MARINE ENGINEERS' BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION (AFL-CIO)
         "On Watch in Peace and War Since 1875"

MEBA TELEX TIMES       MARCH 20, 2009

The Official Union Newsletter

NUMBER 12

In this issue...
CG rule consolidates credentials...M.E.B.A. wins Oakland judgment... Horizon Lines honors member...Maersk helping out USS...DOD to look at NSPS...We stir up a hornet's nest and get busy with an Africanized issue cross-pollinated with a killer hive of maritime activity. Don't bumble along and get stung by brooding, bug-eyed newsletters that drone on endlessly! We swarm those pests, take flight and make a beeline for the newsletter that's as sweet as honey. The Telex Times is generating a lot of buzz!

COAST GUARD RULE RELIEVES CREDENTIALING BURDEN FOR MARINERS
The Coast Guard published a final rule consolidating the credentials issued to merchant mariners into a single credential and reducing the burden on mariners by limiting the number of times they need to appear in person to provide fingerprints and proof of identity. This is an end result that the M.E.B.A. and maritime labor has been working towards for years.

This final rule, which will become effective on April 15, 2009, addresses the comments received from the public in response to the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. A copy of the final rule is available at www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/ (quick search MMC). Key features of the MMC Regulations include:

- The regulation consolidates the credentials issued to merchant mariners into a single credential.

- The regulation also streamlines the application process for the MMC by removing the requirement that all mariners appear at one of 17 Regional Exam Centers, so long as they have already enrolled for a TWIC at one of 149 TWIC Enrollment Centers.

- The rule works in tandem with the joint Final Rule published by the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration on January 25, 2007, entitled "Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Implementation in the Maritime Sector; Hazardous Materials Endorsement for a Commercial Driver's License."

Under the previous regulations, the Coast Guard issued up to four credentials to a mariner: a Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD), a Merchant Mariner's License (License), a Certificate of Registry (COR), and an International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Endorsement. Each credential served a separate purpose, thus creating the possibility that a mariner might need all four. The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 added a requirement for all mariners to obtain a transportation security card, implemented by the Department of Homeland Security as the TWIC. Without a regulatory change, a mariner could have been required to obtain up to five credentials, and to appear in person for duplicative applications.

Over the next few weeks, the Coast Guard will be issuing a number of information bulletins, which will provide details on how the new regulations will be implemented and the changes mariners can expect to see in the credential application process and the actual credentials.

M.E.B.A. PREVAILS IN COURT AGAINST OAKLAND HALL DEFENDANTS
Yesterday, in the Superior Court of California - County of Alameda, the M.E.B.A.'s case against the remaining defendants involved in the construction of the Oakland Hall reached conclusion. The judge determined that two defendants were jointly and severally liable to the M.E.B.A. for at least $2.3 million and the other three defendants were found to be individually liable and subject to damages. This raises the total damages awarded in the suit above $3 million. In handing down his judgment, the judge noted the defendants' "despicable conduct." The M.E.B.A. continues to cooperate with the investigation. We will prepare a detailed dispatch for release at next month's membership meetings.

HORIZON LINES HONORS M.E.B.A. MEMBER
The hard work of M.E.B.A. officers routinely pays dividends for our contracted companies but one employer recently singled out a group of mariners on one of our ships for special recognition. M.E.B.A. Chief Engineer Paul McCarthy's dedication to the job probably wouldn't have led him to do it any other way but his expertise and overriding desire to keep his ship running smoothly elicited an article in a new section of Horizon Lines' newsletter called "Introducing Horizon Heroes." The company plans to keep this section alive in their newsletter to honor future "Horizon Heroes." The article, entitled "Heroism Atop the Radar" reads like this:

"You do not have to jump into an icy sea or weather a Force 9 hurricane to be a hero at sea. Such was the case with Chief Engineer Paul McCarthy, Electrician Tom Flynn and Bosun Tony Mercado of the HORIZON TRADER on a recent voyage to San Juan - our first Horizon Heroes. When the ship's 10 cm. radar scanner failed, Flynn and Mercado scaled the radar mast in 20+ knot winds to unbolt and bring down the motor assembly for repairs. The motor assembly, which weighs approximately 35 lbs, houses the gears that keep the horizontal antenna turning at a precise speed. The antenna detects and monitors objects on the water and nearby land yielding precise range and bearings critical to a safe voyage.

With the nearest replacement part in Japan, McCarthy made a repair assessment and then led a team of engineers in fabricating and reinstalling two new bushings in the unit. With the full repair completed, Flynn and Mercado then hoisted the assembly back into position and rebolted it atop the mast, allowing the TRADER to continue on course without any delays. The crew of the HORIZON TRADER performed an act of heroism that involved seafarers placing themselves in harm's way to climb the mast, McCarthy's skill at making the repairs at sea, and a totally supportive crew. Their combined actions ensured a safe and on time arrival in Puerto Rico and schedule integrity that benefits all customers. Had the crew waited to replace the antennae until arrival in Puerto Rico, the ship would probably have been delayed up to 24 or more hours waiting for spare parts and installation technicians. Please join us in congratulating this team as we pay tribute to seamanship that honors both our brotherhood on land and sea - and to these three men, our first Horizon Heroes!"

