Agreement with Faststream offers new opportunities for … · Agreement with Faststream offers new opportunities for AMO officers ... For seagoing work with vessel own- ... ment with

Volume 37, Number 12 December 2007

Copyright © 2007 American Maritime Officers � 2 West Dixie Highway � Dania Beach, FL 33004 � (800) 362-0513 � [email protected]

In this issueRTM STAR Center, Floridaschedule: Page 8

RTM STAR Center, Ohioschedule: Page 9

RTM STAR Centerapplication: Page 9

AMO directory: Page 10

AMO membership meetingschedule: Page 11

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Plan’s transition toCIGNA PPOtakes effect Jan. 1Page 6-7: AMO Plans Directorof Benefits Mike Naftanielsummarizes benefit enhance-ments in AMO Medical Plancoverage and specific procedur-al changes as the plan makesthe transition to the CIGNAPPO network Jan. 1, 2008.

Great Lakes News

Page 4: With enactment of theWRDA, funding for critical pro-jects will now be required.

Agreement with Faststream offersnew opportunities for AMO officers

Containership tobe re-flagged forcommercialfeeder service

Exclusive venture creates potential for shore side work, newU.S. and international shipping positions under AMO contract

Faststream Recruitment Inc. Vice President Craig Johnson (center), here withAMO National President Tom Bethel and AMO National Secretary-TreasurerJosé Leonard, discussed his company’s new agreement with AMO at theDecember AMO membership meeting in Dania Beach, Fla.

American Maritime Officers andFaststream Recruitment Inc. in earlyDecember signed a contract formalizingthe relationship the union has been devel-oping with the leading internationalrecruiting firm for the past severalmonths.

Faststream specializes in recruitingand placing personnel in a broad range ofpositions throughout the U.S. and interna-tional maritime industries.

The agreement with Faststream willexpand the union’s job base to includeshore side positions for AMO officerswith a variety of companies and providesthe potential to open new positionsonboard U.S. and international vessels notpreviously available to union-representedAmerican merchant mariners.

All jobs for AMO officers securedthrough Faststream will be covered underAMO contract and will include allrequired contributions to the AMO Plans,allowing AMO officers to explore newshore side or shipping opportunities with-out a change in benefits or union repre-sentation.

Faststream Recruitment Inc. VicePresident Craig Johnson attended theDecember AMO membership meeting inDania Beach, Fla., and explained what hiscompany does and the particulars of thenew agreement to AMO members andapplicants in attendance.

The agreement was signed Dec. 3by Johnson and AMO National PresidentTom Bethel. In the early phases, AMOwill work with Faststream on marketingefforts in the U.S. and international sec-tors of a global maritime industry alreadyfeeling the grip of a shortage of qualifiedmaritime officers. Faststream will alsowork with AMO to maintain superior mar-ket intelligence.

Faststream will post shore side jobopenings with the AMO DispatchingDepartment. AMO officers will be able toapply through Dispatching for the avail-

able positions, although hiring will be on acompetitive basis. Pay scales for shoreside positions will be determined by thehiring companies at which the particularjobs are available. Contributions to theAMO Plans will be made by the compa-nies at the full actuarially-required rates,allowing AMO officers to maintain theirbenefits.

For seagoing work with vessel own-ers not currently under contract withAMO, Faststream will coordinate withAMO Dispatching for available positions.AMO officers hired for individual ship-board positions would work under a mem-orandum of understanding between theunion and Faststream, including all actu-arially-required contributions to the AMOPlans.

Likewise, AMO will work withFaststream, an industry leader in recruit-ment, to recruit officers for available jobswith AMO-contracted companies that arenot presently taken by AMO members andapplicants. Officers recruited byFaststream for AMO-contracted work willbecome applicants for membership inAMO.

“We’ve got a pretty good shot atgetting some new business and going

down roads in this industry that nobodyhas gone down before,” Johnson said dur-ing his presentation at the Decembermembership meeting.

He emphasized emerging seagoingopportunities in the liquefied natural gastrades and other markets for AMO offi-cers.

“I think LNG is really hot and it willget hotter in two years,” he said. “There isalso a strong demand in the bulker market.

“We’re going to help move thingsforward, both with the groups you’reworking with and in exploring some otheropportunities,” Johnson said.

Bethel expressed equal optimismabout the new career possibilities theagreement with Faststream will providefor the AMO membership.

“We’re thinking outside of the boxto pioneer new openings and career pathsfor AMO members,” Bethel said. “Thisagreement will allow the membership tobranch into areas not traditionally reachedby American maritime unions. It alsoopens new horizons for AMO memberswho want to make the transition from sail-ing to shore-based careers while maintain-ing their benefits and representation.”

Bethel also remarked on the union’s

American Maritime Officerswill represent all licensed officersworking aboard the APL Balboa, aship that will be re-flagged into U.S.registry and operated by APLMaritime Ltd.

APL Maritime currently oper-ates the M/V SP5 Eric G. Gibson, M/VLTC Calvin P. Titus and M/V AmericanTern. All three vessels are manned inall licensed positions by AMO.

"This addition to APL's U.S.-flag service is welcome and encourag-ing," said AMO National PresidentTom Bethel. "We're looking forwardto new opportunities for the member-ship in the commercial trades."

The 397-foot containership isscheduled to be re-flagged inFebruary and will operate in a com-mercial feeder service in the ArabianGulf for APL's liner fleet carryingcontainerized cargo. The ship is pow-ered by a slow-speed diesel and iscapable of self-unloading with twodeck cranes.

Built in 1998, the APL Balboahas been operating in the company'sinternational fleet.

success and ongoing efforts to expandAMO’s presence in international shipping.

“This does not signal a departure orcompromise in our strong position onU.S.-flag trades,” Bethel said. “There issimply an enormous potential for growthin some international markets and we aretaking steps to open these opportunities tothe AMO membership.”

New jobsfor AMOaboardAPL Balboa

By Tom BethelNational President

In a year thatbegan with contro-versy and potentialcrisis for AMO, Iam happy to sayour union willenter 2008 withstability, strengthand the potential toexpand into newareas of opportuni-ty for the member-ship—areas not typically open to Americanmerchant mariners.

This month, we took another solidstep in that direction by signing an agree-ment with Faststream Recruitment Inc. Thisagreement is the result of months of produc-tive discussions with the company and isgeared toward making short- and long-termseagoing and shore side positions in the mar-itime industry available to AMO members ina new way—under AMO contract.

While this isn’t the only element ofour relationship with Faststream, the imme-diate intent is to provide AMO memberswith as many new options as possible forrewarding work aboard vessels, ashore orboth. Under the agreement, AMO membersaccepting seagoing or shore side positionsreferred to our union’s deep-sea dispatchers

2 • American Maritime Officer December 2007

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

Brooklyn, NY, and Additional Mailing OfficesPublished Monthly

American Maritime Officers National Executive Board

Thomas Bethel, National PresidentJosé Leonard, National Secretary-TreasurerDaniel Smith, National Executive Vice PresidentJoseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep SeaDonald Cree, National Vice President, Great LakesBrian Krus, National Assistant Vice President, Great LakesEdward Kelly, National Vice President At LargeRobert Kiefer, National Assistant Vice President At LargePaul Cates, National Executive Board Member At LargeDaniel Shea, National Executive Board Member At LargeDavid Weathers, National Executive Board Member At LargeDonald Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep SeaJohn Hafner, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters

Representatives: Stan Barnes, Charles MurdockEditor: Matt BurkeAssistant Editor: Phree Baker

POSTMASTER—Send Address Changes To:American Maritime Officers

Member ServicesP.O. Box 66

Dania Beach, FL 33004

AMO enters New Year with optimism, opportunity

Season’s greetings to AMOmembers, families and friends

On behalf of the national execu-tive board of American MaritimeOfficers and all AMO representativesand employees, I extend sincere bestwishes to all AMO families for health,happiness and contentment during thisholiday season and throughout the NewYear. We appreciate the seagoing skilland dedication shown each day by

AMO members in deep-sea, GreatLakes and inland waters trades, and weare grateful to those sacrificing time athome with family and friends to keepthe AMO fleet moving.

Season’s greetings to all!

Tom BethelNational President

National Glory to enterU.S. domestic short seashipping service in 2008

The 489-foot cellular containershipNational Glory is scheduled enter servicein the U.S. domestic short sea shippingtrades in 2008.

The 575 TEU vessel is owned byNational Shipping of America and oper-ated by Crowley Ship Management.

American Maritime Officers representsall licensed officers working aboard theNational Glory. The ship is expected tooperate in the Arabian Gulf for the nextseveral months after undergoing upgradesin China, before returning to the U.S. toenter domestic short sea service.

Capt. TimAnderson

receives theinitial COI from

U.S. CoastGuard

Inspector BillStacey.

AmericanMaritime

Officers mem-bers were

onboard theNational Glory

as it under-went

upgrades.

The NationalGlory is oper-

ated byCrowley ShipManagement

and manned inall licensed

positions byAMO.

by Faststream would maintain their benefitsthrough AMO Plans and their representationby our union.

We hope to see a variety of opportuni-ties materialize in the coming year andbeyond from this agreement, opportunitiesto provide AMO members the chance towork ashore between seagoing assignmentsor to take shore side positions for longerperiods during their seagoing careers with-out missing a beat in benefits or the oppor-tunity to resume sailing with AMO.

Another intent of this aspect of ouragreement is to provide AMO memberscompleting a long sailing career, but whofeel they still have something to contributein the maritime industry, with the opportuni-ty to work ashore without sacrificing theirbenefits or their membership status.

Positions made available through ouragreement with Faststream will be postedwith the AMO Dispatching Department.AMO members hired for these positions willwork under a memorandum of understand-ing that will include all required employercontributions to the AMO Plans.

