Volume 40, Number 9 September 2010

Copyright © 2010 American Maritime Officers ■ 2 West Dixie Highway ■ Dania Beach, FL 33004 ■ (800) 362-0513 ■ editorial@amo-union.org

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AMO members recently began work aboard two articulated tug/barges thatwill be traveling to Venezuela hauling equipment for a floating power generator.

The ATBs Blue Moon and Blue Bayou will soon be renamed Trafalgar andVictory, respectively, for their voyage to South America. AMO members are cur-rently preparing the vessels for service in New Orleans.

“This is a good example of the new and diverse projects AMO has beenworking on,” said AMO National Executive Board Member David Weathers.“These kinds of projects expand the AMO job base.”

The vessels are operated by Interocean American Shipping for WallerMarine, Inc. and manned in all licensed positions by American MaritimeOfficers. The contract for the two ATBs covering this assignment is for approxi-mately six months. When the assignment is complete, the ATBs will return to theUnited States

The project includes the construction and transportation of two floatingpower generators — the largest of their kind in the world — that will be towedto Tacoa, Venezuela, and installed in a prepared basin, where they will providepower for Caracas and the surrounding area.

New AMO jobs aboardre-flagged heavy-liftship BBC Houston

AMO members preparing the Trafalgar (former Blue Moon) for serviceunder the new contract, here in New Orleans, La., Aug. 19, included SecondMate Shane Hansen, Chief Engineer R.J. Greenwalt, Capt. Don Turbevilleand Assistant Engineer Trinity Ippolito. Not in the picture is Chief MateLinden Sims. The Trafalgar is operated for Waller Marine by InteroceanAmerican Shipping and manned in all licensed positions by AMO.

The BBC Africa (above) is a sistership to the BBC Australia in the BBCChartering fleet. The BBC Australia was to have been re-flagged in mid-September and will operate under U.S. registry as the BBC Houston withAmerican Maritime Officers members in all licensed positions. A second heavy-lift ship from the BBC fleet is expected to be re-flagged this year.

This month, the heavy lift ship BBC

Australia will be re-flagged into U.S. reg-istry as the BBC Houston and will com-mence operations under contract withAmerican Maritime Officers, providingnew jobs for AMO members in all licensedpositions.

The BBC Houston will be operatedunder U.S. registry by Teras CargoTransport for BBC Chartering. A secondship from the BBC Chartering fleet is alsoexpected to be re-flagged and manned byAMO. American Overseas Marine will pro-vide crewing services.

The 7,500 DWT heavy lift ship is 390feet long and outfitted with two cranescapable of lifting 250 metric tons each.

AMO members were riding the BBC

Australia in early September en route to

Houston, Texas, where the ship was to havebeen re-flagged

Union’s job base expands as Great Lakes ITBreturns to service under new AMO contract

American Maritime Officers hassecured a new two-year agreement withPort City Marine Services ofMuskegon, Mich., for the operation ofthe tug/barge unit Michigan/Great

Lakes, which has returned to service onthe Great Lakes.

The vessel was last operated byKeystone Great Lakes Inc. and has beenidled since last year. AMO’s new agree-

ment with Port City Marine Services coversthe licensed officers in the deck and enginedepartments. Unlicensed personnel on thevessel are represented by the SeafarersInternational Union.

The Michigan/Great Lakes features adouble-hulled tank barge with a capacity of70,773 barrels and operates in the Jones Acttrades on the Great Lakes shipping petrole-um products. This vessel is AMO’s second

tug/barge unit with Port City MarineServices since the company began oper-ations in early 2009.

Fleet utilization of AMO-con-tracted vessels on the Lakes has reachedpeak levels and AMO officers interestedin sailing on the Lakes are encouragedto contact Great Lakes Dispatcher BruceDeWerth by phone at (800) 221-9395 orvia e-mail to bdewerth@amo-union.org.

AMO Planssummaryannual reportsfor FY 2009Page 11: The summary annualreports for fiscal year 2009 for theAMO Pension Plan, Medical Planand Vacation Plan are published inthis edition. The summary annualreport for calendar year 2009 for theAMO 401(k) Plan will be publishedat a later date.

AMO secureswage gains forofficers aboardfast sealift shipsPage 2: MARAD has extendedMaersk Line Limited’s operatingcontract for eight fast sealift ships.The agency has accepted a newAMO labor package for the exten-sion with significant wage gains.

2 • American Maritime Officer September 2010

American Maritime Officer (USPS 316-920)Official Publication of American Maritime Officers

2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004

(954) 921-2221Periodical Postage Paid at

Dania Beach, FL, and Additional Mailing OfficesPublished Monthly

American Maritime Officers National Executive Board

Thomas Bethel, National PresidentJosé Leonard, National Secretary-TreasurerRobert Kiefer, National Executive Vice PresidentJoseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep SeaDonald Cree, National Vice President, Great LakesBrian Krus, National Assistant Vice President, Great LakesMichael Murphy, National Vice President At LargeDaniel Shea, National Executive Board Member At LargeDavid Weathers, National Executive Board Member At LargeDonald Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep SeaCharles Murdock, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters

Representative: Stan Barnes

Editor: Matt BurkeAssistant Editor: Amber LupinContributing Editor: Paul Doell

POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To:American Maritime OfficersATTN: Member Services

P.O. Box 66Dania Beach, FL 33004

M/V Page enters serviceunder new MSC charter

The M/V LTC John U.D. Page

has entered service under a newMilitary Sealift Command charterprepositioning ammunition for theU.S. Army. The contract with MaerskLine Limited under this charterincludes significant wage improve-ments for members of AmericanMaritime Officers.

The M/V Page, manned in alllicensed positions by AMO, has beenoperating in this prepositioning mis-sion, and the new MSC charterextends the ship’s service to the U.S.

Army. If all options are exercised, thenew contract will extend to four yearsplus the initial base period.

Under a separate procurement,Maersk Line Limited was awarded anMSC follow-on time charter for theM/V SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. to sup-port the U.S. Army’s prepositioningprogram. The M/V Carter, alsomanned in all licensed positions byAMO, will commence operationsunder the new charter and the sameeconomic provisions as the M/V Page

in mid-April 2011.

Photo: Military Sealift Command

New contract includes significant gains;M/V Carter to commence operationsunder new charter in mid-April 2011

U.S. Navy opposes efforts to repeal the Jones Act

The news that the U.S. Navy andthe U.S. Navy League support the JonesAct and oppose its repeal was welcomedby Maritime Cabotage Task Force(“MCTF”), the national coalition repre-senting the U.S.-flag fleet engaged indomestic waterborne commerce. Bothorganizations dedicated to the defense ofthe United States have reaffirmed theirsupport for the law, which is directlyresponsible for half a million U.S. jobsand vital to national security.

In response to anti-Jones Act legis-lation introduced earlier this year, theU.S. Navy said, “For decades, U.S. mer-chant mariners have provided essentialsupport for the U.S. Navy during times ofwar and national crisis. Repealing theJones Act would remove that support at atime when we are fighting two wars andfacing a continuing threat from interna-tional terrorism.”

