).
In 2006, the Plan received approximately $1,013,000 in subsidy
money to help defray the costs of providing this benefit to the
Plan’s retirees. The Plan receives subsidies for about 28 percent
of what it spends on retirees’ prescription drugs, as long as the
retiree does not sign up for Medicare Part D. If an Offshore pen-
sioner or dependent does sign up for Medicare Part D, the Plan
is not allowed to receive the subsidy for that retiree or dependent,
even if he/she continues to use the Plan’s prescription drug ben-
efit coverage. In connection with the 2007 subsidy application,
the Plan has submitted to CMS the required cost data for the first
six months of 2007 and has received a subsidy of $535,224.68 for
this period. The Plan Office is working with our prescription
benefit manager (PharmaCare/CVS Caremark) and will soon
report retirees’ prescription drug costs for the final six months of
2007. We will keep you posted regarding the total subsidy that the
Plan receives for 2007. The Plan has also been approved to file an
application for the 2008 Plan year.
An important exception involves retirees and dependents
in the Columbia Northwest Group; for them, the prescription
drug coverage is “non-creditable.” For this reason, the Plan is not
eligible to receive a subsidy to offset the prescription drug costs
of members of that group. These pensioners have been informed
that they should enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug
plan.
IRAP and Pension PlanThe Pension Protection Act of 2006 takes effect in 2008. The
Plan's Trustees, the Plan's Office staff, Fund General Counsel and
the Plan's Actuary and Consultant have been meeting and work-
ing together to review the law’s requirements and make decisions
on how the Plan will implement this new law going forward.
Internal Revenue Service Limitations for 2008
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has published the fol-
lowing dollar limitations for 2008. Please remember that the
defined benefit plan limits listed apply only to participants in
the Offshore Pension Plan and the 401(k) limits apply only to
members whose Collective Bargaining Agreements allow for
IRAP/401(k) Plan participation.
January - February 2008 - 14 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
IRS LIMITATION CHANGES FOR 2008
2007 2008
Maximum Annual 415 Payout at Age 62
From a Defined Benefit Plan$180,000 $185,000
Maximum Annual Contribution to an
Individual’s Defined Contribution Account
Under 415(c)
$45,000 $46,000
Maximum Elective 401(k) Deferral $15,500 $15,500*
401(k) Catch-Up Limit for Individuals Age
50 and Older$5,000 $5,000
Maximum Amount of Annual
Compensation That Can Be Taken Into
Account for Determining Benefits or
Contributions Under a Qualified Plan
$225,000 $230,000
Wage base:
a) for Social Security Tax
b) for Medicare
$97,500
No Limit
$102,000
No Limit
* No increase for 2008 because the increase in the Cost of
Living is insufficient to meet the minimum threshold for such an
increase.
Plan Amendments
At the September 2007 Board of Trustees’ meetings, the Trustees
agreed in principle to the following Plan amendments and autho-
rized the Chairman and Secretary to approve these amendments
after they were drafted by Fund General Counsel.
AMENDMENT NO. 105 TO THE M.M.& P. HEALTH & BENEFIT PLAN RULES AND REGULATIONS
Article IV (Benefit Provisions), Part C (Comprehensive
Annual Physical Examination, Immunization and MSC Pre-
Employment Physical Examination) is amended by adding the
following new sentence after the first sentence in the first para-
graph to read as follows:
“Effective for charges incurred on or after January
1, 2007, Covered Individuals who receive an Annual
Physical Examination shall be eligible to receive a
reimbursement of up to $1250 per family per year.”
AMENDMENT NO. 7 TO THE M.M.& P. INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
PLAN SECOND RESTATED REGULATIONS
1) Article I (Definitions) of the 401(k) Arrangement, Section 1.18
(Retires) shall be amended by adding the following sentence at
the end of that Section to read as follows:
“Effective October 1, 2007, a participant shall be
treated as retired under the first sentence hereof even
though he is employed afloat in the Maritime Industry,
provided that (a) such employment is not Covered
Employment and (b) if he has not yet attained age
59-1/2 he has had a bona fide severance from employ-
ment of not less than 90 days from all Employers.”
2) Article I (Definitions) of the 401(k) Arrangement, Section 1.24
(Termination of Employment) shall be amended by adding
the following sentence at the end of that section to read as
follows:
“Effective October 1, 2007, a Participant shall be treated
as having a termination of employment under the first
sentence hereof even though he is employed afloat in
the Maritime Industry, provided that (a) such employ-
ment is not Covered Employment and (b) if he has not
yet attained age 59-1/2, he has had a bona fide sever-
ance from employment of not less than 90 days from
all Employers.”
3) Article IV (Benefit Payments) of the 401(k) Arrangement,
Section 4.5 (Benefits Upon Separation) shall be amended by
adding the following sentence at the end of that Section to
read as follows:
“Effective October 1, 2007, a Participant shall be treated
as having a complete and permanent termination
from employment under the first sentence hereof even
though he is employed afloat in the Maritime Industry,
provided that (a) such employment is not Covered
Employment and (b) if he has not yet attained age
59-1/2, he has had a bona fide severance from employ-
ment of not less than 90 days from all Employers.”
4) Article IV (Benefit Payments) of the 401(k) Arrangement,
Section 4.7(a) (Benefit Payments) shall be amended by adding
the following sentence at the end of that subsection to read as
follows:
“Effective October 1, 2007, a Participant shall be treated
as having a complete and permanent termination
from employment under the first sentence hereof even
though he is employed afloat in the Maritime Industry,
provided that (a) such employment is not Covered
Employment and (b) if he has not yet attained age
59-1/2, he has had a bona fide severance from employ-
ment of not less than 90 days from all Employers.”
Masters, Mates & Pilots Plans cont...
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 15 - January - February 2008
Pensioners Donald P. Cocozza, shipping out of New York/New
Jersey. He last sailed for Horizon Lines as master of the
Horizon Producer.
Robert Noel Ethier, shipping out of Jacksonville. He
last sailed for Maersk Lines Limited as chief mate on the
Sealand Quality.
Paul A. Goodhue, shipping out of East Coast ports.
He last sailed for Maersk Lines Limited as second mate on
the Sealand Atlantic.
Jon F. Harrison, shipping out of
Los Angeles/Long Beach. He last
sailed for APL Marine as master of
the APL China.
Lawrence J. Hines, shipping out of Los Angeles/Long
Beach. He last sailed for Maersk Lines Limited as third
mate on the Sealand Lightning.
Michael F. Lee, shipping out of Los Angeles/Long
Beach. He last sailed for Matson Navigation Company as
second mate on the Mahi Mahi.
Thomas H. Lewis, shipping out of Houston. He last
sailed for Marine Transport Lines and Crowley as third
mate on the Philadelphia Express.
Steve T. Lohman, shipping out of West Coast ports.
He last sailed for Matson Navigation Company as chief
mate on the Maunawili.
Richard S. Klein, shipping out of Seattle. He last
sailed for Horizon Lines as master of the Horizon Spirit.
George P. MacDonough, shipping out of Houston. He last
sailed for Horizon Lines as second
mate on the Horizon Crusader.
Kenneth R. Nelson, shipping out of New York/New
Jersey. He last sailed for E-Ships as master of the Maersk
Vermont.
Bruno P. Ravalico, shipping out of New York/New
Jersey. He last sailed as master of the Argonaut.
Kevin L. Watson, shippping out of Honolulu. He last
sailed for Matson Navigation Company as chief mate on
the Lihue.
Edward F. White, Jr., shipping out of the Gulf. He last
sailed for Lykes Brothers as third mate on the Almeria
Lykes.
SCHOLARSHIPS 2007-2008
Courtney L. Becker, daughter of
Offshore member Robert Becker, is
majoring in biology at Duquesne
University, an honors college in
Pittsburgh. She plans to enter the field
of medicine. As a high school fresh-
man, she sailed with her father on his
ship, the Sealand Endurance, from
Long Beach to Oakland.
Rebecca Erving, daughter of Offshore
member Eric Erving, graduated with
honors from the Tilton School. While
attending the school, she was a com-
munity service leader who worked
with Alzheimer’s patients and the
elderly, was the newspaper’s editor-
and-chief and student leader of the
drama program. She received the Community Service Honor
Award, the Jason W. Perkins Foreign Language award and
the United Methodist Foundation Scholar Award. She is
attending St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., where
she majors in languages and international relations. She says,
“I have always admired my dad’s dedication to his work. In
my own life, I am trying to adopt his work ethic, persever-
ance and drive to succeed in all that he does. I would like to
express my deepest gratitude to MM&P members, officials
and staff for this wonderful award.”
Elizabeth Hewitt, daughter of Steven
Hewitt, is attending University of Saint
Andrews, where she majors in interna-
tional relations and Middle East studies.
