September 2019Volume 49, Number 9

In This Issue:AMO program available to aid members impacted by natural disaster

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Page 8: New Safety and Education Plan Course Schedule and Updates

Copyright © 2019 American Maritime Officers H editorial@amo-union.org

Page 6-7: LNG-powered Marlin Class ships in Jones Act Puerto Rico trade

Senator Rob Portman named Great Lakes Legislator of the Year

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Jones Act fuels 13,850 jobs, $3.2 billion in economic impact for Ohio

Jones Act — Continued on Page 5

During a press conference in July with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), local business leaders and maritime industry representatives, the American Maritime Partnership highlighted the economic benefits of the Jones Act and U.S. domestic maritime industry to the state of Ohio and the Great Lakes region.

According to the findings of a study conducted by Pricewater-houseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of the Transportation Institute (TI), the Jones Act continues to fuel a strong maritime industry in Ohio and across the Great Lakes region, where the PwC report shows 123,670 Jones Act-related jobs — or 20 percent of the national total – are based. Throughout Ohio, the industry employs more than 13,850 individ-uals, produces $3.2 billion for the local economy, and generates $817.5 million in worker income. Between 2011 and 2016, maritime employment in Ohio increased by 3,520 jobs. Thirty billion dollars of the national

Jones Act economic impact comes from the eight Great Lakes states.

Ohio is also an important shipyard state. A recent study of shipbuilding by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), covering both commercial and military ship construction, found more than $617 million of annual economic impact and more than $364 million in worker income for the state.

The backbone of the domestic mar-itime industry is the Jones Act, which re-quires the transportation of merchandise between all U.S. points to be reserved for U.S. -built, -owned, -crewed and -docu-mented vessels. The law is not only a vital anchor for economic strength and job creation for Ohio, but also a pillar for the entire nation’s prosperity and security.

“Today’s report confirms our course: invest in our maritime assets and prepare our workforce for the maritime jobs of the future. This region has an important place at the table to strengthen our strong domestic maritime indus-try and its critical role in our national security and prosperity,” said Rep. Kaptur.

“In Ohio alone, the efforts of over 13,000 workers facilitate more than $3 billion moving into local economies and generat-ing $817.5 million in worker income. These are the benchmarks from which workers and industry leaders can build on our successes and plan a future of expanded commerce and opportunity.”

“Ohio workers are the best in the world at what they do and today’s report shows that our state’s maritime industry is no exception. Ohio’s ports and ship-ping industry provide good-paying jobs and these workers play a key role in our nation’s economy,” said Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH).

The Great Lakes are among “Amer-ica’s most important environmental and economic resources and are a major component of Ohio’s domestic maritime industry. This would not be possible without the skilled and dedicated men and women who comprise Ohio’s maritime workforce,” said Congressman Bob Gibbs (R-OH). “Ohio’s status as one of America’s best states for the maritime industry is no surprise to those who see it up close

every day. The release of today’s study showing an increase in the number of domestic maritime jobs in Ohio and the contribution its employ-ees make to the state and nation are to be applauded.”

“Across America, cities are focused on building infrastructure, keeping residents safe and creating a local economy where all our resi-dents have opportunities. Investing in workforce development and jobs helps a local economy not only thrive here and now, but grow for the future. And that’s exactly what the Jones Act has contributed to Cleveland, and to the entire Great Lakes region,” said Councilmember Matt Zone of Cleve-land, and immediate past president of the National League of Cities.

“The state of Ohio is a leader in the domestic maritime industry, sup-porting 13,850 family-wage jobs and contributing over $3.2 billion to the local economy,” said TI Chairman and President James Henry. “The findings in our most recent study demon-strate the strength and necessity of the Jones Act, which serves as the backbone of the American maritime industry, the U.S. industrial base, and

AMO, AMOS, Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council contribute to Hurricane Dorian relief efforts

American Maritime Officers National Executive Vice President Mike Finnigan and Seafarers International Union Assistant Vice President, Gulf Coast, Kris Hopkins, who serves as ex-ecutive vice president of the Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council (GSFMTC), help stage relief supplies donated by AMO, American Maritime Officers Service and the GSFMTC for victims of Hurricane Dorian at SEACOR in Port Everglades, Fla. on September 5. SEACOR shipped these and other relief supplies to the Bahamas.

In the wake of Hurricane Dorian, fire fighters performed search-and-rescue operations in the ravaged islands of the Bahamas. Electricians raced bucket trucks to South Atlantic U.S. communities. Communications workers reconnected people to their loved ones. Local, state and federal government workers plotted the track of the storm and prepared relief operations.

Union members whose internationals are affiliated with the MTD are among the thousands upon thousands helping victims of the worst hurricane this year, reported the Maritime Trades Department of the AFL-CIO (MTD) on September 6. After ransacking the northern islands in the Bahamas with category 5 strength winds and torrential rains, the storm headed to the Atlantic Coast before finally moving out to sea.

Not only are union members assisting their own, they once again are playing a vital role in the recovery of whole commu-nities and regions within the two nations.

Just hours after the storm cleared the Bahamas, the Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council (GSFMTC), of which American Maritime Officers is a member, filled a box truck with badly needed sup-plies that were loaded onto a ship sailing out of Port Everglades to the Bahamas.