The statement comes within daysof comments from Daniel B. Branch, Jr.,president of the Navy League of theUnited States, highlighting the impor-tance of a “strong commercial maritimeindustry” to a “maritime nation [like] theUnited States.”

The Jones Act establishes a U.S.merchant marine of skilled seafarers andU.S.-flagged ships essential for maintain-ing the flow of domestic and foreignwaterborne commerce that is capable ofserving as a naval and military auxiliaryin times of war or national emergency.

“As a maritime nation, the UnitedStates depends not only on a strong

Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, italso requires a strong commercial mar-itime industry,” said Navy LeagueNational President Daniel B. Branch, Jr.“The Jones Act must be maintained sothat the more than 8,000 U.S. citizenmariners can continue to provide the eco-nomic and military support that is criticalto our national interests.”

The Navy League is a non-profitcivilian organization with more than50,000 members worldwide whose mis-sion for more than 100 years has been toeducate the American people and theirleaders about the enduring importance ofsea power to a maritime nation, and tosupport the men and women of the U.S.sea services.

The Navy support for the Jones Actin nothing new. In previous Congresses,the Navy opposed Jones Act repeal legis-lation, noting that such legislation“adversely impacts” the military need fora strong cadre of American ships, citizenmariners, and “maritime industrial baseof shipyard and repair facilities.”

“The U.S. Navy and the NavyLeague both understand that maintaininglongstanding U.S. maritime law boostsour economy and helps protect our home-land,” said Mark Ruge, counsel to theMCTF. “In a time of economic uncer-tainty and threats to our nation, the JonesAct provides a U.S. merchant marine thatpromotes efficient trade and supportsU.S. military and humanitarian effortsthroughout the world.”

Thousands of American mariners

have played a critical role cleaning up oilin the Gulf of Mexico. Jones Act vesselsinvolved in the cleanup have includedscores of the world’s largest and bestequipped oil spill response vessels,dozens of technologically advanced off-shore supply vessels, as well as thou-sands of fishing boats and other vessels

of opportunity.The Jones Act maritime industry

annually generates 500,000 jobs, con-tributes $100 billion in total economicoutput, adds $46 billion to the value ofU.S. economic output, provides $29 bil-lion in wages, and contributes $11 billionin taxes.

Military, Navy League cite importance of U.S. mariners, U.S. ships, U.S. shipbuilding

American Maritime Officer • 3September 2010

AMO secures significant wage gains under MARADcontract extension for eight Fast Sealift Ships

The Maritime Administration hasextended the contract covering eight FastSealift Ships operated by Maersk LineLimited and manned in all licensed posi-tions by American Maritime Officers for sixmonths while the agency considers bids fora new operating charter covering the eightFSS ships and three other vessels.

The six-month contract extensioncommences Oct. 1, 2010, and MARAD hasaccepted a new AMO labor package for theeight ships. The new AMO labor packageincludes significant wage improvements forthe officers working aboard the FSS ships.

“The AMO national executive vicepresident and the AMO national vicepresident at large deserve a lot of creditfor their extensive efforts in pressing theMaritime Administration to improve thecontract terms under this extension,”said the AMO national president. “Theirhard work and persistence have paid offfor the AMO members working on the

Fast Sealift Ships.”MARAD has issued a request for pro-

posals (RFP) soliciting bids for a new oper-ating charter covering the eight FSS ships —the Algol, Altair, Antares, Bellatrix, Capella,Denebola, Pollux and Regulus — as well asthe Pacific Collector and Pacific Tracker,operated by Interocean American Shippingand manned by AMO, and the Cape Jacob,operated by a non-AMO company.

AMO’s labor package for this RFPwas drafted under the tripartite agreement,through which all three officers’ unions pro-vide packages with an identical total laborcost to the ship operating companies bid-ding on the RFP. Labor packages draftedunder the tripartite agreement providestronger wage and benefit rates for the offi-cers working under the contract in the finalcharter award.

Four AMO-contracted companiessubmitted proposals to MARAD inresponse to this RFP.

The Denebola is one of eight Fast Sealift Ships operated for the MaritimeAdministration by Maersk Line Limited and manned in all licensed positions byAmerican Maritime Officers.

MARADauthorizationbill for 2011approved bySenate panel

The Senate Commerce, Science andTransportation Committee July 15approved legislation authorizing $158.7million in fiscal year 2011 for the MaritimeAdministration, including full funding forthe Maritime Security Program. The billalso directs the maritime administrator toassess and report on the nation’s marinehighway system.

Committee Chairman Sen. JayRockefeller (D-WV) said the fundingwould ensure “efficient movement of goods

throughout the nation.”Introduced by Sen. Frank

Lautenberg (D-NJ), S. 3566 authorizes$174 million in fiscal 2011 for theMaritime Security Program, full fundingfor MSP and the amount requested by theadministration. In May, the Houseapproved a Department of Defense autho-rization bill (H.R. 5136) that also autho-rized $174 million for the MSP.

The House legislation authorized $60million for new Title XI shipbuilding loan

guarantees. This Senate bill authorizes $4million, a figure that would provide nonew loan guarantees in fiscal 2011.

S. 3566 authorizes $30.9 millionin fiscal 2011 for capital improvementsat the U.S. Merchant Marine Academyand $11 million for maintenance andrepair for training ships at state mar-itime schools. Transportation SecretaryRay LaHood has frequently cited mak-ing improvements at the U.S. MerchantMarine Academy as a top priority.

Senate Commerce Committee chairman pushes to delayrequirement for 100 percent box scanning until 2015

Following a hearing examiningprogress on the Congressional mandate for100 percent cargo container scanning, thechairman of the Senate Commerce, Scienceand Transportation Committee has movedto extend the deadline for the requirement to2015.

Committee Chairman JohnRockefeller (D-WV) and Kay BaileyHutchison (R-TX), also a member of the

committee, in July introduced the MaritimeTransportation Security Act of 2010. Thelegislation extends the deadline for theDepartment of Homeland Security to scan100 percent of cargo containers entering thecountry through its 2,100 inbound routesfrom 2012 to 2015.

“The very size, location and constantmovement at ports make them vulnerable toa potential terrorist attack,” Sen.

Rockefeller said at the July 21 hearing. “Ifterrorists were to shut down a major port,the economic disruption to our economywould be incalculable.”

Sen. Rockefeller recognized the greatchallenges that would need to be overcometo meet this requirement, stating that if 100percent scanning is not the solution, “Ibelieve we need to find a different way toaddress this threat.”

In August 2007, Congress passedH.R. 1, which, among other provisions,requires all containers headed for the U.S.be scanned for radioactivity. The legislationaims to prevent weapons of mass destruc-tion from entering the U.S. by sea.

In order to test this requirement,Customs and Border Protection initiated apilot scanning program in 2007. At thehearing, CBP Commissioner Alan Bersindescribed “a number of serious challengesto implementing the 100 percent scanningmandate.