In high school, she was co-president of
the student government, a member of
the National Honors Society and the
school’s correspondent for the local
community newspaper. She was an auditioning member of
the National Piano Guild for 14 years. She says, “A benefit of
having a father who spent half the year traveling for his work
are his many stories: venturing around the Cape of Good
Hope, photographing the snake charmer in India and bird-
watching in the Panama Canal. My father’s work inspired me
to pursue a field involving other cultures.”
Brittany Marsh, daughter of Daniel
Marsh, graduated from Stonebridge
School, where she was a member of the
National Honors Society. She partici-
pated in student government, was an
active Key Club member and played on
the varsity basketball team. Growing
up, she says, “My dad always told me I could be anything I
wanted to be, and he has shown me through his own career
that people are happiest doing what they love.”She is fol-
lowing her dream to be in fashion and is now attending the
Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she
majors in textile development and marketing.
Juliet McDonnell, daughter
of John McDonnell, is double
majoring in communications
and a liberal arts honors pro-
gram at the University of Texas
at Austin. She graduated in the
top 7 percent of her high school
class, was a member of the dance team, an avid horseback
rider and an honors band clarinetist. She says, “My father
always emphasized the importance of our family dinner
every evening. I can’t thank my parents enough for all their
guidance.”
Matthew C. Smith, son of Richard D.
Smith, majors in chemical engineering
at the University of Florida. He gradu-
ated from Allen D. Nease High School
in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and served
in the Navy Junior ROTC unit. He ran
cross country and track, in addition to
earning 30 semester hours of college
credit through the AP program. In the process of attaining
the rank of Eagle Scout, he led members of Boy Scout Troop
288 in a beautification project of the USS Starke Memorial
at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. He says “I would like to thank
American merchant mariners for serving a crucial role in our
country’s national security and economy.”
January - February 2008 - 16 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
Each year, the MM&P Health and Benefit Plan awards scholarships to six dependents of members of the
Offshore Group who have distinguished themselves in academics and extracurricular activities, including
community service. As long as the students continue to meet the eligibility requirements, the scholarships are
renewable for four years of college study. For more information, contact the MM&P Health & Benefit Plan at
410-850-8500. Congratulations and best wishes to the 2007-2008 scholarship winners.
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 17 - January - February 2008
International Headquarters
700 Maritime Blvd., Suite B
Linthicum Heights,
MD 21090-1953
Phone: 410-850-8700
Fax: 410-850-0973
www.bridgedeck.org
International Officers
Timothy A. Brown PresidentExt. 17
Glen P. Banks Secretary-TreasurerExt. 21
Executive Offices
George Quick Vice PresidentPilot Membership GroupExt. 20
Mike Rodriguez Executive Assistant
to the President
Ext. 23
Richard Plant Director of Special Projects
Ext. 36
Audrey Scharmann Executive Secretary
Ext. 17
Diane Chatham Executive Secretary
Ext. 21
Legal Department
John Singleton International Counsel
Ext. 19
Gabriel Terrasa Associate Counsel
Ext. 45
Communications
Lisa Rosenthal Communications Director
Ext. 27
communications@
bridgedeck.org
Accounting
John Gorman International Comptroller
Ext. 12
Government Employees’
Membership Group
Randi Ciszewski Representative
37 Edward Hart Dr.
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Phone: 732-527-0828
Fax: 201-433-7959
David H. Boatner West Coast Contact
Los Angeles/Long Beach
533 N. Marine Ave.
Wilmington, CA 90744-5527
Phone: 310-834-7201
Fax: 310-834-6667
Randi Ciszewski U.S. Navy Civil Service
Pilots Representative
37 Edward Hart Dr.
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Phone: (201) 433-7700
Fax: 201-433-7959
Offshore Membership Group
Rich May Vice President-Atlantic Ports
Bob Groh Vice President-Gulf Ports
Don Marcus Vice President-Pacific Ports
Boston
Dan Cartmill Dan Goggin Representatives
Harbour Pointe East
80 Everett Ave. – Suite 211
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-884-8680
Fax: 617-884-8438
Charleston
Elise Silvers Representative
1529 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.
1st Floor
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 843-766-3565
Fax: 843-766-6352
Honolulu
Randy Swindell Representative
707 Alakea St. - No. 212
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-523-8183
Fax: 808-538-3672
Houston
Wayne Farthing Agent-Gulf Ports
Nell Wilkerson Representative
8150 S. Loop E. - Suite 207
Houston, TX 77017
Phone: 713-649-8812
Fax: 713-649-6101
Jacksonville
Liz Pettit Representative
349 E. 20th St.
Jacksonville, FL 32206
Phone: 904-356-0041
Fax: 904-353-7413
Los Angeles/Long Beach
David H. Boatner Agent-Pacific Ports
Bernadette Hertel Representative
533 N. Marine Ave.
Wilmington, CA 90744-5527
Phone: 310-834-7201
Fax: 310-834-6667
Miami/Port Everglades
Bob Groh Vice President-GulfAndrea Fortin Dave Goff Representatives
540 East McNab Rd., Suite B
Pompano Beach, FL
33060-9354
Phone: 954-946-7883
Fax: 954-946-8283
New Orleans
Sue Bourcq Representative
3330 West Esplanade, Ste 209
Metairie, LA 70002-3454
Phone: 504-837-5700
Fax: 504-834-1815
Directory of MM&P Offices
January - February 2008 - 18 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
New York/New Jersey
Richard May Vice President-Atlantic26 Journal Square, Ste 1502
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201-963-1900
Fax: 201-963-5403
Assistant Port Agent
201-963-1918
Norfolk, Va.
Patricia Powell Representative
1058 West 39th St.
Norfolk, VA 23508
Phone: 757-489-7406
Fax: 757-489-1715
San Francisco
Sandy Candau Representative
450 Harrison St. - Room 209
San Francisco, CA 94105-2691
Phone: 415-777-5074
Fax: 415-777-0209
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Eduardo Iglesias Representative
Miramar Plaza Center
Suite 305
954 Ponce de Leon Ave.
Santurce, PR 00907
Phone: 787-724-3600
Fax: 787-723-4494
Hours: Monday-Friday
9:00am – 1:30pm ET
Seattle
Don Marcus Vice President-PacificKathleen O. Moran Representative
15208 52nd Ave. South
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98188
Phone: 206-441-8700
Fax: 206-448-8829
Tampa
Laura Cenkovich Representative
202 S. 22nd St., Suite 205
Tampa, FL 33605-6308
Phone: 813-247-2164
Fax: 813-248-1592
Pilot Membership Group
George A. Quick Vice President3400 N. Furnace Rd.
Jarrettsville, MD 21084
Phone: 410-557-8757
Fax: 410-557-7082
East Coast
Regional Representative
Timothy J. Ferrie201 Edgewater St.
Staten Island, NY 10305
Phone: 718-448-3900
Fax: 718-447-1582
Gulf Coast
Regional Representative
Richard D. Moore8150 S. Loop E.
Houston, TX 77017
Phone: 713-645-9620
West Coast
Regional Representative
Kip CarlsonPier 9, East End
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415-362-5436
Alaska Marine Pilots
Stephan Moreno President
P.O. Box 920226
Dutch Harbor, AK 99692
Phone: 907-581-1240
Fax: 907-581-1372
Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots
Jim DooleyP.O. Box 2767
Corpus Christi, TX 78403
Phone: 361-884-5899
Fax: 361-884-1659
Associated Branch Pilots
Mike Lorino Jr.3813 N.Causeway Blvd.
Suite 100
Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: 504-831-6615
Association of Maryland Pilots
Eric Nielsen President
3720 Dillon St.
Baltimore, MD 21224
Phone: 410-276-1337
Fax: 410-276-1364
Biscayne Bay Pilots
Captain Michael McDonnellChairman
2911 Port Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
Phone: 305-374-2791
Fax: 305-374-2375
Boston Pilots
Greg Farmer256 Marginal Street, Bldg 11
East Boston, MA 02128
Phone: 617-569-4500
Fax: 617-564-4502
Boat: 617-569-4503
Canaveral Pilots
David P. Callan David A. Richard Co-Chairmen
Box 816
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Phone: 321-783-4645
Caribbean Harbor Pilots
P.O. Box 34336
Ponce, PR 00734-4336
Phone: 787-848-7180
Charleston Branch Pilots
Whit Smith6 Concord St.