“We got lucky that the storm didn’t hit us,” said GSFMTC Vice President Kris Hopkins. “So we gathered our supplies and immediately sent them to those in need.”

Among those items were bottled water and Gatorade, canned food, diapers, household necessities, toiletries and other goods.

Hurricane Relief — Continued on Page 7

2 September 2019

American Maritime Officer(USPS 316-920)

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U.S. Coast Guard: Final update on mariner document extensions due to partial government shutdown The following article was released by the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center.

Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) and Medical Certificates (national endorsements only) that expired in December 2018, January 2019, February 2019, March 2019, April 2019, May 2019, June 2019, or July 2019 remained valid only until August 31, 2019.

No further credential extensions are authorized.The backlog of credential applications and increased net processing time caused by

the lapse in appropriations and partial government shutdown has improved.Within (two weeks of August 26), the National Maritime Center (NMC) will resume pro-

cessing all MMC applications within the stated goal of 30 net days. Applications for medical certificates are currently processed well under the stated goal of 20 net days.

The NMC recommends mariners submit their application packages at least two months prior to the expiration date of their current credentials.

If you need immediate assistance or require expedited processing, contact our Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system (https://tinyurl.com/yb9b8t6l), by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

For general information, visit the NMC website (http://www.uscg.mil/nmc).

AMO aboard the American CenturyThe American Century enters Duluth Harbor on August 20 en route to Superior Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior, Wis. Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the American Century in August (below: left to right) included Third Assistant Engineer Rick Wysocki, Chief Engineer Steve Hess and Second A.E. Jackson Dwyer. AMO represents all licensed officers aboard the American Steam-ship Company vessel.

Second Mate Chris Tosa works on deck as the American Century prepares to load coal at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal.

U.S.-flag cargo float on Great Lakes increased in June and JulyU.S.-flagged Great Lakes freighters moved 9.9 million tons of cargo in June, an increase of 2.3 percent compared with the same period in 2018 and a near match of the five-year average mark for the month of June.

In July, U.S.-flagged ships moved 11.4 million tons of cargo, an increase of 16.4 percent compared with July 2018. The month’s cargo float was 10.2 percent above the five-year average mark for July.

For the month, iron ore cargoes

totaled 6.2 million tons, an increase of 18.2 percent. Coal cargoes totaled 1.2 million tons, a decrease of nearly 6.1 percent. Ship-ments of aggregate, fluxstone, chemical stone and scrubber stone totaled 3.4 million tons, an increase of 23.9 percent.

For the 2019 season at the end of July, total U.S.-flag cargo movement had increased 13.9 percent compared with the same point in 2018. Shipments of iron ore, coal and limestone had all increased by more than 11 percent.

September 2019 3

AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICER www.amo-union.org

American Maritime Officers Membership Assistance Program available to aid AMO members hit by natural disasterThe American Maritime Officers Membership Assistance Program (MAP) is a voluntary disaster relief fund established to aid AMO members, applicants for membership in AMO, and AMO retirees who suffer damage to their property as the result of severe storms and natural disasters, such as Hurricane Dorian.

Benefits from the AMO Membership Assistance Program are paid in varying amounts determined exclusively by need.

The application for relief benefits under the Membership Assistance Program is available on the AMO website (www.amo-union.org/PDFs/mapapplication.pdf).

The Membership Assistance Program is a permanent, independent, tax-exempt and voluntary disaster relief fund established by the AMO National Executive Board.

AMO made an initial contribution to the fund at its inception, and the fund is now sustained by individual voluntary tax-deductible contributions.

AMO members can make tax-deductible voluntary contributions to the Amer-ican Maritime Officers Membership Assistance Program via authorized vacation deductions (www.amoplans.com/Forms/Vacation/mapdeduction.pdf).

Contributions can also be made by sending checks or money orders to:

AMO Membership Assistance Program601 S. Federal HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4109

ATB Sea-Power completes first methanol parcel chemical shipmentThe following article was released August 19 by SEACOR Holdings. American Maritime Offi-cers represents all licensed officers aboard the ATB Sea-Power.

Seabulk Tankers, Inc. (Seabulk), a subsidiary of SEACOR Holdings Inc., announced today the successful delivery of its first methanol parcel chemical shipment

aboard the articulated tug/barge (ATB) Sea-Power/Sea-Chem I.

The Sea-Power/Sea-Chem I loaded a 10,500 metric ton methanol parcel in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and discharged the parcel in Charleston, South Carolina and Chesapeake, Virginia. The vessel can load up to 30,000 metric tons of cargo into

eleven segregations and is equipped with stainless steel cargo piping and MarineLINE 784 cargo tank coating. She is one of the most modern, fuel efficient, and capable chemical parcel vessels in the Jones Act fleet today.

Seabulk President, Daniel Thorogood stated: “This is an exciting time for U.S.

producers of methanol and other chemicals as low-cost natural gas has created an op-portunity to expand domestic production.”

Industry experts believe that by 2024 total U.S. methanol production capacity could increase by as much as 70 percent or more from 6.8 million metric tons in 2018.

Methanol is a liquid chemical pro-duced from conventional fossil sources, as well as sustainable raw materials like biomass, industrial waste, and carbon di-oxide and is used in thousands of everyday products, such as plastics, paints, resins and polyester. It is also used as an alter-native transportation fuel and blended into gasoline to enhance combustion efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Seabulk is committed to supporting the growth of the domestic methanol indus-try and, with it, the rise of U.S. coastwise trade. Seabulk will continue to service producers and end-users with its highly capable fleet of equipment and experienced marine personnel.