“In order to implement the 100 per-cent scanning requirement by the 2012deadline, DHS would need significantresources for greater manpower and tech-nology, technologies that do not currentlyexist, and the redesign of many ports,” hesaid. He added that the costs associatedwith 100 percent cargo scanning “pose agreat challenge, particularly in a strugglingeconomy.”

Stephen Caldwell, director ofHomeland Security and Justice Issues for theGovernment Accountability Office, agreed,noting that during the course of the pilot pro-gram, no large port has achieved a sustainedrate of cargo scanning over 5 percent. Thesmall ports involved in the pilot maintainedbetween 54 to 86 percent scanning.

The GAO and CBP have “previous-ly identified many of challenges and CBPofficials are concerned that they and theparticipating ports cannot overcomethem,” he said.

Lawmakers, federal agencies continue to question feasibility of security mandate

American Maritime Officers aboard M/V Endurance

American Maritime Officers members working aboardthe M/V Endurance in August, here in Galveston, Texas,included Second Assistant Engineer Wayne Bryant andFirst A.E. Bryan Dittmar. The Endurance is one of ninecar carriers operated for American Roll-On/Roll-OffCarrier by Crowley Liner Services and manned in alllicensed positions by AMO.

AMO members working aboard the M/V Endurance inAugust, here in Galveston, Texas, included ThirdAssistant Engineer Ryan Gannon and Third Mate OwenGallagher.

4 • American Maritime Officer September 2010

Ballots mailed for 2010 AMO Election of NationalOfficers; instructions for requesting a duplicate ballot

Ballots for the 2010 AmericanMaritime Officers Election of NationalOfficers were mailed to all AMO mem-bers Sept. 1, 2010, by TrueBallot Inc., theindependent firm that has administeredAMO elections and referendums sinceJanuary 2007, and is conducting this 90-day union-wide secret ballot election.

TrueBallot mailed ballots to eachAMO member at the address he or shehas on file with the union. AMO has pro-vided TrueBallot with a current mailinglist of members for the purpose of thiselection, as is done for each AMO elec-

tion and referendum.AMO members whose ballots are

lost or destroyed, and AMO members whodo not receive a ballot in the mail, canrequest duplicate ballots. As stipulated bythe AMO National Constitution, therequest for a duplicate ballot must specifythat the original ballot was lost or mutilat-ed so it cannot be used.

Additionally, any AMO memberwho would prefer his or her ballot be sentto an address other than the address he orshe has on file with the union can requesta ballot be sent to an alternate address. Aduplicate ballot will be sent to the alter-nate address provided by the member.

AMO members who need to requesta duplicate ballot or would like a duplicateballot to be sent to an alternate address willneed to contact Jack Branthover, special

assistant to the AMO national president:

Jack BranthoverAmerican Maritime Officers2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004FAX: (954) 926-5112jbranthover@amo-union.org

The union will provide alternateaddresses and requests for duplicate bal-lots to TrueBallot Inc. for the mailing ofduplicate ballots to AMO members. Aswith all AMO elections and referendumsadministered by TrueBallot, the unionitself will not be mailing, handling or pro-cessing any ballots in this election.

Ballots will be mailed to all AMOmembers, regardless of dues status.However, for each member’s ballot to be

counted in the final tally — which isscheduled for Dec. 6, 2010 — he or shemust be an AMO book member in goodstanding and his or her dues must be paidin full through the end of the fourth quar-ter of the calendar year (Dec. 31, 2010) atthe time the ballots are counted.

As stipulated by the AMO NationalConstitution, each member must bothhave his or her dues paid in full throughthe fourth quarter of the calendar yearand establish good standing no later thanNov. 30, 2010, for his or her ballot to becounted.

As defined by the AMO NationalConstitution, a member in good standingis “a member whose dues are paid throughthe current quarter and who is not undersuspension or sentence of expulsion asprovided by this Constitution.”

No publicityfor candidates

So as not to give any candidatean undue advantage in the forthcom-ing election of AMO national offi-cers, neither the names nor pho-tographs of candidates, whetherincumbent or not, will be publishedin articles in the union’s newspaper,American Maritime Officer, or theunion’s online periodical, AMO

Currents. In the case of news storiesthat involve an incumbent who is acandidate, only the candidate’s titlemay be mentioned.

AMO NationalConstitutionavailable onAMO Web siteand at unionheadquarters

The American MaritimeOfficers National Constitution wasmailed to all AMO deep-sea, GreatLakes and inland waters membersat their home addresses and to con-tracted vessels in the April 2010edition of American Maritime

Officer. AMO members wishing toobtain additional copies of theAMO National Constitution canacquire them from AMO headquar-ters upon request. A digital copy ofthe AMO National Constitution isavailable on the AMO Web site atwww.amo-union.org.

Mexico pressures U.S. on cross-border trucking program

Mexico in August added ten newproducts to its tariff list as retaliationfor the termination of a “pilot” cross-border trucking program Congressended in March 2009.

The dispute, now in its seven-teenth month, centers on Mexicanaccess to American highways. InMarch of last year, Congress approvedan omnibus spending bill eliminating apilot program granting some Mexicancompanies complete access toAmerican roadways. The 18-month

program was established by the Bushadministration to satisfy requirementsin the North American Free TradeAgreement (NAFTA). Mexico retaliatedby imposing tariffs on $2.4 billionworth of U.S. products and has nowadded to the list, putting renewed pres-sure on U.S. transportation officials tocome to an agreement.

Although this issue exclusivelyaffects ground transportation, it hasstrong parallels with U.S. cabotagelaws, including the Jones Act, which

reserves the waterborne transportationof cargo and passengers for vesselsbuilt in the U.S., crewed with U.S. citi-zens, and owned and operated by U.S.companies.

The pilot program was stronglyopposed by transportation labor, envi-ronmentalists, public interest groupsand members of Congress. Opening theU.S. border to Mexican trucks threatensU.S. sovereignty over domestic trans-portation systems and may endanger thesafety of American citizens on U.S.

roadways. An inadequate and under-staffed safety inspection system at theborder to verify the compliance of for-eign trucks with U.S. safety standards isevidence the countries are not ready fora new cross-border trucking program.

Transportation Secretary RayLaHood has repeatedly said a newcross-border trucking plan would beavailable “soon.” U.S. TradeAmbassador Ron Kirk has declined to

Trucking issue seen as threat to safety, U.S sovereignty over domestic transportation

See Cross Border ◆ Page 10

AMO aboardthe steamer

Wilfred Sykes

The steamer Wilfred Sykes —here in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., along-side the H. Lee White — is ownedby Mittal Steel and operated byCentral Marine Logistics Inc.

American Maritime Officers mem-ber Second Assistant EngineerMichael McKenzie takes a minuteto talk with AMO NationalAssistant Vice President for theGreat Lakes Brian Krus while test-ing the steam plant boiler wateronboard the Wilfred Sykes. AMOrepresents the licensed officersand stewards onboard the ship.

American Maritime Officer • 5September 2010

Great Lakes

AMO supports municipal TIGER II grant applicationfor upgrades to Lake Michigan car ferry S/S Badger

The following letter was sent by the

national president of American Maritime

Officers to Secretary of Transportation Ray

LaHood and Maritime Administrator David

Matsuda.