Faststream is a specialized leader inits field and has extensive access to the shoreside markets of the U.S. and internationalmaritime industries. Faststream also hasextensive leads on seagoing employmentworldwide. Likewise, AMO is the largestand strongest union of U.S. merchant marineofficers. AMO members in all trades are

skilled professionals who focus exclusivelyon getting their jobs done properly, safelyand efficiently. Working together on market-ing and recruitment, we can maintainstronger market intelligence and securemore opportunities than either AMO orFaststream could attain individually.

Maritime officers of the caliber andqualities embodied by the AMO member-ship are now in high demand throughout theindustry, and that demand is trendingupward. The demand for qualified officers isparticularly strong in the international LNGtrades.

Earlier this year, AMO took a pio-neering step into the international market bysecuring an agreement with TeekayShipping Corporation, one of the world’sleading tanker companies with a significantpresence in the LNG sector.

AMO members are now workingaboard Teekay tankers and LNG carriers insenior positions and more jobs are becomingavailable in these fleets.

These agreements are the positiveresults of a long process of discussion andeducation for all parties involved. Theyare long-term dedicated efforts and are byno means the only such ventures this

administration is engaged in on behalf ofthe membership.

I also want to emphasize these agree-ments do not mean AMO has wavered in theleast in its traditionally strong stance ondomestic shipping under the U.S. flag. Nordo they represent a departure from AMO’srole or values as a maritime officers’ union.

AMO remains a leading presence inU.S.-flag deep-sea, Great Lakes and inlandwaters trades, as well as the military sealiftsector aboard ships operated for MilitarySealift Command and the MaritimeAdministration.

Our support of the Jones Act and otheressential U.S. maritime laws and programswill not falter. Neither will our optimism orour efforts in the expansion of the U.S.-flagfleet in domestic and foreign markets.

What these agreements do signify isthis administration’s willingness to thinkoutside of the box in exploring any and allavenues of opportunity for the membership.An experienced eye on this industry will seethe enormous potential for growth in selectinternational markets. With growth there isopportunity, and we are committed to mak-ing these opportunities available to themen and women sailing with AMO.

American Maritime Officer • 3December 2007

The National Executive Board ofAmerican Maritime Officers has deter-mined that a membership dues increase willnot be necessary in 2008.

The board's finding, adopted unani-mously during the board's meeting onOctober 19, 2007, was based on a recom-mendation from the union’s NationalSecretary-Treasurer, who reviews AMO'sfinancial state annually as required by theAMO National Constitution. This year'sreview found that our union remains finan-cially sound, and that its treasury and otherassets are poised for continued growth.

As we mark another year of financialstrength, support of the AMO VoluntaryPolitical Action Fund remains crucial. TheU.S. merchant and sealift fleets dependupon the programs, policies and appropria-tions voted upon by elected representativesin the Senate and House of Representatives.Our elected representatives in Congressmust be informed of the U.S.-flag view onmaritime policy issues, and each must bemade to understand what you do as seago-ing professionals and why your work is so

important to this nation. The Jones Act,funding of the Maritime Security Programand defense shipping, enforcement of theU.S.-flag cargo preference laws, federaldredging operations, and many other policyand funding issues will be on theCongressional agenda. Each of these lawsand programs accounts for jobs held byAMO members in all trades.

I ask that you continue to support theAMO Membership Assistance Programwith voluntary, tax-deductible contribu-tions. The fund assists AMO families whosuffer loss or damage during hurricanes, tor-nadoes, earthquakes and other natural disas-ters. The fund to date has assisted 39 mem-bers and their families.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the entireNational Executive Board, I wish you andyour family a healthy, happy holiday seasonand a prosperous 2008.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Thomas J. BethelNational President

Dan SmithNational Executive Vice President

It may seemto many like aGreat Lakes issue,but the ongoingc o n t r o v e r s yi n v o l v i n gA m e r i c a nMaritime Officers,the MarineE n g i n e e r s ’B e n e f i c i a lAssociation andInterlake Steamship Co. affects all membersof AMO. There is much at stake in a disputethat will take at least one critical turn in theNew Year.

In August 2008, testimony will beginin U.S. District Court for the NorthernDistrict of Ohio (Western Division) inToledo in the “tortious interference” civilcase our union filed against MEBA, MEBAPresident Ron Davis, MEBA Vice PresidentDon Keefe, the MEBA Medical andBenefits Plan, the MEBA Vacation Plan, theMEBA Training Plan, the MEBA 401(k)Plan and the MEBA Pension Trust. Thedefendants have failed in every attempt tothwart the case.

At issue is the 10-year contract Davissigned secretly with Interlake during a stayat Interlake chairman James Barker’s homein July 2003. The contract establishedMEBA as the union of engineers and matesin the Interlake fleet of seven U.S.-flaggedself-unloading Great Lakes bulk carriers.The problem for Davis and the other defen-dants is that the Interlake-MEBA contractwas signed while a valid collective bargain-ing agreement between AMO and Interlake

Lawsuit against rival union proceeds in state courtSteamship Co. was in full force and effect— “tortious interference” under Ohio law.

In the six days between the signing ofthe Interlake-MEBA contract and the expi-ration of the AMO-Interlake collective bar-gaining agreement, Davis, Keefe and otherMEBA and MEBA benefit fund personneljoined Interlake executives aboard the com-pany’s seven vessels off the coast ofMichigan’s Upper Peninsula, where theytold the engineers and mates that theywould have to abandon AMO and acceptMEBA membership as a condition of con-tinued employment with the company. In anespecially shameful twist, the MEBA-Interlake squads included the former AMOofficial who had brokered the backdoorInterlake-MEBA contract after his defeatfor higher office in the AMO election in2001.

The Interlake engineers and matesnever had the opportunity to decertify AMOas their exclusive collective bargainingagent, and they never had the opportunity tovote for or against representation byMEBA. They never had the chance to ratifyor reject the concessionary and collusiveInterlake-MEBA contract.

In a weak steel market served byU.S.-flagged Great Lakes shipping, manyInterlake engineers and mates remained atwork aboard the Interlake vessels. Butmany left and eventually found employ-ment elsewhere through AMO.

Our union’s immediate response wasto file a class action grievance againstInterlake Steamship Co. on behalf of theAMO members who gave up their jobsrather than give in to pressure fromInterlake and MEBA.

The grievance led to arbitration,which ended unequivocally in our union’s

favor. The arbitrator found that Interlakehad violated the letter and intent of its laboragreement with AMO and that Interlake hadeased coercion of the fleet’s engineers andmates into MEBA membership.

The proceedings also produced arecord of sworn testimony confirming col-lusion between Interlake and MEBA — ascheme dating to at least October 2002.Who, what, where, when, why and howwere spelled out by witness after witness.

Meanwhile, I was reporting regularlyand in complete detail to AMO membersnot only on the way in which the Interlake-MEBA contract was reached, but also onthe nature of the contract itself. Wages, ben-efits and work rules secured over manyyears by AMO were gutted in the time ittook Davis to sign an agreement that Davismay never have actually read. It did not takelong for these reports to circulate throughthe Interlake fleet or through the MEBAhalls, where officials had said little or noth-ing about the Interlake-MEBA arrange-ment. It did not take long for MEBA mem-bers to mock Davis’s brazen claim that theInterlake-MEBA contract was the result of“organizing” by MEBA.

Our union’s formal complaint to thecourt said that, under the collective bargain-ing agreement between AMO and InterlakeSteamship Co. Interlake was barred frommeeting with MEBA, negotiating withMEBA and signing a contract with MEBA.

In addition, interference by MEBAhad caused Interlake to refuse to bargain ingood faith with AMO on a new three-yearcollective bargaining agreement to takeeffect August 1, 2003 and to violate its“obligations” under the AMO-Interlake col-lective bargaining agreement in place at thetime, the AMO complaint said.

The complaint also charged thatMEBA and Interlake “went through” theAMO-Interlake collective bargaining agree-ment “section by section” while they werenegotiating unlawfully and used the agree-ment as a “template” for a possible contractbetween Interlake and MEBA.

Collusion between the MarineEngineers’ Beneficial Association andInterlake Steamship Co. was “very meticu-lous,” the complaint noted.

Despite the close attention to detail,Davis was careless enough — I am beingkind here — to sign the agreement prema-turely. This was a likely factor in Davis’sdefeat by Keefe in the MEBA election earlythis month, and it could cause Davis a lotmore than his job before the end of next year.

In the complaint, AMO is asking for$340 million in damages — including $60million from Davis and $60 million fromKeefe — and court costs from the jury inthis case. Davis and Keefe led the MEBAteams that swarmed the Interlake vesselsafter the Interlake-MEBA contract wassigned. The MEBA benefit funds — alreadyreeling from what appears to be multi-levelmismanagement — are targeted becauseMEBA Plans personnel accompaniedMEBA officials and Interlake executivesduring their fleet sweep.

Fair compensation to AmericanMaritime Officers for lost dues revenuetraced to the Interlake-MEBA contract andreimbursement of all legal fees incurredby our union in this case would benefiteach deep-sea, Great Lakes and inlandwaters AMO member. We are confidentthat AMO will prevail, and we are gratefulfor the patience and support demonstratedby the seagoing AMO membership downthis long road.

No dues increase in 2008AMO aboard the Sea Venture

Above: AMO officers workingaboard the U.S. shipping vessel SeaVenture, here with AMO NationalExecutive Board Member DonNilsson (left), include (left to right)Chief Engineer Karl Kraker, ThirdMate John Dunaway, Second MateGary Vargas, Chief Mate JarrodCavicchi, Capt. Timothy DeLong,First A.E. Merle Bogert and ThirdA.E. Fred Loewen.

At right: First A.E. Kevin Krogh

New contact information forAMO Member Services

New phone numbers and an e-mailaddress have been established for theMember Services Department of AmericanMaritime Officers.

The contact information for AMOMember Services is as follows:

•(954) 367-1050•(800) 362-0513 ext. 1050•[email protected]

•AMO Member ServicesPO Box 66Dania Beach, FL 33004-0066

AMO members and applicantsshould ensure they have a current mailingaddress on file with the union in order toreceive all union mailings. Dues status canalso be checked with the Member ServicesDepartment.