AMO aboard the ATB Sea-PowerMembers of American Maritime Officers working aboard the articulated tug/barge (ATB) Sea-Power in May, here in Deer Park, Texas, included Captain Gerald Arno and Chief Engineer Jay Fernald. The ATB Sea-Power is operated by Seabulk Tankers and is manned in all licensed positions by AMO.

AMO aboard the ATB Presque IsleThe ATB Presque Isle enters the north ore dock in Two Harbors, Minn. on August 20. Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the Presque Isle in August included (below: left to right) First Mate Bartholomy Drabenstot and Second Mate Ken Houseal. AMO represents the licensed officers and stewards aboard the Key Lakes vessel.

Chief Engineer Michael Kolenda and Third Assistant Engi-neer Lucas Monroe

Steward Matt Sullivan

Third A.E. Ken Murray

4 September 2019

www.amo-union.org AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICER

American Maritime Officers Plans Summary Annual Reports: Fiscal Year 2018

The SAR for the AMO Vacation Plan for fiscal year 2018 is on Page 12. The 401(k) Plan SAR for calendar year 2018 will be printed at a later date.

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, 2017 through September 30, 2018. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

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

$44,599,985. These expenses included $3,550,566 in administrative expenses, and $41,049,419 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 4,992 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $557,936,931 as of September 30, 2018, compared to $521,961,580 as of October 01, 2017. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $35,975,351. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $80,575,336, including employer contributions of $33,518,304, realized gains of $17,239,261 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $27,350,513, and other income of $2,467,258.

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;• 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 costs will be $0.15 per page.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, 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 that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (The Board of Trustees American Maritime Officers 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 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 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

Medical PlanThis is a summary of the annual report of the American Maritime Officers Medical Plan, EIN 13-5600786, Plan No. 501, for period October 01, 2017 through September 30, 2018. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Insurance InformationThe plan has contracts with Life Insurance Company Of North America and Hcc Life

Insurance Company to pay stop loss and Accidental Death claims incurred under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending September 30, 2018 were $304,919.

Basic Financial StatementThe value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $17,019,038 as

of September 30, 2018, compared to $14,118,693 as of October 01, 2017. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,900,345. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the 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 $49,201,976, including employer contributions of $48,655,522, employee contributions of $219,168, realized gains of $97,654 from the sale of assets, earn-ings from investments of $6,323, and other income of $223,309.

Plan expenses were $46,301,631. These expenses included $6,195,143 in administrative expenses, and $40,106,488 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: • an accountant’s report;• financial information;• 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 costs will be $0.15 per page..

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, 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 that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees of the American Maritime Officers Medical 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 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 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

Defined Contribution PlanThis is a summary of the annual report for American Maritime Officers Defined Contribution Plan, EIN 27-1269640, Plan No. 001, for period October 01, 2017 through September 30, 2018. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

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

$8,313,916. These expenses included $915,810 in administrative expenses, and $7,398,106 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 4,242 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $137,898,133 as of September 30, 2018, compared to $117,852,321 as of October 01, 2017. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $20,045,812. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets

AMO DC Plan — Continued on Page 12

September 2019 5

AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICER www.amo-union.org

Jones ActContinued from Page 1

job creation for the hardworking men and women that crew the vessels delivering both in times of war and peace.”

“Quite simply, the Jones Act is American security,” said Matt Woodruff, President of the American Maritime Partnership. “In addition to the job creation benefits detailed in this study, our American mariners are relied on by defense leaders to project American force overseas in a national emergency. Along-side our waterfront workers, they are the eyes and ears of homeland security on our nation’s coasts and waterways. Our American-controlled fleet provides eco-nomic security, ensuring that our nation’s internal freight transportation system is not subject to foreign interference. Amer-ican maritime jobs always have and will continue to be vital in the never-ending

task of keeping America safe, strong and prosperous for generations to come.”

“U.S. maritime cabotage laws, (such as) the Jones Act, protect the Great Lakes through regulation of 46 CFR Shipping, enforced by the United States Coast Guard. Evidence based studies also prove the Jones Act plays an instrumental role in national and economic security of the United States. For all these and many more reasons, the Jones Act is good for Ohio by keeping it environmentally and economically healthy,” said American Maritime Officers National Vice President, Great Lakes, John Clemons.

“The domestic maritime industry is a hugely important source of well-pay-ing, family-wage jobs for American mariners here in Ohio and all across the country,” said Seafarers International Union Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell. “SIU members have been safely plying these waterways for many de-cades, contributing to the local economy

and delivering the goods.”Powell added: “I’m also proud of the

fact that high-ranking individuals in the administration and in our military have pointed out that our crews are a vital component of homeland security. They’re on our rivers and coasts every day. They know if something doesn’t look right, and they have a big stake in the safety and security of our vessels and ports.”

Thanks to the Jones Act, the domestic maritime industry employs approximately 650,000 Americans across all 50 states, creates $41 billion in labor income for American workers, and adds more than $154.8 billion in annual eco-nomic output each year.