On behalf of the U.S. merchantmarine officers I am privileged to represent,I offer strong support of the TIGER II grantapplication submitted by the City ofLudington, Michigan, to help fund thereplacement of coal-fired steam enginesaboard the historic Lake Michigan car ferrySS Badger with cleaner diesel engines.

This grant — to be supplemented byan investment of $2 million by the vessel’sowner and operator, Lake Michigan CarFerry Service — would allow the SS Badger

to comply fully with the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency’s requirement that theship end its discharge of coal ash in LakeMichigan by December 2012 under theEPA’s 2008 Vessel General Permit.

Refitting the SS Badger with dieselengines would also allow the vessel to meetthe EPA’s air quality standards through clean-er fuel exhaust. These new engines would be“Tier III,” which would meet current andforeseeable EPA air emission requirements.

The SS Badger, which provides dailydirect round-trip service across LakeMichigan between Ludington andManitowoc, Wisconsin, represents a signif-icant measure of economic life in both com-munities — an estimated $21 million a yearin Ludington and an estimated $14 milliona year in Manitowoc, according to reliabledata compiled locally.

But this TIGER II grant and the pro-posed replacement of the SS Badger’s

engines would be especially critical toLudington, where the unemployment rate isa staggering 13 percent — a level that couldspike to 22 percent if the vessel is forced outof service.

The SS Badger today accounts for anestimated 200 direct jobs aboard the vessel(including jobs held by members ofAmerican Maritime Officers) and ashore inthe company office and an estimated 500indirect jobs in the service and supply busi-nesses that count Lake Michigan Car FerryService as a customer.

In addition, the SS Badger sustainsjobs in Midwest and nationwide industriesthat use the ferry to move more than 1,000commercial trucks across Lake Michiganeach year as an extension of Interstate 10, asopposed to driving these vehicles aroundthe lake in either direction at greaterexpense. This cross-lake option also resultsin less highway congestion and less air pol-lution from truck fuel exhaust.

New employment would result aswell from the SS Badger diesel conversionproject — up to 70 jobs at Bay ShipbuildingCo. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where thenew engines would be installed, and addi-tional jobs in the companies providing thediesel engines and their component parts.

To preserve the SS Badger’s culturaland historic value among entries on theNational Register of Historic Places and asa national landmark as defined by severalorganizations, the vessel’s coal-firedpropulsion plant would be maintainedaboard the vessel. This could trigger addi-tional economic activity by encouragingmore maritime historians, marine propul-sion students, Great Lakes vessel enthusi-asts and tourists to Ludington and

Manitowoc to visit this vessel in port.Despite expressed concern that this

TIGER II grant would give Lake MichiganCar Ferry Service an artificial advantageover a second company providing round-trip Michigan-Wisconsin service acrossLake Michigan, competition is not an issuehere. The SS Badger — which would actu-ally cost more to operate with dieselengines, given the comparative coal-dieselfuel costs — and the Lake Express (operat-ed by Lake Express LLC) operate on differ-ent direct routes between different points inMichigan and Wisconsin. These vessels do

not compete head-to-head.Moreover, the SS Badger — by virtue

of its size and configuration — can provideimportant specific commercial services thatthe Lake Express is incapable of. The SS

Badger can transport trucks, buses andoversized loads, while the Lake Express canaccommodate only standard-sized passen-ger cars, vans and sport utility vehicles.

We believe that whatever difficultyLake Express LLC may be enduring undercurrent market conditions cannot be tracedfairly to the SS Badger or to Lake MichiganCar Ferry Service, and we trust that market

strength was assessed completely by theDepartment of Transportation’s MaritimeAdministration before MARAD approved aTitle XI vessel construction loan guaranteefor Lake Express LLC more than threeyears ago — some 50 years after the SS

Badger entered service.In our view, the TIGER II grant appli-

cation filed by the City of Ludington in thelegitimate interest of preserving the SS

Badger as an economic, historic and cultur-al asset meets the grant criteria and standssquarely on merit, and we urge respectfullythat it be approved.

ASC president,captain discussmaritime policywith Rep. Lee

American Steamship CompanyPresident David Foster (left) andAMO member Capt. DanielBartels (right), in August met withRep. Chris Lee (R-NY) to discussmaritime policy issues vital to theU.S.-flag shipping industry on theGreat Lakes

U.S.-flag cargo float for month of Julyincreases 40 percent over previous year

U.S.-Flag Carriage Year-to-Date 2005-2010 (net tons)

Commodity 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Average

Iron Ore 23,934,942 25,369,969 23,889,620 25,836,877 9,792,555 21,509,724 21,764,793

Coal 13,129,931 11,793,913 12,001,105 11,363,367 9,383,681 9,919,542 11,534,399

Limestone 13,716,634 14,291,885 12,615,313 11,503,481 7,119,710 9,872,314 11,849,405

Cement 1,910,724 2,112,594 1,923,147 1,620,296 1,248,592 1,257,158 1,763,071

Salt 511,122 589,387 607,832 578,291 583,676 694,378 574,062

Sand 198,935 177,175 169,014 105,065 135,925 83,964 157,223

Grain 149,763 119,110 173,293 75,029 135,966 100,688 130,632

Total 53,552,051 54,454,033 51,379,324 51,082,406 28,400,105 43,437,768 47,773,584

Source: Lake Carriers’ Association

U.S.-flag dry bulk carriage on the Great Lakes: July 2005-2010 — net tons

Commodity 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Average

Iron Ore 4,770,802 5,519,635 4,904,391 5,512,805 2,646,545 4,495,619 4,670,836

Coal 3,114,594 2,438,428 2,888,808 2,779,468 2,273,590 2,641,930 2,698,978

Limestone 3,356,566 3,725,441 3,482,257 3,068,833 2,103,453 2,949,596 3,147,310

Cement 501,412 519,314 432,626 417,946 291,895 280,691 432,639

Salt 133,962 97,342 213,232 135,053 134,110 150,298 142,740

Sand 53,767 34,259 42,255 38,427 54,794 15,640 44,700

Grain 14,533 14,387 20,475 14,494 20,871 16,605 16,952

Total 11,945,636 12,348,806 11,984,044 11,967,026 7,525,258 10,550,379 11,154,154

U.S.-flagged lakers shipped more than10.5 million net tons of cargo in July, anincrease of 2 percent compared with Juneand a gain of 40 percent over July of 2009.

Iron ore cargoes increased 70 percent

in July over the same period the previousyear. Coal loadings grew by more than 16percent compared with July of 2009 andLimestone cargoes increased more than 40percent.

For the season, loadings had grown 53percent at the end of July compared with thesame period last year, but were 9 percentlower than the five-year average mark for thefirst seven months of the year.

6 • American Maritime Officer September 2010

Rep. LoBiondomeets with AMOofficers aboardEl Yunque; seatrial crew forOSG tanker

The AMO sea trial crew for theOverseas Anacortes includedSecond Mate Steve Shultz,Second Engineer Jeff Mathias,Third Engineer Sean Holmes,Third Mate Malcolm McNeil, FirstEngineer Arturo Machado, ChiefEngineer Marc Lenz, Capt. FredLeach and Chief Mate JeffPerlstein.