Great Lakes

Totals for court ordered restitution owed to AMO,AMO Plans; forfeiture to federal governmentDefendants

Court Ordered Restitution tobe Paid to AMO (Union)

Union Findings of LossesCourt Ordered Restitution to

be Paid to AMO PlansCourt Ordered Forfeiture to

be Paid to Government

Michael McKay $98, 410.39 To be determined $172,629.82 $2,002,275.71

Robert McKay $98, 410.39 To be determined $172,629.82 509,744.71

Thomas Kelly $34,500.00 To be determined

Total Owed $98,410.39 $172,629.82 $2,002,275.71

The McKays and Kelly are jointly and severally liable for the amounts shown next totheir names. Therefore, the amounts next to each reflects that person’s potential individualobligation and the "Total Owed" line shows the full amount of this type of money thatshould be paid to the AMO or the Plans or the government (i.e., Robert McKay is only liablefor $509,744.71 of $2,002,275.71 owed to the government).

Restitution calculations reflect the harm caused to victims of crime. As victims ofcrime, the AMO and the Plans are entitled to restitution as calculated by the sentencingcourt.

Forfeiture calculations do not reflect harm caused to the victims of crime. Rather, for-feiture is a form of punishment and only the government is entitled to this money.

The AMO is insured against these types of losses by a bonding company. The unionhas filed claims with the bonding company demanding payment of this money and the

bonding company has requested additional information. Former FBI Supervisory SpecialAgent Dan Anderson is conducting an internal audit of the expenses of the McKays andKelly to gather this additional information and to determine if more money is owed to theunion. The results of this audit may result in higher claims with the bonding company.

The union has also sent demand letters to the McKays and Kelly seeking payment ofthe restitution.

Kelly responded with proof that he paid in full his restitution obligation to the feder-al court, which is in the process of paying the union its money. The amount of restitutionordered for Kelly was the result of a felony plea bargain arrangement between Kelly andfederal government. The actual amount of loss to AMO incurred by Kelly is one subject ofthe above mentioned audit and is yet to be determined.

The McKays still have appeals pending and have not paid their restitution obligation.

Congress enacts Water Resources Development ActApproval of appropriations required for authorized dredging, construction projects

Reacting swiftly to the President'sveto of the Water Resources DevelopmentAct, both houses of Congress in Novembervoted overwhelmingly to override the vetoand enact the legislation containing provi-sions crucial for Great Lakes shipping.

The House of Representatives voted361-54 in favor of the Water ResourcesDevelopment Act (WRDA), followed bythe Senate's vote of 79-14 to enact the legis-lation. A two-thirds majority in each houseis required to override a veto.

The WRDA authorizes approximate-ly $23 billion worth of studies and con-struction projects by the U.S. Army Corpsof Engineers. This is the first legislation ofits type to be enacted since 2000, leavingmany critical water resources projects tolanguish at the expense of U.S. citizens,commerce and the environment.

The WRDA directs the Army Corpsof Engineers to expedite dredging opera-tions to return harbors and navigationalchannels on the Great Lakes to projectdepths and dimensions. The WRDA alsoauthorizes the construction of a secondlarge lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., at fed-eral expense. Currently, only the Poe lock iscapable of accommodating ships larger thanabout 750 feet and its failure would crippleshipping trades between Lake Superior andthe other Great Lakes.

American Maritime Officers NationalExecutive Vice President Dan Smith credit-ed Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN),chairman of the Transportation andInfrastructure Committee, for his dedicatedefforts and leadership role in getting theWRDA enacted with authorization to buildthe new large Soo lock.

"Congressman Oberstar has tirelesslychampioned the lock over the years," Smithsaid. "He never despaired, but just kept onfighting for this vital infrastructureimprovement."

Smith, who serves as the second vicepresident of the Great Lakes Maritime TaskForce, also remarked on the urgent need fordredging operations to return navigationalfeatures to project dimensions.

"Our ships are being forced to leave a

lot of cargo at the docks," Smith said. "Thelack of dredging has dramatically drawndown the efficiency of the entire shippingsystem on the lakes.

“Now that these projects have beenauthorized, the legislative battle to secureappropriations to fund them remains,”Smith said.

The WRDA was initially passed as aconference report with strong bicameralmajority support. That support held for thebipartisan rally to override the President'sveto.

"We stood together—Democratsand Republicans, House and Senate—tofight for our local communities that needlong-overdue federal assistance," Rep.Oberstar said.

Senate Republican Whip Trent Lott(R-MS) characterized the undertakingsauthorized in the WRDA as "good,

deserved, justified projects."The projects authorized in the

WRDA will cost an estimated $11.2 billionin the next four years and $12 billion overthe following 10 years, according to theCongressional Budget Office.

With authorization of the projectscompleted through enactment of theWRDA, the next step is securing fundingfor the projects, which must be appropriatedby Congress.

Construction of a Poe-sized Soo lockcould take 10 years to complete and cost anestimated $341 million, according to theGreat Lakes Maritime Task Force.

The Great Lakes fleet of 1,000-footself-unloading bulk carriers depend on thePoe lock at Sault Ste. Marie to transitbetween Lake Superior and the four otherGreat Lakes. A failure of that lock, which isnearly 40 years old, would severely disrupt

iron ore and coal trades, which supply U.S.steel mills and power plants.

In July of this year, The House ofRepresentatives voted to approve $2 millionfor the Army Corps to design a second largeSoo Lock. Additionally, the House appro-priated $126.9 million for the Army Corpsto begin addressing the backlog of GreatLakes dredging needs.

"Decades of inadequate funding fordredging have forced vessels to leave mil-lions of tons of cargo behind each year,"said James Weakley, president of the LakeCarriers' Association. "Restoring theGreat Lakes navigation system to projectdimensions will finally allow Great Lakesshipping to achieve the efficiencies forwhich it was designed. We thank SenatorCarl Levin for his efforts to include thislandmark provision in the WaterResources Development Act."

AMO aboard thePresque Isle

AMO officers working aboard theM/V Presque Isle in Novemberincluded Chief Engineer SteveRoane, Third Assistant EngineerJames Curtis, First A.E. RichardTerry and Third A.E. RandySchaefer.

American Maritime Officers mem-ber Second Mate Joseph Hooker aboard the thousand-footerPresque Isle in November—thevessel is operated by Key Lakes.


AMO national president’s pre-balloting reportTO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICERS (AMO)

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

In accordance with ARTICLE VIII, Section 1. (f) of the American MaritimeOfficers National Constitution, on the reverse side of this letter you will find theNational President's Pre-Balloting Report which was approved by the Membership at theregularly scheduled November Membership Meetings.

Copies of the most recently amended National Constitution will be mailed to allMembers as soon as possible. Additional copies will be available, upon request, atHeadquarters.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT'S PRE-BALLOTING REPORT

AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICERS 2008 RERUN ELECTION OF CERTAINNATIONAL OFFICERS AND NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

In accordance with ARTICLE VIII, Section 1. (f) of the AMERICAN MARITIMEOFFICERS NATIONAL CONSTITUTION, the undersigned (National President) here-with submits to the Membership the Pre-Balloting Report for the 2008 AMERICANMARITIME OFFICERS Rerun Election of Certain National Officers and NationalExecutive Board Members.

1) The Constitutional Ports which shall be maintained thru December 31, 2010, are:1) Dania Beach, Florida - Headquarters2) Brooklyn, New York3) Toledo, Ohio

2) The Elected National Officials subject to the Rerun Election are asfollows

a) HEADQUARTERS1) National President2) National Secretary-Treasurer3) National Executive Vice-President

b) DEEP-SEA1) National Vice-President

c) INLAND WATERS1) National Executive Board Member

d) AT LARGE1) National Assistant Vice-President

Fraternally,

(s)Thomas J. BethelNational President

Timeline for limited 2008 election; nominations close Jan. 7Below is the timeline for the 2008 limited election agreed upon by American Maritime

Officers, the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards and severalunsuccessful candidates for office from the 2006 AMO election of national officers and exec-utive board members.

Officials elected in the new limited election will not serve full four-year terms. Instead,they will complete the current terms, which end Dec. 31, 2010. The requirements and proce-dures specified in the AMO National Constitution will apply, but the dates for nominations,balloting and other elements of an election will be different because of the timetable agreedupon by AMO, the OLMS and the unsuccessful candidates of the 2006 election.

This timeline and Articles X and XI of the AMO National Constitution (governing elec-tion procedures) were published in the November edition of American Maritime Officer. Thepertinent articles of the AMO National Constitution will be available through a link on theAMO home page at www.amo-union.org.

� The nomination period will be from Dec. 3, 2007, to Jan. 7, 2008 (the dates coincidewith regular AMO monthly membership meetings in Dania Beach, Fla.) and the rank and fileCredentials Committee will be elected at the January 2008 meetings.

� The Credentials Committee will meet Jan. 15, 2008.� Mailing of ballots will occur on March 24, 2008.� Balloting period will last three months.� Ballots will not be mailed out after June 10, 2008 (two weeks prior to the tallying of

ballots).� Tallying of ballots will take place June 24, 2008. Only ballots delivered by that morn-

ing will be considered.

� Notice of election results must be published by midnight June 30, 2008.� Protests must be made within 10 days of the election directly to the Department of

Labor and can be done by letter, e-mail or FAX.� Elected officials will be installed midnight June 30, 2008.

Check mailing address, duesstatus with AMO Member Services

Independent firm True Ballot Inc.will administer the limited 2008 elec-tion, including balloting. However, theunion will provide True Ballot withnames and mailing addresses for allAMO book members.

AMO members should contactAMO Member Services as soon as pos-sible to make sure they have a currentmailing address on file with the union inorder to receive all union mailings.

All AMO book members will be

mailed a ballot, regardless of dues sta-tus. However, in order for a voted ballotto be counted, each member’s dues willhave to be current before the ballots aretallied June 24, 2008.

AMO Member Services has estab-lished an address for e-mail inquiriesregarding mailing addresses and dues sta-tus: [email protected].