The U.S. domestic fleet is one of the largest in the world, with more than 40,000 vessels — built in American shipyards, crewed by American mariners, and owned by American companies — that operate in American waters 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Senator Rob Portman named Great Lakes Legislator of the Year for 2019

Ohio Republican Senator Rob Portman on August 9 received the 2019 Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Award from the larg-est labor/management coalition represent-ing shipping on America’s Fourth Sea Coast. The award is presented annually by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) to a legislator who has helped advance waterborne commerce on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

“Senator Portman understands the importance of marine transportation to our national and regional economies,” said GLMTF 2019 President John Baker. “As co-chair of the Great Lakes Congressional Task Force, Senator Portman often works in a bipartisan way on the complex issues confronting the region.”

Baker, president emeritus of the International Longshoremen Association’s Great Lakes District Council, said: “GLMTF is especially grateful that Senator Portman played a key role in passing the Vessel In-cidental Discharge Act as part of the Coast Guard Authorization Bill. While preserving a role for the states and the Environ-mental Protection Agency, it charged the Coast Guard with primary responsibility for implementing and enforcing vessel regulations. Senator Portman negotiated language that overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate.”

“Senator Portman’s commitment to workforce development and interest in U.S. shipbuilding are other reasons for his selec-tion,” said GLMTF 1st Vice President Richard Hammer, assistant general manager of Don-jon Shipbuilding and Repair. “Presenting the award at the Great Lakes Shipyard on the Cuyahoga River is an appropriate venue.”

GLMTF 2nd Vice President John Clem-ons, national vice president, Great Lakes, for American Maritime Officers, stressed Senator Portman’s support for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine played another role in his selection. “As a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Commit-tee, Senator Portman understands that the economic security, homeland security and national security interests of the United States are best served by vessels crewed, built and owned by Americans.”

GLMTF 3rd Vice President Jim Weak-ley, president of Lake Carriers’ Association, said Senator Portman’s support for the many jobs along the waterfront and the roles they play in the economy are unques-tioned. “Senator Portman continues to work on environmental and economic issues that benefit Lake Erie and the entire Great Lakes region. His bipartisan nature is a true testa-ment to Midwest values and Ohio’s tradition of statesmanship.”

“I’m honored to be named the 2019 Great Lakes Legislator of the Year by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force,” Senator Portman said. “As co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, I will continue to lead the fight to protect our Great Lakes while ensuring our shipping industry in Ohio and across the region remains competitive. Lake Erie is an Ohio treasure that provides

drinking water for three million Ohioans, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, and draws millions of visitors each year. I will continue to fight to help preserve this treasure for future generations.”

With his selection as Great Lakes Legislator of the Year, Senator Portman becomes the eleventh Ohio legislator to re-ceive the award since its inception in 1998. Previous recipients are Senator John D. Glenn (D); Congressman Louis B. Stokes (D); Congressman Steve LaTourette (R); Senator Mike DeWine (R); Senator George Voinovich (R); Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D); Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D); Congresswoman Betty Sutton (D); Con-gressman Bob Gibbs (R) and Congressman David Joyce (R).

Founded in 1992, Great Lakes Maritime Task Force promotes domestic

and international shipping on the Great Lakes. With 78 members, it is the largest U.S. coalition to ever speak for the Great Lakes shipping community and draws its membership from both labor and man-agement representing U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, port authorities, cargo shippers, terminal operators, shipyards and other Great Lakes interests. Its goals include ensuring Lakes dredging is adequately funded, construc-tion of a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, bolstering the Coast Guard’s icebreaking resources, protecting the Jones Act and other U.S. maritime cab-otage laws and regulations, maximizing the Lakes overseas trade via the St. Lawrence Seaway, opposing exports and/or increased diversions of Great Lakes water, and ex-panding short sea shipping on the Lakes.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) discusses the importance of the U.S. domestic maritime industry supported by the Jones Act to the economies of Ohio and the Great Lakes region during a press conference in July.

Congratulating Ohio Republican Senator Rob Portman (center) on his receipt of the Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Award in August were Great Lakes Maritime Task Force 2nd Vice President John Clemons, GLMTF 3rd Vice President Jim Weakley, GLMTF President John Baker, and Fraser Shipyards Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer James Farkas.

6 September 2019

www.amo-union.org AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICER

AMO aboard the Perla del Caribe in Jones Act tradeThe LNG dual-fueled Jones Act containership Perla del Caribe, here loading cargo in San Juan, Puerto Rico in August, is operated by TOTE Ser-vices and is manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.

The LNG dual-fueled containership Perla del Caribe recently underwent a shipyard period in Freeport, Grand Bahama. The crew spent the previous four months preparing for the shipyard and complet-ed their first special survey and first renewal U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection in a five-month time frame. The ship’s crew was able to inspect all of the vessel’s tanks and cargo holds, and all critical equipment, while maintaining their weekly Jones Act liner service from Jacksonville, Fla. to San Juan, Puerto Rico. AMO members working aboard the Perla del Caribe in July included Captain Joe Zayac III, Captain Kevin Stith, Second Mate Kruger Donald, Third Mates Liam Gagliano and Jaime Baretty, and Chief Mate Russell Horton. With them are ABs Maddie Gilligan, Raul Colon Matos, Antonio Centeno, Jorge Soler and Jonathan Rivera, and Bosun Adrian Surrillo.