Rep. LoBiondo toured the trailer-ship El Yunque, and visited theAker Philadelphia Shipyard andmet with the AMO officers prepar-ing the Overseas Anacortes forsea trials. The Jones Act tanker isthe tenth built for OverseasShipholding Group by Aker. AMOofficers conduct the sea trials forthe ships through Aker’s contractwith Interocean AmericanShipping Corporation. With thecongressman here are (left toright) Jeff Perlstein, Aker ProjectManager Dave Moorhead, Capt.Fred Leach and IAS OperationsManager Harry Rogers.

Capt. Lou Hartmann, master of S/S

El Yunque, gives a tour of the shipto Congressman Frank LoBiondo(R-NJ) at that the Philadelphia,Tioga Terminal. El Yunque is operat-ed by Interocean AmericanShipping for Sea Star and mannedin all licensed positions byAmerican Maritime Officers.

Projectsidentified byDOT forAmerica’sMarineHighwayProgram

In August, Transportation SecretaryRay LaHood announced 32 projects thatwill be developed as part of “America’sMarine Highway Program.” Additionally,these projects will be eligible to competefor $7 million in marine highway grants.

“Making better use of our rivers andcoastal routes offers an intelligent way torelieve some of the biggest challenges weface in transportation — roadway conges-tion, climate change, fossil fuel energyuse, and soaring road maintenance costs,”LaHood said. “There is no better time forus to improve the use of our rivers andcoasts for transportation.”

The announcement is the next stepin LaHood’s pledge to prioritize thegrowth of maritime transportation. Ratherthan compete with currently operatingwater transportation routes, the programintends to advance initiatives that “expandthe use of marine transportation wherelandside transportation is currently beingutilized and when the water option repre-sents the best overall option,” according tothe Notice of Funding Availability printedin the Federal Register.

The Maritime Administration iden-tified 18 marine corridors that offer anopportunity to reduce landside congestion,improve air quality in the area and otherbenefits. By designating these marinehighway routes, “Secretary LaHood istaking the first step to focus public andprivate efforts to use the waterways torelieve landside congestion and attainother benefits that waterborne transporta-tion can offer in the form of reducedgreenhouse gas emissions, energy savingsand increased system resiliency,” theMaritime Administration said in a pressrelease.

Eight projects were identified thatwill create new or expanded marine trans-portation routes offering the “promise ofpublic benefit and long-term sustainabilitywithout future federal operational sup-port,” MARAD said. These projects willreceive “preferential treatment” for anyfuture federal funding or assistance fromMARAD or the Department ofTransportation. A total of 35 applicationswere submitted.

Additionally, six initiatives wereselected that do not qualify to compete forthe current grants but that “offer promiseof potential in the future.” MARAD willwork with these applicants to strengthentheir research, market analysis and othersupport they made need.

The Obama Administration and theDepartment of Defense are excited aboutthe shift in focus to maritime initiatives.“Lower maintenance costs, lower conges-tion, lower environmental footprint, andnew jobs,” LaHood said. “That soundslike a winning combination to me, and Ilook forward to seeing these corridorsdevelop.”

Transportation Department’s marine highwaygrants program may bolster several projects

Some of the corridors and projects that may be bol-stered by the Department of Transportation’s marine highwaygrants program include:

• Projects intended to decrease congestion on some ofAmerica’s most clogged highways, including I-5, I-580 and I-84 on the West Coast, I-10 and I-49 in the Gulf of Mexico andI-95 on the East Coast. Some plans include the purchase ofnew Jones Act vessels.

• Projects in Alaska, Puerto Rico and on the Great Lakes• Projects along the Mississippi, Illinois and other

inland waterways to relieve congestion on highways and offerchoices to shippers

• Expansion of an existing container-on-barge serviceoperating between Newark, NJ, Boston, Mass. and Portland,Maine.

• Doubling the frequency of service on the M-10 (alongI-10) marine highway corridor between Brownsville, Texas

and Port Manatee, Fla.• Assistance with establishing a marine highway route

to mirror I-10 and I-95. Current plans include the purchase of10 new Jones Act vessels to move containers throughout thesecrowded transit routes.

• Creating a container shuttle service and expanding acontainer-on-barge service between Hampton Roads, Va. andRichmond, Va.

• Connecting five New Jersey hubs and the states ofNew York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut,Maryland and Virginia via marine highways

• Utilizing existing and new-build U.S.-flagged vesselsto expand medium and long-haul service between the portsof New Bedford, Mass., Baltimore, Md. and Port Canaveral,Fla.

• Developing an intermodal distribution network alongthe coastlines of Washington, Oregon and California

American Maritime Officer • 7September 2010

U.S. Merchant Marine MidshipmanAaron Cummings, a deck cadet aboard theAPL Pearl from March to July 2010, wasrecently awarded the U.S. MerchantMarine Expeditionary Medal for his ser-vice aboard the vessel.

“We at DOT are very proud of his

M/V Tern,USNS Cobb

completeOperationPacer Goose

The M/V American Tern and USNS

Samuel L. Cobb in July delivered fuel,heavy vehicles and containerized cargo toThule Air Base in Greenland, the U.S. mil-itary’s northernmost installation, MilitarySealift Command reported. OperationPacer Goose, the annual resupply missionto the base, has been conducted by con-tract civilian mariners since 1952.

The USNS Cobb loaded inRotterdam, Netherlands, and deliverednearly 8.5 million gallons of fuel to Thule.The Tern loaded in Norfolk, Va., and car-ried four snow-removal tractors andapproximately 120 containers of militaryequipment, vehicles, medical supplies andother items needed at the base. The vesselsalso removed garbage and non-repairableequipment.

On the return to Norfolk, the Tern

answered a distress call from a fishingvessel. The Tern’s crew determined thevessel required a tow into port andremained nearby until the Canadian CoastGuard confirmed one had been arranged.The Tern returned to Norfolk Aug. 9.

The American Tern is operated byAPL Maritime Limited and the USNS

Samuel L. Cobb is operated by OceanShips Inc. Both vessels are under charterto Military Sealift Command and aremanned in all licensed positions byAmerican Maritime Officers.

Deck cadet aboard APL Pearl earns U.S.Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal

service,” said Transportation SecretaryRay LaHood. “He’s certainly an exampleof the kind of hard working, dedicatedindividuals the USMMA attracts.”

Cummings sailed aboard the Pearl

as it called on ports in many Middle Eastcountries, including the United Arab

Emirates, Pakistan, Egypt and Yemen. He also passed through the Gulf of

Aden during the voyage.The APL Pearl is operated by APL

Maritime Limited and manned in alllicensed positions by American MaritimeOfficers.

