New AMO jobs aboard third Maersk Line Limited tanker

24 Pages·2010·2.03 MB·English

Volume 40, Number 4 April 2010
New AMO jobs aboard third Maersk
Line Limited tanker flying U.S. flag
Bro Hawaii to carry U.S. preference cargoes under DOD charter
American Maritime Officers will U.S. registry. The re-flagging of the tanker will join the U.S.-flag fleet as the
man in all licensed positions a new tanker Samho Moonstoneis expected to be com- Bro Hawaii.
operated by Maersk Line Limited under plete in mid-April, at which point the Maersk Line Limited has been
awarded a nine-month time charter for the
Bro Hawaiito support U.S. Department of
Defense requirements in Asia. The tanker
will operate in Asia spot markets, and
Maersk Line Limited will supplement
U.S. preference cargoes with service to
commercial customers. The tanker Samho Moonstoneprior to
“We welcome this new tanker and its re-flagging and entry into the U.S.
the new jobs it creates for AMO members fleet this month as the Bro Hawaii —
with Maersk Line Limited,” said AMO the tanker, built in 2009, will be
National President Tom Bethel. “The manned in all licensed positions by
availability of this vessel and the work American Maritime Officers and oper-
available for it under the U.S.-flag demon- ated by Maersk Line Limited, which
strate the value of cargo preference laws was recently awarded a DOD charter.
to U.S security and to American merchant
mariners. Bethel said.
“AMO is looking forward to the Built in 2009, the Samho Moonstone
opportunity to expand our role in the U.S.- is a small-sized tanker of 5,664 dead-
flag fleet and we will continue to work in weight tons with a capacity of 6,136 cubic
Washington to ensure U.S. cargo prefer- meters. The vessel is expected to begin its
ence laws are maintained and enforced,” Asia service in May.
TRANSCOM: U.S. commercial ships
‘a big part’ of military sealift capacity
“What a difference you make,” said in each of these profoundly different tasks. and the U.S. military compounds these
General Duncan McNabb, commander of He commented that many are unaware that savings by turning to industry for
the U.S. Transportation Command, to the “when they turn to us in the military, we capacity, expertise and skilled mariners.
unions of the Maritime Trades Department, turn to our commercial industry and say Through the Voluntary Intermodal
AFL-CIO. In Haiti, Afghanistan, Iraq or in ‘let’s go get ‘em.’” Sealift Agreement (VISA), the
the North Pole, American mariners and the McNabb commended the seafarers Department of Defense has access to
U.S. commercial shipping industry are a aboard the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, 312 commercial vessels and the crews
vital part of military transportation capaci- USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams, S/S that run them, drastically reducing the
ty, McNabb said at the February MTD Cornhusker Stateand S/S Cape May– each “astronomical” costs of maintaining a
executive board meetings. of which is manned in all licensed positions similar government-owned fleet. “But
“I get to see what a difference you’ve by AMO – for their efforts in Haiti follow- by having that in the commercial indus-
made as we move additional forces to ing the recent earthquake. “Nobody else in try where they’re doing their normal
Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander Afghanistan, as we bring equipment out of the world” can deliver cargo as fast as the commercial business and helping us
of the U.S. Transportation Iraq, and most recently, what went on with United States, McNabb said. when we need it, it’s huge,” McNabb
Command, addresses the Maritime Haiti,” he said. McNabb praised the Transporting cargo by sea is inher-
Trades Department in February. “amazing” work of the maritime industry ently cost-effective as compared to airlift See USTRANSCOM ◆ Page 10
AMO area meeting AMO National New jobs for AMO AMO Essentials
dates for East, Constitution in on
OSG Vision
STAR Center course
Gulf, West Coasts this edition ◆
schedule: Pages 8-9
Page 2:American Maritime The AMO National
STAR Center registration
Officers will again in 2010 con- Constitution is included as an ◆
application: Page 11
duct area meetings on the East, insert to this edition of the
Gulf and West Coasts. The sched- newspaper as a convenient ref-
◆ AMO directory: Page 10
ule of dates, times and locations erence for AMO members. The
for each of the meetings is includ- AMO Constitution is now
ed in this edition and is available included in the newspaper on a Page 3: The new ATB OSG AMO membership meeting
◆
online at www.amo-union.org. semi-annual basis. Vision entered service in March. schedule: Page 10
Copyright © 2010 American Maritime Officers ■ 2 West Dixie Highway ■ Dania Beach, FL 33004 ■ [phone] ■ [email protected]
2 • American Maritime Officer April 2010
The proven value of open communication in AMO
By Tom Bethel options. Steve, AMO Vice President at Large zone” and continued reliance on a defined We reformed the way our union con-
National President and AMO Pension Plan Trustee Mike benefit retirement plan destined only for real, ducts its elections of officers and its policy
Murphy and I visited scores of vessels on all relentless risk and crushing cost that would referenda by making it easier for all AMO
I spend a lot coasts to explain the crisis, and we addressed threaten the competitive positions of AMO members in good standing to receive ballots
of time taking it in every detail during regularly scheduled employers — and AMO members would — and to have their ballots count. We took
phone calls and monthly AMO membership meetings. We likely have known little or nothing about it. election administration and balloting out of
replying to e-mail distributed every possible bit of relevant and In this context, honest dialog has the hands of sitting AMO officials so that no
from seagoing critical information as quickly as possible helped us — the AMO administration and the one on the AMO payroll would ever again
members of through every available forum — moving so seagoing AMO membership together — touch a ballot other than his or her own.
A m e r i c a n fast at times that we had to follow-up with restore our union’s image, reputation and We let the seagoing AMO membership
Maritime Officers. clarification or correction. We invited AMO credibility after too long and too dark a time. have the last word on important policy mat-
Many of the con- members to participate as observers in quar- When my administration assumed ters — streamlining and clarifying the AMO
versations and terly meetings of the trustees of the AMO office in January 2007, we resolved not to National Constitution and restructuring the
much of the corre- Pension Plan. close ranks, but to open doors. We were deter- AMO national executive board and the con-
spondence these As alternating chairman and secretary mined to make our union known worldwide struction of our union’s first-ever headquar-
days are about the of the joint union-employer AMO Plans for its commitment to better communication, ters building — through two separate union-
AMO Pension Plan and the lingering nation- Board of Trustees, I worked closely with transparency and full disclosure, greater par- wide 90-day secret ballot votes. There were
wide retirement crisis, but the topics vary — Steve, the trustees and the pension profes- ticipatory democracy, lively debate and dis- easier ways to accomplish both purposes, but
as do the tone and the mood on either end. sionals (actuaries, counsel and investment sent without fear. the easy way is not always the right way.
But, in each case, I’m confident that I managers) to craft a rehabilitation strategy for One of my first acts as national presi- We instituted a policy of rank & file
answer questions completely and truthfully the defined benefit fund as required by feder- dent of AMO was to meet individually in the participation on negotiating committees and
and address legitimate concerns fairly and al law and to prepare for the AMO Pension spirit of reconciliation with two of the three in determining the application of annual
candidly. Plan’s eventual replacement with individual seagoing AMO members who had been Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) increases
People outside of AMO sometimes ask defined contribution retirement accounts. defeated but who had finished strongly as and annual Total Labor Cost (TLC) increases
me if it’s worth pursuing these one-on-one And we kept the seagoing AMO mem- candidates for the highest office in the espe- in AMO contracts.
contacts or if they interfere with my day-to- bership informed at every point along the cially contentious and bitter 2006 AMO elec- We established strong policies govern-
day responsibilities as national president of way. As a result, everyone in our union tion (a third unsuccessful candidate for ing ethics and professional standards, and we
our union. I tell them that I wouldn’t have it understands this complex issue. There may national president declined my invitation to posted these policies on the official AMO
any other way, and that I can’t do my job as not be universal agreement on what was done meet). Each of us learned that the divide Web site, along with the financial disclosure
effectively as possible if I don’t talk to the or why, but at least everyone has the facts between us was not nearly as wide as many reports AMO and all unions are required to
men and women I represent. necessary to make informed decisions. The had thought; we learned that there were com- file each year with the U.S. Department of
The pension issue provides current con- consensus emerging April 1 was that we — mon interests and beliefs, and that we could Labor. I know of no other labor organization
firmation of the value of open and direct com- my administration, Steve and his staff, the trust each other. that does that.