To contact AMO MemberServices by phone, call (800) 362-0513ext. 1050 or (954) 367-1050.

Text changes in AMO Constitution address role of independentfirm in AMO elections; compensation for election committees

The following text changes in theAMO National Constitution were approvedunanimously at the regularly-scheduledAMO monthly membership meetings inDania Beach, Fla., Toledo, Ohio, the weekof Dec. 3 (a quorum was not present for themeeting in Brooklyn, N.Y.). The changesaddress the role of an independent firm inthe administration of all future AMO elec-tions and referendums, as well as compensa-tion for service for AMO members servingon the Credentials and Tallying Committees.Deleted text is in red and added text is inblue. The complete AMO NationalConstitution, including all changes, will bemailed to AMO members in January 2008.

From Article XI, Section 2 of the AMONational Constitution:(f) Each member of the Committee shall bepaid at the rate of $200.00 per day pay asdetermined by the National Executive Boardand reimbursed for legitimate out-of-pocketexpenses.

From Article XI, Section 3 of the AMONational Constitution:(c) Such outer envelope shall be addressedto the Depository designated by the NationalPresident pursuant to Article VIII, Section l.(f) of the Constitution to insure the secrecyof the ballot and shall be held in safekeeping

by the Depository, which shall be in thesame County where National Headquartersis located. The Depository shall be securedand paid for by the Union. During the bal-loting period, the Depository shall only pro-vide access to the duly designated indepen-dent outside mailing and balloting service.At the conclusion of the balloting period, thedepository shall only provide access to theduly designated independent outside mailingand balloting service and duly electedTallying Committee. The outer envelopeshall have a return address to a post officebox in the same county in the state whereNational Headquarters is located. In addi-tion, only the independent outside mailingand balloting service, shall have access tothe designated post office box selected bythe National President. The independent out-side mailing and balloting service, as deter-mined by the independent outside mailingand balloting service, shall take same toNational Headquarters and oversee theremailing of the return envelope, affixing themost recent address for the member whoseoriginal ballot envelope was returned to thedesignated post office box.(f) A member shall be entitled to write to theindependent outside mailing and ballotingservice, c/o National Headquarters, for aduplicate Ballot and receive same by mailprovided he states in his letter that he has not

received his ballot or that his ballot has beenlost or mutilated so that it can not be used.All duplicate ballots shall be marked eitherby color or serial number to identify them assuch. Duplicate ballots shall be countedunless the original and duplicate ballotmailed to the member are both cast, in whichevent neither shall be counted. Each dupli-cate sent by the independent outside mailingand balloting service shall be recorded on alist maintained by the independent outsidemailing and balloting service. Said list shallbe included in the election records which areto be preserved in accordance with ArticleXI, Section 4(j).(j) The National President, subject to theapproval of the National Executive Board,shall, not later than July 1st of each electionyear, designate an independent outside mail-ing and balloting service to supervise theconduct of the election. The duties of suchIndependent outside mailing and ballotingservice shall include: supervising the print-ing and mailing of the ballots, assuring thesecrecy of and non-accessibility to theDepository during the election, mailing ofduplicate ballots on receipt of writtenrequests from members, supervising the bal-lot collection and tallying procedure with theTallying Committee and to take such othermeasures as the independent outside mailingand balloting service may deem necessary to

assure a fair and impartial election. In theevent the independent outside mailing andballoting service becomes incapacitated andis unable to fulfill their duties as determinedby the National Executive Board, theNational President shall replace the indepen-dent outside mailing and balloting service.

From Article XI, Section 4 of the AMONational Constitution:(a) ... The elected Tallying Committee shall,with the independent outside mailing andballoting service proceed to the Depositoryin the Port of Dania Beach, Florida with anempty ballot box prior to the closing of thebank on the day of the regular Decembermeeting.The independent outside mailing and ballot-ing service and the Tallying Committeeshall remove all the ballots from theDepository, count the ballot envelopes andplace them in the empty ballot box in thepresence of any member in good standingwho may be observing. The independent outside mailing and ballot-ing service and the Tallying Committee shallthen seal this box and return it to NationalHeadquarters, where it shall remain sealedand in the custody of the Independent out-side mailing and balloting service and

See Constitution � Page 11


AMO Medical Plan transition to CIGNA HealthcarePPO network effective Jan. 1, 2008To All American Maritime Officers (AMO) Plans' Participants:

The American Maritime Officers (AMO) Medical Plan is pleased to announce thetransition of Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) networks to CIGNA HealthCareeffective January 1, 2008. The AMO Medical Plan will continue to process medical ben-efits, provide participant information and issue benefit payments.

As stated in previous communications, the transition to CIGNA HealthCareNetwork will be an expected improvement. Your revised AMO Medical Plan CIGNAI.D. Cards (two cards) along with updated information and forms for 2008 have been orare in the process of being mailed to Medical Plan participants and their families. TheAMO Medical Plan CIGNA I.D. card is not valid until January 1, 2008. Pleasedestroy your current AMO Medical Plan PPO I.D. card(s) after January 1, 2008 asthey will no longer be valid as of that date. If you are a Medicare eligible Pensioner,please continue to use your current AMO Medical Plan I.D. Card. The transitionto CIGNA will not affect Medicare eligible Pensioners.

There will be no changes to the current Prescription Drug Benefit, therefore,please continue to use your current Prescription Drug I.D. cards.

Effective for services on or after January 1, 2008, all Medical claims from med-ical service providers (In- or Out-of-Network) will be sent to CIGNA and then forward-ed to the AMO Medical Plan for benefit payment. All Medicare claims and claims thatrequire direct member reimbursement (Optical, Dental, Scholarship, Disability, etc.)must be sent to the AMO Medical Plan office for processing.

AMO Medical Plan CIGNA I.D. Card:•Please use your revised I.D. card for all medical services rendered on or after

January 1, 2008 (the card contains important benefit, eligibility and billing information).•You will need to advise your provider of service or medical service facility that

you have a change in PPO Networks to CIGNA effective January 1, 2008.•If you require additional cards, please contact the Plan office at 1-800-348-6515

or via e-mail at [email protected].•Inpatient Hospitalization and Inpatient Surgical procedures must be pre-certified

starting January 1, 2008 with CIGNA through CareAllies (a care management companywholly owned by CIGNA) Pre-Certification program. The pre-admission certificationnumber is (800) 768-4695.

•All other required Pre-Certification of medical services will be through the AMOMedical Plan at (800) 348-6515.

AMO Medical Plan Summary Plan Description Booklet:An updated AMO Medical Plan Summary Description Booklet that contains

schedules of benefits and a summary of Plan provisions to assist participants and theirfamilies have also been provided in the mailing.

AMO Medical Plan 2007-2008 Benefits Update Summary:•The Medical Plan Benefits Update summarizes the most recent enhancements and

amendments to the Medical Plan.

2007-2008 Benefits Update SummaryAMO Medical Plan

There will be no changes in the AMO Medical Plan deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance for 2008. However, please be reminded that all annual deductibles will need to be sat-isfied again in 2008 before eligible benefit payments can be made by the Plan. The annual deductibles are:

•Active Participant Medical Deductible - $250.00; Family Medical Deductible - $500.00•Pensioner Not Medicare Eligible Medical Deductible - $300.00; Family Deductible - $600.00•Pensioner Medicare Eligible Medical Deductible - $250.00; Family Deductible - $500.00•Prescription Drug Deductible - $100.00; Family Deductible $200.00We are pleased to announce to you and your family the following AMO Medical Plan Benefit additions and enhancements, which will become effective January 1, 2008.

New Benefit - Preventative Care*:

Benefit Description Deductibles/Co-Payments, Co-Insurance PPO/Non-PPO Benefits Limitations

•Mammogram (baseline > 40 years of age)•PSA (baseline > 50 years of age)•Colonoscopy (baseline > 50 years of age)•Annual Pap Diagnostic Services

In-Network Not Subject to Annual Medical Deductible

In-Network Not Subject to Co-Insurance

Out-of-Network Co-Insurance 30% (Active) or 40%(Pensioner)

In-Network benefit payable at 100% of the contractedrate

Out-of-Network Benefits payable at70% of UCR (Active) 60% of UCR (Pensioner)

One per personper calendar year

*A $20.00 Co-Payment is applicable with associated In-Network Physician office visits. In-Network Preventative Care Benefit Services are no longer subject to your annual MedicalDeductible.

New Benefit - Hospice Services:


Hospice Services

In-Network and Out-of-Network Subject to AnnualMedical Deductible

In-Network Co-Insurance 10% (Active) 20% (Pensioner)

Out-of-Network Co-Insurance 30% (Active) or 40%(Pensioner)

In-Network benefit payable a 90% (Active) 80%(Pensioner) of the contracted rate

Out-of-Network Benefits payable at 70% (Active) 60%(Pensioner) of UCR

As defined below

This Benefit is provided as part of a Hospice program for participants with a prognosis of 6 months or less to live and is recommended by a legally qualified physician. Includescoverage for participants who are confined as an inpatient in a Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility, or Hospice, or who are receiving care on an outpatient basis from a hospice careagency. Coverage is not provided for bereavement counseling, funeral arrangements, pastoral counseling, financial or legal counseling, and homemaker or caretaker services.Services not solely related to the care of the patient, including but not limited to companion services for patient or other members of the family, transportation, housekeeping, andmaintenance of the home are not covered.

•As you review the AMO Medical Plan Benefit Update, please understand thatsome of the material may not be applicable to you. Much of this information has beenreported in the AMO Newspaper, through e-mail via Currents, as well as posted on theAMO and AMO Plans Web sites. www.amo-union.org and www.amoplans.com

It is the goal of the AMO Plans to provide our participants with the most updatedand concise information regarding their benefits. We hope you will find the informationcontained in this article both clear and informative. We encourage you to review thematerial. Please complete and return any required documentation, and should yourequire additional information, please contact the Plans Office at 1-800-348-6515, ext12.