Heroes of the storm honored for lifesavingwork at five-year mark following Katrina

The American Red Cross hosteda ceremony in August, five yearsafter Hurricane Katrina, honoringthe heroes of the storm. AmericanMaritime Officers members recog-nized for their lifesaving work dur-

ing Katrina included RobertLansden (third from right), who

was master aboard the Pollux andamong other things used the

ship’s resources to provide fuel,food and emergency hospitaliza-tion for residents and emergency

agencies and facilities in thestorm’s aftermath with Military

Sealift Command’s approval. Alsohonored was Chris Keefe (third

from left), who was the AmericanOverseas Marine port engineer forthe ship at the time and who keptworking to help and save others

although his house was destroyedin the storm and subsequent

flooding of New Orleans.

AMO aboardATB OSG VisionAmerican Maritime Officers membersworking aboard the OSG Vision, here

at the Bayonne Dry Dock, includedSecond Mate Kyle Flynn, AssistantEngineer Robert Fritzen, Capt. GaryRobson, Chief Mate Curtis Hintze,

Third Mate Brandon Weaver,Assistant Engineer Bruce Allen, Chief

Engineer Bob Elwell and AssistantEngineer Bill Magnussen. OSG

America took delivery of the 45,556dead-weight-ton crude oil barge OSG

350 and the 12,000 horsepower tugOSG Vision — which form the ATB

OSG Vision — in March.

The OSG Vision takes on fuel at Gordon’s Terminal in Bayonne, N.J.The articulated tug/barge OSG Vision gets underway in the Narrows Riverafter departing the Bayonne Dry Dock.

8 • American Maritime Officer September 2010

American Maritime Officers Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center2 West Dixie Highway • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • (954) 920-3222

GENERAL COURSES

ABS NS5 FleetManagement Software

3 days 12 October 14 March

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 4 October 1 November 6 December 3 January 7 February 7 March 4 April

Basic Safety Training—All 4modules MUST be completedwithin 12 months

5 days 13 December 10 January 21 February

Personal SurvivalTechniques (Monday-Tuesday)

1 1/2 days Basic Safety Training

Personal Safety & SocialResponsibility (Tuesdayp.m.)

1/2 day Basic Safety Training

Elementary First Aid(Wednesday)

1 day Basic Safety Training

Fire Fighting & FirePrevention (Thursday-Friday)—Not required if“Combined Basic &Advanced Fire Fighting”completed within 12 months

2 days Basic Safety Training

Basic Safety Training -Refresher

3 days 15 December 12 January 23 February

Effective Supervision 2 days 7 February

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 20 September 1, 15 November 24 January 28 February 14 March 11 April

GMDSS 10 days 11 October 29 November 7 February

Tankerman PIC LNG 8 days 4 October 1 December 5 January

LNG Simulator Training—Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course isgiven to qualified member candidates for employment and/or observation oppor-tunities with AMO contracted LNG companies. Completion of the TankermanLNG PIC classroom course is a prerequisite.

5 days 18 October 13 December 12 January 21 February

Ocean Ranger Program 6 days Please Call

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 27 September 25 October 18 January 15 February

Tankerman PIC DL -Classroom

5 days 15 November 21 March

Tankerman PIC DL -Simulator

10 days 25 October 24 January 25 April

Train The Trainer—Requires after hours homework 5 days Please Call

Vessel/Company SecurityOfficer

2 days 8 November 19 January 9 February 4 April

Anti-Piracy Seminar 1 day 10 November 21 January 11 February 6 April

DECK COURSES

Advanced BridgeResource Management

5 days 7 March

Advanced Shiphandling for Masters—(No equivalency) Must have sailed asChief Mate Unlimited

5 days 27 September 13 December 14 March

Advanced Shiphandling for Third Mates—(60 days seatime equivalency forThird Mates)

10 days 20 September - PM 11 October 6 December 24 January - PM class

Advanced (or emergency)Shiphandling for FirstClass Pilots, Great Lakes

5 days Please Call

Bridge ResourceManagement Seminar

3 days 15 November

Integrated Bridge System/Podded Propulsion 5 days 8 November

Locking & Docking—FirstClass Pilots, Great Lakes

5 days Please call

STCW Deck OfficerRefresher

3 days Please call

Towing Officer Record Assessment—Third mate (Unlimited or Great Lakes)or 1600-ton master license

5 days 1, 29 November 21 February

Tug Training (ASD Assist) 5 days 14 March

Visual Communications(Flashing Light)—test only

1 day Please call

ENGINEERING COURSES

Advanced Slow Speed Diesel 10 days 20 September 29 November 7 March

Basic Electricity 10 days 7 February 25 April

Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 24 January

Electrical, Electronic, Control Engineering 4 weeks 20 September

Engine Room Resource Management 5 days 6 December - PM 28 February 4 April

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 12 October 18 January 14 March

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 16 August 11 October - NEW 8 November 10 January 7 February 25 April

High Voltage Safety 3 days 27 October 14 March

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)—An understanding of electricity isrequired. Priority will be afforded to 2 AEs and 3 AEs.

5 days 1 November 7 March 11 April

Steam Crossover 4 weeks 10 January

Welding & Metallurgy—course is open to eligible chief mates and masters ona space-available basis. Applications will only be confirmed two weeks prior tostart of course.

2 weeks 27 September 29 November 14 March

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 16 September 22 October 19 November 3 December 28 January 4 March 1, 15 April

Damage Control 1 day 21 October 18 November 2 December 27 January 3, 31 March 14 April

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 29 November 24 January 25 April

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 17 September 4 November 14 January 17 March

Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 21 January 17 March

Medical PIC Refresher—Note: Not MSC approved 3 days 4 October 8 November 15 February 6 April

Small Arms - Initial & Refresher Training—Note:Open to members/applicants eligible for employmentthrough AMO within one year on MSC or MARADvessels

3 days 13 September 18 October 1,15, 29 November 13 December 10, 24 January14, 28 March11, 25 April

Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 21 January 17 March

Marine Environmental Program - NEW 1/2 day 22 October 19 November 3 December 28 January 4 March

SAMM (Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management) - NEW 3 days 25 October

American Maritime Officer • 9September 2010

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 theschool 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 theAmerican 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.

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 onvessels 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. Operationallevel 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 18 October 4 January 7 March 25 April

Celestial Navigation—Note: A thorough review and understandingof the topics covered in Parts 4 & 5 of Pub. Number 9, The American

Practical Navigator (Bowditch), is a prerequisite.5 days 4 October 29 November 17 January

28 February -DATE CHANGE

11 April

Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 1 November 13 December 31 January 21 March

Shipboard Management 5 days 1 November 31 January 21 March

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology 5 days 18 October 6 December 24 January 21 February - CH 18 April

Upgrade: Advanced Navigation - ECDIS—Advanced Navigationand a USCG-approved ECDIS to be completed within 12 months ofeach other

5 days 27 September 15 November 14 February 4 April

Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (Includes Simulator) 5 days 20 September 8 November 7 February 28 March

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 18 October 8 November 17 January 7 March 25 April

Upgrade: Stability—Note: It is recommended that chapters 1-13 inthe book Stability and Trim for the Ship’s Officer be reviewed prior toattending this course

5 days 20 September 8 November 13 December 7 February 28 March

Watchkeeping 1 (Bridge Resource Management)—Note:Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2 MUST be completed within 12 monthsof each other.

