Copyright © 2016 American Maritime Officers ■ editorial@amo-union.org

Page 6: Maersk Peary delivers in Pacer Goose 2016

Page 7: On July 25, General Dynamics NASSCO delivered the GardenState, a Jones Act tanker built for American Petroleum Tankers, markingthe shipyard’s seventh delivery in the span of just over a year. AMO rep-resents all licensed officers aboard the Garden State.

New jobs for AMO with delivery ofJones Act tanker Garden State to APT

Page 7: Operating under MSC charter in Operation Pacific Pathways16-2, the heavy-lift ship Ocean Glory delivered and is backhaulingcargo in support of military exercises Hanuman Guardian in Thailand,Keris Strike in Malaysia and Garuda Shield in Indonesia.

M/V Ocean Glory serves in OperationPacific Pathways under MSC charter

Volume 46, Number 8 August 2016

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Senior U.S. and foreign military leaders observed a Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC)disembarking the USNS John Glenn during an amphibious assault demonstration dur-ing the USPACOM Amphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS) at sea off the coast of U.S.Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 13, 2016. PALS brings together seniorleaders of allied and partner nations from the Indo-Asia Pacific region to discuss keyaspects of maritime/amphibious operations, capability development, crisis response,and interoperability. Twenty-two allied and partnered nations participated.

U.S. Marine Corps photo: Sgt. Tia Dufour

Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, contin-ued the tradition of military forces frompartner nations working together to honeskills and build on established relationshipsduring the second annual Pacific CommandAmphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS)in San Diego, Calif., July 10 to 14, reportedCpl. Demetrius Morgan, U.S. MarineCorps, Pacific, in an article posted on theDefense Video Imagery DistributionSystem website.

The symposium featured militaryleaders representing 23 partner and alliednations, including the United States.

PALS-16 featured a demonstration ofsea-basing capabilities conducted by theexpeditionary transfer dock USNS JohnGlenn and the large medium-speed roll-on/roll-off ship USNS GYSGT Fred W.Stockham. The USNS John Glenn is operat-ed by Ocean Ships, Inc. and the USNSStockham is operated by Crowley TechnicalManagement. Both Military SealiftCommand ships are manned in all licensedpositions by American Maritime Officers.

PALS-16 brought together seniormilitary leaders from nations throughout

the Indo-Asia Pacific region to discusskey aspects of maritime/amphibious oper-ations, capability development, crisis

response and interoperability.For the first few days, service mem-

bers took part in academic discussions and

a table-top exercise (TTX), where theycoordinated plans for a simulated disasterrelief mission. The TTX was designed toestablish rapport between the senior leadersas they familiarized themselves with thevarious capabilities each nation brought tothe table.

“The primary goal of PALS is to bringas many nations as possible together who areinterested in developing amphibious capabil-ities,” said Lt. Gen. John Toolan, the com-manding general of Fleet Marine Force,Pacific. “They then get the opportunity toshare ideas and walk away with new ways totrain for those amphibious capabilities.”

Although Marines and sailors con-stantly train to keep their skills and compe-tencies sharp, learning from others and shar-ing tactics with allied nations is an essentialcomponent to further develop amphibiouscapabilities.

“Closer military bonds give us anopportunity to know each other and knowour capabilities,” Toolan said. “It allows usto really come to terms with all the con-USNS John Glenn connects to USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham during the

USPACOM Amphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS) off the coast of U.S.Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. July 13, 2016.

U.S. Marine Corps photo: Sgt. Tia Dufour

See PALS-16 ◆ Page 6

2 • American Maritime Officer August 2016

Commander of MSC commends operating companies,merchant mariners of USNS John Glenn, USNS Stockham

The following message was sent July 19 by Commander of Military SealiftCommand Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon.

I offer MSC’s sincerest congratulations and appreciation to OceanShipholdings, Inc., Crowley Technical Management, Inc., and the officers and crewsof USNS JOHN GLENN (T-ESD 2) and USNS GYSGT FRED STOCKHAM (T-AK3017) for the excellent execution of the sea-basing demonstration during the PacificCommand Amphibious Leadership Symposium FY 2016 (PALS 16) off the coast ofSouthern California last week.

The expertise, flexibility, and professionalism demonstrated by your Marinersand ashore technical and management staffs during planning and execution enabledparticipants from the United States and Partner Nations to observe the next step in

sea-basing logistics concepts, maritime command and control (C2), and amphibiouscapabilities of our U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps team in action.

This great demonstration will undoubtedly result in better training and interop-erability with our friends and partners throughout the Pacific region.

Please extend my congratulations to your Mariners for a job “Well Done”. Youdelivered, in keeping with tradition of our United States Merchant Marine.

Warmest Regards,TK ShannonRADM, US NavyCommander, Military Sealift Command

AMO gains from partnershipbetween officials, membersBy Paul DoellNational President

On August1, AmericanMaritime Officerswas holding ahigh-six-figure,year-to-date oper-ating budget sur-plus and a veryhealthy reserveaccount balance;moreover, ourunion is no longerpulling routinely from investmentaccounts to meet payroll and cover neces-sary expenses — indeed, AMO is replen-ishing these accounts with the firstdeposits in three years.

Meanwhile, AMO membershipdues and initiation fee receipts remainedon the rise — direct payments to AMOwere substantially higher in the first sixmonths of the calendar year over thesame period in 2015; dues paymentsthrough authorized deductions fromAMO Vacation Plan benefits were up aswell — 29.9 percent in June alone, com-pared to the total paid through the Planin June a year ago.

Meanwhile, a 2015 dues increasethat had been approved in 2014 wasrescinded, and no dues hike was neces-sary this year.

Our union’s strong financial stateand the real prospect of continued eco-nomic growth and stability resultedfrom what I see as an effective, practicalpartnership between this administrationand the seagoing AMO membership.

On this side of the equation, theAMO National Executive Board lastyear agreed easily on a comprehensivecost containment plan that trimmed theunion payroll significantly at all levels

— even while restoring the official posi-tion of Great Lakes Vice President. Thisreform strategy also resulted in savingson essential goods and services, includ-ing a six-figure reduction in the annualcost of this publication.

When deep-sea, Great Lakes andinland waters AMO members sawresponsible money management atunion headquarters, they responded witha greater collective effort to make time-ly dues payments — not only to protectgood standing, but also to sustain recov-ery for everyone’s benefit.

The premise is an easy one: every-thing AMO officials, representativesand employees do in the course of theirwork is done with AMO membershipmoney. When AMO members see fiscalreason and restraint in the administra-tion, they have far fewer qualms aboutmeeting their responsibilities.

At this point, we’re able to beef upvessel visits on the East and West Coaststhrough two new full-time hires fromwithin the membership ranks — withoutbreaking the bank. On the West Coast,an additional representative is necessarybecause Dan Shea’s new duties asNational Executive Vice President makeit difficult for him to hit ships routinely,and to recruit for our union at maritimeacademy functions; the East Coast hasbeen without exclusive shipboard repre-sentation for some years, and, in myview, it’s important that we cover thisregion consistently.

On behalf of the AMO NationalExecutive Board, I welcome questions,comments and suggestions from AMOmembers everywhere as we work tokeep the financial faith and to improvedirect service to the men and womenwe are privileged to represent. Aboardship, in union membership meetings,and in day-to-day conversation and

correspondence, we’re here to listen —and, with membership input, we can doeven better.

Politics and AMO jobsIn this extremely important elec-

tion year, I’m obliged to remind alldeep-sea, Great Lakes and inland watersAMO members to support the AMOVoluntary Political Action Fund in theinterest of job and benefit security.

The AMO VPAF helps shield thebroad, bipartisan support base ourindustry has in Congress. The fund helpsfinance the re-election campaigns ofSenators and members of the House ofRepresentatives who understand theeconomic and national security need fora strong and diverse, privately ownedand operated U.S. merchant fleet indomestic and international service —period. The fund doesn’t cover travel,lodging, meals, entertainment or anyother administrative expense.

Take the Jones Act, for example.The law was enacted as Section 27 ofthe Merchant Marine Act of 1920, andCongress has since insulated it frombilateral, regional and multilateral tradenegotiations and beaten back persistenthomegrown efforts to force Jones Actamendment or repeal — most recently inlegislation to ease the debt crisis inPuerto Rico.