The crew of the Perla del Caribe hosted a tour of the state-of-the-art ship for children of the employees of the San Juan terminal in August. The children learned about the mari-time industry and its importance to the island and the nation, and the crew also explained the environmental benefits of the LNG-powered containership.

Captain Kevin Stith is presented with a portrait of the Perla del Caribe by one of the chil-dren who took a tour of the ship in August.

AMO members working aboard the Perla del Caribe in July during its first five-year dry-docking included First Assistant Engineer Mike Busque and Chief Engineer Joe Woods.

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AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICER www.amo-union.org

AMO aboard the Isla Bella in Jones Act service for Puerto Rico

The LNG dual-fueled Jones Act con-tainership Isla Bella, here sailing to

San Juan, Puerto Rico from Jack-sonville, Fla. in August, is operated by TOTE Services and is manned in all licensed positions by American

Maritime Officers. The Isla Bella and Perla del Caribe form the Marlin Class and operate in regular cargo service

between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico.

Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the Isla Bella in August included (in no particular order) Captain Andrew Mayher, Chief Mate Richard Smith, Second Mate Joseph Soha, Third Mates Richard Hines and Tyler Ferris, Chief Engi-neer Gregory Stuart, First Assistant Engineer Paul Connolly, Jr., Second A.E. Garrett Watson and Third A.E. Anthony Gange.

On September 5, Hopkins worked with AMO, American Maritime Officers Plans and the Seafarers International Union, for which he is the assistant vice president, Gulf Coast, to load supplies donated by the GSFMTC, AMO and American Maritime Officers Service in Dania Beach, Fla. and transport them to SEACOR in Port Everglades for shipment to the Bahamas.

In another effort, officials, directors

Hurricane ReliefContinued from Page 1

and employees of both American Maritime Officers and AMO Plans began donating re-

Members of American Maritime Offi-cers working aboard the USNS Henson in August included Chief Mate Will Taylor, Radio Operator Joanne Sykes, Captain Kristin Mangold, Second Mate Danielle Garcia-Lance, and Third Mates Alex Craft and Jack Smith. The USNS Henson is operated for Military Sealift Command by Ocean Ships, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Captain Kristin Mangold

AMO aboard USNS Henson

lief supplies in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. The first shipment departed

the AMO Plans campus on September 6 for shipment to the Bahamas.

In addition, the GSFMTC received seven pallets of supplies from the Dania Beach Lions Club for shipment to the Bahamas (the GSFMTC and Lions Club have worked on several community projects over the years).

“We understand how important it is to get immediate help to our neighbors in the Bahamas,” said AMO National President Paul Doell, who serves as president of the GSFMTC. “This is not a one-time effort. We will continue to assist them.”

8 September 2019

www.amo-union.org AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICER

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 CoursesCombined Basic & Advanced Low Flash Point Fuel Operations (IGF Code/LNG Fuel) Course 5 Days 2 December 17 February 27 April

Confined Space Entry 3 Days 23 October 2 December 17 February

Advanced Fire Fighting 5 Days 11 November 24 February 27 April

Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher 2 Days 9 December 2 March

Basic Safety Training — All 4 modules must be completed within 12 months: Personal Safety Techniques (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 9 December 2 March

Basic Safety Training — Refresher 3 Days 11 December 4 March

Chemical Safety — Advanced 5 Days 24 February

ECDIS 5 Days 14 October 24 February 20 April

Environmental Awareness (includes Oily Water Separator) 3 Days 8 January 27 April

Fast Rescue Boat 4 Days 28 October 27 January 30 March 20 April

GMDSS — Requires after-hour homework 10 Days 20 January

LNG Tankerman PIC 8 Days 18 March

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

5 Days 30 March

Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboat) 4 Days 12 November 17 December 9 March

Safety Officer Course 2 Days 3 October 5 December 20 February

Tankerman PIC DL — Classroom 5 Days 28 October 27 January

Tankerman PIC DL — Simulator 10 Days 14 October 9 December 6 January 2 March 13 April

Tankerman PIC DL — Accelerated Program 10 Days Please Call

Train the Trainer 5 Days 21 October 16 December 10 February 9 March 13 April

Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties — VPDSD 2 Days 27 February

Vessel/Company Security Officer — Includes Anti-Piracy 3 Days 30 September 10 February

Crowd Management 1 Day Please Call

Crisis Management & Human Behavior 1 Day Please Call

Basic Training & Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation (Required by first credential renewal AFTER 1 January 2017) 2 Days 23, 26

September7, 10, 21October

4, 7, 21 November 5 December 9, 16, 23

January13, 20February

19, 23, 26 March 16 April

EFA (Scheduled with Basic Training Revalidation BUT NOT REQUIRED FOR STCW 2010) 1 Day 23 October 19 February

Leadership & Management (required by ALL management level Deck and Engine officers by 1 Jan 2017) 5 Days 14 October 9 December 27 January 23 March

Maritime Security Awareness 1/2 Day Please Call

Medical CoursesHeat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 2 December 6 April

Elementary First Aid — Prerequisite for MCP within preceding 6 months 1 day 24 September 5 November 3 December 21 January 25 February 24 March

Medical Care Provider — Prerequisite for MPIC within preceding 6 months. Please fax EFA certificate when registering 3 days 25 September 6 November 4 December 22 January 26 February 25 March 7 April