P.O. Box 179
Charleston, SC 29402
Phone: 843-577-6695
Fax: 843-577-0632
Columbia Bar Pilots
John TorjusenP.O. Box 87
Astoria, OR 97103
Phone: 503-325-2641
Columbia River Pilots
Alan J. Widme Branch Agent
13225 N. Lombard
Portland, OR 97203
Phone: 503-289-9922
Coos Bay Pilots
Steven H. Sweet President
686 North Front St.
Coos Bay, OR 97420-2331
Phone: 541-267-6555
Fax: 541-267-5256
Crescent River Port Pilots
Allen J. “A.J.” Gibbs President
8712 Highway 23
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: 504-392-8001
Fax: 504-392-5014
Galveston-Texas City Pilots
John Halvorsen1301 Pelican Island #1
Galveston, TX 77552
Phone: 409-740-3347
Fax: 409-740-3393
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 19 - January - February 2008
Hawaii Pilots Association
Steve Baker President
Pier 19-Honolulu Harbor
P.O. Box 721
Honolulu, HI 96808
Phone: 808-532-7233
Fax: 808-532-7229
Houston Pilots
Robert L. ThompsonPresiding Officer
8150 S. Loop E.
Houston, TX 77017
Phone: 713-645-9620
Humboldt Bar Pilots
John Powell 707-443-3878
Timothy Petrusha 707-443-5365
P.O. Box 3555
Eureka, CA 95502-3555
Key West Bar Pilots Association
Michael McGrawP.O. Box 848
Key West, FL 33041
Phone: 305-296-5512
Fax: 305-296-1388
Lake Charles Pilots
Michael Miller President
4902 Ihles Rd.
Lake Charles, LA 70665
Phone: 337-436-0372
Fax: 337-474-4573
www.lakecharlespilots.com
Mobile Bar Pilots
David W. Wittendorfer President
P.O. Box 831
Mobile, AL 36601
Phone: 251-432-2639
Fax: 251-432-9964
New Orleans-Baton Rouge
Steamship Pilots
William O. Watson IIIChris Rieder401 North New Hampshire St.
Covington, LA 70433
Phone: 985-867-5332
Fax: 504-832-1932
Northeast Pilots, Inc.
Howard McVay243 Spring St.
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-847-9050
Toll Free: 1-800-274-1216
Pilots Association for the
Bay & River Delaware
Michael J. Linton President
800 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-465-8340
Fax: 215-465-3450
Port Everglades Pilots
Thomas Hackett Bruce CumingsCo-Directors
P.O. Box 13017
Port Everglades, FL 33316
Phone: 954-522-4491
Puget Sound Pilots
Capt. Richard McCurdy101 Stewart St. - Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-728-6400
Fax: 206-448-3405
Sabine Pilots
Charles A. Tweedel, President
5148 West Pkwy.
Groves, TX 77619
Phone: 409-722-1141
Fax: 409-962-9223
www.sabinepilots.com
Saint Johns Bar Pilots
John AtchisonPresident
4910 Ocean St.
Mayport, FL 32233
Phone: 904-249-5631
Fax: 904-249-7523
San Juan Bay Pilots
P.O. Box 9021034
San Juan, PR 00902-1034
Phone: 787-722-1166
St. Lawrence Seaway Pilots
Richard G. Tetzlaff President
P.O. Box 274
733 E. Broadway
Cape Vincent, NY 13618
Phone: 315-654-2900;
Fax: 315-654-4491
San Francisco Bar Pilots
Pete McIsaac Port Agent
Kip Carlson MM&P Representative
Pier 9, East End
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415-362-5436
Fax: 415-982-4721
Sandy Hook Pilots
Peter Rooss Branch Agent
201 Edgewater St.
Staten Island, NY 10305
Phone: 718-448-3900
Fax: 718-447-1582
Savannah Pilots Association
William T. Brown Master Pilot
550 E. York St.
P.O. Box 9267
Savannah, GA 31412
Phone: 912-236-0226
Fax: 912-236-6571
Southeast Alaska
Pilots Association
Richard Gurry President
1621 Tongass Ave. - Suite 300
Ketchikan, AK 99901
Phone: 907-225-9696
Fax: 907-247-9696
www.seapa.com
Southwest Alaska
Pilots Association
Jeffrey D. PiercePresident
P.O. Box 977
Homer, AK 99603
Phone: 907-235-8783
Fax: 907-235-6119
Tampa Bay Pilots
Allen L. Thompson Executive Director
1825 Sahlman Dr.
Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: 813-247-3737
Fax: 813-247-4425
Virginia Pilot Association
J. William Cofer President
3329 Shore Dr.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: 757-496-0995
Western Great Lakes
Pilots Association
Donald Willecke President
1325 Tower Ave., P.O. Box 248
Superior, WI 54880-0248
Phone: 715-392-5204
Fax: 715-392-1666
United Inland
Membership Group
Michael Murray Vice President
Cleveland
Charles Malue Great Lakes Representative
1250 Old River Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-776-1667
Fax: 216-776-1668
January - February 2008 - 20 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
Jacksonville
James Avera International Representative
349 E. 20th St.
Jacksonville, FL 32206
Phone: 904-355-3534
Fax: 904-353-7413
Portland
John Schaeffner Branch Agent
2225 N. Lombard St. - No. 206
Portland, OR 97217
Phone and Fax: 503-283-0518
San Francisco
Raymond W. ShipwayBranch Agent
450 Harrison St.
East Mezzanine - Room 205
San Francisco, CA 94105-2691
Phone: 415-543-5694
Fax: 415-543-2533
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Eduardo IglesiasRepresentative
Miramar Plaza Center
Suite 305
954 Ponce de Leon Ave.
Santurce, PR 00907
Phone: 787-725-7604
Fax: 787-723-4494
Seattle
Michael MurrayVice President-UIG144 Railroad Ave., Suite 205
Edmonds, WA 98020
Phone: 425-775-1403
Fax: 425-775-1418
Wilmington
Raymond W. Shipway Branch Agent
533 N. Marine Ave.
Wilmington, CA 90744-5527
Phone: 310-549-8013
Fax: 310-834-6667
MIRAID
C. James Patti President1025 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 507
Washington, DC 20036-5412
Phone: 202-463-6505
Fax: 202-223-9093
Masters, Mates & Pilots
Federal Credit Union
Kathy Ann Klisavage ManagerMM&P Plans Building
700 Maritime Blvd. - Suite A
Linthicum Heights, MD
21090-1996
Phone: 410-850-8700,
Ext. 43
Fax: 410-859-1623
Toll-Free: 1-800-382-7777
(All U.S. and Puerto Rico)
MM&P Maritime Advancement,
Training, Education &
Safety Program (MATES)
Patrick McCullough Administrator
Glen Paine Executive Director
MM&P Health & Benefit,
Vacation, Pension, JEC
and IRA Plans
Patrick McCullough AdministratorMM&P Plans
700 Maritime Blvd. – Suite A
Linthicum Heights, MD
21090-1996
Phone: 410-850-8500
Fax: 410-850-8655
Toll-Free: 1-877-667-5522
Hours: Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET
Atlantic & Gulf Region Health,
Pension and Education,
Safety & Training Funds
Wendy Chambers Account ExecutiveAssociated Administrators Inc.
4301 Garden City Drive, Ste 201
Landover, MD 20785
Direct Line: 301-429-8964
Member Calls:
1-800-638-2972
Pacific Maritime Region
Pension & Benefit Plans
Columbia Northwest
Marine Benefit Trust
Patrick McCullough Administrator700 Maritime Blvd. – Suite A
Linthicum Heights, MD
21090-1996
Phone: 410-850-8500
Fax: 410-850-8655
Toll-Free: 1-877-667-5522
Hours: Monday-Friday
8:30 AM– 4:30 PM ET
Northwest Maritime
Pension Trust
Randy G. GoodwinAccount Executive P.O. Box 34203
Seattle, WA 98124
Phone: 206-441-7574
Fax: 206-441-9110
Southwest Marine Health,
Benefit & Pension Trust
3545 Long Beach Blvd.
Suite 220
Long Beach, CA 90807
Toll-Free: 1-888-806-8943
Maritime Institute of
Technology & Graduate
Studies (MITAGS)
Glen Paine Executive Director692 Maritime Blvd.
Linthicum Heights,
MD 21090-1952
Main Phone: 410-859-5700
Toll-Free:
Admissions: 1-866-656-5568
Residence Center:
1-866-900-3517
BWI Airport Shuttle
(avail. 24 hours a day):
1-866-900-3517 Ext. 0
Fax:
School: 410-859-5181
Residence: 410-859-0942
Executive Director:
Admissions:
www.mitags.org
Pacific Maritime
Institute (PMI)
Gregg Trunnell Director1729 Alaskan Way, S.
Seattle, WA 98134-1146
Phone: 206-441-2880
Fax: 206-441-2995
Toll-Free: 1-888-893-7829
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 21 - January - February 2008
CROSS’D THE FINAL BAR Carey A. Borden, 96, died Sept. 4, 2007.
A resident of Coral Gables, Fla., and a
pensioner since 1977, he last sailed for
Lykes Brothers Steamship Company as
second mate on the SS Sheldon Lykes. He
saw action in World War II, the Korean
War and the Vietnam Wars. He served
as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S.