Were it not for the Jones Act, for-eign-flagged product tankers crewed byforeign nationals would meet today’sexpanding demand for the domesticwaterborne transport of gasoline andother fuels. The U.S.-built tankersalready delivered or under constructionin the last 18 months for this trade andfor operation under exclusive AMO con-tract wouldn’t have been ordered.

Were it not for the Jones Act,AMO engine and deck officers would

not be at work today on new U.S.-flag,U.S.-built container and combinationcontainer/roll-on, roll-off ships operatingbetween the West Coast and Hawaii andbetween the East Coast and Puerto Rico,and our union would not be gearing upfor the jobs on comparable ships nowunder construction for domestic service.

Were it not for the Jones Act, therewouldn’t be a single American seagoingjob along our inland waterways or in ourports, let alone the jobs AMO holds inthese critical sectors. Nor would therebe American seagoing jobs on the GreatLakes, where AMO remains the largestlicensed labor influence.

Beyond Jones Act jurisdiction,jobs for U.S. merchant mariners —including AMO engine and deck offi-cers — are sustained through theMaritime Security Program, the 50-percent U.S.-flag cargo preferencerequirement tied to PL-480 food aidexports and Military Sealift Commandand Maritime Administration contractsawarded through fierce competitivebidding. But each of these programs issubject to annual budget authorizationand appropriation in Congress and bydebate driven often by powerful inter-ests that believe the U.S. can do with-out its own merchant fleet, even in thecontext of national security anddefense shipping.

But American Maritime Officers— long acknowledged as the mostrespected and most influential U.S.maritime policy advocate inWashington — leads the good fighteach year, making a clear, compellingcase for the American fleet andAmerican seagoing jobs and capitaliz-ing on unequaled access on CapitolHill. The AMO Voluntary PoliticalAction Fund is indispensable to theeffort. On behalf of the AMO NationalExecutive Board, I thank the deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland watersAMO members who join us in routinesupport of the fund; AMO memberswho do not invest in this safe, reliablefund are encouraged to do so at levelsthey can be comfortable with — everydollar counts.

American Maritime Officer(USPS 316-920)

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American Maritime Officer • 3August 2016

U.S. Customs and Border Protection establishesNational Jones Act Division of Enforcement

The following bulletin was posted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.In order to present a uniformed approach on issues involving the Jones Act, U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO), announcesthe creation of the National Jones Act Division of Enforcement (JADE). The Jones Actis the foundation of maritime policy of the United States and a vital tool for ournation’s security and economy. The mission of the JADE will be to assist CBP andindustry partners on issues concerning coastwise trade, with the goal of being a clear-inghouse for all coastwise trade issues. All formal ruling requests will continue to beforwarded to Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade. The JADE will be locatedwithin the New Orleans Field Office and will be staffed by a team of subject matterexperts (SMEs) to assist industry partners with questions and concerns on issues

involving coastwise trade. The JADE will work in partnership with industry stake-holders in the enforcement of the Jones Act, along with all other coastwise trade laws.As an advocate for coastwise trade, the JADE will be available for outreach presenta-tions to industry partners on the subject of coastwise trade.

Suspected violations of coastwise trade can be submitted through the e-Allegationportal at https://eallegations.cbp.gov. Industry Partners may contact the JADEjonesact@cbp.dhs.gov with any questions or concerns regarding coastwise trade issues.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Michael Hebert, PortDirector, at MICHAEL.J.HEBERT@CBP.DHS.GOV. Secondary contact is DonnaDedeaux, Branch Chief, Manifest & Conveyance Security Division atDONNA.M.DEDEAUX@CBP.DHS.GOV.

ITF emphasizes vital role of maritimecabotage to TTIP stakeholders

The following article was releasedJuly 13 by the International TransportWorkers’ Federation, with whichAmerican Maritime Officers is affiliated.

The ITF (International TransportWorkers’ Federation) upheld the vital roleof maritime cabotage in protecting jobs,economies and skills at a TTIP(Transatlantic Trade and InvestmentPartnership) stakeholder event inBrussels, Belgium, today.

ITF Seafarers’ Section Secretary JonWhitlow addressed the meeting’s audi-ence of TTIP negotiators.

He told them: The ITF welcomes theopportunity to state our position on behalfof our affiliates regarding the labor andmaritime transport issues under discussionin TTIP and trade agreements in general.Trade agreements should be an opportunityto improve workers’ rights and have as aprimary objective the facilitation of fullemployment and decent working conditionsfor the workers of the contracting parties.Therefore, we believe that TTIP shouldinclude a strong, legally binding laborchapter, with recognition of ILO globallabor standards as minimum standards andEU and US standards on social and laborrights and should exclude transport fromthe scope of the negotiations.

The international maritime trans-port market, particularly in the US/EUtrade, where the European Union hasbanned liner carrier conference and pric-ing agreements, is open, liberal andextremely competitive. Recent overcapaci-ty, consolidation and downward freightrate trends confirm that.

Despite this, and despite the clearsuccess and valid economic and securityreasons for national domestic maritimepolicies — including cabotage — theEuropean Commission continues to insiston including maritime transport servicesin TTIP without providing any evidencethat such inclusion would benefit eitherside or consideration of the detrimentalimpact it would have on national fleetdevelopment and employment of nationalseafarers in the EU and US.

The maritime provisions in the EUservices proposal continue to seek accessfor EU vessels to certain US cabotagemarkets, including for EU second regis-ter vessels, which employ mostly non-EUseafarers; and to restrict any measuresthat would enable the United States tostrengthen its remaining internationalflag fleet and related jobs. While theUnited States continues to defend itsdomestic cabotage and small US-flag

international presence (fewer than 80US-flag ships) for national security pur-poses, the EU continues to promote mem-ber state aid for their fleets, includingtheir second registers. And they seekaccess to the US domestic markets forthose ships and non-EU seafarers as theydid in the CETA (ComprehensiveEconomic and Trade Agreement) agree-ment. This is unacceptable.

Lastly, we need to clear up somemisconceptions about the competitiveenvironment in the maritime tradebetween the European Union and theUnited States.

All ships in the trade, including thesmall number of US-flag ships and themany EU ships of all flags, have unre-stricted access to all commercial cargoes,access to the limited available US domes-tic feeder services and to all road and railconnections throughout the United Stateson an equal and non-discriminatory basis.

The small number of US-flag shipsin the US/EU international trade have noJones Act coastwise privileges or any reg-ulatory advantage over the EU-ownedand operated ships. In fact, many of thoseEU ships regularly seek their own advan-tage by operating under low-cost, non-national flags including flags of conve-

nience. A recent study by the UNConference on Trade and Developmentindicates that the EU currently has16,472 ships under EU beneficial owner-ship and the majority of those vessels arenot registered in EU member states. Thishas major implications for the retentionof a maritime skills base in the EU, whichis essential for the EU maritime cluster tobe able to function effectively.

US-flag ships carry approximatelytwo percent of the commercial cargoes inthe US-EU trade. EU owned and operatedships of all flags carry the majority of thetrade. And all of the US-flag ships in thetrade are owned and operated by sub-sidiaries of EU companies.

Jon Whitlow concluded: There is noreason for either side in TTIP to seekaccess to the other’s domestic cabotageregimes or to restrict measures by eitherparty to grow their national first registersand national seafaring jobs. And there-fore, since access to the internationalmaritime trades on both sides of theAtlantic is already open, there is no rea-son for the European Commission to con-tinue to call for a maritime services chap-ter in TTIP.

ITF president Paddy Crumlin com-mented: “The ITF and its unions are com-mitted to defending cabotage, which is inoperation in 47 countries. We are onrecord as pointing out that failing to pro-tect cabotage undermines sovereignty andhas national security implications. It alsohas serious economic implications formaritime regions and communities.”

USCG: Merchant MarinerCredential exam onlinepreparation materials

The following bulletin was posted July 28 by the U.S. Coast Guard and isavailable online at: www.uscg.mil/nmc/announcements.

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 requires several actions regard-ing Merchant Mariner Credentialing.