Medical PIC — Please FAX MCP certificate when registering 5 days 30 September 11 November 9 December 27 January 30 March

Urinalysis Collector Training 1 day 7 October 18 November 16 December 3 February

Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) — Alco Sensors 3 and 4 only 1 day 9 October 20 November 18 December 5 February

Screening Test Technician — QEDs a.m./Alco Mate 7000 p.m. 1 day 8 October 19 November 17 December 4 February

Radar CoursesRadar Recertification 1 day 25, 26 Sept. 9, 10, 30, 31 Oct. 13, 14 Nov. 20 December 13 January 2 March

ARPA 4 days 14 January

Radar Recertification & ARPA 5 days 13 January

Original Radar Observer Unlimited 5 days 6 January

Deck CoursesAdvanced Bridge Resource Management — Meets STCW 2010 Leadership & Management gap closing requirements 5 days 24 February

Advanced Shiphandling for Masters — (No equivalency) Must have sailed as Chief Mate Unlimited 5 days 14 Oct. (P.M.) 18 November 2 December 6 January

(P.M) 9 March 13 April

Advanced Shiphandling for 3rd Mates — 60 days seatime equiv. for 3rd Mates 10 days 14 October 4 November 6 Jan. (P.M.) 10 Feb. (P.M.) 2 March

Tug Training — ASD Assist 5 days 9 December 27 April

Basic Meteorology 5 days 13 January

Basic Celestial — OICNW 10 days 24 February

Dynamic Positioning — Induction (Basic) 5 days 28 October 27 January 9 March

Dynamic Positioning — Simulator (Advanced) 5 days 18 November 20 April

Dynamic Positioning — Revalidation 5 days 9 December 10 February

Navigational Watchkeeping Standardization & Assessment Program 5 days 14, 28 October 11 November 2, 16 Dec. 13 January 2 March 13 April

TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) — Third Mate (Unlimited or Great Lakes) or 1600T Master License required AND OICNW required 5 days 23 September 30 March

Advanced and Emergency Shiphandling — First Class Pilots, Great Lakes 5 days 10 February

September 2019 9

AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICER www.amo-union.org

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 adhere to 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 previ-ously completed.

Upgrade: Shiphandling at the Management Level 10 days 30 September 9 December 6, 20 January 23 March 20 April

Upgrade: Advanced Meteorology — Requires after-hours homework 5 days 14 October 20 January 16 March 13 April

Advanced Stability 5 Days 7, 21 October 6 January 2 March 20 April

Search & Rescue 2 days 28 October 3, 6, 17 Feb. 6 April

Management of Medical Care 1/2 day 30 October 5, 19 February 8 April

Leadership & Management 5 Days 14 October 9 December 27 January 17 February 23 March

Advanced Cargo — Optional for task sign-off 5 Days 18 November 10 February 30 March

Marine Propulsion Plants — Optional for task sign-off 5 Days 16 December 24 February

Advanced Celestial — Optional for task sign-off 5 Days 2 December 9 March 27 April

Advanced Navigation — Optional for task sign-off 5 days 9 December 17 February 13 April

Engineering CoursesBasic Electricity 10 days 28 October 24 February 20 April

Diesel Crossover 4 weeks 21 October

Engine Room Resource Management (Simulator) 5 days 28 October 11 November 10 February

Gas Turbine Endorsement 10 days 28 October 11 November 2 December 13 January 10 February 9 March

Marine High Voltage (Classroom) 5 days 21 October 3 February

Hydraulics / Pneumatics 5 days 30 September 27 January 30 March

Machine Shop 10 days 24 February

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 5 days 28 October 9 December 10 February 9 March

Refrigeration (Operational Level) 5 days 13 January 16 March

Refrigeration (Management Level) Universal Refrigeration Recoverycertificate required. Please attach copy with registration. 5 days 23 September 20 January 23 March

Steam Endorsement 4 weeks 27 January 27 April

Controls and Instrumentation 10 days Please call

Welding & Metallurgy Skills & Practices — Open to eligible Chief Mates and Masters on a space available basis. Interested participants should apply online and will be confirmed 2 weeks prior to start date. 2 weeks 23 September 2 December 9 March

Engine Upgrade — STCW 2010 — Management Level (NVIC 15-14) — If sea service or training towards management level (1A/E-Chief Eng.) upgrade started ON OR AFTER 24 March 2014, you must adhere to this new program of training. Completion of both required and optional courses listed below will include all Task Assessments required by NVIC 15-14. By completing the series, no expiration limitation will be placed on your 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 14 October 9 December 27 January 23 March

ERM (E050 as amended) — REQUIRED (unless previously taken for gap closing or original license) 5 days 28 October 10 February

Upgrade: Electrical, Electronics & Control Engineering (Management Level) (E133 as amended) (UPGRADE with tasks) Required unless previously taken for gap closing or original license

5 days 21 October 16 December 3 February 30 March

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — General: This class is required by all propulsion types (Motor, Gas and Steam) Licensed engineers — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard

5 days 7 October 20 January 16 March

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Steam (E121 as amended) — OPTIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard 5 days 4 November 24 February

STCW Upgrade Task Assessment — Gas Turbine (E122 as amended) — OP-TIONAL: Tasks can be signed off onboard 3 days 11 November 2 March