Maritime Service and later the U.S. Coast
Guard. He worked in the Panama Canal Zone, laid transatlantic
telephone cable and built his own house in Coral Gables. After
retiring, he became involved in Masonic and Shrine activities
and was Master of Biscayne Bay Lodge No. 124. His wife, Mary,
sister, Sadie, and many nieces and nephews survive him.
Charles Butler, 81, died Oct. 3, 2007. A pensioner since 1985
and a resident of Daphne, Ala., he last sailed for Gastrans Inc.
as master of the SS Louisiana. His wife, Margaret, sons, Per and
Perry, and daughter, Pia, survive him.
Norris G. Chancey, 80, died Sept. 22, 2007. A pensioner since
1970 and a resident of Starch, La., he last sailed for Groton
Shipping Inc. as chief mate on the SS Susquehanna. His daugh-
ter, Christine, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchil-
dren survive him.
Richard C. Eastwood, 81, died Sept. 17, 2007. A resident of
Jacksonville, Fla., and a pensioner since 1989, he last sailed for
Lykes Brothers Steamship Company as chief mate on the SS
Jean Lykes. He began his maritime career on New York City
tugs and then served offshore in World War II, the Korean
Conflict and the Vietnam War. He enjoyed building model
ships, both motor and sail, constructed railroad displays, put
together small gas engines and was a short wave radio enthu-
siast. He is survived by: his wife of 56 years, Helen; three sons,
Martin, Tom and Bob; two daughters, Rosemary and Virginia;
and four grandchildren.
Jimmy L. Finch, 57, died Oct. 2, 2007. A
resident of Montgomery, Ala., he last
sailed for Grand River Navigation. He
enjoyed spending time with friends
and the travel adventures of his career.
He is survived by: his wife, Melody;
sons, Jon and Jody; mother, Marcella;
sister, Christine; and several nieces and
nephews.
Leroy Gebler, 79, died July 14, 2007. A pensioner since 1992
and a resident of Bayshore, N.Y., he last sailed for Central Gulf
Lines as third mate on the Green Bay.
William B. Golden, 78, died Aug. 30, 2007. A resident of Reno,
and a pensioner since 1971, he last sailed for Mathiasen’s Tank
Inc. as master of the Mission Buenaventura.
Thomas J. Goreham, 66, died Oct. 11, 2007. A pensioner since
1995 and a resident of Las Cruces, N.M., he last sailed for Lykes
Steamship Company as master of the SS Sue Lykes.
Charles W. Haynes III, 67, died Sept. 4, 2007. A pensioner
since 1996 and a resident of Brunswick, Ga., he last sailed for
Central Gulf Lines as second mate on the SS Green Valley. He
enjoyed working with model trains. He maintained property in
Georgia and received certificates from his community college.
His wife, Terri, sons, Charles and Matthew, and many nieces
and nephews survive him.
Relf Huddleston, 79, died Oct. 24, 2007. A resident of Anton,
Texas, and a pensioner since 1990, he last sailed for Sealand as
chief mate on the Sealand Voyager.
Henry Kusel, 84, died Oct. 24, 2007. A resident of Palm Desert,
Calif., and a pensioner since 1986, he last sailed for American
President Lines as third mate on the President Lincoln. He was a
graduate of Kings Point, class of 1944. His wife, Florence, daugh-
ter, Denise, son, Gary, and two grandchildren survive him.
Former New England Port Rep Chuck LandryCharles “Chuck” Landry, 65, died Oct.
27, 2007. He served as MM&P Boston
and New England port representative for
15 years. A member of MM&P for over
four decades, he served in both elected
and appointed positions and was also
elected a convention delegate for many
years running.
“Chuck Landry epitomized the dedication and profession-
alism of a union representative,” said MM&P International
President Tim Brown. “He was honest, very thorough in
his duties, and very direct in his communication with the
MM&P membership. After leaving office in 1992, he returned
to sea, where he exhibited the same professionalism and
craftsmanship that he showed in union office.”
“Chuck was respected by all members who he came
in contact with in the Boston area and at International
Headquarters,” said Brown. “He was the type of member who
would always go the extra mile for MM&P. He will be missed
by all who knew him.”
A pensioner since 1998 and a resident of Hernando, Fla.,
Chuck last sailed for Sealand as chief mate on the Sealand
Innovation. He enjoyed building model ships and spending
time with his family. His wife, Dorothy, sons, Charles and
Peter, daughters, Christine and Karen, and four grandsons
survive him.
January - February 2008 - 22 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
Edward L. Linchard, 82, died Oct. 7, 2007. A resident of New
Orleans, La., and a pensioner since 1982, he last sailed for Lykes
Brothers Steamship Company as chief mate on the Zoella Lykes.
He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchil-
dren. His daughter, Jane, and two grandchildren survive him.
Robert G. Mills, 81, died Oct. 5, 2007. A pen-
sioner since 1991, he last sailed for Sealand
Mobile as second mate on the Sealand
Producer. A San Francisco native, Robert
went to sea in his teens and served in the
merchant marine during the Korean and
Vietnam wars. He had a second career in the
San Francisco Police Department, and also served a stint in the
army. In 1979, he returned to the merchant marine before retiring
in 1991 to enjoy the outdoors. Two brothers, Jack and Richard, a
son Hans Peter, and a daughter, Anne Lovise, survive him.
Dennis Oblander, 67, died Oct. 11, 2007.
A resident of Reno and a pensioner since
2000, he last sailed for Sealand as second
mate on the Sealand Patriot. He loved to
travel, collect coins and spend time with
friends and family. Six grandchildren, a
brother, Wayne, a sister, Patricia, and sev-
eral nieces and nephews survive him.
Robert H. Peterson, 63, died Sept. 26, 2007. A pensioner since
1995 and a resident of Milford, N.H., he last sailed for Sealand
as second mate on the Newark Bay.
Raymond P. Sasseville, 81, died Oct. 16, 2007. A pensioner
since 1994 and a resident of Dallas, he last sailed for Sealand as
third mate on the MV OGM Ile De France.
Carroll C. Sypher, 79, died Sept. 14, 2007.
A pensioner since 1994 and a resident of
Camden, Ala., he last sailed for Waterman
Steamship as master of the SS Stonewall
Jackson. He served in the merchant marine
during World War II, the Korean War, the
Vietnam War and the Gulf War. He was an
active member of the Aircraft Owners’ Pilot Association and
had a private aviator’s license. His wife of 37 years, Patricia, and
several nieces and nephews survive him.
William R. Travers, 88, died Oct. 20, 2007. A resident of
Marietta, Ga., and a pensioner since 1985, he last sailed for
Puerto Rico Marine Management as master of the SS Bayamon.
During World War II, he commanded troop and cargo carriers
at the age of 23, becoming the youngest person in the conflict
to reach the rank of master. Friends and family nicknamed him
“the Renaissance Man” because of his wide range of interests. He
could play the accordion, the banjo and the mandolin. He also
enjoyed painting, gardening, cooking and single-handedly built
one of the homes his family lived in. He is survived by: his wife
of 66 years, Rita; daughters, Lesley and Lynn; sons, Bill Jr. and
Richard; and six grandchildren.
Daniel L. Welch, 74, died Oct. 20, 2007. A pensioner since 1992
and a resident of Porterville, Calif., he last sailed for Sealand
as second mate on the Sealand Consumer. He enjoyed reading,
traveling, cooking, and sports, especially football and watch-
ing his favorite team, “The 49ers.” He is survived by his care
provider, Delia Jimenez.
James H. Wiley, 80, died Sept. 11, 2007. A
resident of Independence, Kan., and a pen-
sioner since 1986, he last sailed for Lykes
Brothers Steamship Company as third
mate on the SS Tillie Lykes. His interests
included farming and the stock market.
Bill, Anne, Jean and six grandchildren
survive him.
John W. Williams, 88, died Oct. 7, 2007. A
resident of Sea Level, N.C., and a pensioner
since 1984, he last sailed for Lykes Brothers
Steamship Company as third mate on the
SS Letitia Lykes. He enjoyed working in his
garden. His son, John Jr., daughters, Joyce,
Linda and Debra, and many grandchildren
and great-grandchildren survive him.
CROSS’D THE FINAL BAR cont...
Two scholarships have been created in memory of Karl
Fanning, the master mariner who traded the helm for
a podium and shared his knowledge of the sea with stu-
dents from his alma mater, Texas A&M. The 63-year-old
master mariner died of a heart attack in May 2007.
The Galveston Maritime Club has announced that it
has named its annual scholarship program after Fanning.
Under the terms of the program, four students from
Texas A&M will receive $500 each year. The first four
scholarship recipients accepted their checks at an
Oct. 23 maritime club luncheon.
The Port of Galveston Propeller Club has also hon-
ored Fanning by awarding scholarships ranging from
$1,000 to $2,000 to eight students from Texas A&M.