This bulletin provides information related to Section 315: Examinationsfor Merchant Mariner Credentials. Per this section, the Coast Guard willcease public disclosure of examination questions and other informationrelated to exams.

In place of this information, the Coast Guard will provide an outline of mer-chant mariner examination topics as well as sample examinations. This informa-tion will be posted on the “Examinations” page of the National Maritime Centerwebsite (www.uscg.mil/nmc/) on or about August 1, 2016.

In addition, the Coast Guard intends to remove the current bank ofexamination questions and illustrations from the National Maritime CenterWebsite on or about September 1, 2016.

The Act contains other authorizations and requirements related to marinercredentialing. The Coast Guard is actively engaged in these actions and will pub-lish additional information as it becomes available.

If you have questions or feedback regarding the sample examinations,please contact the NMC by using our Online Chat or Ticketing System, by e-mailat IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662).

American Maritime Officers members working aboard the LNG-powered contain-ership Perla del Caribe in June, here in Jacksonville, Fla., included First AssistantEngineer Michael Busque, Second A.E. Brian Barnes and Third A.E. MattKloecker. With them are AMO East Coast Representative Todd Christensen andAMO National Vice President, Inland Waters, David Weathers.

AMO aboard LNG-powered Perla delCaribe in Jones Act Puerto Rico trade

4 • American Maritime Officer August 2016

Pension PlanThis is a summary of the annual report for American Maritime Officers Pension

Plan, EIN 13-1936709, Plan No. 001, for period October 01, 2014 through September30, 2015. 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 StatementBenefits under the plan are provided by insurance and a trust fund. Plan expenses

were $44,966,850. These expenses included $3,955,189 in administrative expenses, and$41,011,661 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 5,269 personswere participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although notall of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was$442,989,645 as of September 30, 2015, compared to $455,620,723 as of October01, 2014. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of$12,631,078. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation inthe value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assetsat the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or thecost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $32,335,772,including employer contributions of $26,512,639, realized gains of $14,932,127from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of ($19,035,313), and otherincome of $9,926,319.

Minimum Funding StandardsAn actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to

keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA.

Your Rights To Additional InformationYou 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:• an accountant’s report;• financial information;• information on payments to service providers;• assets held for investment;• transactions in excess of 5% of the plan assets;• insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers;• information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts,

master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates;• actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan;To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of

The Board of Trustees American Maritime Officers Pension Plan at 2 West Dixie Highway,Dania Beach, FL 33004, or by telephone at (954) 922-7428. The charge to cover copying costswill be $0.15 per page for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at nocharge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a state-ment of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request acopy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompa-nying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs givenabove does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because theseportions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine theannual report at the main office of the plan (The Board of Trustees American MaritimeOfficers Pension Plan, 2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004) and at the U.S.Department of 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 be addressed to:Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S.Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

Defined Contribution Plan

American Maritime Officers Plans Summary Annual Reports: Fiscal Year 2015

on request. The items listed below are included in that report:• an accountant’s report;• financial information;• information on payments to service providers; • assets held for investment;• information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate

accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates;To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the

office of Board of Trustees American Maritime Officers Defined Contribution Plan at 2West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004, or by telephone at (954) 922-7428. Thecharge to cover copying costs will be $0.15 per page.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request andat no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanyingnotes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes,or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator,these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of thatreport. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge forthe 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 Defined ContributionPlan, 2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004) and at the U.S. Department ofLabor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor uponpayment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: PublicDisclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S.Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

This is a summary of the annual report for American Maritime Officers DefinedContribution Plan, EIN 27-1269640, Plan No. 001, for period October 01, 2014 throughSeptember 30, 2015. The annual report has been filed with the Employee BenefitsSecurity Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the EmployeeRetirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial StatementBenefits under the plan are provided by a trust fund. Plan expenses were

$4,163,860. These expenses included $427,877 in administrative expenses, and$3,735,983 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 3,411 personswere participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although notall of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $68,954,007as of September 30, 2015, compared to $55,913,750 as of October 01, 2014. During theplan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $13,040,257. This increaseincludes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, thedifference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value ofthe assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. Theplan had total income of $17,204,117, including employer contributions of $19,780,075,and earnings from investments of ($2,575,958).

Your Rights To Additional InformationYou have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof,

Medical Plan Your Rights To Additional InformationYou 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:• an accountant’s report;• financial information;• information on payments to service providers;• assets held for investment;• transactions in excess of 5% of the plan assets;• insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers;To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of

Board of Trustees of the American Maritime Officers Medical Plan at 2 West Dixie Highway,Dania Beach, FL 33004, or by telephone at (954) 922-7428. The charge to cover copying costswill be $0.15 per page for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at nocharge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a state-ment of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request acopy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompa-nying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs givenabove does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because theseportions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main officeof the plan ( Board of Trustees of the American Maritime Officers Medical Plan, 2 West DixieHighway, Dania Beach, FL 33004) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.,or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs.Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513,Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 ConstitutionAvenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

This is a summary of the annual report of the American Maritime Officers MedicalPlan, EIN 13-5600786, Plan No. 501, for period October 01, 2014 through September30, 2015. 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 InformationThe plan has a contract with United Healthcare to pay stop loss claims incurred

under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending September30, 2015 were $214,532.

Basic Financial StatementThe value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $4,494,876 as

of September 30, 2015, compared to $15,042,310 as of October 01, 2014. During theplan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $10,547,434. This decreaseincludes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, thedifference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value ofthe assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year.During the plan year, the plan had total income of $35,271,318, including employer con-tributions of $34,755,169, employee contributions of $183,831, earnings from invest-ments of $140,358, and other income of $191,960.

Plan expenses were $45,818,752. These expenses included $6,404,516 inadministrative expenses, and $39,414,236 in benefits paid to participants andbeneficiaries.

The SAR for the AMO Vacation Plan for fiscal year 2015 is on Page 5. The 401(k) Plan SAR for calendar year 2015 will be printed at a later date.

American Maritime Officer • 5August 2016

Vacation Plan: SAR FY 2015 • an accountant’s report;• financial information;• information on payments to service providers;• assets held for investment;• transactions in excess of 5% of the plan assets;To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the

office of Board of Trustees American Maritime Officers Vacation Plan at 2 DixieHighway, Dania Beach, FL 33004, or by telephone at (954) 922-7428. The charge tocover copying costs will be $0.15 per page for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request andat no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanyingnotes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes,or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator,these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of thatreport. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge forthe 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 Vacation Plan, 2 DixieHighway, Dania Beach, FL 33004) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington,D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copyingcosts. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room,Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

This is a summary of the annual report of the American Maritime OfficersVacation Plan, EIN 11-1929852, Plan No. 501, for period October 01, 2014 throughSeptember 30, 2015. The annual report has been filed with the Employee BenefitsSecurity Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the EmployeeRetirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial StatementThe value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was ($690,730) as

of September 30, 2015, compared to $1,273,868 as of October 01, 2014. During the planyear the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $1,964,598. This decreaseincludes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, thedifference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value ofthe assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year.During the plan year, the plan had total income of $72,896,081, including employer con-tributions of $72,853,201, and earnings from investments of $42,880.

Plan expenses were $74,860,679. These expenses included $1,513,757 in admin-istrative expenses, and $73,346,922 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.

Your Rights To Additional InformationYou 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:

Rep. Garamendi’s statement on importanceof the Jones Act to U.S. homeland security

The following article was releasedJuly 7 by the office of Congressman JohnGaramendi (D-CA).

WASHINGTON, DC —Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), Ranking Member of theSubcommittee on Coast Guard andMaritime Transportation issued the follow-ing statement in response to testimonyabout the Jones Act at a joint hearing to

examine maritime nuclear smugglingthreats and other risks to port security:

“At today’s hearing, members of boththe Subcommittee on Coast Guard andMaritime Transportation and theSubcommittee on Border and MaritimeSecurity heard testimony on how we can bestdefend against nuclear smuggling threats.

“James H.I. Weakley, President of theLake Carriers’ Association, which repre-

sents U.S.-flagged vessel operators on theGreat Lakes, noted the particular impor-tance of the Jones Act. It requires that cargomoved between U.S. ports be carried in ves-sels that are built in the United States andcrewed by American sailors. This is notonly vital to our maritime industry — it isalso important for our national security.