munication. When it became apparent that the trustees and the professionals — had acted I opened our union further by encour- Today, AMO is a union renewed, with
combined impact of a steep, stubborn reces- quickly, cooperatively and responsibly to aging AMO members to participate as an image befitting its status as the nation’s
sion, the collapse of investment markets in ensure the greatest possible measure of retire- observers in quarterly meetings of the AMO largest organization of licensed seagoing pro-
2008 and the unreasonable requirements of a ment security for every AMO family under national executive board. This opportunity fessionals. Ours is the only U.S. merchant
2006 federal law would force the defined ben- unprecedented and harmful circumstances. had long been provided for in the AMO marine officers’ union positioned for new,
efit AMO Pension Plan into “critical” status, I This was a conspicuous departure from National Constitution, but my administration sustainable growth.
let all deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland waters past practice institutionalized in AMO over was the first to put it into practice. AMO officials, representatives and
AMO members know immediately about the many years under previous administrations. We began what is now a tradition — a employees are accessible, responsive and
problem and our strategy to address it. Had the pension crisis hit while my immedi- policy I referred to as “bringing meetings to accountable to the men and women we repre-
Over the next several months, AMO ate predecessor held office, the problem the membership.” Acknowledging the diffi- sent. We believe in our work, and we believe
Plans Executive Director Steve Nickerson would likely have been left to the actuaries culty many AMO members have attending in the people we do it for.
and I fielded hundreds of calls from AMO and attorneys to solve, and the outcome the regularly scheduled monthly membership Is there room for further improvement?
families, answering specific questions about would likely have been an indefinite slog meetings in Dania Beach and Toledo, we take There always is, and I welcome suggestions
specific circumstances and discussing our through the Pension Protection Act’s “red to the road at least once a year, scheduling from within the deep-sea, Great Lakes and
informal meetings in key ports along the East, inland waters fleets. Give me a call on my
AMO 2010 annual area meeting
Gulf and West Coasts. cell at 202-251-0349 and we’ll talk about it.
dates for East, Gulf, West Coasts
AMO will again in 2010 conduct area meetings on the East, Gulf and West Coasts.
The meetings will feature detailed reports on union, Plans, industry and national devel-
opments that affect the membership. All American Maritime Officers members and
applicants are encouraged to attend and participate.
May 26, 2010 — 6 p.m. June 3, 2010 — 6 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hampton Roads Hilton New Orleans Riverside
(Mercury A&B) (Newberry/Ascot Rooms, third floor)
1700 Coliseum Drive 2 Poydras Street
Hampton, VA 23666 - [phone] New Orleans, LA 70140 - [phone]
May 27, 2010 — 6 p.m. June 8, 2010 — 6 p.m.
Embassy Suites Portland Courtyard by Marriott
(Westbrook Theatre) (Mount Tahoma Room)
1050 Westbrook Street 1515 Commerce Street
Portland, ME 04102- [phone] Tacoma, WA 98402 - [phone]
June 2, 2010 — 6 p.m. June 9, 2010 — 6 p.m.
Hilton Americas – Houston Hilton Garden Inn
(Theatre 340AB) (Platinum/Copper Room, first floor)
1600 Lamar 1800 Powell Street
Houston, TX 77010 - [phone] Emeryville, CA 94608 - [phone]
American Maritime Officer
(USPS 316-920)
Official Publication of American Maritime Officers
2 West Dixie Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004
[phone]
POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To: Periodical Postage Paid at
American Maritime Officers — ATTENTION: Member Services Dania Beach, FL
P.O. Box 66 and Additional Mailing Offices
Dania Beach, FL 33004 Published Monthly ISO 9001:2008
April 2010 American Maritime Officer • 3
Congressional representatives urge
New jobs
full funding for MSP in fiscal year 2011
for AMO
A bipartisan group of 50 priations bill at the baseline level of $174 rent and projected sealift requirements of
aboard Congressional representatives — including million, the same amount requested by the the United States. The Department of
the chairmen of the Armed Services Administration in its FY 2011 budget and Defense further stated that it would need
Committee, the Transportation and the same amount appropriated last year. more than $10 billion in capital costs and $1
ATB OSG Infrastructure Committee and the Each year since the original enactment of billion in annual operations costs to repli-
Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and the MSP in 1996 and its reauthorization in cate what the commercial maritime indus-
Maritime Transportation — has requested 2003, the Congress has approved full fund- try, through the MSP, provides to our gov-
Vision full funding for the Maritime Security ing for MSP at the level authorized by ernment at a fraction of what it would cost
Program in fiscal year 2011 appropriations Congress in P.L. 108-136. DOD to do the job itself.
legislation. The following letter, dated The MSP is a proven, successful During Congressional consideration
OSG America in has taken March 15, 2010, was sent to Rep. John national security program enacted to ensure of the reauthorization of the MSP in 2003,
delivery of the 45,556 dead-weight- Olver (D-MA), chairman of the House that the United States has the U.S-flag com- General John W. Handy, Commander in
ton crude oil barge OSG 350 and the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing mercial sealift capability and trained U.S. Chief, United States Transportation
12,000 horsepower tug OSG Vision, and Urban Development, and ranking citizen merchant mariners it needs in time Command, told Congress that: “as we look
which together form the articulated member Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA). The letter of war or other international emergency. It at operations on multiple fronts in support
tug/barge OSG Vision. was signed by Representatives Ike Skelton, is one of the most cost-efficient and effec- of the War on Terrorism, it is clear that our
The Jones Act ATB was Howard “Buck” McKeon, John Mica, Nick tive defense-related private industry and limited defense resources will increasingly
designed for lightering services in Rahall, Walter Jones, Elijah Cummings, government partnerships. Most important- rely on partnerships with industry to main-
Delaware Bay, offloading large John Duncan, Don Young, Eliot Engel, ly, the continued funding and implementa- tain the needed capability and capacity to
tankers. Frank LoBiondo, Adam Smith, Laura tion of the MSP ensures that America will in meet our most demanding wartime scenar-
“The completion of this ATB Richardson, Michael Michaud, Mazie fact be able to support our troops overseas ios…MSP is a cost-effective program that
and the new jobs it is providing for Hirono, Melvin Watt, Duncan Hunter, by guaranteeing that American flag vessels assures guaranteed access to required com-
AMO members with OSG America Leonard Lance, Todd Akin, Jim Langevin, and American crews – and not foreign-flag mercial U.S.-flag shipping and U.S. mer-
are welcome and encouraging,” said Rick Larsen, John Barrow, Michael vessels and foreign crews – will continue to chant mariners, when needed…MSP is a
AMO National Executive Board McMahon, John Sarbanes, Madeleine be available to transport the supplies and vital element of our military’s strategic
Member for Inland Waters Charles Bordallo, Brian Higgins, Charlie equipment our troops need. Without the sealift and global response capability.”
Murdock. “We’re looking forward to Melancon, Gary Miller, Bill Pascrell, Ann MSP and its U.S.-flag maritime security Significantly, virtually all the military and
years of effective service aboard the Cao, Jim McDermott, Chellie Pingree, fleet, America’s commercial sealift capabil- defense-related cargoes moving today as a
OSG Vision.” Charles Dent, John Adler, Robert Wittman, ity and the jobs of American merchant result of the recently announced surge oper-
The vessel was completed by Henry Brown, Albio Sires, James Oberstar, mariners will be lost to foreign shipping ations in Afghanistan are moving on U.S.-
VT Halter Marine and departed for Norm Dicks, Brian Baird, Aaron Shoek, interests and foreign maritime workers, flag vessels with U.S. citizen crews, operat-
Delaware Bay in late March. The OSG John Hall, Russ Carnanan, Henry Johnson, thereby weakening America’s economic ing as part of the Maritime Security
Visionis manned by AMO members in Frank Kratovil, Glenn Nye, Phil Hare, Jay and military security. Program.
licensed positions and is operating Inslee, Dave Reichert, Bob Filner and Congress reauthorized the MSP on We ask that your Subcommittee
under the same AMO contract as the Stephen Lynch. the recommendation of the Department of include funding for the MSP at the
other articulated tug/barges in the We are writing to request that funding Defense that an expanded 60-ship MSP Congressionally-authorized amount of
OSG America fleet. for the Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet represents the most prudent, economi- $174 million in your Fiscal Year 2011
be included in the Fiscal Year 2011 appro- cal and necessary solution to address cur- appropriations legislation.