Scholarships Named After Master Mariner Karl Fanning
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 23 - January - February 2008
placeholder
NEWS FROM THE PAST
A voyage through MM&P history with Katy Bradford of the
MM&P Communications Department and MM&P member Matt
Walker. This column is based on independent research they con-
duct on a regular basis in the MM&P archives and other maritime
history sources.
22 Years Ago1985 – “The Dog House” Makes Way for a SkyscraperThe Seamen’s Church Institute of New York announced that its
headquarters building at 15 State Street near the Battery, along
with the seafarers’ hotel, would be demolished to make way for
a 41-story skyscraper. The building to be demolished had been
built just 18 years earlier. It replaced the original seafarers’ hotel
on South Street, which was known as “The Dog House,” where
even as late as the 1960s, a bed could be had for as little as $1.50.
The seafarers’ hotel that replaced “The Dog House” was more
comfortable, more attractive and much more expensive; the
price of the rooms was considered responsible for the lack of
patronage by seafarers. Another factor in the low occupancy
rate: it had opened at a time when shipping was moving from
the old New York waterfront to the Jersey side of the harbor.
Also in the news 22 years ago:• April 23 – Coca-Cola changes its formula and releases New
Coke. (The response is overwhelmingly negative and the origi-
nal formula is back on the market in less than three months.)
• May 24 – The Royal Canadian Mounted Police capture
the Lady Sharell, seizing $238,000,000 in drugs, making
the operation the largest drug bust in the history of North
America.
• July 13 – Vice President George H.W. Bush serves as Acting
President for eight hours while President Ronald Reagan
undergoes colon cancer surgery.
40 Years Ago1967 – Viet Cong Blast Seatrain Texas at AnchorBefore dawn on Dec. 22, an explosion blew a seven-foot hole in
the side of the Seatrain Texas, which was swinging on the hook
at Nha Be Naval Base nine miles below Saigon. Flooding was
controlled with the pumps until repairs could be made. There
were no casualties. The ship had been built to carry railroad
freight cars to Cuba and coastwise in 1940 by Sun Shipbuilding,
Chester, Pa., and was no stranger to war. Over 25 years earlier,
she had raced independently at 16.5 knots from New York to
Port Taufiq, Egypt, via the Cape of Good Hope, with a cargo
of 250 Sherman tanks. The tanks were being shipped to replace
losses suffered by General Montgomery’s British Eighth Army
in action against the German Afrika Korps. Arriving Sept. 2,
35 days out, unloading began immediately. Her cargo gave
Montgomery the armored weight he needed to turn the tide
against the Axis Powers at El Alamein on Oct. 23. The Seatrain
Texas was scrapped in 1973.
Also in the news 40 years ago:• Feb. 14 – Aretha Franklin releases the song “Respect.”
• April 4 – Martin Luther King Jr. speaks out against the
Vietnam War during a religious service in New York City.
• May 9 – Muhammad Ali is stripped of his World
Heavyweight Champion titles and banned from boxing by
various commissions for refusing to be inducted into the
U.S. Army.
150 Years Ago1857 – Big Lesson Learned on “the Big Muddy”A young, itinerate printer had contracted veteran pilot Horace
Bixby (1826-1912) to teach him the twelve hundred mile route
from New Orleans to St. Louis. Having grown up on the river,
the apprentice viewed steamboat pilots as superstars: totally
independent, rich and disdainful of lesser humanity. On the first
afternoon, Bixby backed into the stream and headed up-bound.
After being relieved at 8:00 p.m., the cub pilot turned in, only
to be woken near midnight. He ignored the intrusion. Minutes
later, Bixby was at the door and, in a minute more, the cub was
scrambling for the pilothouse ladder. “Here was something fresh,”
he would later write, “this thing of getting up in the middle of
the night…” He knew that boats ran after dark, but had never
reflected on who was running them. “I began to fear that piloting
was not quite so romantic as I had imagined it was; there was
something very real and work-like about this new phase of it.”
– Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi, 1882
Also in the news 150 years ago:• March 6 – The Supreme Court issues its ruling in Dred
Scott v Sanford, driving the country further down the road
to Civil War.
• March 23 – Elisha Otis installs his first elevator, at 488
Broadway in New York City.
• May 11 – Indian Rebellion of 1857: Indian combatants
capture Delhi from the East India Company.
Sailing Through TimeMatt Walker and Katy Bradford
The barquentine Benicia. National Maritime Museum, San Francisco.
January - February 2008 - 24 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
placeholder for color bar
HOLIDAYS 2007 Holiday Celebrations in
the Halls, at Headquarters and at MM&P Plans
As 2007 came to a close, MM&P members,
their families and friends celebrated the holi-
days in union halls across the country.
Many thanks to those who submitted photos of
the festivities for publication in The Master, Mate
& Pilot. Best wishes to all for the new year.
The MM&P Plans staff wishes everyone a happy and healthy 2008!
Pompano: Jim Pappas, Dave Goff, Nick Marcantonio, Mark Ramsey and John
Korinis.
Seattle: Birger Rasmussen, MM&P United Inland Group Vice President Mike
Murray, Mike Santini and Jim Casey.
Happy Holidays from MM&P Headquarters!
Norfolk: Jim Hopkins, Mike Razos and John Morin.
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 25 - January - February 2008
New York/New Jersey: Ted Jablonski, John Long, Victor Marquez, John
Johnson and Harry Stumme.
New York/New Jersey: Rita Gordon, Dodie May and Dot Darley.
Boston: James Staples, Rich May, Mark Mahoney, Kerry Fitzpatrick, Michela
Worthington-Adams and Roger Bumstead.
New Orleans: Sue Bourcq, Earl Grey and wife, Gayle. New Orleans: MM&P Gulf Ports Vice President Bob Groh, Angela and Bruce
Skillman.
New York/New Jersey: Mark Rupert, Larry Green Jr., John Dolan, Mike
Rodriguez, Rich Feinson, Doug Nemeth, Bob McCarthy, Rich May, Bruno
Ravalico and Jim McAfee.
January - February 2008 - 26 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
placeholder for color bar
HOLIDAYS 2007
Honolulu: Tim Reinholdt, Annie Stall, Boris Bode, Randy Swindell and Craig
Campbell.
Seattle: Birger Rasmussen, Mike Murray, Laurie Anderson and Jim Casey. New Orleans: Ralph McDonald and Norma Lang.
Jacksonville: Pete Tupas, Nancy Tupas, Bob Groh, Lisa Stark and Erik Stark.
New York/New Jersey: Mike Rodriguez, Mike Bohlman, Rich May and
Richard Plant.
New York/New Jersey: Anna Victoria Victorio, Marilyn Brunner, Shwetha and
Shankar Bhardwaj.
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 27 - January - February 2008
Honolulu: Captain B.J. Diggins.
Boston: Kevin O’Halloran and Eric Erving. Boston: Eric Erving, Sharon Decastro, Dianne O’Halloran and Dave Decastro
Honolulu: Big John and Harry Naole of Sailors’ Union of the Pacific.
New Orleans: David Favre, David Sink, Roger Johnson and Johan Koaystra.
Boston: Roger Bumstead, Jim Staples and Mark Mahoney.
January - February 2008 - 28 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
placeholder for color bar
HOLIDAYS 2007
Honolulu: Nick Moore and Janelle.
Honolulu: Tim Reinholdt.
Honolulu: Dean Ventimiglia and Freedom Dennis.
New York/New Jersey: James Frank, Larry Green and Nicholas Gasper.
Norfolk: MM&P Atlantic Ports Vice President Rich May, Mrs. Jarvis, Pattie
Powell and Mike Razos.
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Chicago. My father was an engineer with Martin Marietta and my mother was an actress who did summer stock productions and radio ads. My family moved around a lot before settling in Baltimore when I was six years old.
Describe your career.
Aft er graduating from the University of Baltimore with a degree in English, I was accepted into the Pilot Training Program and joined the Air Force. I wanted to see the world, just like merchant mariners do. When the 1973 oil embargo hit, our fl ight class was cancelled, so I left to join the Baltimore Police Department.
At the department, I became one of the fi rst members of the newly formed quick response team, the fi rst special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team in Baltimore. My duties included resolution of sniper-barricade incidents, high-risk warrant service, high-risk patrol assignments
and crowd control at major events, including the Preakness and the World Series. All the people arrested on warrants by the SWAT team were armed and wanted for violent felonies, in most cases multiple homicides.
I served a total of 10 years with the quick response team as a patrolman and sergeant. At the end of my assignment, I was responsible for all fi rearms and tactics training, as well as all operational SWAT/sniper deployments.
I was also assigned to the police department’s education and training division as the supervisor of the skills unit. I trained over 1,000 police recruits in self defense, including fi rearms, driving, use of force, street tactics and fi rst aid. I taught the same topics to all veteran police offi cers during their in-service training courses.