“American mariners must go througha rigorous certification and credentialing

process to be certified by the Coast Guard,and are trained in security measuresdesigned to protect the homeland againstsmuggling and other threats. Jones Actmariners also work with the Coast Guard torecognize and identify unusual or suspi-cious activity. Without the Jones Act, notonly would we not have American marinershelping to protect the homeland, but theCoast Guard would bear additional respon-sibility for policing foreign-controlled andforeign-crewed vessels in both coastal andinternal waters.

I thank Mr. Weakley for stressing thenational security importance of the JonesAct at today’s hearing.”

Homeland security on Great Lakes starts with Jones Act

See Jones Act ◆ Page 12

The “best line of maritime home-land security defense” in the Great Lakesregion is the Jones Act, which requirescargo moved between U.S. ports to becarried by vessels that are U.S. built, U.S.crewed, U.S. owned and U.S. operated,Lake Carriers’ Association PresidentJames Weakley said during a congres-sional hearing on July 7.

“If you ask me what the singlemost important thing you (Congress)can do to encourage maritime homelandsecurity, I would say support the JonesAct,” said Weakley, who serves as a vicepresident of the Great Lakes MaritimeTask Force, of which American

Maritime Officers is a member.Testifying before a joint hearing of

the House Coast Guard and MaritimeTransportation Subcommittee and theMaritime and Border ProtectionSubcommittee, Weakley explained JonesAct qualified vessels operating in U.S.domestic waters present a much differentrisk profile than foreign-flagged vessels.

“For example, our Jones Act marinershave all gone through extensive checks inorder to receive their licenses, credentialsand Transportation Worker IdentificationCredential (TWIC) cards,” he said. “Manyhave been trained at our maritime schoolsand universities. They live here. They work

here. In fact, many of these mariners andcompanies are full partners with ourAmerican law enforcement agenciesthrough a series of programs and partner-ships that encourage American seafarers toreport suspicious activities.”

The requirement that Jones Act ves-sels be crewed with mariners licensed andcredentialed by the U.S. Coast Guardmeans they are held to the world’s higheststandards.

While the precise security measuresemployed aboard Jones Act qualified ves-sels operating on the Great Lakes are con-sidered “sensitive security information”under U.S. regulations, Weakley pointed

out that U.S. crews engage in accesscontrol, perimeter expansion, personnelscreening, vessel security sweeps andinspection of cargo and ship stores.

“We not only adjust our securityprofile based on the prescribed threatlevel but also on the vessel operationsand operational area,” Weakley said.“For example, if the vessel is moored ata facility that is not required to complywith facility security regulations, under-going winter maintenance, in long-termstorage or operating in restricted waters,we may also adjust our security profile.”

Photo: Chris Franckowiak

AMO aboard Great Republic onGreat Lakes in Jones Act trade

Third Mate Richard Bruning with AMO Senior National Assistant Vice PresidentBrian Krus in June as the Great Republic delivers western coal in Manistee,Mich. AMO represents the licensed officers and stewards aboard the Key Lakesvessel. At left, the Great Republic passes through the Maple Street Bridge.

6 • American Maritime Officer August 2016

PALS-16Continued from Page 1

straints and restraints that are evident inoperations and you can only do that bybeing in the moment, being there and doingwhat needs to get done.”

After the academic discussions andTTX, the participants were given the oppor-tunity to witness naval logistics integrationfirst hand.

During the sea-basing and amphibi-ous landing demonstration, the USNS JohnGlenn and USNS Stockham connecteddecks, operating ‘skin to skin’ in order totransport vehicles, troops or other assetsfrom the LMSR to the expeditionary trans-fer dock before launching Landing Craft AirCushions (LCACs) to transport assetsashore. The USNS John Glenn is capable ofsubmerging its deck in order to allow theLCACs to come aboard.

“The demonstration was reallyimpressive,” said Rear Adm. DavidHardy, general commandant of theChilean Marine Corps. “Seeing how theNavy and Marine Corps can work togetherand move all this equipment from the seais really remarkable and it’s somethingthat definitely has to be seen.”

Exercises like PALS are a key wayto hone and maintain amphibious capabil-ities while building lasting professionalrelationships with military leaders fromaround the world.

Third Mate Michael McCarthy directs the bridge controlleraboard the USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham at sea nearCamp Pendleton, Calif., July 11.

Chief Mate James Gill communicates directions to thecrane controller aboard the USNS GYSGT Fred W.Stockham at sea near Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 11.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Danny Gonzalez U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Danny Gonzalez

A Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC)arrives at the USNS John Glenn forthe USPACOM Amphibious LeadersSymposium 2016 (PALS-16) at seanear Camp Pendleton, Calif., onJuly 13.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl.Danny Gonzalez

Senior U.S. and foreign military leaders head to sea for a skin-to-skin amphibi-ous demonstration during the USPACOM PALS-16 on July 13.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tia DufourU.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tia Dufour

Two LCACs are parked aboard the USNS John Glenn — 1st Truck SupportBattalion, in conjunction with U.S. merchant mariners, rehearsed the offloadingof vehicles during a skin-to-skin maneuver.

Maersk Peary delivers in Operation Pacer Goose 2016

Photos courtesy of Captain David PerronIn July, the Maersk Peary, which is under long-term charter to Military Sealift Command, completed Operation Pacer Goose 2016 — the annual resupplymission to Thule, Greenland. The mission brought the ship and crew up the West Coast of Greenland, traveling well north of the Arctic Circle. En route, theMaersk Peary met up with Canadian ice breaker Pierre Radisson, Commanded by Martin Crête, which provided escort for the Maersk Peary in all aspectsof the voyage above 70 degrees North. The voyage brought us within 806 nautical miles of the North Pole. In Thule, we encountered challenging ice condi-tions, which were well managed and overcome by the ship’s experienced polar-trained crew. The Maersk Peary spent three days discharging cargo to ThuleAir Force Base, resupplying the base with vital fuel for the year. American Maritime Officers represents the licensed officers on the Maersk Peary and theSeafarers International Union represents the unlicensed crew. All were enthusiastic and proud of a job well done just prior to making for sea on July 16 fol-lowing the successful discharge of the ship’s cargo. AMO members working aboard the Maersk Peary during Operation Pacer Goose 2016 (above right)included Chief Mate Joshua Squyres, Third Mate Antoine Picou, Captain David Perron, Third Assistant Engineer Loren Andersen, Second Mate BarettHowell, Chief Engineer Cedric Harkins, Second A.E. Benjamin White and First A.E. James Cook.

American Maritime Officer • 7August 2016

New jobs for AMO as General Dynamics NASSCOdelivers Jones Act tanker Garden State to APT

Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO

The following is excerpted from anarticle released July 26 by GeneralDynamics NASSCO. American MaritimeOfficers represents all licensed officersaboard the Garden State.

SAN DIEGO — On Monday, July 25,General Dynamics NASSCO marked its sev-enth ship delivery in the span of just over ayear. The Garden State, an ECO Class tankerbuilt for longtime customer AmericanPetroleum Tankers, was delivered during aspecial signing ceremony and is one of threeclasses of ships delivered by the San Diego-based shipyard since June of last year.

“In the past year, NASSCO ship-builders have delivered seven ships — orthe equivalent to 100,000 tons worth ofsteel,” said Kevin Graney, vice presidentand general manager for General DynamicsNASSCO. “Among the seven vessels deliv-ered, three have been lead ships: the world’sfirst containership powered by liquefiednatural gas, the U.S. Navy’s firstExpeditionary Sea Base and the nation’smost fuel efficient product tanker. We areproud of the diverse design and build port-folio we have delivered during the course ofthis year.”

Within the year, NASSCO has deliv-ered the world’s first two containerships tobe powered by liquefied natural gas. The764-foot-long ships — the Isla Bella andthe Perla del Caribe — currently servicethe Puerto Rican-Jacksonville trade routeand are considered to be the cleanest cargo-carrying ships anywhere in the world.