OSG and labor bring ‘great things to this industry’
OSG America CFO ties maritime success to legacy of partnerships, political support
Speaking before the Maritime Trades stimulus legislation aimed at job creation.
Department’s 2010 executive board meet- There has been “a tremendous amount of
ing in Orlando, Fla., in February, OSG support” for a new jobs bill and OSG is
America Vice President and Chief Financial optimistic about passage soon, Smith said.
Officer Eric Smith attributed legislative and “We’re succeeding because of the efforts
economic successes at his company to a from SIU, MEBA and AMO … We at OSG
partnership between industry and labor. are grateful to you and your folks for the
“Success in our maritime industry support that we’ve received.”
and in the Jones Act comes from well-estab- Despite movement in the House on
lished partnerships,” Smith said. “I look major jobs legislation, the Senate has stalled
forward to continuing this legacy.” on the several stimulus bills before the
OSG is the only tanker company sup- chamber. Priorities and politics may be
plying both U.S. domestic and international shifting but OSG and labor are committed
markets and is the second largest tanker to investing in America and creating U.S.
operation in the world. OSG America’s jobs. Smith promised that OSG would con-
recent order of 12 new Jones Act tankers tinue to reinvest in America to continue to
from Aker Philadelphia shipyard was the grow the U.S.-flag fleet.
largest order of its kind since World War II. Also necessary for the growth of
But OSG America’s continued success domestic shipping is continued funding for
hinges on critical legislation supporting AMO National President Tom Bethel greets OSG America Vice President and the Title XI Maritime Guaranteed Loan
Jones Act vessels. Chief Financial Officer Eric Smith at the Maritime Trades Department executive Program. Not a subsidy program, Title XI
First, OSG would like to see new board meetings in February. funds are used to back loans to shipbuilders
and has significantly improved access to
capital. “In today’s financial environment,
OSG Vision enters Jones Act trades Title XI is a very important mechanism to
help our ailing industry,” Smith said. “It
provides for construction projects that
would otherwise not be started, thus creat-
ing jobs.”
The Title XI program would receive
no new funding under the administration’s
proposed budget for fiscal year 2011.
Labor and industry must work together to
ensure funding is available year after year
for this important program, Smith added.
The ATB OSG Vision was delivered to OSG America in late March. The new “We —OSG and labor — are living proof
ATB was designed for lightering services and will offload large tankers in
that when good policy is created and
Delaware Bay. AMO members are manning the vessel in licensed positions.
established, great things come to this
industry.”
4 • American Maritime Officer April 2010
AMO Pension Plan: revised rehabilitation plan
As previously reported, the joint union-employer trustees of the American Maritime Active participants eligible for a 20-year regular monthly pension (regardless of age) as
Officers Pension Plan recently agreed to revise the AMO Pension Plan rehabilitation plan of December 31, 2010 and whose employer negotiates or has imposed upon it the Default
adopted by the trustees in compliance with the federal Pension Protection Act of 2006. Schedule in connection with the negotiation of its first collective bargaining agreement fol-
The revised rehabilitation plan provides a “Preferred Schedule” that retains the unre- lowing the adoption of the rehabilitation plan, will have a 60-day grace period following the
duced 20-and-out pension benefit. Under the Preferred Schedule, which must be negotiated effective date of the Default Schedule during which the Default Schedule will not apply. The
as part of AMO collective bargaining agreements: pension benefits for these individuals will not be reduced provided that they have a pension
•Active AMO deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland waters members with at least 20 years application on file with the Plan office as of December 31, 2010. They will then have the 60
of covered employment as of January 2011 may continue to work while deferring unreduced days from the effective date of the Default Schedule to formally retire if they wish to do so.
annuities due from the AMO Pension Plan until these AMO members choose to retire. In the context of the rehabilitation schedules, an active participant is defined as a per-
•Active AMO members with fewer than 20 years of covered employment as of January son working in covered employment — or available to work in covered employment — who
2011 can continue to work while accruing credits leading to 20-year pensions. These credits has at least one day of covered employment in the 12 months preceding the effective date of
will apply for vesting and eligibility purposes only. retirement or the effective date of the rehabilitation schedule, whichever is earlier.
•Active AMO members who reach or exceed 20 years of covered employment after
January 1, 2011 can qualify for unreduced early retirement benefits, regardless of age. Inactive Vested Participants
•All monthly benefits due from the AMO Pension Plan upon retirement would be paid Except as specifically provided, the rehabilitation schedules will not apply to:
in the amounts calculated for AMO members as of December 31, 2009 — the date benefits •Individuals who no longer work in covered employment, but who have vested rights
payable under the AMO Pension Plan were “frozen” as part of the rehabilitation plan. to pension benefits through previous covered employment. However, these individuals must
In addition, in order to lessen the impact on the Pension Plan’s funding as a result of the retire before January 1, 2010.
retention of the unreduced 20-and-out pension, and move the Plan out of critical status as soon Benefits for inactive but vested participants who retire after January 1, 2010 will be cal-
as possible, the trustees revised the rehabilitation plan to eliminate cost of living adjustments culated in accordance with the Default Schedule.
for all pensioners and survivors regardless of retirement date.
The following is the revised American Maritime Officers Pension Plan Rehabilitation Individuals Already Retired
Plan and Rehabilitation Schedules adopted by trustees of the AMO Pension Plan: Individuals who retire with monthly benefits from the AMO Pension Plan before
January 1, 2010 will not have their benefits reduced. Nor will the survivors of deceased par-
American Maritime Officers Pension Plan ticipants in the Plan have their benefits reduced if their monthly benefits began before January
Rehabilitation Plan 1, 2010.
Revised as of February 11, 2010
Cost of Living Adjustments
Introduction Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, effective January 1, 2011, or such later date
The joint union - employer trustees of the American Maritime Officers Pension Plan have as required by law, there will be no further cost of living adjustments for current or future pen-
adopted this revised rehabilitation plan to restore stability to the retirement fund. This rehabili- sioners and survivors, regardless of retirement date.
tation plan was required by federal law — specifically, the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
A rehabilitation plan was necessary because the AMO Pension Plan was considered in Annual Standards for Meeting the Rehabilitation Requirements
“Critical Status” for the fiscal year that began on October 1, 2009. Under the 2006 law, a Because actual experience can be less favorable than what had been anticipated through
defined benefit retirement plan reaches “critical” status — also known as the “Red Zone” — reasonable assumption, the trustees of the AMO Pension Plan have developed annual stan-
if, among other things, it is projected to have an accumulated funding deficiency within a spec- dards to confirm the retirement fund’s status and allow the AMO Pension Plan to emerge from
ified period. As of September 30, 2009, the AMO Pension Plan is projected to have an accu- “critical” status (the “Red Zone”) as quickly as possible.
mulated funding deficiency occur within the next seven plan years. The AMO Pension Plan Specifically, the AMO Pension Plan’s actuary will review the schedules and their effect
had been driven to this point by the severe worldwide recession, the collapse of investment each year during the 10-year period, report all findings to the trustees and consult with the
markets in 2008 and persistent market instability, and difficult funding requirements under the trustees to revise the rehabilitation strategy if necessary each year.
Pension Protection Act. All recommended revisions will be presented to the union and to deep-sea, Great Lakes
Under the law, rehabilitation plans for retirement funds in “critical” status must be based and inland waters employers for adoption through collective bargaining. All schedules of
on reasonable actuarial projections and reasonably anticipated experience. The law provides reduction in benefits and employer contribution rates written into collective bargaining agree-
that a rehabilitation plan may take up to ten years to restore stability to a retirement fund. ments will apply until the contracts expire.