I was promoted to lieutenant and went on to serve in various capacities, including shift commander in several districts. I was responsible for the daily operation of 50 police offi cers and several sergeants.
All told, I served in the police department for 30 years.
Describe your current job.
Th ere are a lot of similarities between working at the police department and working at MITAGS, where I help teach the small arms course. First, although everyone is an individual, you work as a team. You share a common goal.
I also work as a yacht delivery and orientation captain with a large yacht dealer on the Chesapeake Bay. For many years, I’ve worked as a captain of the water taxi service in Baltimore Harbor. I do consulting and self-defense training for corporations. I also serve as an expert witness in self-defense, lethal force encounters and SWAT operations
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I enjoy scuba diving, sailing and motorcycle riding. I have a 50-ton inland master’s license. I’m also an FAA private pilot and a member of the Civil Air Patrol. I’ve also written articles, on how to handle tough situations and things that can happen on the street, for magazines like Police Marksman, Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement, Combat Handguns and S.W.A.T. Magazine.
MM&P’s training institutes, MITAGS and PMI, are known throughout the industry for excellence in education. But not everyone is familiar with the instructors and technical professionals who drive the programs off ered at the union’s schools. In this issue, Th e Master, Mate & Pilot profi les Ed Schillo, who instructs mariners and other students at MITAGS in the use and maintenance of small arms.
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 29 - January - February 2008
The Faces of MITAGS
Ed SchilloInstructor in Small Arms
January - February 2008 - 30 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
Contribute to the MM&P Political Contribution Fund
Make Your Voice Heard in Washington!
COMMODORES
Glen P. Banks
Robert C. Beauregard
Timothy A. Brown *
Kevin P. Burke
Darren W. Collins
Raymond Conrady
Michael F. Cotting
Jeff G. Cowan
Robert Darley
In Memory of Charlie
Darley
Steven J. Demeroutis
Danny Duzich
Raymond F. Dwyer *
Danny Ellis
Mustafa I. Fakhry
John W. Farmer, III
David C. Goff
Edward W. Green
Richard M. Gurry
Samuel A. Hanger
Fred Harris
Harold J. Held *
Andrew W. Hetz
James F. Hill
John R. Humphreys
John J. Hunt
Scott E. Jones
Philip Kantz
John M. Kelly
John J. Lynskey
Lawrence T. Lyons
George P. MacDonough
Charles W. Malue
Donald J. Marcus
Richard W. May
Edward M. McManus
Sean T. McNeice
Richard D. Moore *
In Memory of J.
Douglass Moore and
Gordon E. Sides
C. Michael Murray
Paul H. Nielsen
Joseph O. O’Connor *
Peter J. Parise, III
Richard M. Plant
George A. Quick
Michael A. Rausa
Robert A. Reish
Jack Slier
Th omas E. Stone
Stanley M. Willis
Constatine Afanasief
Th omas E. Apperson
Jenaro A. Asteinza
Bruce M. Badger
Th omas A. Bagan
Susan N. Begg
David E. Behr
Charles T. Beresheim
Geoff rey Bird
James K. Boak, IV
David H. Boatner
Kevin P. Burke
Robert B. Burke
Joseph A. Byrne
James A. Carbone
Kenneth J. Carlson, Jr.
Th omas J. Casynn
Bent L. Christiansen
Kevin S. Cichon
Paul E. Coan
Dean R. Colver
Frederick D. Cook
Barry V. Costanzi
Jeff G. Cowan
Vincent J. Cox
Gerard H. DeGenova, II
Dorothy Dunn
In Memory of Darrell
Dunn
James C. Dykes
Danny Ellis
Edward W. Enos
Eric L. Eschen
Robert N. Ethier
Jackson P. Everett
Malvina A. Ewers
In Memory of Franklin
Ewers
John W. Farmer, III
Wayne Farthing
William H. Fisher, III
Eric R. Furnholm
Nathaniel Gibbs
William D. Good, Jr.
In Memory of William
Good, Sr.
Charles A. Graham
Paul B. Grepo
Robert H. Groh
Dianna L. Hand
Michael K. Hargrave
Samuel W. Hartshorn, Jr.
Gerard Hasselbach
Joseph D. Henderson
Michael C. Herig
Alan G. Hinshaw
Nicole L. Humphreys
David N. Hutchinson
Jeff H. Idema
William H. Imken
Steven M. Itson
Earl W. Jones
Donald F. Josberger
Eric S. Kelm
William L. Kennedy, Jr.
Robert T. Kimball
James D. Kitterman
James E. Kobis
George W. Koch, Jr.
Robert B. Lamb
Donald D. Laverdure
Stephen Maher
William J. Mahoney
Robert G. Mattsen
Robert C. McCarthy
Charles L. McConaghy
Michael K. McCormick
Patrick McCullough
Th omas D. McDorr
James P. McGee
Paul F. McQuarrie
Kurt A. Melcher
Peter W. Mitchell
Douglas J. Nagy
Mark J. Nemergut
Howard W. Newton, Jr.
F. John Nicoll
James P. Olander
Peter J. Parise, III
C. James Patti
Vasilios L. Pazarzis
Robert A. Pechusick
Joseph A. Perry
Ernest C. Petersen
Rick Pietrusiak
Norman A. Piianaia
Jonathon S. Pratt
Stephen F. Procida
D. Scott Putty
George A. Quick
Lloyd S. Rath
Bruno P. Ravalico
John P. Rawley
Mark D. Remijan
Paul M. Rochford
Michael J. Rodriguez
Herbert P. Rosen
In Memory of Capt.
Th eodore Fillipaw, Jr.
Allen M. Ross, Jr.
Edward B. Royles
Randy E. Rozell
Mark I. Ruppert
James J. Sanders
Robert H. Schilling
Bernard W. Scott
Gary M. Setvin
Michael S. Shanley
Steven P. Shils
Kaare G. Sivertsen
Edward C. Smith
James K. Staples
James Stebbins
Peter J. Strachota
Einar W. Strom
David A. Sulin
Deatra M. Th ompson
Rita M. Travers
In Memory of Capt.
William R. Travers
John S. Tucker
Charles W. Viebrock
Ren W. Vurpillat
John C. Wallace
George E. Weisgerber
George A. Werdann, Jr.
Jay D. Werner
Steven E. Werse
William J. Westrem
Warren A. Weymouth
Erik P. Williamson
James G. Wilson
* These active and retired members have contributed $1,000 or more.
CAPTAINS
American maritime jobs depend on MM&P’s work in Congress and the Administration.
When you contribute to the PCF, you ensure that your interests, and those of your fellow
merchant mariners, receive the attention they deserve.
Contribute to the MM&P Political Contribution Fund: It Works for You!
When you contribute to our union’s PCF, you are directly supporting your
own interests.
Make your contribution today! Go to www.bridgedeck.org and click on the
“Contribute to the PCF” button on the home page. Log in as a member, and
follow the simple steps. Make your contribution and choose your PCF gift!
When you contribute $100 or more, you join the distinguished ranks of the
active and retired MM&P members who make our voice heard where it
matters most:
Commodores’ Club recognizes contributions of $500 or more.
Captains’ Club recognizes contributions of between $250 and $499.
Contributors’ level recognizes contributions of between $100 and $249.
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 31 - January - February 2008
Anders E. Aaberg
Mohamed A. Abbassi
Robert Abbott
Scott F. Abrams
Jeff rey D. Adamson
Owen B. Albert
Frederick W. Allen
Ian D. Allen
John Allen
Robert B. Allen
Murray G. Alstott
Andrew J. Altum
Hans W. Amador
Robert N. Anderson
William L. Anderson
Noel E. Anthonysz
John E. Antonucci
Alberto D. Archaga
Timothy M. Arey
Manuel H. Arosemena
Brian D. Arthur
Kara M. Babb
Bruce H. Baglien
Harvey N Bailey
Christopher D. Baker
Niles T.P. Baker
Evan Barbis
David B. Barth
Charles K. Barthrop
Brian W. Bassett
Steve J. Batchelor, Jr.
Edward S. Batcho, Jr.
Dorinda L. Beach
Harald Beck
Olgierd C. Becker
Leo P. Bednarik
Paul F. Beglane
John W. Behnken
John E. Belcourt
Herbert S. Bell
Derek J. Bender
Fred A. Bennett
George Berkovich
James T. Bevacqua
Shankar Bhardwaj
Lyle R. Bjelde
Earl R. Blakely
Joseph J. Blazich
Farrell E. Bodden
Charles E. Booher
Carl E. Bowler
William H. Boyce, Jr.