Sincerely,

AMO PLANSMichael NaftanielDirector of Benefits

Note: A 2008 Coordination of Benefits and Affidavit of Support for Dependent StudentForm is required for eligible dependent students. In order for a dependent student to beconsidered eligible for medical benefits under the AMO Medical Plan, the dependentstudent must meet the requirements of the Rules and Regulations of the AMO MedicalPlan. If you have a Dependent Child who is a student that meets the requirements below,please contact the AMO Medical Plan office at 1-800-348-6515, ext 12, for aCoordination of Benefits and Affidavit of Support for a Dependent Student Form, or, youcan visit the AMO Plans website www.amoplans.com.

Eligibility requirements for a Dependent Student are as follows:•An unmarried child, step-child or child under legal guardianship/custody of

Participant who is nineteen(19) years but less than twenty-three (23) years of age attend-ing school on a full-time basis and dependent upon the Participant for principal supportand maintenance.

•School vacation periods during any calendar year that interrupt but do not termi-nate what otherwise would have been a continuous course of study in that calendar yearshall be considered a part of school attendance on a full-time basis.

•Full-time shall mean the completion of twelve (12) credit hours per semester orits equivalent. Credits completed during summer or winter sessions may be applied toany one semester in a scholastic year. Scholastic year shall mean consecutive semestersattended not to exceed one year.

•The medical benefits for an eligible dependent student shall cease once the depen-dent student has reached age 23 or fails to meet the above eligibility requirements.NOTE: Please advise the Plan office promptly if dependent student status changes.

Important Note: You may have received a mailing or notice even though you are not aneligible Participant of the AMO Plans. If you are not an eligible Participant, the revisedI.D. cards will not be honored when presented to providers.



Hospital BenefitEmergency RoomSchedule A3

In-Network and Out-of-Network Subject to Annual MedicalDeductible

$60 Co-payment per professional medical visit for In-Network only

In-Network Co-Insurance 10% (Active) 20% (Pensioner)Out-of-Network Co-Insurance 30% (Active) or 40% (Pensioner)

In-Network benefit payable at 90% (Active) 80% (Pensioner) ofthe contracted rate

Out-of-Network benefit payable at 70% (Active) 60%(Pensioner) of UCR

N/A

Enhanced Benefit:


Hospital BenefitEmergency RoomSchedule A3

In-Network and Out-of-Network Subject to Annual Medical Deductible

$60 Co-payment per professional medical visit for in-network andOut-Of Network

Out-of-Network Co-Insurance: 10% (Active) or 20% (Pensioner)

In-Network and Out-of-Network benefit payable at 90%(Active) 80% (Pensioner) of the PPO contracted rate of UCR

Services must bedefined as a “med-

ical emergency”

Emergency Room Services:Current Benefit:

•In-Network and Out-of-Network expenses for Hospital Emergency Room services are covered at the In-Network benefit level only when those services are for a MedicalEmergency, as defined.

•“Medical Emergency” means the sudden onset of a medical condition with symptoms severe enough to cause a prudent person to believe that lack of immediate medical attentioncould result in serious jeopardy to his/her health, jeopardy to the health of an unborn child, impairment of a bodily function or dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.

•In the event of a medical emergency in which the participant uses an Out-of-Network provider, benefits will be paid at the In-Network benefit level.Examples of situations appropriate for an Emergency Room include but are not limited to: chest pain, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden severe pain, trauma, etc.

Outpatient Behavioral Health-Psychiatric, Mental & Nervous Disorders:Current Benefit:


Medical BenefitOutpatient BehavioralHealth Services (E-1):

Psychiatric, Mentaland Nervous Disorder



In-Network Co-Insurance 10% (Active) or 20% (Pensioner)Out-of-Network Co-Insurance 30% (Active) or 40% (Pensioner)

In-Network benefit payable at 90% (Activeor 80% (Pensioner) of the contracted rate

Out-of- Network Benefits payable at 70% (Active) or 60%(Pensioner) of UCR

Maximum 25Treatments per

person per lifetime

Enhanced Benefit: Behavioral Health Benefits for outpatient visits have been increased to 20 Annual Treatments per person and will be based on a calendar year rather than lifetime.


Medical BenefitOutpatient BehavioralHealth Services (E-1):




In-Network Co-Insurance 10%(Active) or 20% (Pensioner)Out-of-Network Co-Insurance 30%(Active) or 40% (Pensioner)

In-Network benefit payable at 90% (Active) or 80% (Pensioner)of the contracted rate

Out-of-Network Benefits payable at 70% (Active) or 60%(Pensioner) of UCR

Maximum 20Treatments per

person perCalendar Year

Inpatient Hospital Psychiatric, Mental & Nervous Disorders:Current Benefit:


Hospital Benefit(Schedule B)


In-Network and Out-of-Network Subject to Confinement Deductible$300 (Active) $500 (Pensioner)

In-Network Co-Insurance 10% (Active) or 20% (Pensioner)

Out-of-Network Co-Insurance 30% (Active) or 40% (Pensioner)

In-Network benefit payable at 90% (Active) or 80% (Pensioner)of the contracted rate

Out-of-Network Benefits payable 70% (Active) or 60%(Pensioner) of UCR

Maximum 120Days per person

per lifetime

Enhanced Benefit: Partial days of hospitalization are now included in the 120 days lifetime limitation.


Hospital Benefit(Schedule B)

Psychiatric, Mental andNervous Disorder

In-Network and Out-of-Network Subject to Confinement Deductible $300(Active) $500 (Pensioner)

In-Network Co-Insurance 10% (Active) or 20% (Pensioner)

Out-of-Network Co-Insurance 30% (Active) or 40% (Pensioner)

In-Network benefit payable at 90% (Active) or 80%(Pensioner) of the contracted rate

Out-of-Network Benefits payable 70% (Active) or 60%(Pensioner) of UCR

Maximum 120 Daysper person per life-

time (includes partialhospitalization after

annual calendar yeardeductible is met)

AMO Medical PlanThe following amendment was made to the AMO Medical Plan in 2007:

Medical Benefits for Pensioners: Under the Rules and Regulations of the Medical Plan, medical coverage for pensioners and/or their dependents is suspended for years in whichthe pensioner or dependent has earnings from gainful employment in excess of the earnings limitation set forth in the Plan. Effective January 1, 2008 for the first period of gainful employ-ment during a calendar year, benefits will cease as of the date in the calendar year on which the earnings limitation is met.

For example, if you begin employment in February and reach the earnings limitation on June 15th, medical benefits for you and your dependents will cease on June 15th. Previously,eligibility for benefits terminated retroactively to the beginning of the calendar year. Pensioners or dependents are required to submit to the Plan office pay slips or pay stubs indicatingwhen the earnings limitation is met, and are still required to reimburse the Plan for any benefits received after the earnings limitation is reached. If you continue to exceed the earningslimitation in any subsequent calendar year, benefits will be suspended on the first day of the calendar year until the limitation is no longer exceeded.

AMO Pension PlanThe following amendments were made to the AMO Pension Plan in 2007:

For benefit calculation purposes, base wages will include vacation benefits received during the calendar year, from the AMO Vacation Plan for Deep Sea Covered Employmentregardless of the total number of days of combined covered employment.

For example, if you are required to return to work early and receive both benefit base wages and Vacation pay for the same day, both will be included for benefit calculation pur-poses.

If a participant does not have 200 or more days of covered employment in a calendar year, including credit for non-working periods, overlap days will be counted toward the accu-mulation of 200 days for purposes of obtaining a full year of pension credit.

If you have any questions regarding this publication or any of the Plan’s benefits, please contact the Plan office at:

Telephone: (954) 920-4247Toll-free: (800) 348-6515 Fax: (954) 920-9482Web site: www.amoplans.com

Medical Plan: [email protected] Plan and MPB: [email protected] Plan: [email protected](k) Plan: [email protected]


The Raymond T. McKay Center For Advanced Maritime Officers Training2 West Dixie Highway • Dania Beach, FL 33004 • (954) 920-3222

GENERAL COURSESABS NS5 (“Safe Net” update) 3 days 4 February 30 June

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 14 January 18 February 17 March 14 April 12 May 16 June 14 July

Advanced Shiphandling for Masters—(No equivalency) Must havesailed as Chief Mate Unlimited

5 days 28 January 14 April 28 June

Advanced Shiphandling for Third Mates—(60 days seatime equivalen-cy for Third Mates)

10 days 11 February 12 May

Basic Safety Training—All 4 modules MUST be completed within 12 months 5 days 24 March 23 June

Personal Survival Techniques (Monday-Tuesday a.m.) 1 1/2 days 24 March 23 June

Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (Tuesday p.m.) 1/2 day 25 March 24 June

Elementary First Aid (Wednesday) 1 day 26 March 25 June

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

2 days 27 March 26 June

Basic Safety Training -Refresher 3 days 25 March 25 June

Bridge Resource Management Seminar 3 days 28 May

Fast Rescue Boat 4 days 22 January 31 March 5 May 14 July

GMDSS 10 days 2-Jun

Integrated Bridge System/Podded Propulsion 5 days 4 February 2 June

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 days 28 April

****Small Arms - Initial & Refresher Training 3 days 17 December 28 January 25 February 24 March 21 April 19 May 23 June

Tankerman PIC DL - Classroom 5 days 16 June

Tankerman PIC DL - Simulator 10 days 4 February 28 April

Tankerman PIC LNG 8 days 7 January 3 March 7 April 2 June 21 July

LNG Simulator Training 5 days 28 January 24 March 12 May 7 July

Train The Trainer—Requires after hours homework 5 days 28 January 31 March 28 July

Vessel/Company/Port Facility Security Officer 3 days 22 January 17 March 27 May 23 July

ENGINEERING COURSESElectrical, Electronic, Control Engineering 4 weeks 25 February 9 June

Engine Room Resource Management 5 days 3 March 2 June

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 days 22 January 25 February 24 March 21 April 19 May 25 June