MSC Training ProgramBasic CBR Defense 1 day 20 September 21 November 7, 24 January 19 March

Damage Control 1 day 20 November 6, 23 January 18 March 30 April

Heat Stress Afloat / Hearing Conservation Afloat 1 day 2 December 6 April

Helicopter Fire Fighting 1 day 19 November 16 December 8, 22 January 13, 17 March

Marine Environmental Programs (with CBRD) 1/2 day 21 November 7, 24 January 19 March

Marine Sanitation Devices / Water Sanitation Afloat 1/2 day 11 December

MSC Readiness Refresher — Must have completed full CBRD & DC once in career 2 days 18 November 21 January 16 March

MSC Watchstander — BASIC — Once in career, SST grads grandfathered 2 days 4 November 2 December 3 February 13 April

MSC Watchstander — ADVANCED — Required for all SRF members 1 day 27September

4, 18October

1, 5November

3, 13December 17, 31 January 4, 14, 28

February2, 13, 27 March 14, 24 April

MSC Ship Reaction Force — Required every three years for SRF members 3 days 6 November 4 December 5 February 3 March 15 April

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 23, 30September 14, 28 October 12 November 9 December 13, 27

January10, 24February 9, 23 March 6, 20 April

Self-Study, CDs and Online CoursesAnti-Terrorism Level 1 Online

DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation Training Online

EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification Examination Self Study

Qualified Assessor Online

Vessel General Permit — EPA On Campus in conjunction with other classes

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

10 September 2019

www.amo-union.org AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICER

DIRECTORYTOLEDO, OH 43604One Maritime Plaza, Third FloorFAX: (419) 255-2350John E. Clemons, National Vice President, Great LakesMobile: (419) 205-3509johnclemons@amo-union.org(800) 362-0513 Extension 6003Joseph T. Brown, Great Lakes RepresentativeMobile: (419) 309-1729jbrown@amo-union.org(800) 362-0513 Extension 6007Michelle Moffitt, Dispatcher (mmoffitt@amo-union.org)(800) 362-0513 Extension 6005 / Mobile: (419) 481-3470

NEW ORLEANS / MADISONVILLE, LA 70447P.O. Box 970Daniel J. Robichaux, National Vice President, Inland Waters Mobile: (985) 201-5462drobichaux@amo-union.org(954) 367-1036 / FAX: (954) 367-1062

SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND, CA 946071121 7th Street, Second FloorWilliam Barrere, West Coast RepresentativeMobile: (415) 654-2671wbarrere@amo-union.orgFAX: (954) 367-1064

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

STAR CENTER

STUDENT SERVICES/LODGING AND COURSE INFORMATION 2 West Dixie Highway / Dania Beach, FL 33004-4312(954) 920-3222 Extension 201 / (800) 942-3220 Extension 201Course Attendance Confirmation: (800) 942-3220 Extension 20024 Hours: (954) 920-3222 Extension 7999 / FAX: (954) 920-3140

SERVICES

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

MEDICAL CLINIC2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4312(954) 927-5213

AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid ProgramMichael RenyMobile: (419) 346-1485(419) 243-1105(888) 853-4662MikeReny@BEX.NETFAX: (419) 243-8953

AMO PLANS2 West Dixie HighwayDania Beach, FL 33004-4312(800) 348-6515 / FAX: (954) 922-7539

General CounselGlanstein LLP711 Third Ave., 17th FloorNew York, NY 10017(212) 370-5100(954) 662-9407FAX: (212) 697-6299

AMO NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

DANIA BEACH, FL 33004-4109601 S. Federal Highway(954) 921-2221 / (800) 362-0513Paul Doell, National President Mobile: (954) 881-5651pdoell@amo-union.orgExtension 1001 / FAX: (954) 926-5112Charles A. Murdock, National Secretary-TreasurerMobile: (954) 789-8944cmurdock@amo-union.orgExtension 1004 / FAX: (954) 367-1025Mike F. Finnigan, National Executive Vice PresidentMobile: (386) 986-8495mfinnigan@amo-union.org / contracts@amo-union.orgExtension 1011 / FAX: (954) 367-1064Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker, National Vice President, Deep SeaMobile: (954) 673-0680jgremelsbacker@amo-union.orgExtension 1009 / FAX: (954) 367-1029Todd Christensen, East Coast Representative Mobile: (561) 806-3768tchristensen@amo-union.orgExtension 1007Michael J. Thomas, Gulf Coast Representative Mobile: (954) 290-9775mthomas@amo-union.orgRobert Silva, Government Liaison Mobile: (954) 765-8149bsilva@amo-union.orgExtension 1013Marie Doruth, Executive Assistant to the National PresidentMobile: (954) 290-8109mdoruth@amo-union.orgExtension 1017 / FAX: (954) 926-5112

Dispatch: (800) 345-3410 / FAX: (954) 926-5126Brendan Keller, Dispatcher (bkeller@amo-union.org)(800) 362-0513 Extension 1061 / Mobile: (954) 817-4000Roy Emrick, Jr., Dispatcher (remrick@amo-union.org)(800) 362-0513 Extension 1060 / Mobile: (954) 298-7635

Member Services: (800) 362-0513 Extension 1050memberservices@amo-union.org / FAX: (954) 367-1066

OFFICES

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, Suite 7204Paul Doell, National President Mobile: (954) 881-5651pdoell@amo-union.orgT. Christian Spain, National Vice President, Government RelationsMobile: (202) 658-8887cspain@amo-union.org(800) 362-0513 Extension 7010 / FAX: (202) 479-1188

AMO PLANS CONTACT INFORMATION

AMO Plans normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern.