However, the trustees intend to make every effort to move the Plan out of critical status as soon
as possible. Other Issues in Brief
•A National Security Consideration
Rehabilitation Plan Measures The joint union-employer trustees of the American Maritime Officers Pension Plan
This revised rehabilitation plan includes two schedules of benefit reductions and believe firmly that senior experienced AMO members must remain in their jobs so that they
employer contribution rates - the “Preferred Schedule” and the “Default Schedule”. The are available to man private sector and government-owned and chartered strategic sealift ships
trustees believe that either of these schedules will address the AMO Pension Plan’s funding in national security emergencies.
requirements. The Default Schedule is required by law to be included in the rehabilitation For this reason, the trustees asked the Internal Revenue Service to allow certain AMO
plan, and will be implemented in the event that the Preferred Schedule cannot be negotiated members to retire and return to covered employment at sea with suspension of their monthly
as part of a deep-sea, Great Lakes or inland waters vessel operating company’s future AMO retirement benefits while working. Without IRS approval of the return-to-work option, the
collective bargaining agreement, or other participation agreement, or the Default Schedule is AMO Pension Plan could lose its status as a tax-qualified retirement plan. In a letter to the
negotiated as part of an agreement. AMO Pension Plan trustees dated January 19, 2010, the IRS denied this request.
The trustees have exclusive authority to modify the schedules of benefit reductions and This action by the IRS prompted the trustees to revise the rehabilitation plan to provide
contribution rates in their discretion, and to determine when a schedule has been adopted in a a Preferred Schedule that would retain the early retirement subsidy provided under the 20-Year
labor contract or in a similar agreement addressing contributions to the AMO Pension Plan. Regular Pension.
However, the trustees will generally consider a schedule to have been adopted under the The Default Schedule eliminates the early retirement subsidy provided under the 20-
following circumstances: Year Regular Pension (or any other service-related pension) as well as any other early retire-
There is satisfactory evidence that a schedule has been written into a collective bar- ment subsidy. Under the Default Schedule, benefits payable prior to age 65 will be equal to
gaining agreement for the term of the contract. In cases of other employers contributing to the the actuarial equivalent of the normal retirement benefit payable at age 65 as a single life annu-
AMO Pension Plan outside of collective bargaining agreements — contributions made to the ity based on the Participant’s actual age on the Pension Effective Date. The formula for deter-
Plan by AMO on behalf of union officials and representatives, for example — the trustees are mining actuarial equivalence is shown on Chart 1 of the attached Default Schedule.
satisfied that a schedule is in effect under a specific agreement. The Preferred Schedule retains the early retirement subsidy provided under the 20-Year
If a collective bargaining agreement expires and the union and employer cannot reach Regular Pension (or any other service-related pension), but eliminates any other early retire-
an agreement consistent with the rehabilitation plan, the Default Schedule will apply auto- ment subsidy. Under the Preferred Schedule, benefits payable prior to age 65 with less than
matically 180 days after that contract’s expiration date. 20 years of credit (or other service requirement) will be equal to the actuarial equivalent of the
normal retirement benefit payable at age 65 as a single life annuity based on the Participant’s
Effective Date of the Rehabilitation Plan Schedules actual age on the Pension Effective Date. The formula for determining actuarial equivalence
Because of the fluid nature of the maritime industry, the trustees have agreed not to is shown on Chart 1 of the attached Preferred Schedule. Once a participant has 20 years of
apply any schedule of benefit reductions to active participants before January 1, 2011. service, benefit payments will not be reduced on account of the age of the participant at retire-
Benefits for individuals who retire or resign their jobs on or after January 1, 2011 will ment.
be based on the schedule applicable to their employer. This will apply to individuals who are •Benefit Accruals
working in covered employment and who are eligible for benefits and to individuals who have By action of the trustees, the AMO Pension Plan has been amended to freeze benefit
vested rights to pension benefits but who leave their jobs before they are eligible to receive accruals, beginning January 1, 2010. No additional pension benefits will be earned from that
these benefits. date.
The only exception will be for permanent employees who as of January 1, 2011 are not Individuals with less than five years of service as of December 31, 2009 will continue
covered by a collective bargaining agreement or other agreement that includes a schedule con- to earn credits for vesting — as required by law — but benefits will not increase beyond
sistent with the rehabilitation plan. Under the Pension Protection Act, these individuals must amounts applicable on December 31, 2009.
be covered by an agreement that incorporates a rehabilitation schedule before the schedule can Covered employment between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011 will count toward
apply to them. eligibility for 20-year regular pensions, early retirement pensions and disability pensions under
Active participants who are eligible for monthly benefits and who retire before January these circumstances:
1, 2011 or before the date a schedule is adopted by or imposed on their employer, if later, will •When the union and employer negotiate an agreement consistent with the rehabilita-
not be subject to the benefit reductions called for in the rehabilitation schedules except as oth-
erwise provided. See Pension Plan ◆ Next Page
April 2010 American Maritime Officer • 5
AMO Pension Plan: revised rehabilitation plan
Pension Plan
uled to take effect in the future under the various agreements and amendments thereto.
PLEASE SEE CHART 1 ON PAGE 11
Continued from Previous Page
tion plan before January 1, 2011, employment will count toward eligibility for these pensions. DEFAULT REHABILITATION SCHEDULE
This would include a negotiated agreement where the Default Schedule is negotiated.
•When the union and employer have not negotiated an agreement consistent with the The Default Schedule is a supplement to, and forms a part of, the Pension Plan
rehabilitation plan before January 1, 2011, employment will not count toward eligibility for Document, and controls over any conflicting provision in the Plan Document, except to the
these pensions. extent that the Trustees modify any of the benefits described herein by amending the Plan
Covered employment after January 1, 2011 will count toward eligibility for an actuari- Document. This Schedule is part of the Plan’s rehabilitation plan. A modification or amend-
ally reduced early retirement pension and disability pension when a negotiated agreement con- ment to the Schedule automatically modifies or amends any inconsistent provisions in the
sistent with the rehabilitation plan is in effect before January 1, 2011; when no such agreement body of the rehabilitation plan document. This Schedule and the Plan Document may be
is in place before January 1, 2011, employment will not count toward eligibility for an actu- amended or modified by the Trustees at any time and in any manner consistent with the
arially reduced early retirement pension and disability pension until an agreement is negotiat- requirements of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.
ed. The benefit changes described in this Default Schedule will apply to Plan participants
Covered employment after January 1, 2011 will count toward eligibility for an unre- as set forth in the rehabilitation plan who are employed by an employer that negotiates an
duced 20-Year Regular Pension when an agreement incorporating the Preferred Schedule is in agreement consistent with the terms of the Default Schedule or upon which the Default
effect before January 1, 2011; when no such agreement is in place before January 1, 2011, Schedule is imposed in accordance with the provisions of the rehabilitation plan, and to par-
employment will not count toward eligibility for an unreduced 20-Year Regular Pension until ticipants entitled to a deferred vested pension.
an agreement incorporating the Preferred Schedule is negotiated.
In no event, however, will benefits increase beyond amounts applicable on December Benefit Adjustments
31, 2009. This schedule reduces “adjustable benefits” as that term is defined in ERISA Section
305. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the Plan Document, the following benefit
PREFERRED REHABILITATION SCHEDULE adjustments will apply upon the effective date of this Default Schedule, as determined under
the provisions of the rehabilitation plan, or such earlier date as provided herein or in the reha-
The Preferred Schedule is a supplement to, and forms a part of, the Pension Plan bilitation plan.
Document, and controls over any conflicting provision in the Plan Document, except to the
extent that the Trustees modify any of the benefits described herein by amending the Plan A. Adjustments to Early Retirement Benefits, Retirement Type Subsidies and Disability
Document. This Schedule is part of the Plan’s rehabilitation plan. A modification or amend- Benefits
ment to the Schedule automatically modifies or amends any inconsistent provisions in the 1. Early Retirement subsidy provided under the 20-Year Regular Pension: The early
body of the rehabilitation plan document. This Schedule and the Plan Document may be retirement subsidy provided under the 20-Year Regular Pension (or any other service-related
amended or modified by the Trustees at any time and in any manner consistent with the pension) is eliminated. Benefits payable prior to age 65 will be equal to the actuarial equiva-
requirements of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. lent of the normal retirement benefit payable at age 65 as a single life annuity based on the
The benefit changes described in this Schedule will apply to Plan participants as set Participant’s actual age on the Pension Effective Date. The formula for determining actuarial
forth in the rehabilitation plan who are employed by an employer that negotiates a collective equivalence is shown on Chart 1.
bargaining agreement consistent with the terms of the Preferred Schedule. Notwithstanding the foregoing, active participants eligible for a 20-year regular month-
ly pension (regardless of age) as of December 31, 2010 (and whose employer negotiates or
Benefit Adjustments has imposed the Default Schedule in connection with the negotiation of its first collective bar-
This schedule reduces certain “adjustable benefits” as that term is defined in gaining agreement following the adoption of the rehabilitation plan) will have a 60-day grace
ERISA Section 305. (Under the Preferred Schedule there is no actuarial reduction in the period following the effective date of the Default Schedule during which the Default Schedule
20-year Regular Pension). Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the Plan will not apply. The pension benefits for these individuals will not be reduced provided that
Document, the following benefit adjustments will apply upon the effective date of this they have a pension application on file with the Plan office as of December 31, 2010. They
Preferred Schedule, as determined under the provisions of the rehabilitation plan, or will then have the 60 days from the effective date of the Default Schedule to formally retire if
such other date as set forth herein they wish to do so.