NASSCO also delivered four ECO

Class product tankers within the same timeperiod — three for American PetroleumTankers and one for a partnership betweenSEA-Vista LLC and SEACOR Holdings,Inc. The new “ECO” design allows for 33percent increased fuel efficiency with a330,000 barrel cargo capacity. NASSCO

currently has under construction fourremaining tankers under contract betweenthe two companies.

For its commercial work, NASSCOpartners with DSEC — a subsidiary ofDaewoo Shipbuilding & MarineEngineering of Busan, South Korea — for

access to state-of-the-art ship design andshipbuilding technologies.

NASSCO also maintains a bi-coastalship maintenance and repair operation withlocations serving San Diego; Mayport,Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; and Bremerton,Washington.

Ocean Glory delivers for Operation Pacific PathwaysThe following is excerpted from an

article by Grady Fontana, Military SealiftCommand Far East Public Affairs, whichwas released July 27 by the U.S. Navy.American Maritime Officers represents alllicensed officers aboard the Ocean Glory.

SINGAPORE (NNS) — MilitarySealift Command (MSC) voyage-charterM/V Ocean Glory is currently travelingthrough the Pacific Ocean as part of mobil-ity operation Pacific Pathways 16-2.

Ocean Glory is a commercial shipfrom Intermarine under contract by MSCto support PP16-2, a U.S. Army Pacific(USARPAC) mobility operation that sup-ports three USARPAC exercises andlinks them into a single operation, byusing a single MSC commercial vessel tocarry a designated task force and theirforce package equipment for the entireduration. This iteration of PP16-2 is sup-porting exercises Hanuman Guardian inThailand, Keris Strike in Malaysia, andGaruda Shield in Indonesia.

“This is a general purpose, heavy-liftship,” said Christopher Cassano, plans andexercises officer, MSC Far East. “It hasheavy capacity cranes, which when used intandem can be used to lift pretty heavy stuff.”

The ship is a multi-purpose dry cargoship that’s equipped for carriage containersand strengthened for heavy cargo. She isequipped with three shipboard cranes —crane one, which is near the bow, can liftapproximately 120 metric tons (265,000pounds); and cranes two and three can eachlift approximately 450 metric tons (aboutone million pounds). When two and threeare used as a single unit, the cranes combinefor 900 metric tons of lift.

Ocean Glory is a member of theMaritime Security Program (MSP), aseries of American-flag ships that areassets the U.S. military can draw uponduring contingencies.

The MSP was established by theMaritime Security Act of 1996 to assure thecontinued viability of a U.S.-flag merchantmarine capable of maintaining a role ininternational commercial shipping and sup-porting the national sealift policy of main-taining assured access to U.S-flag shippingto deploy unilaterally if necessary duringnational emergencies and contingencies.

“The U.S. government, through (the)Maritime Administration, pays a small

stipend to these companies,” said Cassano.“The Ocean Glory belongs to the MSP, andbecause of that, she is eligible for missionssuch as this.”

Due to the number of vessels enrolledin the MSP, missions like these will see amix between traditional commercial shipsand U.S. naval ships (USNS).

“It won’t just be USNS and it won’tjust be commercial,” said Cassano.

Ocean Glory departed Tacoma,Washington, mid-May with equipmentfrom Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)and a detachment of ship riders and madea stop in Hawaii to embark more gear,before arriving in June to Thailand in sup-

port of exercise Hanuman Guardian tooffload equipment for U.S. Army TaskForce Lancer — made up of elements ofthe 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team,2nd Infantry Division from JBLM and 2ndBattalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigadefrom Hawaii.

After Hanuman Guardian, the equip-ment voyaged to Malaysia where someequipment was discharged to support KerisStrike. Immediately after the offload, OceanGlory transited to Indonesia to dischargegear for exercise Garuda Shield.

At the conclusion of the exercise, theship will backload all gear from Indonesia,then Malaysia before returning to Hawaiiand JBLM.

As much as the PP16-2 was an oper-ation to increase U.S. Army readiness and topromote partnership and interoperability inthe Pacific, the evolution was an opportuni-ty for MSC to learn about port operations inthe various countries.

“A regular movement, especially acommercial movement is relatively sim-ple,” said Cassano. “The biggest challengeis all the coordination with the various hostnation partners, the various exercise partici-pants, and the different logistics teams.”

According to Captain ChristopherHill, merchant mariner and master of OceanGlory, working with the U.S. military was aunique opportunity for him and his crew. Hewas impressed by the level of professional-ism displayed.

“These (service members) have a cer-tain sense of ‘we can do this’ instead of‘how are we going to do this?’ attitude,”said Hill. “It’s a culture ... it’s somethingthat everybody shares.”

A humvee is lowered into heavy-lift ship M/V Ocean Glory during a backload ofequipment at Chuk Samet from exercise Hanuman Guardian on July 12. TheMilitary Sealift Command contracted Ocean Glory recently conducted a back-load of about 250 items in Thailand as part of U.S. Army Pacific’s mobilityOperation Pacific Pathways 16-2.

U.S. Navy photo: Grady Fontana

8 • American Maritime Officer August 2016

AMO Safety and Education Plan — Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center(954) 920-3222 / (800) 942-3220 — 2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004

General Courses

IGF Code Training 5 days 28 November 9 January

Confined Space Entry 3 days 31 October 5 December 6 March

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 28 November 13 February

Basic Safety Training — All 4 modules must be completed within 12 months: Personal SafetyTechniques (Mon/Tues — 1.5 days), Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (Tues pm — .5 days),Elementary First Aid (Wed — 1 day), Fire Fighting & Fire Prevention (Thurs/Fri — 2 days) — not required.if Combined Basic & Adv. Fire Fighting completed within 12 months.

5 days 19 September 24 October 12 December 30 January

Basic Safety Training — Refresher 3 days 21 September 26 October 14 December 1 February

Chemical Safety — Advanced 5 days 13 February

ECDIS 5 days 12, 19 Sept. 31 October 5 December 23 January 27 February

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 14 December 22 March

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 6 September 11 October 17 January 13 March

GMDSS — Requires after-hour homework 10 days 24 October 30 January 27 March

LNG Tankerman PIC 8 days 17 October 22 February

LNG Simulator Training — Enrollment priority in the LNG simulator course is given to qualified membercandidates for employment and/or observation opportunities with AMO contracted LNG companies. In allcases successful completion of the LNG PNC classroom course is prerequisite.

5 days 31 October 6 March

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 17 October 6 February

Safety Officer Course 2 days 2 March

Tankerman PIC DL — Classroom 5 days 7 November 20 March

Tankerman PIC DL — Simulator 10 days 15 August 19 September 5 December 27 March

Tankerman PIC DL — Accelerated Program 10 days Please call

Train the Trainer 5 days 29 August 3 October 14 November 5 December 9 January 6 March

Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties — VPDSD 2 days 26 January

Vessel/Company Security Officer — Includes Anti-Piracy 3 days 8 November 27 February

Deck CoursesAdvanced Bridge Resource Management — Meets STCW 2010Leadership & Management gap closing requirements 5 days 12, 26 Sept. 10 October 28 November

Advanced Shiphandling for Masters — (No equivalency) Must havesailed as Chief Mate Unlimited 5 days 3 October 5 December 27 March

Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates — 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rdMates 10 days 19 September 17, 31 October 23 January 6 March

Advanced & Emergency Shiphandling — First Class Pilots, Great Lakes 5 days 6 February

Bridge Resource Management Seminar 3 days Please call

Dynamic Positioning — Basic 5 days 31 October 30 January

Dynamic Positioning — Advanced 5 days 22 August 5 December 20 March

Navigation & Watchkeeping Standardization & Assessment Program 5 days 29 August 31 October 30 January 6 March

STCW Deck Officer Refresher — Great Lakes 3 days Please call

TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) — Third Mate (Unlimited orGreat Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required 5 days 7 November 23 January

Tug Training — ASD Assist (Azimuthing Stern Drive) 5 days 12 September 12 December 27 March