Phone: (800) 348-6515To request a connection with a specific person, dial “0” for the operator.Medical Customer Service: extension 12Retirement Services (Pension, 401(k), MPB, and DC): extension 14Vacation: extension 15

FAX — Retirement Services: (954) 922-7539FAX — Medical Plan: (954) 920-9482FAX — Vacation Plan: (954) 926-7274E-mail — Medical Plan: amomedical@amoplans.comE-mail — Vacation Plan: amovacation@amoplans.comE-mail — 401(k) Plan: amo401k@amoplans.comE-mail — Retirement Services: amopension@amoplans.com

September 2019 11

AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICER www.amo-union.org

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Regular monthly membership meetings for American Maritime Officers will be held during the week following the first Sunday of every month beginning at 1 p.m. local time.

Meetings will be held on Monday at AMO National Headquarters (on Tuesday when Monday is a contract holiday). The next meetings will take place on the following dates:

October 7, November 4, December 2

Newport Group phone number, Webaddress for managing individual AMO Plans retirement accountsIf you have questions regarding your individual AMO Plans retirement accounts — 401(k), Defined Contribution, Money Purchase Benefit — you can contact the New-port Group by phone at 800-650-1065. If you need investment advice, a Newport Group representative can transfer you to a Merrill Lynch advisor.

As before, there will continue to be no fee to consult with a professional investment advisor. You can review your accounts and investment selections online at https://www.newportgroup.com by clicking the “Log In” tab and selecting “Participant Access” from the menu.

American Maritime Officers members train at STAR Center

American Maritime Officers members who attended the Shiphandling at Management Level course at STAR Center in March included Edward Mallon, Matthew Patriquin, Theodore Sanford and Max Warncke. With them is instructor Mark Rupprecht.

American Maritime Officers members who attended the Refrigeration — Management Level course at STAR Center in March included Daniel Capozello, Colin Carter, John Dentino and Todd Stafford.

12 September 2019

www.amo-union.org AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICER

AMO DC PlanContinued from Page 4

at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $28,359,728, including employer contributions of $20,272,788, earnings from investments of $7,452,661, and other income of $634,279.

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

of, 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 ac-

counts, 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 2 West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004, or by telephone at (954) 922-7428. The charge to cover copying costs will be $0.15 per page.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, 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 administra-tor, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees American Maritime Officers Defined Contribution 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 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. Depart-ment of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

AMO Vacation Plan:Summary Annual Report for fiscal year 2018This is a summary of the annual report of the American Maritime Officers Vacation Plan, EIN 11-1929852, Plan No. 501, for period October 01, 2017 through September 30, 2018. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Adminis-tration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial StatementThe value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $898,172 as

of September 30, 2018, compared to ($39,500) as of October 01, 2017. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $937,672. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the differ-ence between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the 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 $102,681,962, including employer contributions of $102,642,645, realized gains of $42,315 from the sale of assets, earnings from invest-ments of ($3,028), and other income of $30.

Plan expenses were $101,744,290. These expenses included $1,258,892 in adminis-trative expenses, and $100,485,398 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:• an accountant’s report;• financial information;• 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 Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004, or by telephone at (954) 922-7428. The charge to cover copying costs will be $0.15 per page.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompany-ing notes, 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 admin-istrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected r ight to examine the annual repor t at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees American Maritime Offi-cers Vacation Plan, 2 Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004) and at the U.S. Depar tment of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Depar tment of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Depar t-ment should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Depar tment of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

U.S. Coast Guard Qualified Assessor requirements for STCW assessments — deadline December 31, 2019All AMO officers are reminded that, after December 31, 2019, assessments of com-petence for STCW (deck and engine) endorsements must be signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor (QA).

QAs must be approved by the Coast Guard as described in Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 19-14, “Policy on Qualified Assessors.” Until Decem-ber 31, 2019, the Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who is not a designated QA, but who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 02-14. These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a

complete application no later than June 30, 2020.All AMO senior officers are encouraged to obtain their QA designation in order to

administer assessments of competence for AMO members completing STCW signoffs onboard.

STAR Center has online training and guidance available to assist members in obtaining their QA designation from the U.S. Coast Guard, which is available at https://www.star-center.com/qa.html. Additional information on STCW require-ments can also be found on the STAR Center website.

Important revalidation information for NauticalInstitute certified dynamic positioning officers

The revalidation of Nautical Institute Dynamic Positioning (DP) certificates began on January 1, 2015 and was phased over five years, concluding December 31, 2019.

When can an Offshore DP Certificate be revalidated?Any DPO whose DP Certificate was issued before 31 December 2014 and has not

yet been revalidated should complete their DP revalidation applications and send in

their documents before December 31, 2019.DPOs due to revalidate their certificates in 2019 should apply and send their

documents into the Nautical Institute for processing the same month as their original certificate was issued.

Additional information from the Nautical Institute is available online at: https://nialexisplatform.kayako.com/category/6-frequently-asked-questions.