2. Standard Early Retirement Pension: The standard Early Retirement Pension (for
A. Adjustments to Standard Early Retirement Benefits, Retirement Type Subsidies and participants with less than 20 years of pension credit) is modified by reducing the percentage
Disability Benefits of the normal retirement benefit amount that the Participant will receive if he retires before age
1. Standard Early Retirement Pension: The standard Early Retirement Pension (for 65. The standard Early Retirement Pension will be reduced to the actuarial equivalent of the
participants with less than 20 years of pension credit) is modified by reducing the percentage Participant’s normal retirement benefit payable at age 65, as a single life annuity based on the
of the normal retirement benefit amount that the Participant will receive if he retires before age Participant’s actual age on the Pension Effective Date. The formula for determining actuarial
65. The standard Early Retirement Pension will be reduced to the actuarial equivalent of the equivalence is shown on Chart 1.
Participant’s normal retirement benefit payable at age 65, as a single life annuity based on the 3. Disability Pension: Effective January 1, 2011, the eligibility requirements for a
Participant’s actual age on the Pension Effective Date. The formula for determining actuarial Disability Pension are modified. In order for a Participant to be eligible for a Disability
equivalence is shown on Chart 1. Pension the Participant must have 20 years of pension credit under the AMO Plan, excluding
2. Disability Pension: Effective January 1, 2011, the eligibility requirements for a any past service credit or credit under a Reciprocal Agreement, and must be eligible for Social
Disability Pension are modified. In order for a Participant to be eligible for a Disability Security Disability benefits. In addition, the ability to change from a Regular Pension to a
Pension the Participant must have 20 years of pension credit under the AMO Plan, excluding Disability Pension based upon a subsequent disability is eliminated. Calculation of the
any past service credit or credit under a Reciprocal Agreement, and must be eligible for Social amount of the Disability Pension will not be changed so that a participant with 20 or more
Security Disability benefits. In addition, the ability to change from a Regular Pension to a years of pension credit will receive an unreduced benefit.
Disability Pension based upon a subsequent disability is eliminated. Calculation of the 4. Cost of Living Adjustments: Upon the effective date of the Default Schedule, or
amount of the Disability Pension will not be changed so that a participant with 20 or more such earlier date as set forth in the rehabilitation plan, there will be no further cost of living
years of pension credit will receive an unreduced benefit. adjustments for current and future pensioners and survivors regardless of retirement date.
3. Cost of Living Adjustments: Upon the effective date of the Preferred Schedule there
will be no further cost of living adjustments for current and future pensioners and survivors B.Benefit Payment Options:
regardless of retirement date. 1.Lump-sum Distributions: Lump-sum distributions in excess of $1,000 were elimi-
nated effective October 1, 2009 (i.e., the present value of the Participant’s accrued benefit may
B.Benefit Payment Options: not exceed $1,000 to be eligible for a lump-sum distribution).
1. Lump-sum Distributions: Lump-sum distributions in excess of $1,000 were elimi- 2. 60-month Guarantee: The 60-month guarantee is eliminated for Participants who
nated effective October 1, 2009 (i.e., the present value of the Participant’s accrued benefit may retire after the effective date of the Schedule.
not exceed $1,000 to be eligible for a lump-sum distribution). 3. Pop-up Options: The 50%, 75% and 100% Joint and Survivor Annuity Pop-Up
2. 60-month Guarantee: The 60-month guarantee is eliminated for Participants who Options are eliminated for Participants who retire on or after July 1, 2010.
retire after the effective date of the Preferred Schedule.
3. Pop-up Options: The 50%, 75% and 100% Joint and Survivor Annuity Pop-Up C. Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefits:
Options are eliminated for Participants who retire on or after July 1, 2010. Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefits: All pre-retirement survivor benefits other than the
100%/75%/50% pre-retirement surviving spouse benefit are eliminated.
C. Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefits: The plan of benefits may be amended for any further benefit changes required for the
1. Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefits: All pre-retirement survivor benefits other than Plan to continue meeting the requirements to maintain its tax qualification under the Internal
the 100%/75%/50% pre-retirement surviving spouse benefit are eliminated. Revenue Code and comply with other applicable law.
The plan of benefits may be amended for any further benefit changes required for the
Plan to continue meeting the requirements to maintain its tax qualification under the Internal Contribution Rates
Revenue Code and comply with other applicable law. The employer contribution rates under the Default Schedule shall be the rates required
under the existing collective bargaining agreements, including contribution increases sched-
Contribution Rates uled to take effect in the future under the various agreements and amendments thereto.
The employer contribution rates under the Preferred Schedule shall be the rates required
under the existing collective bargaining agreements, including contribution increases sched- PLEASE SEE CHART 1 ON PAGE 11
PLEASE SEE CHART 1 — ‘ACTUARIAL EQUIVALENT EARLY RETIREMENT FACTORS (FROM NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE 65)’ — ON PAGE 11
6 • American Maritime Officer April 2010
MARAD chief seeks to strengthen maritime industry
Speaking before the Maritime said. According to MARAD, there is a
Trades Department, AFL-CIO, executive $78 million balance in the Title XI pro-
board meetings in Orlando, Fla., Acting gram, which will be issued as loan guar-
Maritime Administrator David Matsuda antees “in 2011.”
said he intends “to build on the natural Also promoting U.S. shipbuilding,
advantages that our transportation system the Small Shipyard Grants Program cur-
offers to both expand capacity and allow rently has $15 million to award. “These
our economy to grow.” Recognizing the grants will help make our smaller ship-
value mariners already contribute to yards more competitive and poised for
national security and the economy, he ref- growth,” Matsuda said.
erenced the Maritime Security Program Another grant program, run by the
and several grant and loan programs that Department of Defense, “shows [that mar-
will lead to a stronger American maritime itime projects] can compete in a broader
industry. pot of funds for transportation infrastruc-
The Maritime Security Program ture,” Matsuda said. Six Transportation
guarantees military access to commercial Investment Generating Economic
U.S.-flagged ships, related logistics and a Recovery (TIGER) grants will go toward
workforce of trained U.S. mariners, AMO National Executive Vice President Bob Kiefer, AMO National President maritime projects, a total of more than
Matsuda said. In 2009 and 2010, working Tom Bethel and AMO National Vice President at Large Michael Murphy greet $120 million in awards. Award recipients
with the Coast Guard under an expedited Acting Maritime Administrator David Matsuda at the MTD meetings. include port and harbor infrastructure
reflagging process, MARAD has brought improvements in Rhode Island, Maine,
seven new vessels under U.S. registry and The Acting Maritime Administrator credit markets are tight, this program is Hawaii, Illinois, and Alaska, and a $30
created approximately 300 new jobs for voiced his support for the Title XI ship- especially vital for those trying to get million grant to expand a marine highway
U.S. mariners. Many of these vessels building loan guarantee program. “When financing for U.S. ship construction,” he system in northern California.
were enrolled in the MSP, Matsuda said,
and “have delivered around half a million
containers of supplies to support U.S. Maritime unions
troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Other MSP vessels have been busy contribute for
this year participating in relief efforts in
Haiti, following a January earthquake that Haiti’s recovery
devastated the capital of Port-au-Prince.
Matsuda commended the “dedicated and
skilled mariners represented by unions [of Maritime Trades Department
the MTD]” for their work on this humani- President Michael Sacco, MEBA
tarian mission. Vessels supplied by the President Don Keefe, AMO National
United States vastly expanded the mili- President Tom Bethel and (then)
tary’s capacity. “You can fly C-17s in all MM&P Vice President for Atlantic
day, but you can get to about 400 of them” Ports Rich May present a check for
before you move the goods one ship can Haiti relief efforts to AFL-CIO
carry, Matsuda said. Secretary-Treasurer Liz Schuler.