Engineering Courses

Basic Electricity 10 days 7 November

Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 12 September

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 7 November 6 March

High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 12 October 13 February

Hydraulics/ Pneumatics 5 days 26 September 12 December

Ocean Ranger Program 6 days Please call

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 5 days 6 February

Refrigeration (Operational Level) 5 days 24 October 27 February

Refrigeration (Management Level) 5 days 15 August 31 October 6 March

Steam Endorsement 4 weeks 23 January

Electronics (Management) — NEW 1 week Please call

Instrumentation (Management) — NEW 10 days Please call

Welding & Metallurgy Skills & Practices — Open to eligible Chief Mates and Masters on a space availablebasis. Interested participants should apply and will be confirmed 2 weeks prior to start date. 2 weeks 12 September 5 December 23 January 27 February

STCW 2010 Gap Closing Courses — Required by all existing STCW credentialed officers by 1 January 2017

Leadership & Management (required by ALL management level Deckand Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 5 days 15, 22, 29

August12, 19, 26September

3, 10, 17, 24,31 October

7, 14, 28November 5, 12 December 16 January 6, 27 February 20 March

Engine Room Resource Management — Classroom (Engineers)(Required by ALL Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 5 days 22 August 12, 26 Sept. 10, 24 October 7, 28 November 12 December 9 January 20 February 13 March

Management of Electrical, Electronic Controllers (Engineers) (Requiredby ALL management level Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 5 days 15, 29 August 19 September 3, 17, 31 Oct. 14 November 5 December 23 January 13 February 6 March

Leadership & Teamwork (Engineers) (Only required by those Engineerswho completed old ERM class) 1 day Leadership & Teamworking assessments, in the few cases required, should be completed and signed off onboard.

Basic Training & Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation (Required by firstcredential renewal AFTER 1 Jan 2017) 2 days 12, 13 Sept. 7 November 9 January 23 February 20 March

EFA (Scheduled with Basic Training Revalidation BUT NOT REQUIREDFOR STCW 2010) 1 day 14 September 9 November 11 January 22 February 22 March

American Maritime Officer • 9August 2016

Engine Upgrade — STCW 2010 — Management Level (NVIC 15-14) — If sea service ortraining towards management level (1A/E-Chief Eng.) upgrade started ON OR AFTER 24 March 2014, you mustadhere to this new program of training. Completion of both required and optional courses listed below will includeall Task Assessments required by NVIC 15-14. By completing the series, no expiration limitation will be placed onyour STCW credential. See STAR Center’s website for full details: https://www.star-center.com/stcw2010-engine.upgrade.html

Leadership & Managerial Skills (G500 as amended) —REQUIRED 5 days 16 January

ERM (E050 as amended) — REQUIRED (unless previouslytaken for gap closing or original license) 5 days 9 January

Upgrade: Electrical, Electronics & Control Engineering(Management Level) (E133 as amended) (UPGRADE withtasks)

10 days 23 January

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — General Engineering& Procedure (E135 as amended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks canbe signed off onboard

5 days 6 February

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Motor (E120 asamended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard 3 days 13 February

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Steam (E121 asamended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard 5 days 15 August 20 February

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Gas Turbine (E122 asamended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard 5 days 22 August 27 February

Radar Courses

Radar Recertification 1 day 8, 9 Sept. 7, 8 Nov. 20 January 21 February

ARPA 4 days Please call

Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days Please call

Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days 13 February

MSC Training ProgramBasic CBR Defense 1 day 26 August 4 November 9, 12 December 3 February 10, 21 March

Damage Control 1 day 25 August 3 November 8, 13 December 2 February 9, 20 March

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 6 March

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 20 September 25 October 10 February

Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD) 1/2 day 26 August 4 November 9 December 3 February 10, 21 March

Marine Sanitation Devices 1/2 day 7 March

Medical PIC Refresher — Note: MSC approved 3 days Please call

MSC Readiness Refresher — Must have completed full CBRD & DC once incareer. 2 days 19 September 24 October 30 January

MSC Watchstander — BASIC — Once in career, SST grads grandfathered 2 days 11 August 20 October 19 January 23 March

MSC Watchstander — ADVANCED — Required for all SRF members 1 day 19 August 16 September 14, 28 October 18 November 2, 16 December 13, 27 January 17 February 3, 31 March

MSC Ship Reaction Force — Required every three years for SRF members 3 days 22 August 31 October 5 December 30 January 6 March

Small Arms — Initial & Sustainment (Refresher) Training — Open tomembers & applicants eligible for employment through AMO (w/in 1 year) orMSC on MARAD contracted vessels.

4 days 15, 29 August 12, 26 Sept. 10, 24 October 14, 28 Nov. 12 December 9, 23 January 13, 27 February 13, 27 March

Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 7 March

Engine STCW / Original Engineer Training Routes — Engine STCW training routes are aimedat Great Lakes members wishing to transition to deep sea. Original engineer training is available to members,applicants and sponsored students seeking an original license.

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 31 October

Basic Safety Training 5 days 24 October

EFA/MCP 4 days 11 October

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 17 October

Basic Electricity (original engineers only) 10 days 7 November

Original 3 A/E Preparation and Exams A/R 28 November

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 Upgrade at the Management Level (Policy Letter 04-02) — This upgrade program is for those who started sea service or training towards management level (Chief Mate/Master) upgrade BEFORE 24March 2014. Failure to complete by 31 December 2016 will most likely result in significant delays and additional training or assessment requirements. Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements forSTCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC) under previous. This program will complete ALL 53 Control Sheet assessments of the training requirements for STCW under policy letter04-02. Course completion certificates and control sheets expire 12/31/16. Anyone using the previous regulations to upgrade in this manner must complete all requirements ,including USCG testing, by 12/31/16. Deck ManagementLevel gap closing training must also be completed by 12/31/16 in order for the new credential to valid after this date. SPECIFIC GUIDANCE CAN BE FOUND ON THE STAR CENTER WEBSITE AT https://www.star-center.com

Celestial Navigation — Requires after-hour homework 5 days 5 September 5 December

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hour homework 5 days 31 October

Cargo Operations 9 days Please call

Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 12 September 28 November

Upgrade: Stability 5 days 7 November

Watchkeeping 1: BRM 3 days 5 October 30 November

Watchkeeping 2: COLREGS 5 days 10 October 5 December

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 15 August 17 October

Search and Rescue 2 days 3 October 28 November

Shipboard Management 5 days 29 August 14 November

Upgrade: Advanced Navigation (includes Simulator) 5 days 19 September 12 December

ECDIS 5 days 12 September 5 December

Deck Upgrade — STCW 2010 — Management Level (NVIC 10-14)— If sea service or training towards management level (Chief Mate/Master) upgrade started ON OR AFTER 24 March 2014 you must adhereto this new program of training. Completion of both required and optional courses listed below will include all Task Assessments required by NVIC 10-14 , providing ECDIS, GMDSS and ARPA have been previously completed.

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 15 August 17 October 9 January

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hours homework 5 days 31 October 23 January

Advanced Stability 5 days 7 November 30 January

Search & Rescue 2 1/2 days 15 August 14 November 13 February

Management of Medical Care 1/2 day 17 August 16 November 15 February

Leadership & Management 5 days 22 August 10 October 6 February

Advanced Cargo — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 29 August 28 November 20 February

Marine Propulsion Plants — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 12 September 28 November 27 February

Advanced Celestial — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 5 September 5 December 6 March

Advanced Navigation — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 19 September 12 December 13 March

Medical Courses

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 6 March

Elementary First Aid — Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 12 months 1 day 6 September 11 October 6 December 17 January 7 March

Medical Care Provider — Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 12months. Please fax EFA certificate when registering 3 days 7 September 12 October 7 December 18 January 8 March

Medical PIC — Please fax MCP certificate when registering 5 days 12 September 17 October 12 December 23 January

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 14 November 5 December 30 January 27 March

Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) — Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only 1 day 15 November 31 January