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 7 January 5 May

High Voltage Safety Course (Classroom) 3 days 28 January 24 March 19 May 28 July

Steam Crossover 4 weeks 28 January 7 July

MSC TRAINING PROGRAM—includes self-study courses Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator, Anti-Terrorism Level 1 and Crew Endurance Management (see below).Additional courses, including Marine Sanitation Devices and Water Sanitation Afloat will be included soon.CBRD Orientation 1 day 31 January 27 March 24 May 24 July

Damage Control 2 days 1 March 26 April 26 June

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 4 February 21 April 27 May 16 June 14 July

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 3 March

ICODES Training—For Masters and Chief Mates aboard MARAD cargoships and others chartered by MSC. Follows Deck Upgrade Cargo class

1 day 4 April 2 June

Medical PIC Refresher—Note: Not MSC approved. 3 days 19 February 19 May

Small Arms - Initial & Refresher Training 3 days 28 January 25 February 24 March 21 April 19 May 23 June 21 July

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 11days. Any places not taken by the contracted companies shall be made available to the membership on a chronological order basis.Small Arms Training (Initial & Refresher) 3 days 7 January 11 February 7 April 5 May 9 June 7 July

Elementary First Aid 1 day 10 January 14 February 10 April 8 May 12 June 10 July

Drug Collector Training 1 day 11 January 15 February 11 April 9 May 13 June 11 July

Breath Alcohol Test Collector 1 day 12 January 16 February 12 April 10 May 14 June 12 July

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 days 14 January 18 February 14 April 12 May 16 June 14 July

MEDICAL COURSESElementary First Aid—Note: Prerequisite for Medical Care Providerwithin preceding 12 months

1 day 22 January 25 March 22 April 17 June 15 July

Medical Care Provider—Note: Prerequisite for Medical Person InCharge within preceding 12 months. Please fax EFA certificate whenregistering

3 days 23 January 26 March 23 April 18 June 16 July

Medical Person In Charge—Note: Please FAX Medical Care Providercertificate when registering

5 days 28 January 28 April 23 June 21 July

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 5 February 5 May

Breath Alcohol Test 1 day 6 February 6 May

RADAR COURSESRadar Recertification 1 day 14 January 7 February 19 February 3 March 18 April 19 May 12 June

ARPA 4 days Please Call

Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days Please Call

ECDIS 5 days 10 March 7 May

Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days Please Call

SELF-STUDY CD & ONLINE PROGRAMS—Available for use when attending other approved classroom courses

Afloat Environmental Protection Coordinator (CD) Anti-Terrorism Level 1 (Online) Crew Endurance Management (CD)

DoT - Hazardous Materials Transportation Training (CD) Prudent Mariner’s Guide to Right Whale Protection (CD)

DECK LICENSE UPGRADE: SECOND OFFICER TO CHIEF MATE / MASTER—Successful completion of this program will satisfy the training requirements for STCW certifica-tion as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). This program will complete ALL 53 Control Sheet assessments.Cargo Operations 9 days 24 March 16 June

Celestial Navigation 5 days 7 January 19 May 28 July

Marine Propulsion Plants 5 days 7 January 14 January 25 February 21 April 28 April

Shipboard Management 5 days 21 January 11 February 18 February 21 April 12 May 23 June

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology 5 days 11 February 5 May 7 July

Upgrade: Navigation 10 days 14 January 3 March 7 April 12 May 9 June 21 July

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 7 January 25 February 31 March 28 April 14 July

Upgrade: Stability 5 days 4 February 2 June

Watchkeeping 1 (Bridge Resource Management) 3 days 30 January 18 March 4 June

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

5 days 4 February 24 March 9 June

NOTICE: AMO members planning to attend the union’s RTM Center for Advanced Maritime Officers’ Training/STAR Center in Dania Beach, Florida—either to prepare for license upgrading or to undergo specialty training—areasked to call the school to confirm course schedule and space availability in advance. NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The Raymond T. McKay Centers For Advanced Maritime Officers Training(CAMOT) and Simulation Training Assessment and Research Centers (STAR), established under the auspices of the American Maritime Officers Safety and Education Plan, admits students of any race, color, national and eth-nic origin or sex to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Centers. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or sex in admin-istration of its educational policies, admission policies and other programs administered by the Centers.


The Raymond T. McKay Center For Advanced Maritime Officers’ TrainingOne Maritime Plaza • Toledo, Ohio 43604 • (419) 255-3940

DIESEL ENDORSEMENTCourse Length—23 DaysFebruary 4 April 21 September 8

BASIC SAFETY TRAININGCourse Length—One WeekJanuary 7, 14 March 3, 10 April 14, 21

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFTCourse Length—Four DaysMarch 24 May 27 July 21

ECDIS/ECPINSCourse Length—Three Days (Monday-Wednesday)January 28

8.5-HOUR ELEMENTARY FIRST AID/CPRCourse Length—One Day (prerequisite for 24-hour MCP)January 22 February 19 April 28

24-HOUR MEDICAL CARE PROVIDERCourse Length—Three DaysJanuary 23 February 20 April 29

40-HOUR MEDICAL CARE PROVIDERCourse Length—One WeekJanuary 28 February 25 March 24

CBRDCourse Length—One DayCall for scheduled courses

VESSEL/COMPANY/PORT SECURITY OFFICERCourse Length—Three DaysFebruary 25 June 9 September 15

PERSONAL SAFETY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYCourse Length—4 HoursJanuary 9, 16 March 5, 12 April 16, 23

RFPNW (Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch)Course Length—One DayCall for scheduled courses

STCW DECK OFFICER REFRESHERCourse Length—Three DaysApril 7 September 29

FIRE PREVENTION & FIRE FIGHTINGCourse Length—Two DaysJanuary 10, 17 March 6, 13 April 17, 24

BASIC WELDINGCourse Length—10 DaysJanuary 7 February 18 July 7

Officer in charge of a navigational watch: Successful com-pletion of this program will satisfy the training requirements forSTCW certification as third mate and second mate on vesselsof 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC)

ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONCourse Length—Five DaysJanuary 7 March 31 July 7

BASIC SHIPHANDLING AT OPERATIONAL LEVELCourse Length—Five DaysJanuary 14 April 21 July 21

CARGO HANDLING AND STOWAGECourse Length—Five DaysJanuary 28 April 7 July 14

SHIP CONSTRUCTION AND STABILITYCourse Length—Five DaysFebruary 18 April 14 July 28

TERRESTRIAL NAVIGATIONCourse Length—Two WeeksFebruary 4 April 28 August 4

METEOROLOGYCourse Length—Five DaysFebruary 25 June 2 September 8

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND SARCourse Length—Four DaysJanuary 22 May 27 September 2

WATCHKEEPINGCourse Length—10 DaysMarch 3 May 12 August 18

CELESTIAL NAVIGATIONCourse Length—Two WeeksMarch 17 June 9 September 15

MAGNETIC & GYRO COMPASSCourse Length—Three DaysMarch 31 June 23 September 29

ARPA CERTIFICATIONCourse Length—Four Days (Monday-ThursdayJanuary 15 February 19 March 11

ORIGINAL RADAR CERTIFICATIONCourse Length—Five DaysJanuary 7, 14 February 11 March 3, 10, 31

RADAR RECERTIFICATIONCourse Length—One DayJanuary 11, 14, 22, 25, 28 February 1, 4, 8, 15, 25, 29March 7, 10, 17, 24, 28 April 4, 7, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28

RECERT & ARPACourse Length—Five DaysJanuary 14 March 10 April 7

BRIDGE RESOURCE MANAGEMENTThree-Day Course—Open To All Deck OfficersJanuary 2 April 14 June 16

FAST RESCUE BOATCourse Length—Four DaysMarch 31 June 2 July 28

GMDSSCourse Length—10 DaysFebruary 4 April 28 July 7

ADVANCED SHIPHANDLING FOR THIRD MATESCourse Length—Two WeeksJune 9 October 27

40-HOUR ABLE SEAMANCourse Length—One WeekJanuary 28 March 17 May 19

MARLIN SPIKECourse Length—One DayMarch 28 July 25 October 24

ELEMENTARY FIRST AID/CPRCourse Length—One DayJanuary 7, 14 March 3, 10 April 14, 21

PERSONAL SURVIVAL TECHNIQUESCourse Length—12 HoursJanuary 8, 15 March 4, 11 April 15, 22


HEADQUARTERS

DANIA BEACH, FL 330042 West Dixie Highway(954) 921-2221(800) 362-0513Tom Bethel, National President ([email protected])José E. Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer ([email protected])Jack Branthover, Special Assistant to the National President([email protected])FAX: (954) 926-5112Joseph Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep Sea([email protected])Paul Cates, National Executive Board Member At Large([email protected])John Hafner, National Executive Board Member, Inland Waters([email protected])Charles Murdock, National Representative ([email protected])FAX: (954) 920-3257Dispatch: (800) 345-3410FAX: (954) 926-5126Brendan Keller ([email protected])Robert Anderson ([email protected])Member Services: Extension 1050 ([email protected])

PORTSBROOKLYN, NY 11232652 Fourth Avenue(800) 545-9589Don Nilsson, National Executive Board Member, Deep Sea([email protected])FAX: (718) 965-1766

SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 946071121 7th Street, Second FloorOakland, CA 94607(510) 444-5301(800) 362-0513 ext. 5001Daniel Shea, National Executive Board Member At Large([email protected])FAX: (510) 444-5165

TOLEDO, OH 43604The Melvin H. Pelfrey BuildingOne Maritime Plaza(419) 255-3940(800) 221-9395FAX: (419) 255-2350Daniel Smith, National Executive Vice President ([email protected])Donald Cree, National Vice President Great Lakes ([email protected])Brian Krus, National Assistant Vice President Great Lakes([email protected])Stan Barnes, National Representative ([email protected])Phillip Kelley, Dispatcher ([email protected])

GALVESTON, TX 7755413730 FM 3005, SUITE 170David Weathers, National Executive Board Member At Large([email protected])(800) 362-0513 ext. 2001Mobile: (409) 996-7362