Need for “I want to offer a salute to all of loaded and delivered relief supplies to Secretary-Treasurer Liz Schuler at the
the Maritime Trades Department Haiti.” MTD executive board meetings in
unions who have mobilized in sup- Union members and MTD affiliat- February. Donations included
additional port of the Haiti relief operations,” ed unions, including American Maritime $25,000 from AMO’s Membership
said Maritime Trades Department Officers, contributed for the relief effort, Assistance Program, a permanent
President Michael Sacco. “Hundreds with donations totaling $82,000, a check independent, tax-exempt and volun-
icebreaking
if not thousands of our members have for which was presented to AFL-CIO tary disaster relief fund.
capacity
can with the icebreaking assets it has, and Detroit to assist, and after about seven man of the Transportation and Infrastructure
the shipping community is grateful for this treacherous hours, the tugs Manitou and Committee, sponsored that bill and has con-
always crucial service,” said AMO National Salvor were also working with the Speerto sistently pushed for the construction of this
evident on
Vice President for the Great Lakes Don facilitate a difficult passage. The Presque vessel. There is support for the new ice-
Cree. “This situation speaks very clearly to Isle waited until the following morning breaker on Capitol Hill, but the legislation
the need for an additional icebreaker to ser- before attempting a transit with escort after has yet to be approved by the Senate and the
Great Lakes
vice Great Lakes shipping channels.” being broken free of anchorage by pressure project will still require funding.
Arriving in lower Lake Huron from the moving ice the previous day. “AMO will continue to work with the
Sunday morning, the Alpena was assisted “The House of Representatives Great Lakes Congressional delegation to
Ice conditions at Port Huron and on by the tug Manitou in moving through the approved the Great Lakes Icebreaker see that the needed authorization and fund-
the St. Clair River in late March again shifting ice field, which delayed the vessel Replacement Act last year, authorizing con- ing is secured for the new icebreaker so the
demonstrated the need for an additional for several hours. Inside the cut, the Edgar struction of a sister ship to the 240-foot dangerous and costly shipping situations we
heavy icebreaker to service Great Lakes B. Speer and Presque Isle were blocked in Mackinaw, which was built in 2006,” Cree are now facing can be prevented in the
shipping channels. by ice. The Bristol Bay came up from said. “Congressman James Oberstar, chair- future,” Cree said.
Over the weekend of March 20 and
21, the majority of the U.S. Coast Guard ice-
breaking group that had been working on the Fitting out for the season on the M/V Sam Laud
St. Clair River, including the Mackinaw, was
assigned to the St. Marys River and Lake
Superior for the opening of the Soo Locks at
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., March 24. Winds
across lower Lake Huron shifted to the north
and pushed the deteriorating ice field into the
Huron cut, delaying vessel movements and
creating extremely dangerous navigational
situations for Great Lakes vessels.
As of March 24, the ice had contin-
ued to move south and the St. Clair River
was closed, with vessel transits permitted
only with the individual permission of the AMO members working aboard the M/V Sam Laud in March, here at the fit-
Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw, which out dock in Cleveland, Ohio, included First Assistant Engineer Bruce
has returned to the area with the Coast Callahan, Third A.E. Freddie Springman, Second A.E. Willis Evans and Steward Robert Klemens in the
Guard icebreaking group. Night transits had Second A.E. Francis Boer. With them here are AMO National Vice President galley of the M/V Sam Laud, which
been prohibited, as the icebreakers contin- for the Great Lakes Don Cree and AMO National Assistant Vice President for is owned and operated by
ued to work to clear the St. Clair. the Great Lakes Brian Krus. American Steamship Company.
“The Coast Guard is doing the best it
April 2010 American Maritime Officer • 7
ITF urges entire industry to continue fighting piracy
The partnerships that exist in the throughout the world and pirate attacks in
U.S. and Canada – shipowners, govern- other regions are increasing.
ment and unions – are the only way to More than 30,000 vessels transit the
tackle piracy, said Stephen Cotton, mar- Gulf of Aden each year, and therefore the
itime coordinator for the International safety of ships in this region is “funda-
Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), mental.”
speaking at the executive board meeting Cotton criticized some governments
of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL- that have forbidden seafarers from transit-
CIO. Cotton asked maritime labor and ing the area and others that have simply
industry to put pressure on international raised mariner pay without taking any
organizations and governments to bring steps against piracy itself. These mea-
greater resources to the fight against pira- sures will not help and “will just slow up
cy. the industry, slow up the economic growth
Pirate attacks are becoming more we all need to sustain ourselves,” he said.
frequent and increasingly further away Cotton contended that governments
from the Gulf of Aden, Cotton warned. must increase their participation in the
“Last year saw massive growth in piracy,” fight against piracy off the coast of
while ransoms are increasing, he said. The Somalia, calling the current international
relative success of Somalia’s pirates is AMO National President Tom Bethel greets Stephen Cotton, secretary of the ITF response “not really enough.” He asked
encouraging other would-be pirates Seafarers Section, at the MTD meetings in February. maritime labor and industry to apply pres-
sure to “make this a social problem for
governments, linked to the protection of
the shipping industry … and linked to the
ITF launches campaign to combat piracy
support for global recovery,” he said.
Cotton asked the MTD to “use connec-
tions with members, politicians and
The International Transport particularly “flag-of-convenience” states that its people and grasp the nettle of con- shipowners to try to do something more
Workers’ Federation (ITF) has launched have so far neglected their responsibility to fronting and prosecuting piracy.” dynamic.”
a new campaign against Somalia-based vessels registered in their countries, the ITF The petition, among other things, Part of the problem in the region
piracy. The campaign, ‘Time to Beat stated. calls on governments to “dedicate signif- stems from Somalia’s unstable govern-
Piracy,’ is seeking to secure the resources “This decision has empowered us to icant resources” to fighting piracy, “take ment and crushing poverty. There are
necessary to end piracy in the region. build a worldwide campaign to put pressure immediate steps” to bring kidnapped sea- over one million displaced persons in the
The vote of ITF Seafarers’ dele- on all governments to close the gap in their farers home, and work with other gov- country and one third of the population
gates in March during meetings in anti-piracy efforts,” said ITF Maritime ernments to “secure a stable and peaceful relies on food aid, much of it carried on
Berlin, Germany, authorized the ITF to Coordinator Steven Cotton. “The reality is future for Somalia and its people.” U.S. and Canadian vessels. Cotton
launch a campaign aimed at sending that seafarers are risking their lives transport- The ITF is a federation of 654 argued that these issues are the core prob-
half-a-million signatures to governments ing the world’s goods through areas that are unions, including American Maritime lem driving piracy in the region and that
by World Maritime Day, observed on daily growing more dangerous. That situa- Officers. The ITF’s Seafarers Section they must be addressed to gain a long-
Sept. 23. All governments will be asked tion is not going to change without dramatic represents more than 600,000 seafarers term solution.
to contribute to the fight against piracy, efforts to address problems of Somalia and around the world. “In the end, we need to protect our
industry,” he said.
Training needs of vessel operators, government and military
requirements addressed at annual STAR Center conference
Representing American Maritime Officers and the AMO Safety and Education Plan’s Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research (STAR) Center at the annual
training needs conference in March, here with (center) Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, commander of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, and (third from right)
Orlando Gotay, Maritime Administration senior advisor on maritime policy, were AMO National Vice President at Large Michael Murphy, AMO National Assistant
Vice President for the Great Lakes Brian Krus, AMO National Vice President for the Great Lakes Don Cree, AMO National Executive Board Member for Inland
Waters Charles Murdock and STAR Center Director of Training Phil Shullo. The event is a working function conducted annually at STAR Center that helps keep the train-
ing programs available to American Maritime Officers members on the cutting edge of industry and government needs and demand, and to make sure the latest in infor-
mation, technology and instruction techniques are incorporated into the STAR Center curriculum on an ongoing basis. During the 2010 conference, Rear Adm. Buzby pro-
vided his perspective of the future of MSC, including ships and missions, a discussion of increased use of HV, the status of the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV)
project, and MSC’s lean towards more use of non-government schools and training facilities, including the union schools, to meet contract training requirements.