Saliva Screening Test — QEDs only 1/2 day 10 August 16 November 1 February

Medical PIC Refresher — Note: MSC approved 3 days Please call

10 • American Maritime Officer August 2016

AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

DANIA BEACH, FL 33004-4109601 S. Federal Highway(954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513Paul Doell, National President pauldoell51@yahoo.comExtension 1001Mobile: (954) 881-5651FAX: (954) 926-5112 Charles A. Murdock, National Secretary-Treasurercmurdock@amo-union.orgExtension 1004 / Mobile: (954) 531-9977 / FAX: (954) 367-1025Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Seajgremelsbacker@amo-union.orgExtension 1009 / Mobile: (954) 673-0680 / FAX: (954) 367-1029Todd Christensen, East Coast Representative tchristensen@amo-union.org / Mobile: (561) 806-3768Marie Doruth, Executive Assistant to the National Presidentmdoruth@amo-union.orgExtension 1017 / Mobile: (954) 290-8109FAX: (954) 926-5112Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 / FAX: (954) 926-5126Brendan Keller, Dispatcher (bkeller@amo-union.org)Extension 1061 / Mobile: (954) 817-4000Robert Anderson, Dispatcher (randerson@amo-union.org)Extension 1060 / Mobile: (954) 599-9771Member Services:Extension 1050 / FAX: (954) 367-1066 / memberservices@amo-union.org

OFFICES

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204(202) 479-1166 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 7001Paul Doell, National President pauldoell51@yahoo.comExtension 7004Mobile: (954) 881-5651J. Michael Murphy, National Vice President, Government Relationsmmurphy@amo-union.org / mikemurphy68@aol.comExtension 7013 / Mobile: (202) 560-6889T. Christian Spain, National Assistant Vice President, Government Relationscspain@amo-union.orgExtension 7010Mobile: (202) 658-8887FAX: (202) 479-1188

PHILADELPHIA, PA 191131 International Plaza, Suite 550Chris Holmes, Contract Analyst (cholmes@amo‐union.org)(800) 362‐0513 ext. 4002Mobile: (856) 693‐0694

UPDATE CREDENTIALS, DOCUMENTS, TRAINING RECORDSSecure File Upload: https://securetransfer.amo-union.org/E-mail: memberservices@amo-union.orgQuestions: (800) 362-0513 ext. 1050

TOLEDO, OH 43604The Melvin H. Pelfrey BuildingOne Maritime Plaza, Third Floor(800) 221-9395 / FAX: (419) 255-2350John E. Clemons, National Vice President, Great Lakesjohnclemons@amo-union.orgMobile: (419) 205-3509Brian D. Krus, Senior National Assistant Vice Presidentbkrus@amo-union.orgMobile: (216) 571-9666Michelle Moffitt, Dispatchermmoffitt@amo-union.orgMobile: (419) 481-3470

GALVESTON, TX 775512724 61st Street, Suite B, PMB 192David M. Weathers, National Vice President, Inland Watersdweathers@amo-union.org(800) 362-0513 ext. 2001Mobile: (409) 996-7362FAX: (409) 737-4454

SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 946071121 7th Street, Second FloorOakland, CA 94607Daniel E. Shea, National Executive Vice President (dshea@amo-union.org)(510) 444-5301 / (800) 362-0513 ext. 5001Mobile: (415) 269-5795FAX: (954) 367-1064

NEW ORLEANS / COVINGTON, LA 70434P.O. Box 5424Covington, LA 70434Daniel J. Robichaux, National Assistant Vice Presidentdrobichaux@amo-union.org(954) 367-1036 / Mobile: (985) 201-5462 / FAX: (954) 367-1062

STAR CENTER

STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4312(954) 920-3222 ext. 201 / (800) 942-3220 ext. 201Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 ext. 20024 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999 / FAX: (954) 920-3140

SERVICES

FINANCIAL ADVISERS: THE ATLANTIC GROUP AT MORGAN STANLEY(800) 975-7061 / www.morganstanleyfa.com/theatlanticgroup

MEDICAL CLINIC AMO PLANS2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4312 Dania Beach, FL 33004-4312(954) 927-5213 (800) 348-6515FAX: (954) 929-1415 FAX: (954) 922-7539

LEGAL

AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid General CounselProgram Glanstein LLPMichael Reny 711 Third Ave., 17th FloorMobile: (419) 346-1485 New York, NY 10017(419) 243-1105 (212) 370-5100(888) 853-4662 (954) 662-9407MikeReny@BEX.NET FAX: (212) 697-6299

USCG now using new marine casualty reporting forms;previous edition of CG-2692 can be utilized until Jan. 1, 2017

On July 1, the U.S. Coast Guard announced it is utilizing new marine casualtyreporting forms and that the previous edition of CG-2692 can be utilized until January1, 2017. The new series of CG-2692 forms includes: CG-2692 — Report of MarineCasualty, Commercial Diving Casualty, or OCS-Related Casualty; CG-2692a — BargeAddendum; CG-2692b — Report of Mandatory Chemical Testing Following a SeriousMarine Incident; CG-2692c — Personnel Injury Addendum; and CG-2692d — InvolvedPersons and Witnesses Addendum.

Any member or applicant of American Maritime Officers should contact AMOCoast Guard Legal Aid Attorney Mike Reny before filling out form CG-2692 and/orany additional U.S. Coast Guard forms regarding a marine casualty. Consultation withReny is cost-free for AMO members and applicants who are participants in the AMOSafety and Education Plan. Reny can be reached on his cell phone at (419) 346-1485and via e-mail: MikeReny@bex.net.

The Coast Guard’s announcement marks the first revision of this form in morethan 40 years. This is of particular importance to masters and officers in charge (OIC).

While the form looks different, more relevant are the changes to some of the

instructions, including:• Officers need to be aware that, in addition to forms 2692 and 2692b, there are

now forms 2692c and 2692d. Form 2692c is a mandatory addendum to a 2692 that listspersonnel who have been injured. Form 2692d is a voluntary form for vessels to listinvolved persons and witnesses to a casualty (2692d is mandatory only for OCS-relatedcasualties).

• Under the old form, instruction 2C listed “fire, flooding, failure or damage tofixed fire extinguishing systems, lifesaving equipment or bilge pumping systems” asexamples of conditions “adversely affecting the vessel’s seaworthiness ...” The newinstructions in box 10.4 leave all of these examples out, stating only: “Occurrence mate-rially and adversely affected the vessel’s seaworthiness or fitness for service or route.”

• The old form instruction 2E required the reporting of injuries incurred by crewmembers. The new form instructions in box 10.6 require the reporting of injuries “if theperson is engaged or employed on board.”

The USCG announcement, which includes a link to the new CG-2692 form and avideo explanation of the form, is available online: http://tinyurl.com/hfp5z3w.

American Maritime Officer • 11August 2016

U.S.-flag cargo float on GreatLakes down 6.4 percent in June

U.S.-flagged Great Lakes freightersmoved 9.65 million tons of cargo in June, adecrease of 6.4 percent compared with thesame period of the previous year. The Junecargo float was also 5 percent below thefive-year average for the month, the LakeCarriers’ Association reported.

Iron ore cargoes for the U.S. steelindustry totaled 4.8 million tons, an increaseof 8 percent compared with June of the pre-vious year.

Coal shipments to power plants andsteel mills fell to 1.5 million tons, a

decrease of nearly 28 percent.Limestone cargoes for construction

projects and steel production totaled 2.9million tons, a decrease of 4.4 percent com-pared with June 2015.

Year-to-date at the end of June, U.S.-flag cargo movement stood at 30.5 milliontons, a decrease of 2 percent compared withthe same point in 2015.

At the end of June, iron ore cargoeswere up 7.2 percent but coal cargoes haddeclined 28 percent. Limestone cargoes weretrailing the previous year by 2.3 percent.

STAR Center: Attention second and third assistantengineers upgrading to the STCW management level

The U.S. Coast Guard’s implementation of STCW 2010 has mandated changes to theregulations for upgrading to the STCW management level. Officers to whom the new reg-ulations apply include second and third assistant engineers upgrading to first assistant engi-neer/second engineering officer.

Specifically, the new training and assessment requirements for upgrading to firstassistant engineer/second engineering officer under STCW apply to:

• Anyone issued a second assistant engineer’s license after March 24, 2014 who isupgrading to first assistant engineer/second engineering officer between now and January1, 2017

• Anyone upgrading to first assistant engineer/second engineering officer afterJanuary 1, 2017

STAR Center has become aware of engineers whose applications for upgrading arebeing delayed because they have not met the new training and assessment requirementsunder STCW 2010. All of the information needed to comply with the new requirements isavailable on the STAR Center website:

• Guidance and information on STAR Center’s new STCW 1 AE management levelupgrade program: https://www.star-center.com/stcw2010-engine.upgrade.html

• Engine upgrade FAQs: https://www.star-center.com/stcw2010-engine.faqs.htmlAmerican Maritime Officers members and applicants who need additional informa-

tion or have questions that are not addressed in the STAR Center FAQ sections can contactSTAR Center Director of Training and Officer Development Jerry Pannell at (800) 942-3220 Ext. 7507 or via e-mail: jpannell@star-center.com.