PHILADELPHIA, PA 191482604 S. 4th Street(800) 362-0513 ext. 4001Robert Kiefer, National Assistant Vice President At Large([email protected])FAX: (215) 755-2574

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024490 L’Enfant Plaza East SWSuite 7204(202) 479-1166(800) 362-0513 ext. 7001Edward Kelly, National Vice President At Large ([email protected])Charles Crangle, Director of Congressional and Legislative Affairs([email protected])Paul Doell, Special Assistant to the National President([email protected])FAX: (202) 479-1188

RTM CAMOT/STAR CENTERS

STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING COURSE INFORMATION2 West Dixie Highway 2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004 Dania Beach, FL 33004(954) 920-3222 ext.7109 (954) 920-3222 ext.7112(800) 942-3220 ext.7109 (800) 942-3220 ext.7112FAX: (954) 920-3140 FAX: (954) 920-314024 Hours: (954) 920-3222 ext.7999

CAMOT/STAR TOLEDO TRAINING RECORDSOne Maritime Plaza SYSTEM MANAGER:Toledo, Ohio 43604 Lisa Marra(419) 255-3940 (954) 920-3222 ext. 7118 FAX: (419) 255-8833 FAX: (954) 925-5681

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

[email protected]

AMO 401(k) Plan 2006 Summary Annual Report This is a summary of the annual report

for the American Maritime Officers 401(k)Plan, EIN 11-2978754, Plan No. 002, for theperiod January 1, 2006 through December31, 2006. The annual report has been filedwith 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

through a trust fund. Plan expenses were$7,785,475. These expenses included$565,895 in administrative expenses,$7,429,499 in benefits paid to participantsand beneficiaries, and $(209,919) in otherexpenses. A total of 5,187 persons were par-ticipants in or beneficiaries of the plan at theend of the plan year, although not all of thesepersons had yet earned the right to receivebenefits.

The value of plan assets, after sub-

tracting liabilities of the plan, was$189,915,875 as of December 31, 2006,compared to $159,153,740 as of January 1,2006. During the plan year the plan experi-enced an increase in its net assets of$30,762,135. This increase includes unreal-ized appreciation and depreciation in thevalue of plan assets; that is, the differencebetween the value of the plan's assets at theend of the year and the value of the assets atthe beginning of the year or the cost of assetsacquired during the year. The plan had totalincome of $38,547,610 including employercontributions of $2,002,930, employee con-tributions of $17,269,247, earnings frominvestments of $18,708,240, and otherincome of $567,193.

Your Rights To Additional InformationYou have the right to receive a copy of

the full annual report, or any part thereof, onrequest. The items listed below are includedin that report:

1. an accountant's report;2. financial information and informa-

tion on payments to service providers;3. assets held for investment,4. transactions in excess of 5% of the

plan assets; and5. information regarding any com-

mon or collective trusts, pooled separateaccounts, master trusts or 103-12 investmententities in which the plan participates.

To obtain a copy of the full annualreport, or any part thereof, write or callBoard of Trustees American MaritimeOfficers 401(k) Plan, 2 West DixieHighway, Dania Beach, FL 33004, (954)920-4847. The charge to cover copyingcosts is $.15 per page or for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receivefrom the plan administrator a statement ofthe assets and liabilities of the plan andaccompanying notes, or a statement ofincome and expenses of the plan and accom-panying notes, or both. If you request a copy

of the full annual report from the planadministrator, these two statements andaccompanying notes will be included as partof that report. The charge to cover copyingcosts given above does not include a chargefor the copying of these portions of thereport because these portions are furnishedwithout charge.

You also have the legally protectedright to examine the annual report at themain office of the plan (Board of TrusteesAmerican Maritime Officers 401(k) Plan,2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL33004) and at the U.S. Department ofLabor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain acopy from the U.S. Department of Laborupon payment of copying costs. Requeststo the Department should be addressed to:Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513,Employee Benefits SecurityAdministration, U.S. Department ofLabor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20210.


Obituaries

Regular monthly membership meetings for AMO will be held during the weekfollowing the first Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. local time. Meetings will beheld on Monday at Headquarters in Dania (on Tuesday when Monday is acontract holiday), on Wednesday in Toledo, and on Friday in Brooklyn. Thenext meetings will take place on the following dates:

DANIA BEACH:TOLEDO:

NEW YORK:

January 7, February 4January 9, February 6January 11, February 8

James Todd, who sailed deep sea withAMO, died Nov. 24, 2007, at age 64.

Charles Novak, an AMO Great Lakespensioner, died Nov. 18, 2007, at age 87.

John Martinson, an AMO Great Lakespensioner, died Nov. 13, 2007, at age 77.

Eric Norton, who sailed deep sea withAMO, died Oct. 20, 2007, at age 54.

Thomas Cox, Jr., an AMO deep-seapensioner, died Oct. 14, 2007, at age 63.

John Kee, an AMO inland waters pen-sioner, died Oct. 7, 2007, at age 92.

Douglas Heller, an AMO deep-sea pen-sioner, died Sept. 30, 2007, at age 53.

Gary Tibbetts, who sailed deep seawith AMO, died Sept. 24, 2007, at age 57.

Dorne Yates, an AMO inland waterspensioner, died Sept. 21, 2007, at age 82.

Carl Blank an AMO Great Lakes pen-sioner, died Sept. 19, 2007, at age 86.

Victor Bahr, an AMO Great Lakes pen-sioner, died Sept. 8, 2007, at age 82.

Lawrence Kelley, an AMO deep-seapensioner, died Aug. 23,2007, at age 85.

Norman Janusiewicz, an AMO deep-sea pensioner, died Aug. 9, 2007, at age 77.

Neil St. Clair, Jr., an AMO deep-seapensioner, died Aug. 7, 2007, at age 66. Hewas survived by Norma St. Clair.

Kenneth Baller, who sailed deep seawith AMO, died Aug. 2, 2007, at age 71.

James Shifflett, an AMO inland waterspensioner, died July 22,2007, at age 80.

Richard Berry, an AMO inland waterspensioner, died July 5, 2007, at age 68.

Eugene Renko, an AMO Great Lakespensioner, died June 21, 2007, at age 90.

Ricky Couillard, who sailed on theGreat Lakes with AMO, died June 11, 2007,at age 44.

Thomas Johnson III, former trainingdirector at RTM Star Center, died May 22,2007, at age 61.

Mitchell Huddleston, an AMO deep-sea pensioner, died May 17, 2007, at age 83.He was survived by his spouse YolandaHuddleston.

John Rockhill, who sailed deep seawith AMO, died May 15, 2007, at age 51.

Walter Lopez, an AMO deep-sea pen-sioner, died May 13, 2007, at age88.

David Bartlett, who sailed on the Great

Lakes with AMO, died May 11, 2007, atage 53.

Herbert Locy, an AMO Great Lakespensioner, died April 29, 2007, at age 78.He was survived by Junko Locy.

George Galvin, an AMO deep-sea pen-sioner, died April 27, 2007, at age 88.

Paulo Verason, who sailed deep seawith AMO, died April 16, 2007, at age 60.

Wade Harper, who sailed deep seawith AMO, died March 27, 2007, at age 44.

Clyde Trueax, an AMO Great Lakesmember, died March 25, 2007, at age 80.He was survived by Faith Trueax.

Thomas Barnes, an AMO deep-seapensioner, died March 19, 2007, at age 73.

George Wolfgang, an AMO GreatLakes pensioner, died March 18, 2007, atage 86.

James Nyles, an AMO deep-sea pen-sioner, died March 13, 2007, at age 80.

Norman Hillman, who sailed inlandwaters with AMO, died Feb. 28, 2007, atage 89. He was survived by RanellHillman.

Allen Sholette, an AMO Great Lakespensioner, died Feb. 18, 2007, at age 81.

Hazel Fowlow, Jr., an AMO GreatLakes pensioner, died Feb. 14, 2007, at age79. He was survived by Patricia Fowlow.

Gerald Johnson, an AMO Great Lakespensioner, died Feb. 2, 2007, at age 71.

Charlie Kent, who sailed deep sea withAMO, died Jan. 31, 2007, at age 82.

Jack White, who sailed deep sea withAMO, died Jan. 30, 2007, at age 80.

Billy Walker, an AMO deep-sea pen-sioner, died Jan. 19, 2007, at age 80.

Leonard Sernaque, an AMO deep-seapensioner, died Jan. 12, 2007, at age 84.

Mason Lynch, an AMO inland waterspensioner, died December 27, 2006, at age86.

Bohdan Gajewski, an AMO deep-seapensioner, died December 13, 2006, at age66. He was survived by Anna Gajewski.

Joseph Angelillo, who sailed deep seawith AMO, died Nov. 25, 2006, at age 57.

Walter Whitney, an AMO deep-sea

pensioner, died Nov. 23, 2006, at age 85. William Logan, an AMO deep-sea pen-

sioner, died Nov. 17, 2006, at age 74. Hewas survived by Diane Logan.

James Thibodeau, who sailed deep seawith AMO, died Nov. 17, 2006, at age 50.

Richard Hostetter, an AMO Greatlakes pensioner, died Nov. 15, 2006, at age83.

Carlos Gomez, an AMO deep-sea pen-sioner, died Nov. 13, 2006, at age 79. Hewas survived by Cecilia Gomez.

David Weigel, who sailed deep sea withAMO, died Nov. 13, 2006, at age 55.

Robert Eckert, who sailed deep seawith AMO, died Oct. 31, 2006, at age 64.

Felix Saari, an AMO Great Lakes pen-sioner, died Oct. 16, 2006, at age 72.

Albert Habedank, an AMO GreatLakes pensioner, died Oct. 15, 2006, at age80.

Bruce Abraham, who sailed deep seawith AMO, died Oct. 8, 2006, at age 60.

Patrick McDonald, who sailed deep seawith AMO, died Sept. 27, 2006, at age 79.

Claudio Mattossovich, who saileddeep sea with AMO, died Sept. 16, 2006, atage 74.