Gotay discussed training, recruitment and the role of MARAD as an advocate for the industry. Representatives of contributing companies and the AMO union dis-
cussed current and future training needs, including increased HV training, changes to STCW requirements, especially regarding engineering, environmental train-
ing, professional development, the continuation of senior officer conferences and possible dynamic positioning training and certification.
Great Lakes In response to increased demand, the Demand for coal and iron ore on the Lakes. Typically, these locks accom-
Poe Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., opened Great Lakes was extremely sluggish in modate more than 4,000 vessel transits,
four days early on March 24 to begin the 2009. Now that plants are coming back totaling up to 80 million tons of cargo,
shipping
Great Lakes shipping season. online, critically low iron ore and coal every year.
“Our work force is ready to accommo- inventories must be replenished. Increased The U.S.-flag fleet entered winter
season date this request this year, helping the mar- demand for both was reflected in the lay-up in January on a strong note.
itime industry serve their customers with sig- January cargo float. Cargo moved in U.S.-flag lakers in
nificant quantities of raw materials to fill vital The Soo Locks are the only gateway January 2010 totaled 2.4 million tons,
starts early
needs,” said Lt. Col. James Davis, Army for the thousand-footers to navigate safely an increase of 156 percent compared
Corps of Engineers district commander. from Lake Superior to the lower Great with January 2009.
8 • American Maritime Officer April 2010
American Maritime Officers Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center
2 West Dixie Highway • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • [phone]
GENERAL COURSES
ISO 9001:2000 Lead 5 days Please Call
Auditor Training
ABS NS5 Fleet 3 days 28 June 12 October
Management Software
Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 3 May 7 June 5 July 2 August 6 September 4 October 1 November
Basic Safety Training—All 4
modules MUST be completed 5 days 10 May 19 July 13 September
within 12 months
Personal Survival
Techniques (Monday- 1 1/2 days Basic Safety Training
Tuesday)
Personal Safety & Social
Responsibility (Tuesday 1/2 day Basic Safety Training
p.m.)
Elementary First Aid 1 day Basic Safety Training
(Wednesday)
Fire Fighting & Fire
Prevention (Thursday-
F“Criodmayb)in—eNd oBta rseiqcu &ired if 2 days Basic Safety Training
Advanced Fire Fighting”
completed within 12 months
Basic Safety Training - 3 days 12 May 19 July 13 September
Refresher
Crowd Management 1 day Please Call
Crisis Management & 1 day Please Call
Human Behavior
Effective Supervision 2 1/2 days Please Call
Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 6 July 30 August 20 September 1, 15 November
GMDSS 10 days 17 May 16 August 11 October DATE CHG
Tankerman PIC LNG 8 days 19 July 4 October
LNG Simulator Training—Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course is
given to qualified member candidates for employment and/or observation oppor-
5 days 17 May 18 October
tunities with AMO contracted LNG companies. Completion of the Tankerman
LNG PIC classroom course is a prerequisite.
Ocean Ranger Program 6 days Please Call
Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 23 August 27 September 25 October
Tankerman PIC DL - 5 days 12 July 23 August 15 November
Classroom
Tankerman PIC DL - 10 days 21 June 30 August 25 October
Simulator
Train The Trainer—Requires after hours homework 5 days 21 June 16 August 18 October 29 November
Vessel/Company/Port 2 days 27 May 7 July 8 September 8 November
Facility Security Officer
DECK COURSES
Advanced Bridge 5 days 26 July
Resource Management
Advanced Shiphandling for Masters—(No equivalency) Must have sailed as 5 days 24 May 16 August 27 September
Chief Mate Unlimited
Advanced Shiphandling for Third Mates—(60 days seatime equivalency for 10 days 10 May 21 June 9 August 20 September - PM 11 October
Third Mates)
Advanced (or emergency)
Shiphandling for First 5 days Please Call
Class Pilots, Great Lakes
Bridge Resource 3 days 24 May 15 November
Management Seminar
Integrated Bridge System/Podded Propulsion 5 days 7 June 6 September 15 November
Locking & Docking—First 5 days Please Call
Class Pilots, Great Lakes
STCW Deck Officer 3 days 17 August
Refresher
Towing Officer Record Assessment—Third mate (Unlimited or Great Lakes) 5 days 24 May 14 June - CANCELED 19 July 30 August 1 November
or 1600-ton master license
Tug Training 5 days 23 August
Visual Communications 1 day Please call
(Flashing Light)—test only
ENGINEERING COURSES
Advanced Slow Speed Diesel 10 days 17 May 20 September
Basic Electricity 10 days 10 May 30 August
Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 7 June 12 July
Electrical, Electronic, Control Engineering 4 weeks 7 June 20 September
Engine Room Resource Management 5 days 19 April 9 August
Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 17 May 12 July
Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 26 April 16 August 8 November
High Voltage Safety 3 days 14 July 27 October
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)—An understanding of electricity is 5 days 24 May 19 July 13 September 1 November
required. Priority will be afforded to 2 AEs and 3 AEs.
Steam Crossover 4 weeks Please Call
Welding & Metallurgy—course is open to eligible chief mates and masters on
a space-available basis. Applications will only be confirmed two weeks prior to 2 weeks 14 June 27 September
start of course.
MSC TRAINING PROGRAM—includes self-study courses Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator, Anti-Terrorism Level 1 and Crew Endurance Management (see that section).
CBRD Orientation 1 day 30 April 27 May 18 June 29 July 27 August 16 September 22 Oct, 19 Nov
Damage Control 1 day 29 April 17 June 30 July 26 August 21 October 18 November
Heat Stress Afloat /
Hearing Conservation 1 day 14 June
Afloat
Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 28 May 17 September 4 November
Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 20 May 15 July
Medical PIC Refresher— 3 days 10 May 4 October 8 November
Note: Not MSC approved.
Small Arms - Initial & Refresher Training—Note: 13 September
Open to members/applicants eligible for employment
3 days 26 April 24 May 14, 28 June 12, 26 July 9, 23 August 18 October
through AMO within one year on MSC or MARAD
1,15 November
vessels
Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 20 May 15 July
April 2010 American Maritime Officer • 9
MARAD TRAINING PROGRAM—(11 day package composed of the courses below) Students will be nominated and assigned by their contracted company and shall attend all 11 days. Any places not
taken by the contracted companies shall be made available to the membership on a chronological order basis.
Small Arms Training (Initial & Refresher)—
Note: Open to members/applicants eligible for
3 days 28 June 27 September
employment through AMO within one year on
MSC or MARAD vessels
Elementary First Aid 1 day 1 July 30 September
Drug Collector Training 1 day 2 July 1 October
Breath Alcohol Test Collector 1 day 3 July 2 October
Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 5 July 4 October
MEDICAL COURSES
Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation 1 day 14 June
Afloat
Elementary First Aid—Note: Prerequisite for 19 October
Medical Care Provider within preceding 12 1 day 20 April 24 May 15 June 27 July 24 August 21 September
16 November
months
Medical Care Provider—Note: Prerequisite for
Medical Person In Charge within preceding 12 20 October
3 days 21 April 25 May 16 June 28 July 25 August 22 September
months. Please fax EFA certificate when regis- 17 November
tering
Medical Person In Charge—Note: Please FAX
Medical Care Provider certificate when register- 5 days 26 April 21 June 2, 30 August 27 September 25 October
ing
Medical PIC Refresher—Note: Not MSC 3 days 10 May 4 October 8 November
approved.
Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 9 August
Breath Alcohol Test 1 day 10 August
Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only 1/2 day 11 August
RADAR COURSES
Radar Recertification 1 day 26 April 9 July 10 September 4 October 8 November
ARPA 4 days 27 April 9 November
Western Rivers Recertification 1 day Please Call
Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days 26 April 8 November
ECDIS 5 days 10 May 14 June 12 July 25 October
Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days 19 April 1 November
SELF-STUDY CD & ONLINE PROGRAMS—Available for use when attending other approved classroom courses
Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator (CD) Anti-Terrorism Level 1 (Online) DoT - Hazardous Materials Transportation Training (CD)
Crew Endurance Management (CD) Prudent Mariner’s Guide to Right Whale Protection (CD) EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification Examination
OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH—Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as third mate and second mate on vessels of
500 or more gross tonnage (ITC)
Terrestrial Navigation 10 days 6 September
Ship Construction & Stability 5 days 2 August
Electronic Navigation 5 days 30 August
Meteorology 5 days 9 August
Watchkeeping 10 days 20 September
Cargo Handling & Stowage 5 days 16 August
Basic Shiphandling at the Operational Level 5 days 4 October
Emergency Procedures and SAR 4 days 26 July
Celestial Navigation 10 days 12 July
Magnetic & Gyro Compass 3 days 23 August
OICNW— Additional required courses with priority to students enrolled in the OICNW program — GALLEY COURSES
Original License (Great Lakes) Courses (Deck & As Required Please Call Basic Safety Training 5 days 10 May
Engine)
RFPNW Assessments 1 day Please Call GMDSS 10 days 17 May
Marlin Spike 1 day Please Call
GALLEY COURSES
40-Hour Able Seaman 5 days Please Call
EFA/MCP 4 days Please Call Food Safety, Sanitation & Nutrition (ServSafe) 5 days Please Call
Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 26 April Culinary Fundamentals 10 days Please Call
Original Radar 5 days 19 April Advanced Steward Course 5 days Please Call
DECK LICENSE UPGRADE: SECOND OFFICER TO CHIEF MATE / MASTER—Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on
vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). This program will complete ALL 53 Control Sheet assessments of the training requirements for STCW. Course completion certificates do not expire. Operational
level officers (3/M and 2/M) interested in advancing to Chief Mate/Master (Management) Level are encouraged to start obtaining the required courses as soon as practical after acquiring OICNW experience.
Advanced Navigation and a USCG approved ECDIS course must be completed within 12 months of each other to satisfy the Management Level upgrade course and assessment requirements.
Cargo Operations 9 days 26 April 21 June 23 August 18 October
Celestial Navigation—Note: A thorough review and understanding
of the topics covered in Parts 4 & 5 of Pub. Number 9, The American 5 days 7 June 9 August 4 October
Practical Navigator(Bowditch), is a prerequisite.
Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 10 May 21 June 19 July 13 September 1 November
Shipboard Management 5 days 10 May 19 July 13 September 1 November
Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology 5 days 19 April 14 June 16 August 18 October
Upgrade: Advanced Navigation - ECDIS—Advanced Navigation
and a USCG-approved ECDIS to be completed within 12 months of 5 days 24 May 16 August 27 September 15 November
each other
Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (Includes Simulator) 5 days 17 May 9 August 20 September 8 November
Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 26 April 21 June 23 August 18 October
Upgrade: Stability—Note: It is recommended that chapters 1-13 in
the book Stability and Trim for the Ship’s Officerbe reviewed prior to 5 days 17 May 26 July 20 September 8 November
attending this course
Watchkeeping 1 (Bridge Resource Management)—Note:
Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2 MUST be completed within 12 months 3 days 9 June 28 July 6 October
of each other.
Watchkeeping 2 (COLREGS)—Note: Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2 5 days 19 April 14 June 2 August 11 October
MUST be completed within 12 months of each other.
NOTICE: AMO members planning to attend the union’s Center for Advanced Maritime Officers’ Training/STAR Center in Dania Beach, Florida—either to prepare for license upgrading or to undergo specialty training—are asked to call the
school to confirm course schedule and space availability in advance.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS:The Center For Advanced Maritime Officers Training (CAMOT) and Simulation Training Assessment and Research Center (STAR), established under the auspices of the
American Maritime Officers Safety and Education Plan, admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin or sex to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Center.
It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or sex in administration of its educational policies, admission policies and other programs administered by the Center.
10 • American Maritime Officer April 2010
GALVESTON, TX 77551
2724 61st Street, Suite B
PMB 192
David M. Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large
([email protected])
[phone] ext. 2001
Mobile: [phone]
HEADQUARTERS
NORWOOD, NJ 07648
DANIA BEACH, FL 33004 463 Livingston Street, Suite 102
2 West Dixie Highway
PMB 60
[phone] / [phone]
Donald R. Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea
Thomas J. Bethel, National President ([email protected])
([email protected])
José E. Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer ([email protected])
[phone] ext. 3004
Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President
Mobile: [phone]
([email protected])
FAX: [phone]
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea
([email protected])
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024
John K. Hafner, National Executive Board Member At Large
490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204
([email protected])
[phone] / [phone] ext. 7001
Charles A. Murdock, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters
J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President At Large
([email protected])
([email protected])
FAX: [phone]
Paul Doell, Legislative Director ([email protected])
Dispatch:[phone] Phree Baker, Assistant Legislative Director ([email protected])
FAX: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Brendan Keller, Dispatcher ([email protected])
Robert Anderson, Dispatcher ([email protected])
STAR CENTER
Member Services:Extension 1050 ([email protected])
STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION
PORTS
2 West Dixie Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004
TOLEDO, OH 43604
The Melvin H. Pelfrey Building [phone] ext. 201 / [phone] ext. 201
One Maritime Plaza Course Attendance Confirmation: [phone] ext. 200
[phone] FAX: [phone]
[phone] 24 Hours: [phone] ext.7999
FAX: [phone]
Donald N. Cree, National Vice President, Great Lakes TRAINING RECORDS SYSTEM:
([email protected]) Lisa Marra
Brian D. Krus, National Assistant Vice President, Great Lakes [phone] ext. 7118
([email protected]) FAX: [phone]
Stan Barnes, National Representative ([email protected]) [email protected]
Bruce DeWerth, Dispatcher ([email protected])
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19113
2 International Plaza, Suite 422 MARITIME MEDICAL CENTER AMO PLANS
Robert J. Kiefer, National Executive Vice President([email protected]) 2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie Highway
[phone] ext. 4001 / 4002 Dania Beach, FL 33004 Dania Beach, FL 33004
Mobile: [phone] [phone] [phone]
FAX: [phone] FAX: [phone] FAX: [phone]
LEGAL
SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 94607
1121 7th Street, Second Floor
Oakland, CA 94607 Joel Glanstein, General Counsel Michael Reny
[phone] 305 Madison Ave. Suite 2240 AMO Coast Guard Legal
[phone] ext. 5001 New York, NY 10165 Aid Program
Daniel E. Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large [phone] [phone] / [phone]
([email protected]) FAX: [phone] Mobile: [phone]
FAX: [phone] [email protected]
AMO Pension Plan: Clarification of the pension effective date requirements
As previously reported, the joint The Pension Plan rules and regula- rotation in order to have his or her pension sion benefit, a member must complete his or
union-employer trustees of the American tions provide that a member’s pension effective date be prior to the deadline. her rotation and have a pension effective
Maritime Officers Pension Plan recently effective date must be after his or her last Since there is no longer any such date after his or her last day of AMO cov-
agreed to revise the rehabilitation plan day of AMO covered employment. Because deadline because the revised rehabilitation ered employment, in accordance with the
adopted by the trustees in compliance with under the original rehabilitation plan a plan retains the unreduced 20-and-out pen- Pension Plan rules and regulations.
the federal Pension Protection Act of 2006. member was required to retire with a pen-
The revised rehabilitation plan provides a sion effective date prior to the effective date
“Preferred Schedule” that retains the unre- of the rehabilitation plan or else he or she
duced 20-and-out pension benefit. The would not be eligible for the unreduced 20-
Preferred Schedule must be negotiated as and-out pension, the trustees at the time
part of AMO collective bargaining agree- decided to allow a member to continue to
ments. Prior to the revision, the rehabilita- finish working a rotation of AMO covered
tion plan provided that the unreduced 20- employment so that he or she would not be
and-out pension would be eliminated. required to leave a vessel in the middle of a
USTRANSCOM
as they arise. “Taking lessons from com-
mercial industry” allows TRANSCOM to Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the week
focus on other needs, McNabb said. following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. Meetings will be
Continued from Page 1
Another way the military and indus- held on Monday at Headquarters in Dania (on Tuesday when Monday is a con-
said. “And again, what a difference the try have worked together is to fight piracy, tract holiday) and on Wednesday in Toledo. The next meetings will take place
relationships they bring.” near Somalia and elsewhere, McNabb said. on the following dates:
These relationships allow the U.S. “Everybody has come together” to work on
DANIA BEACH: May 3, June 7
military to draw from industry’s ingenuity this issue, “making sure that we protect our
TOLEDO: May 5, June 9
and experience, helping to solve problems great crews.”