U.S. Coast Guard issues STCWQualified Assessor bulletin toclarify deadlines for submittinglicense upgrade assessments

In a bulletin released July 7 titled “Qualified Assessor Requirements,” the U.S. CoastGuard’s National Maritime Center reminded mariners the 2010 amendments to STCW willtake effect January 1, 2017 and announced a change in policy applying only to marinersplanning to submit assessments signed by qualified assessors (QAs) for license upgradesunder STCW.

According to the bulletin: “The Coast Guard is aware that as a result of the limitednumber of approved QAs, there may be a hardship on mariners trying to complete STCWassessments after December 31, 2016. In consideration of this, the Coast Guard will contin-ue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirementsspecified in NVIC 02-14 until December 31, 2017. These assessments must be submitted tothe Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30, 2018.”

Complete information on the requirements for license upgrading under STCW isavailable to members and applicants of American Maritime Officers on the STAR Centerwebsite:

• Deck officers: https://www.star-center.com/stcw2010-deck.upgrade.html• Engineering officers: https://www.star-center.com/stcw2010-engine.upgrade.htmlA step-by-step guide to becoming a U.S. Coast Guard Qualified Assessor is also

available on the STAR Center website: https://www.star-center.com/qa.html.The bulletin released by the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center is available

online: https://www.uscg.mil/nmc/announcements/pdfs/qa_requirements_notice.pdf.

12 • American Maritime Officer August 2016

Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during theweek following the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time.Meetings will be held on Monday at AMO National Headquarters (onTuesday when Monday is a contract holiday). The next meetings will takeplace on the following dates:

AMO National Headquarters: September 6 (Tuesday), October 3

Jones ActContinued from Page 5

Weakley also testified that severalGreat Lakes vessel owner/operators arecooperating with a vendor on a project thatcould benefit both law enforcement andsearch and rescue responders. The programrecords vessel radar pictures with automaticidentification system (AIS) data and allowsshore-based operators to remotely access

the information.The U.S. Coast Guard’s “Eyes on the

Water” program is another way Jones Actmariners help keep the waterways safe.

“In the wake of the terrorist attacks atthe World Trade Center in New York, theCoast Guard has formalized a program thatencourages professional mariners to reportsuspicious activity on the water,” Weakleysaid. “These are low cost, common senseprograms that make our homeland moresecure, and we are proud to be full partners.”

USNS Montford Point conducts S2S operations near Saipan

Photos: First Assistant Engineer Michael LongAmerican Maritime Officers members working aboard the USNS Montford Pointin July during the S2S operations included (left to right) Captain Michael Sands,First Assistant Engineer Michael Long, Second A.E. Brian Pahlke, ElectronicsOfficer John Bouton, Chief Mate Joshua Jordan, Third A.E. Christopher Beaton,Third A.E. Robert Mussler, Second Mate Robert Sandner and Third Mate GeneBrown. Not in the picture are Chief Engineer Joseph Gelhaus, Second A.E.Walter Yagen and Third Mate Frederick Goodin.

The following is excerpted from anarticle by Grady Fontana, Military SealiftCommand Far East, which was posted July25 on the Defense Video ImageryDistribution System website. AmericanMaritime Officers represents all licensedofficers aboard the USNS Montford Point,which is operated for Military SealiftCommand by Ocean Ships, Inc.

Military Sealift Command’s (MSC)expeditionary transfer dock USNS MontfordPoint (T-ESD 1) and maritime preposition-ing force (MPF) ship USNS Dahl (T-AKR312) performed a “skin-to-skin” (S2S)maneuver to demonstrate MSC’s unique sea-basing capability July 21-22.

The event displayed the two ships’ability to transfer large cargo, such as vehi-cles, at sea. The S2S maneuver is achievedby the two ships connecting while theMontford Point acts as a floating pier for asimulated offload.

The Montford Point is categorized asan expeditionary floating pier-at-sea. Theship is tasked to the Marine Corps to pro-vide a pier-at-sea to move and transfer cargofrom large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off(RO/RO) ships onto landing craft air cush-ion (LCAC) vessels to provide sea-basingcapabilities for the Navy and the MarineCorps. The Montford Point and Dahl areboth part of Maritime Prepositioning ShipsSquadron Three (MPSRON-3).

“Montford Point provides combatantcommanders the ability from over the hori-zon to transfer and deliver personnel andequipment ashore to a limited or unavail-able port,” said Navy Capt. Eric C.Lindfors, commodore, MPSRON-3. “Thisability provides a unique capability within

the seventh fleet area of responsibilityenabling in-stream operations from a vari-ety of non-traditional locations.”

Although no equipment was trans-ferred during this event, during a fulldemonstration, the Dahl can dischargeequipment onto the Montford Point througha connecting ramp. The equipment can thenbe loaded into LCACs for transfer to shore,

further enhancing Marine Corps and navalintegration.

The two MSC ships conducted thetwo separate events in consecutive days fur-ther displaying the potential routine natureof such an event when tasked during idealconditions.

In a S2S operation, the ships navigatealongside and are moored together. Once

connected, the MPF ship lifts the MontfordPoint’s ramp with her shipboard crane andconnects it to the MPF ship. Once the rampis connected, vehicles and cargo can berolled on and off with efficiency.

A strong advantage for the pier-at-seaconcept includes being able to move at willso as to not become a possible target tounfriendly forces. The makeshift pier canoperate 25 miles off shore and still providesupport for the military services.

When the Montford Point is on mis-sion, the ship submerges to about 40 feetwhile underway to the area of operations.Once on station it submerges to about 50feet, so that the LCACs can maneuver rightup on the mission deck to pick up cargo.This allows the Montford Point to operatelike a floating pier and will serve as a trans-fer point for Marine Corps amphibiouslanding forces.

“An inherent challenge we face ispurely a numbers game of two crews onMontford Point and two crews on each ofthe LMSRs she conducts operations with,”said Lindfors. “Capturing the lessonslearned from these quarterly events is criti-cal to gaining efficiency, maintaining safetyand ensuring our mariners have the profi-ciency needed when called upon.”

The Montford Point’s flexibility iscritical for humanitarian response to naturaldisasters and for support to warfightersashore. The size allows for 25,000 squarefeet of vehicle and equipment stowage spaceand 380,000 gallons of JP-5 fuel storage.

MPSRON 3, operating in the westernPacific, maintains tactical control of the 12ships carrying afloat prepositioned U.S.military cargo.

The crew of the USNS Montford Point gathers on the deck of the ExpeditionaryTransfer Dock with the rigged VTR in the background. AMO represents thelicensed officers aboard the USNS Montford Point and the unlicensed crew is rep-resented by the Seafarers International Union. The operations included LandingCraft Air Cushion (LCAC) depth ballasting, LMSR fender deployments by theUSNS Montford Point crew, multiple ‘touch and go’ approaches with the assignedLMSR, the eventual S2S attachment and VTR deployment on the LMSR side portramp. The USNS Montford Point’s DP system held heading with the LMSRmoored alongside during the S2S attachment. The Expeditionary Transfer Dockwas developed primarily to provide a surface interface between other MaritimePrepositioning Ships Squadron (MPSRON) ships and connectors.

AMO members working aboard the USNS Montford Point during the S2S oper-ations included Third Assistant Engineer Christopher Beaton, Chief EngineerJoseph Gelhaus, Third A.E. Robert Mussler, Second A.E. Walter Yagen, SecondA.E. Brian Pahlke and First A.E. Michael Long.

Captain Michael Sands and Chief Mate Joshua Jordan greet MPSRON 3Commodore Captain Eric Lindfors and MSC Far East Commodore CaptainStephen Fuller aboard the USNS Montford Point.