Robert N. Boyd
James J. Brady
Frank W. Branlund
Anthony A. Brantley
Stanley E. Breedlove
Allan R. Breese
James P. Brennan
John W. Brennan
Steven A. Brickley
Jeff rey C. Bridges
Anders K. Brinch
Richard S. Brooks
Alfred A. Brown
Cliff ord B. J. Brown
Wardell E. Brown
Dean K. Bruch
Douglas K. Buchanan
J. Michael Buffi ngton
Fernando C. Buisan
David C. Burchard
Th omas V. Cadloni
Marc C. Calairo
Todd J. Campbell
John H. Carlisle
Edgar S. Carlson
Michael J. Carolan
Chriss B. Carson
Robert J. Carter, Jr.
Juan C. Carvajal
Christoforos Catsambis
Elmo J Cerise, III
Richard P. Chandler
Hao C. Cheong
Stanislaw Chomicz
Paul Christ
Ejnar G. Christiansen
Francis H. Ciccosanti
Christopher N. Cichon
O. J. Clausen
Harry C. Collins
Martin N. Collins
Robin A. Colonas
Richard R. Conlin
John V. Connor
Christopher D. Cooper
Mark A. Cooper
Russell C. Cooper
Gary J. Cordes
Daniel W. Corn
Richard F. Corso
Th omas J. Cortese
Scot A. Couturier
David E. Cox
Erik T. Cox
James Crandall
Richard W. Crane
Matthew C. Craven
Jacob A. Crawford
Samuel J. Crawford
Anthony E. Crish
John F. Cronin
Todd C. Crossman
Scott W. Cukierski
James J. Cullen
Kirk W. Cully
David A. Cunningham
James M. Cunningham
Peter S. Curtis
Omar D’Abreu
Robert A. Dalziel
George M. Darley
In Memory of Charlie
Darley
Michael H. Daugherty
Howard E. Davenport
Don F. Davis
Joseph J. Davis
David D. DeCastro
George A. Defrain
Ronald T. Degrazia
Stephen A. DeJong
Th omas A. Delamater
Marguerite Delambily
In Memory of Robert
Delambily
Joseph F. Delehant
Freedom K. Dennis
Denny Dennison
Edward J. DesLauriers
Michelle Mitchell
Timothy A. Devine
Charles A. Dickman
Stephen J. Diederiks
Bernard J. Diggins
William H. Doherty
John M. Dolan
Richard J. Domnitz
Lyle G. Donovan
Jerome J. Dorman
Ornulf C. Dorsen
Moulton Doughty
Robert Drew
Dale S. Dubrin
Fred J. Duff y
Oscar W. Dukes
George Dunham
Geoff rey P. Dunlop
Richard Martin Eastwood
Robert W. Eisentrager
Gordon W. Elden
Bruce R. Elfast
John C. Emmel
David K. Engen
William J. Esselstrom
Edward M. Evans
Henry E. Faile
Scott A. Farnham
Eddo H. Feyen
Harry A. Filkins
Keith W. Finnerty
Russel W. Finstrom
Milton K. Foss
Ryan K. Foster
James L. Frank
James E. Franklin
Jan M. Fraser
Karin Fretz-Party
J. Peter Fritz
Nicholas J. Gagliano
Angelo F. Gazzotto
David M. George
Gregory J. George
Peter T. Gibney
Francis G. Gilroy
Patrick N. Glenn
Th urman G. Godfrey
Gregory A. Goolishian, Jr.
Gerald M. Gordon
Donald P. Gorman
Beau Gouig
Joseph D. Graceff a
Walter A. Graf, Jr
Peter S. Grate
Orie F. Graves
Paul A. Gregware, Jr.
Gregory P. Gretz
Stanley V. Griffi n
Mike F. Gruninger
Adam W. Guice
Juancho A. Gutierrez
Jorge Gutman
Timothy J. Hagan
Brandt R. Hager
Francis M. Haggerty
Geoff rey F. Haley
Curtis B. Hall
Richard S. Haller
Michelle Hallmark
Herman Hallock
Kenneth J. Halsall
Lloyd W. Hamblet
James D. Hamblett
Kyle J. Hamill
Daniel J. Harmon
John B. Harris
Jack F. Harry
John J. Healey
Kenneth R. Hele
Richard H. Hemingson
Christopher S. Hendrickson
Franklin J. Hennessy
Patrick J. Hennessy
Th omas E. Henry
Michael Herbein
William H. Hermes
Earl W. Herring
James D. Herron
Edward B. Higgins, Jr.
Jeff rey S. Hill
Daniel R. Hobbs
John A. Hobson
Roland E. Hobson
Richard G. Hoey
Roger L. Hoff man
Kurt Holen
John Holster
David J. Hood
Jeff D. Hood
Kurt J. Hopf
Shimon D. Horowitz
Robert B. Howard
David H. Hudson
Steven P. Huse
John D. Hutsell
Clark S. Inman
George S. Ireland, III
Th eodore F. Jablonski
John P. Jackson, Jr.
Th omas J. Jacobsen
Manuel A. James
James Jannetti
J. Kevin Jirak
Christian Johnsen
Eric B. Johnson
Roger C. Johnson
William L. Johnson
Eldon D. Jones
Erik P. Jorgensen
Jorgen A. Jorgensen
Eleft herios G. Kanagios
Kris J. Karandy
Christopher G. Kavanagh
William Kavanaugh, Jr.
Sven E. Keinanen
James J. Kelleher, Jr.
John P. Kelley
Colin D. Kelly
Clyde W. Kernohan, Jr.
Joseph E. Keyes
Timothy R. Kincaid
John M. King
Robert E. King
Sandra Kjellberg
Robert E. Klemm
Henry C. Knox-Dick
Jonathan F. Komlosy
Johan Kooystra
Brian M. Koppel
Wayne L. Korb
John D. Kourian
Damian Krowicki
Vitaly Kuznetsov
Roy G. Labrie
Salvadore F. Lacava
Anthony C. Lafayette
Th eodore W. Laing
Mark L. Lamar
Cecil H. Lamb
Leonard W. Lambert
Mark Landow
William C. Laprade
John E. Larson
Keith Lawrence
Samuel P. Lesko
Michael Leveille
Th omas N. Lightsey, Jr.
William J. Lindros
John R. Lindsay, Jr.
Leif H. Lindstrom
Steven Lohman
Rogelio R. Lomahan
James R. Londagin
Karl P. Lonsdale
Manuel F. Lopez
Douglas M. Lord
Hughston E. Lowder, Jr.
Peter J. Luhn
Th omas W. Luke
John T. Lutey
Philip M. Lyons
PCF CONTRIBUTORS
We Give to the MM&P Political Contribution Fund: How About You?“We give to the MM&P PCF so that the voice of our union can be
heard in Washington, D.C. Giving to the PCF helps protect our jobs
and in turn, the future of our daughter, Jesilyn.”
— MM&P members Karen Reyes and George
Darley, with their daughter, Jesilyn
January - February 2008 - 32 - The Master, Mate & Pilot
Jeremiah F. Lysaght
Ross D. MacDuffi e
William C. Mack
Th omas P. MacKay, Jr.
Rohit Malhotra
Lewis M. Malling
John J. Malone, III
Victor R. Manoli, III
George E. Mara
Michael A. Mara
Todd M. Mara
Nicholas A. Marcantonio
Th omas C. Marley
John P. Marshall
Daniel J. Martin
Richard L. Maxwell
Marcus Mazsick
Alton R. McAlister
David McAulay
Rodney D. McCallen
Th omas C. McCarthy
Brent McClaine
Joe P. McCormick
Michael J. McCormick
Michael J. McCright
Michael G. McDevitt
Michael F. McGahran
Daniel F. McGuire
Kevin J. McHugh
David A. McLean, III
John J. McNally
Marci R. McNamara
Frank V. Medeiros
Francis X. Meier, Jr.
Nicholas Mellis
Louis A. Mendez
Colin Mepstead
Eric T. Michael
Mark P. Michals
William L. Miles
Joseph E. Miller
Steven J. Miller
Cloyde L. Miner
Bruce D. Mitchell
James L. Mixon
Klaus Moller
Steven R. Moneymaker
Jose Montero
Cesar A. Montes
Dale A. Moore
Nicholas C. Moore
George B. Moran
Jerome K. Moran
Edward A. Morehouse
John M. Morehouse
Th eodore R. Morgan
Stuart E. Mork
Paul A. Mospens
Brian A. Mossman
John Moustakas
Philip D. Mouton
Charles P. Moy
Darrin N. Muenzberg
Robert E. Murdock
Shane M. Murphy
Arthur R. Murray
Curtis G. Murray
David V. Myles
Daniel S. Nakos
Roland L. Nalette
Eric B. Nelson
Kenneth R. Nelson
Michael E. Nelson
Douglas A. Nemeth
In Memory of Capt. Glen
Leland
Joseph W. Neudecker, III
Joseph W. Neuman
Dennis Newbanks
George B. Nichols
Michael L. Nickel
Marc D. Northern
Nicholas J. Nowaski
Bernard Gerald O’Brien
Mary Beth O’Brien
Michael E. O’Connor
Robert J. O’Donnell
Gregory Oelkers
Peter R. Ohnstad, Jr.