Gerald Taft, an AMO Great Lakes pen-sioner, died Sept. 9, 2006, at age 79.

John Yaquis, an AMO deep-sea pen-sioner, died Sept. 1, 2006, at age 90.

Joseph Buonocore, who sailed on theGreat Lakes with AMO, died Aug. 30,2006, at age 49. He was survived by hisspouse Laura Buonocore.

Francis LaLonde, an AMO GreatLakes pensioner, died Aug. 27, 2006, atage 66.

John Stock, an AMO Great Lakesmember, died Aug. 19, 2006, at age 72.

Jack Holt, an AMO deep-sea member,died Aug. 18, 2006, at age 91.

William LaParl, an AMO Great Lakesmember, died Aug. 13, 2006, at age 77. Hewas survived by Dolores LaParl.

Richard Shifflett, died Aug. 4, 2006, atage 67. He was survived by DorothyShifflett.

ConstitutionContinued from Page 5

Tallying Committee until such time as theballot box is opened and the ballots arechecked and counted.(b) The independent outside mailing andballoting service and the TallyingCommittee are charged with the tally of allthe ballots and preparation of a report settingforth in complete detail the results of theelection, including a complete accounting ofall ballots and ballot envelopes, and recon-ciliation of the same with the rosters and ver-ification lists of membership. The reportshall clearly detail all discrepancies discov-ered, and shall contain recommendations forthe treatment of these discrepancies. Theindependent outside mailing and ballotingservice and all members of the Committeeshall sign the report, without prejudice how-ever to the right of any member thereof tosubmit a dissenting report as to the accuracyof the count and the validity of the ballots,with pertinent details ...(c) The independent outside mailing andballoting service and the TallyingCommittee are also charged with the receiptand evaluation of written protests by anymember who claims an improper denial ofthe right to vote. If they find the protestsinvalid, they shall dismiss the protests and soinform the protesting member, by ElectronicMail (e-mail) or overnight mail on the day ofdismissal.If they find the protests valid, and the vote or

votes can affect the outcome of the election,the independent outside mailing and ballot-ing service and the Committee shall order aspecial election for the office so affected onsuch terms as are practical. If the TallyingCommittee and independent outside mailingand balloting service order a special elec-tion, on finding one or more protests valid,such order shall be subject to approval ordisapproval by a majority of the member-ship at the next regularly scheduled mem-bership meetings of the Constitutional Ports.The report of the independent outside mail-ing and balloting service and the Committeeshall include a brief summary of each protestreceived, the name and book number of theprotesting member, and a summary of thedisposition of the said protest.(d) The independent outside mailing and bal-loting service and the Tallying Committeeshall commence proceedings on the sameday as the ballots are collected and shallcomplete the proceedings as soon as possi-ble. The independent outside mailing andballoting service and the Tallying Committeemay, at their sole discretion, retire for theevening even though their task has not beencompleted and shall return to a sealed box allballots and envelopes and ensure the custodyand security of same until the resumption oftheir duties by the committee the followingday no later than 9:00 A.M. The independent outside mailing and ballot-ing service and each member of theCommittee shall be paid at the rate of$200.00 per day pay, as determined by theNational Executive Board, and reimbursed

for legitimate out of pocket expenses.The proceedings of the independent outsidemailing and balloting service and theCommittee, except for the actual preparationof the report and dissents therefrom, if any,shall be open for observation to any memberin good standing, however, observation doesnot include the use of audio, video or anyother recording devices or still cameras.The independent outside mailing and ballot-ing service and the Tallying Committee shallfile a tally of the Ballots cast within 24 hoursafter the completion of the ballot count.(e) The December regular membershipmeeting in Dania Beach, Florida in theelection year shall be held in recess by theNational President or National Officerofficially in charge designated by theNational President until the independentoutside mailing and balloting service andTallying Committee have completed theirwork. The meeting shall be officially reconvenedin order to receive the preliminary reportincluding the tally of the independent out-side mailing and balloting service andTallying Committee. Amajority of the mem-bership, at that meeting, may order a recheckand recount where a dissenting report hasbeen issued by one or more members of theTallying Committee.(i) The final report by the independent out-side mailing and balloting service, theTallying Committee and the NationalPresident, under this Article, shall be enteredin the minutes of the next membership meet-ings following completion and submission

in all Constitutional Ports.

From Article XI, Section 5 of the AMONational Constitution:(a) The candidate elected shall be that per-son receiving the highest number of votescast for the particular office or positioninvolved. Where more than one candidateis to be elected for a particular office orposition, the proper number of candidatesreceiving the successively highest numberof votes shall be declared elected. It shallbe the duty of the National President toadvise each candidate which candidate orcandidates were elected within seven (7)days of receipt of the final report of theTallying Committee and the independentoutside mailing and balloting service.

From Article XI, Section 7 of the AMONational Constitution:(c) Death, permanent incapacity or otherdisqualification of a candidate prior toinstallation in office: In the event a candi-date for Elective Office, or position, whohas either been declared Elected by theCredentials Committee pursuant to ArticleXI, Section 2 (g) of the American MaritimeOfficers Constitution or who has receivedthe highest number of votes cast as report-ed by the Tallying Committee and indepen-dent outside mailing and balloting servicedies, is permanently incapacitated or other-wise disqualified before being installed inOffice, the Office shall be deemed vacantand filled in accordance with the provisionsof this National Constitution.


AMO in theJones Act

trades aboardthe North Star

American Maritime Officers mem-bers working aboard the M/VNorth Star in October includedChief Engineer Harry Poole andCapt. Mark Daly, master. TheOrca-class trailership is one of twooperated in the Jones Act tradesby Interocean American Shippingfor Totem Ocean Trailer Expressand is manned in all licensed posi-tions by AMO.

AMO officers First AssistantEngineer Jon Butcher and SecondA.E. Ben Rancourt aboard theNorth Star in the Port of Tacoma.The North Star and its sistership,Midnight Sun, operate in a dedicat-ed coastwise trade betweenWashington State and Alaska.

AMO officers working aboard theNorth Star in October, here withAMO National Executive BoardMember Dave Weathers (right),included Second Mate Matt Huyterand Capt. Daly.

Maritime Administrator addresses USMMA,Fort Schuyler Maritime Alumni Associations

Maritime Administrator SeanConnaughton (center) addressed a din-ner sponsored by the U.S. MerchantMarine Academy and Fort SchuylerMaritime Alumni Associations Nov. 16at the Lauderdale Yacht Club in SouthFlorida. With him here are (left to right)AMO National Executive BoardMember John Hafner, AMO NationalSecretary-Treasurer José Leonard,STAR Center Dania Beach DirectorBrian Long, STAR Center Director ofTraining Phil Shullo, Director ofMember Training and Officer Develop-ment Jerry Pannell and STAR CenterDeck/LNG Instructor Greg Musk.

Sen. Lottannouncesretirement

Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) on Nov. 26announced he would retire by the end ofthis year.

Sen. Lott, who serves as SenateRepublican Whip, made the announce-ment in Pascagoula, the town in which hegrew up and where his father was a ship-yard worker.

Sen. Lott has been a strong support-er of the American maritime industry,U.S.-flag shipping and American ship-building throughout his 35-year career inCongress.

His was a leading role in the passageof the Maritime Security Act of 1996,which implemented the first MaritimeSecurity Program. His work was also crit-ical to the renewal of the program and theexpansion of the MSP fleet.

Sen. Lott was elected to the Senatein 1988 after serving in the House ofRepresentatives. In his announcement,Sen. Lott said his retirement was not dueto health concerns or any other problems.

"Let me make it clear, there are noproblems," Sen. Lott said. "I feel fine. Imay look my 66 years, but I honestly feelgood. And I get up every day believingthat I can maybe have a positive effect onwhat we do in the Senate.

"I want to collaborate and consultwith our governor, state officials, and withfederal officials, and I want to continue toserve in my position as whip in the Senateright to the end of the session and try to behelpful there as much as I can," he said.

Coast Guardurges shipsecurityofficers tocarry proof ofqualification

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a noticeurging designated ship security officers tocarry proof of their qualifications as such tomeet a requirement of the STCWConvention that will take effect Jan. 1,2008.

According to the Coast Guard bul-letin: “The mandatory requirements for shipsecurity officers (SSO) contained in theSTCW Convention will come into forceJan. 1, 2008. The requirements also providetransitional provisions that can be applieduntil July 1, 2009. The United States intendsto continue our existing practice for SSOs.We urge vessel owners and operators whooperate vessels on foreign trade to ensurethat SSOs carry proof of their qualifications.Examples of documents that will be accept-ed as meeting the requirements of theSTCW Convention are: course completioncertificate (in accordance with the MTSAregulations and the ISPS Code; and/or inaccordance with the International MaritimeOrganization’s SSO model courses) from acourse provider; company letter/certificate

attesting to the qualifications (in accordancewith the MTSA regulations and ISPSCode).”

The STCW Convention applies to allocean going vessels of 500 gross tons orgreater and will be enforced internationally,said Coast Guard Transportation SpecialistMayte Medina.

The Coast Guard asks that vesselsecurity officers working aboard all affectedvessels operating in both U.S. domestic and

international trades carry proof of theirqualifications, Medina said.

According to the bulletin: the CoastGuard has “determined that our existingregulations, 33 CFR 104.215, are substan-tially equivalent to the STCW requirements.To continue to meet our Convention respon-sibilities, we will seek to amend 33 CFR104.215 in order to include a licenseendorsement provision and transitional pro-visions. Once the regulations are published,

all U.S. mariners will be required to carryan endorsement on their license. Per theConvention requirements, the cut-off datefor obtaining the license endorsement usingour existing practice (transitional provi-sions) will be July 1, 2009. We will informPort State Control officials worldwide ofthis arrangement.”

For more information, contactMedina at (202) 372-1406 or by e-mail [email protected].

STCW requirementtakes effect Jan. 1

Documents

Agreement with Faststream offers new opportunities for … · Agreement with Faststream offers new opportunities for AMO officers ... For seagoing work with vessel own- ... ment with