3 days 6 October 1 December 5 January 23 February 13 April

Watchkeeping 2 (COLREGS)—Note: Watchkeeping Weeks 1 and 2MUST be completed within 12 months of each other.

5 days 11 October 6 December 10 January 28 February 18 April

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 of500 or more gross tonnage (ITC)

Terrestrial Navigation 10 days 14 March

Ship Construction & Stability 5 days 14 February

Electronic Navigation 5 days 7 March

Meteorology 5 days 17 January

Watchkeeping 10 days 20 September 28 March

Cargo Handling & Stowage 5 days 21 February

Basic Shiphandling at the Operational Level 5 days 4 October 11 April

Emergency Procedures and SAR 4 days 7 February

Celestial Navigation 10 days 24 January

Magnetic & Gyro Compass 3 days 28 February

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

RADAR COURSES

Radar Recertification (at Toledo MaritimeAcademy) — Priority will be give to GreatLakes mates

1 day 4 October 8 November 16 December 6, 7, 17 January 21 February 14, 15, 18 April

ARPA 4 days 9 November 18 January

Western Rivers Recertification 1 day Please Call

Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days 8 November 17 January

ECDIS 5 days 20 September 25 October 15 November 6 December 24 January 28 February 21 March

Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days 1 November 10 January 28 March 25 April

MEDICAL COURSES

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing ConservationAfloat

1 day 29 November 24 January 25 April

Elementary First Aid—Note: Prerequisite forMedical Care Provider within preceding 12months

1 day 21 September 19 October 16, 30 November 4, 25 January 8 March 26 April

Medical Care Provider—Note: Prerequisite forMedical Person In Charge within preceding 12months. Please fax EFA certificate when regis-tering

3 days 22 September 20 October 17 November 1 December 5, 26 January 9 March 27 April

Medical Person In Charge—Note: Please FAXMedical Care Provider certificate when register-ing

5 days 27 September 25 October 6 December 10, 31 January 14 March

Medical PIC Refresher—Note: Not MSCapproved.

3 days 4 October 8 November 15 February

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 13 December 18 January 7 February 21 March

Breath Alcohol Test 1 day 14 December 19 January 8 February 22 March

Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only 1/2 day 15 December 20 January 9 February 23 March

OICNW— Additional required courses with priority to students enrolled in the OICNW program — GALLEY COURSES

Original License (Great Lakes) Courses (Deck &Engine)

As Required Please Call Basic Safety Training 5 days Please Call

RFPNW Assessments 1 day 3 March GMDSS 10 days Please Call

Marlin Spike 1 day 4 MarchGALLEY COURSES

40-Hour Able Seaman 5 days 11 October 18 April

EFA/MCP 4 days 25 January Food Safety, Sanitation & Nutrition (ServSafe) 5 days 24 January

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 18 January Culinary Fundamentals 10 days 31 January

Original Radar 5 days Please Call Advanced Steward Course 5 days Please Call

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 nottaken by the contracted companies shall be made available to the membership on a chronological order basis.

Small Arms Training (Initial & Refresher)—Note: Open to mem-bers/applicants eligible for employment through AMO within one yearon MSC or MARAD vessels

3 days 27 September 28 February

Elementary First Aid 1 day 30 September 3 March

Drug Collector Training 1 day 1 October 4 March

Breath Alcohol Test Collector 1 day 2 October 5 March

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 4 October 7 March

10 • American Maritime Officer September 2010

Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the week

following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. Meetings will be

held on Monday at Headquarters in Dania (on Tuesday when Monday is a con-

tract holiday) and on Wednesday in Toledo. The next meetings will take place

on the following dates:

DANIA BEACH:TOLEDO:

October 4, November 8October 6, November 10

HEADQUARTERS

DANIA BEACH, FL 330042 West Dixie Highway(954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513Thomas J. Bethel, National President (tbethel@amo-union.org)José E. Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer (jleonard@amo-union.org)Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President(jbranthover@amo-union.org)FAX: (954) 926-5112Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea(jgremelsbacker@amo-union.org)Charles A. Murdock, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters (cmurdock@amo-union.org)FAX: (954) 920-3257

Dispatch: (800) 345-3410FAX: (954) 926-5126Brendan Keller, Dispatcher (bkeller@amo-union.org)Robert Anderson, Dispatcher (randerson@amo-union.org)Member Services: Extension 1050 (memberservices@amo-union.org)

PORTS

TOLEDO, OH 43604The Melvin H. Pelfrey BuildingOne Maritime Plaza(419) 255-3940(800) 221-9395FAX: (419) 255-2350Donald N. Cree, National Vice President, Great Lakes (dcree@amo-union.org)Brian D. Krus, National Assistant Vice President, Great Lakes(bkrus@amo-union.org)Stan Barnes, National Representative (wbarnes@amo-union.org)Bruce DeWerth, Dispatcher (bdewerth@amo-union.org)

PHILADELPHIA, PA 191132 International Plaza, Suite 422Robert J. Kiefer, National Executive Vice President (rkiefer@amo-union.org)(800) 362-0513 ext. 4001 / 4002Mobile: (215) 859-1059FAX: (610) 521-1301

SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 946071121 7th Street, Second FloorOakland, CA 94607(510) 444-5301(800) 362-0513 ext. 5001Daniel E. Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large(dshea@amo-union.org)FAX: (510) 444-5165

GALVESTON, TX 775512724 61st Street, Suite BPMB 192David M. Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large(dweathers@amo-union.org)(800) 362-0513 ext. 2001Mobile: (409) 996-7362

NORWOOD, NJ 07648463 Livingston Street, Suite 102PMB 60Donald R. Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea(dnilsson@amo-union.org)(800) 362-0513 ext. 3004Mobile: (201) 913-2209

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204(202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President At Large(mmurphy@amo-union.org)Paul Doell, Legislative Director (pauldoell51@yahoo.com)Phree Baker, Assistant Legislative Director (pbaker@amo-union.org)FAX: (202) 479-1188

STAR CENTER

STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004(954) 920-3222 ext. 201 / (800) 942-3220 ext. 201Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 ext. 200FAX: (954) 920-314024 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999

TRAINING RECORDS SYSTEM:Lisa Marra(954) 920-3222 ext. 7118 FAX: (954) 925-5681TRS@star-center.com

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

MARITIME MEDICAL CENTER AMO PLANS2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004 Dania Beach, FL 33004(954) 927-5213 (800) 348-6515FAX: (954) 929-1415 FAX: (954) 922-7539

LEGAL

Joel Glanstein, General Counsel Michael Reny305 Madison Ave. Suite 2240 AMO Coast Guard LegalNew York, NY 10165 Aid Program(212) 370-5100 (419) 243-1105 / (888) 853-4662FAX: (212) 697-6299 Mobile: (419) 346-1485

MikeReny@BEX.NET

Cross BorderContinued from Page 4

give timelines or details on a resolution.In a statement following the Mexicanannouncement, Amb. Kirk said he andSecretary LaHood are “seeking to

resolve this issue in a way that address-es safety concerns and upholds ourtrade obligations.”