Hans Olander
Timothy J. O’Laughlin
Patrick B. O’Leary
James E. O’Loughlin
Cornelius C. O’Malley
James E. Orton
Robert P. O’Sullivan
Michael B. O’Toole
Robert R. Owen
Jeff rey J. Oyafuso
Henry M. Pace
Glen M. Paine
Steven A. Palmer
Michael G. Parenteau
Robert F. Park
Michael V. Parr
Samuel B. Pearson, III
Georg Pedersen
Francis X Pelosi
Wesley C. Penney
Joaquin Pereira, Jr.
Joseph L. Perreault
Jerome A. Peschka, Jr.
Henry Petersen
Ronald A. Peterson
Ioannis M. Petroutsas
Andrew M. Petruska
Kerry D. Phillips
L.B. Eugene Phillips
Richard Phillips
William E. Phurrough
Arthur E. Pierce
Joseph P. Pierce
Sandra L. Pirtle
Kirk C. Plender
Elmer W. Poser
Joseph L. Pospisil, Jr.
James A. Potter
Demetrios A. Poupalos
George C. Previll
Carmon L. Pritchett
Joseph V. Pulitano
James W. Ramsden
Robert J. Ramsey
Patrick J. Rawley
John P. Redfearn
Scott B. Reed
Frank E. Reed, Jr.
Timothy R. Reinholdt
Keith W. Restle
James G. Rettke
Karen A. Reyes
In Memory of Charlie
Darley
John J. Reynolds
Javier Riano
Ronald E. Riley
James R. Robey
James J. Robinson
Jay M. Roche
Carson L. Rock
Th eodore F. Rodes
Christopher Rogers
G. Kenneth Rose
Steven M. Rose
Edmund J. Rothwell
Bruce Rowland
Dennis Ruff
Jon D. Ruff atto
Edwin W. Rutter
David C. Ryan
Th omas M. Ryan
Donald R. Sacca
Roberto H. Salomon
Wilfred H. Sandiford
Michael A. Santini
Edmund J. Santos, Jr.
Keith Sauls
Scott D. Saunders
Paul B. Savasuk
Th omas J. Savoie
John J. Schaeff ner
John D. Schampera
Charles R. Schmidt
Gary R. Schmidt
John F. Schmidt
Mitchell Schoonejans
Ross E. Schramm
Gary W. Schrock
Andrew Schroder
Henry L. Schroeder
Paul T. Schulman
William F. Schumacher
Joseph D. Seller
Alethea E. Shade
Rafi k A. Shahbin
Wahid N. Shaker
Plamen M. Shapev
Michael D. Sheeder
Ralph H. Sheffi eld
Daniel S. Shelton
Paul R. Shepard
Edwin L. Sherrill, III
Raymond W. Shipway
Travis A. Shirley
Ned J. Shore
Edward Simmons
Harold V. Sipila
Bruce W. Skillman
Ernest P. Skoropowski
Gerald V. Smeenk
Francis X. Smith
Frederick D. Smith
Joseph S. Smith
K. W. Smith
Michael D. Smith
Peter S. Smith
Glen E. Smith, Jr.
Frank W. Snell
Robert R. Spencer
Joseph B. Stackpole
Egon K. Stage
Paul W. Stallings
James W. StClair
A.H. Stegen
Carl W. Stein
Leonard A. Stenback
Richard C. Stephens
Robert W. Stevenson
John G. Stewart
Laurence B. Stone
Glenn D. Strathearn
Peter K. Strez
Tore Stromme
Charles A. Stukenborg
Roy T. Sturdivant
Andrew C. Subcleff
Th omas Sullivan
Chris D. Sweeny
Robert E. Sweet
Roy E. Tallaksen
Kevin M. Tapp
Th omas F. Taylor
Jason Teal
Antoine I. Tedmore
Arthur J. Th omas
Brian D. Th omas
Stephen N. Th ompson
Gary E. Tober
Norman B. Toroni
Adam Torres
Lee A. Townsend
Daniel C. Tucker
Shawn M. Tucy
Peter A. Tupas
James L. Turman
Stephen L. Turn
Jerimiah Lars Turner
Edward J. Usasz
Jose L. Valasquez
Roy K. Valentine, Jr.
Stephen R. Vandale
Robert Vasko
Eric C. Veloni
Glenn E. Viettone
Douglas C. Vines
Nancy L. Wagner
Jeremiah W. Walcik
Lacy J. Walker
Gregory S. Walsh
Janet S. Walsh
Harry Walton
Andrew A. Wargo
James H. Warmack
Ruffi n F. Warren
Steven D. Watt
Jerone P. Watts
William H. Weiss
Nathaniel R. Weissman
Michael K. Welch
Lawrence L. Welsh
John L. Westrem
Eugene K. Whalen
Gordon S. White
Michael Wholey
Ronald C. Wilkin
Lester S. Williamson
John A. Willis
Denis J. Wilson
Russell Wilson
Wesley R. Wilson
Stephen H. Wines
John B. Winterling
Kahai H. Wodehouse
John R. Wood
Christopher Woodward
Michela Worthington
Janusz A. Wozniak
Jose B. Yap
John B. Young
Frank Zabrocky
James R. Zatwarnicki, Jr.
George N. Zeluff , Jr.
PCF CONTRIBUTORS
The New MM&P WatchIt Fastens and
Unfastens in a Snap!
The newest addition to the elegant
line of MM&P Political Contribution
Fund (PCF) gifts is a highly polished,
two-tone watch that is easy to fasten
and unfasten. Perfect for any occasion,
this quality, union-made watch,
available in both men’s and women’s
editions, can be yours for a $200
contribution to the PCF. The watch
features the MM&P wheel on a cream-
colored background with Roman
numerals stamped in gold. Make your
contribution today on the Members
Only section of www.bridgedeck.org
or call MM&P Assistant Comptroller
Beverly Gutmann at 410-850-8700
ext. 11 for more information. Then,
wear your MM&P watch with pride!
Support America’s maritime workers by contributing to the MM&P PCF!
back
front
Also available in white
PCFMM&P Political Contribution Fund700 Maritime Boulevard, Suite B
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1953
Receipt is hereby acknowledged from:
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP
IN THE SUM OF $
With my contribution or pledge of $250 or more, please send:
❏ A. MM&P Jacket ❏ M ❏ L ❏ XL ❏ XXL ❏ XXXL
With my contribution or pledge of $200 or more, please send:
❏ B. Watch NEW ❏ Men’s ❏ Ladies
With my contribution or pledge of $100 or more, please send:(select one (1) item from the following)
❏ C. MM&P Cloth Briefcase NEW ❏ D. MM&P Black Leather Organizer NEW❏ E. MM&P Pocket Polo Shirt (Blue) ❏ M ❏ L ❏ XL ❏ XXL ❏ F. MM&P Pocket Polo Shirt (Pattern) ❏ M ❏ L ❏ XL ❏ XXL❏ G. MM&P Silk Tie ❏ Blue ❏ Maroon❏ H. MM&P Sweatshirt Color: ❏ Grey ❏ Yellow Size: ❏ L ❏ XL ❏ XXL ❏ XXXL❏ I. MM&P Safety Vest ❏ L ❏ XL ❏ XXL
With my contribution or pledge of $50 - $99, please send:(select one (1) item from the following)
❏ J. MM&P T-shirt Color: ❏ Blue ❏ White Size: ❏ L ❏ XL ❏ XXL ❏ XXXL❏ K. MM&P Baseball Cap (Blue - one size fits all)❏ L. MM&P Glasses (Set of 4)
With my contribution or pledge of $25–$49, please send:
❏ M. MM&P Travel Mug
Members can select any combination of items valued at or below the donation. Contributors who fullfill their pledge with recurring payments on the Members Only section of www.bridgedeck.org will receive their gift upon reaching the minimum amount due. If you have already fulfilled your annual pledge, please check the box below and make sure to clearly indicate (above) your choice of gift.
Questions?
Call 410-850-8700 ext. 29 or e-mail [email protected].
❏ Yes, please send me my PCF gift!
This is a voluntary contribution to the MM&P Political Contribution Fund. No physical force, job discrimination, financial reprisals or threat thereof has been used to secure this contribution. The contributor has been advised of his or her right to refuse to contribute without reprisal.
AUTHORIZED COLLECTOR
PORT DATE
MEMBER AUTHORIZATION DATE
✂
A C
D E F
G HI
J
K
L M
NEW
NEW
B NEW
M70
Li
Can hold a laptop!
The Master, Mate & Pilot - 33 - January - February 2008
700 Maritime Boulevard, Suite B
Linthicum Heights
Maryland 21090-1953
!