The dispute has now carried onmore than 16 months and has cost theU.S. economy 25,600 jobs and morethan $2.6 billion in exports, theHouston Chronicle reported.

National Maritime Center Web site offers documents suitable forframing for mariners who hold Merchant Mariner Credential

The National Maritime Center,responding to requests from mariners,has launched an online service throughwhich merchant mariners can print acertificate suitable for framing.

The Coast Guard has confirmedthat only mariners holding the newMerchant Mariner Credential will beable to access the Web site featureallowing mariners to print mariner doc-uments suitable for framing.

Mariners who hold a license and

have not yet obtained the new combinedMerchant Mariner Credential will notbe able to download and print a certifi-cate suitable for framing using the fea-ture on the U.S. Coast Guard’sHomeport Web site.

Mariners who hold or have held avalid Merchant Mariner Credential(MMC) can download, save, print anddisplay the certificate. The certificatesare for display purposes only and willnot serve as a valid substitute when

posting an MMC is required.The service is available online at

h t tp : / /homepor t .uscg .mi l /mmcer t .There is no fee associated.

American Maritime Officer • 11September 2010

AMO Pension Plan: fiscal year 2009 summary annual report This is a summary of the annual report for the American Maritime Officers Pension

Plan, EIN 13-1936709, Plan No. 001, for the period October 1, 2008 through September 30,2009. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits SecurityAdministration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee RetirementIncome Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement

Benefits under the plan are provided through insurance and through a trustfund. Plan expenses were $170,827,105. These expenses included $6,000,141 inadministrative expenses and $164,826,964 in benefits paid to participants and ben-eficiaries. A total of 5,804 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the planat the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the rightto receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $345,018,440 asof September 30, 2009, compared to $474,285,696 as of October 1, 2008. During the planyear the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $129,267,256. This decreaseincludes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the dif-ference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of theassets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The planhad total income of $41,559,849, including employer contributions of $47,469,784 realized(loss) of $(47,788,020) from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $41,877,942and other income of $143.

Minimum Funding Standards

An actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keepit funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA.

Your Rights To Additional Information

You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on

request. The items listed below are included in that report:

1. an accountant’s report;2. financial information and information on payments to service providers;3. assets held for investment;4. transactions in excess of 5% of the plan assets;5. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers;6. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts,

master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates; and7. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board ofTrustees American Maritime Officers Pension Plan, 2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL33004, (954) 920-4847. The charge to cover copying costs is $.15 per page or for any partthereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator a statement of the assetsand liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expensesof the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual reportfrom the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be includ-ed as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include acharge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnishedwithout charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the mainoffice of the plan (Board of Trustees American Maritime Officers Pension Plan, 2 WestDixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004) and at the U.S. Department of Labor inWashington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment ofcopying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public DisclosureRoom, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department ofLabor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

AMO Medical Plan: fiscal year 2009 summary annual report This is a summary of the annual report of the American Maritime Officers Medical

Plan, EIN 13-5600786, Plan No. 501, for the period October 1, 2008 through September 30,2009. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits SecurityAdministration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee RetirementIncome Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Insurance Information

The plan has a contract with Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New Yorkto pay Stop loss claims incurred under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid forthe plan year ending September 30, 2009 were $186,837

Basic Financial Statement

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $19,480,647 asof September 30, 2009, compared to $40,029,035 as of October 1, 2008. During the planyear the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $20,548,388. This decrease includesunrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the differencebetween the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at thebeginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year,the plan had total income of $17,472,580, including employer contributions of $16,119,677,employee contributions of $379,208, earnings from investments of $841,231 and otherincome of $132,464

Plan expenses were $38,020,968. These expenses included $6,677,575 in adminis-trative expenses and $31,343,393 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.

Your Rights To Additional Information

You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on

request. The items listed below are included in that report:

1. an accountant’s report;2. financial information and information on payments to service providers;3. assets held for investment;4. transactions in excess of 5% of the plan assets; and5. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write Board of Trusteesof the American Maritime Officers Medical Plan, 2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL33004, (954) 920-4247. The charge to cover copying costs is $.15 per page or for any partthereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator a statement of the assetsand liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expensesof the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual reportfrom the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be includ-ed as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include acharge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnishedwithout charge

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the mainoffice of the plan (Board of Trustees of the American Maritime Officers Medical Plan, 2West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004) and at the U.S. Department of Labor inWashington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment ofcopying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public DisclosureRoom, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department ofLabor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

AMO Vacation Plan: fiscal year 2009 summary annual report This is a summary of the annual report of the American Maritime Officers

Vacation Plan, EIN 11-1929852, Plan No. 501, for the period October 1, 2008through September 30, 2009. The annual report has been filed with the EmployeeBenefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under theEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $617,578as of September 30, 2009, compared to $1,958,005 as of October 1, 2008. Duringthe plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $1,340,427. Thisdecrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of planassets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of theyear and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assetsacquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of$65,924,572, including employer contributions of $65,636,145 and earnings frominvestments of $288,427

Plan expenses were $67,264,999. These expenses included $1,475,569 inadministrative expenses and $65,789,430 in benefits paid to participants and bene-ficiaries.

Your Rights To Additional Information

You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any partthereof, on request.

The items listed below are included in that report:

1. an accountant’s report;2. financial information and information on payments to service providers;3. assets held for investment; and4. transactions in excess of 5% of the plan assets.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write Board ofTrustees American Maritime Officers Vacation Plan, 2 West Dixie Highway, DaniaBeach, FL 33004, (954) 920-4247. The charge to cover copying costs is $.15 perpage or for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator a statement ofthe assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement ofincome and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you requesta copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statementsand accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to covercopying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these por-tions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at themain office of the plan (Board of Trustees American Maritime Officers VacationPlan, 2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004) and at the U.S. Departmentof Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department ofLabor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should beaddressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits SecurityAdministration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20210.

12 • American Maritime Officer September 2010

AMO members train,upgrade at STAR Center

AMO members completing Diesel Crossover training at STAR Center in July andAugust, here with Instructor Andrew Davis, included Hans Hess, TommyThornhill and Chris Hilley.

AMO members completing the Celestial Navigation Course as part of the Officerin Charge of a Navigational Watch Program at STAR Center in July included (leftto right) Donald Turbeville, Ray Theriot, Michael O’Leary, Karen MicheleLaycock, Samuel Makler Jr., Rik Stern, and Kathy Braud. With them here isInstructor Robert Bates. The boxes contain sextants, which were used to mea-sure local apparent noon from the public pier in Dania Beach, Fla.

AMO member Francisco Sousa in August successfully upgraded to an unlimitedchief mate’s license after completing the STCW training and assessment pro-gram for upgrading to the chief mate/master level at STAR Center. With him hereis Instructor David Greenhouse.

AMO member Danny Robichaux relaxes with his children Abigail “Abbie”Robichaux, Madeleine “Maddie” Robichaux, and Danny Robichaux III at STARCenter in between sessions of the Train the Trainer course in August.