MAERSK LINE FUNDRAISER FOR USS
In an effort help generate support for the United Seamen's Service (USS), Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) has established a company-wide fundraising drive in which the company will provide a dollar-for-dollar match for all donations made by MLL employees to the United Seamen's Service (USS) from February through October 2009. MLL will then present a check for the matching amount in November to the USS at the annual Admiral of the Ocean (AOTOS) dinner in New York City.

United Seamen's Service is a non-profit organization that provides services for American merchant mariners and international seafarers. Since 1942, USS has operated centers around the world where mariners have access to services such as counseling, food, recreation, communication and health articles.

FINAL VOYAGE FOR DeLACY "COOKIE" COOK
M.E.B.A. Chief Engineer DeLacy L. "Cookie" Cook, who sailed for his country in World War II and continued serving aboard the hallowed Liberty Ship SS JOHN BROWN until just recently, has sailed into the sunset at the age of 85.

As an M.E.B.A. member Cookie spent many productive years working for United States Lines. In his later years he became Chief aboard the BROWN, one of two seaworthy Liberty ships. He spent his earlier years on the West Coast and was a graduate of California Maritime Academy in 1943. He shipped out as a 3rd A/E to assist in the war effort soon after and served in convoys crossing the Atlantic to Europe for the rest of the war. After the cease of hostilities he shipped out for 12 years aboard U.S. Lines vessels before taking a port engineer position with the company in Baltimore. He continued with great success until 1985 when he retired. But seawater was still in his blood and he began volunteering his talents to the upkeep of the JOHN BROWN. He worked on the ship's triple expansion reciprocating steam engine and helped keep the vessel is good working order. When the Brown's Chief Engineer John Minor retired in 1994, Cookie took over as Chief.

"The JOHN W. BROWN was his life for the last 20 years, from the time he retired until the day he died," said his wife of 59 years, the former Marjorie "Marge" Speicher.

Joe Cadden, a retired M.E.B.A. member who was Cookie's assistant and is acting Chief Engineer said, "He was a nice guy in every way and the best engineer I ever worked with during all my years at sea. Cookie had more background knowledge than the average engineer. He was an old reciprocating engine man, and in addition to that was responsible for all the machinery aboard the ship, both electrical and mechanical. It was a tremendous responsibility," he noted.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on May 3 aboard the JOHN W. BROWN, Pier 1, Clinton Street, (Canton) in Baltimore, MD. At his request, he was cremated and will be buried at sea during the ship's voyage to Norfolk, VA in July.

TAMPA MASTER MARINERS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
The Tampa Bay Chapter of the Council of American Master Mariners (CAMM) is looking for a few good members. The Tampa Bay Chapter serves the Tampa Bay and Central Florida areas. CAMM is "a fraternal and benevolent society, contributing to the best interests and well being of its members both professionally and socially." Their mission is to recognize, foster and otherwise assist all wise and provident measures dedicated to the furtherance of the U.S. maritime industry; to assist in the enhancement of the stature of the American Master Mariner; and to promote accomplishment of those purposes set forth in the Declaration of Policy in the constitution of the national Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. CAMM members can be active or retired and must hold a license as Chief Mate and Master. Those who fit the bill can contact Capt. Davis Williams, Tampa Chapter CAMM President, 1760 E. Littleton Ct., Inverness, FL 34453. He can be e-mailed at captwilliams@mastermariner.org.

DOD, OPM TO REVIEW NSPS
The Department of Defense and the Office of Personnel Management have announced that they will undertake a review of the National Security Personnel System. NSPS implementation began in 2006, changing the way DOD civilians are hired, compensated, promoted, and rewarded. The system currently covers approximately 205,000 DOD employees. M.E.B.A. has been battling against many of the overreaching provisions of the NSPS since its enactment in 2003. The Union's work helped relax the most egregious NSPS regulations affecting our civilian mariners.

The decision by Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn was made after consultation with the Office of Personnel Management. "This administration is committed to operating fair, transparent, and effective personnel systems, and we are undertaking this review to assess whether NSPS meets these objectives," said Lynn. With new leadership under a new administration, DOD and OPM will engage with key stakeholders in examining NSPS. "We recognize that varying viewpoints exist regarding NSPS, and given the scope and complexity of the system, it is important for leadership to conduct its own review of the program," Lynn added. DOD will delay any further conversions of organizations into NSPS pending the outcome of this review. This affects roughly 2,000 employees in organizations scheduled to convert to NSPS this spring. Those organizations are adjusting their plans accordingly. During the review, organizations already covered by NSPS will continue to operate under current NSPS policies, regulations, and procedures. DOD and OPM leadership are engaged in discussions with key personnel in the administration to determine the overall framework, scope, and timeline of the review, including identifying an appropriate individual to lead the review. It is expected to take several months for a review team to gather the necessary information and data, reach out to stakeholders, and develop recommendations for leadership consideration.

CSA ACCEPTING DEVLIN & SHIP SAFETY AWARD NOMINEES
The Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) is accepting entries in the 2008 Jones F. Devlin Award Program. Devlin Awards are awarded to any self-propelled merchant vessel that has operated for two full years or more without a crewmember losing a full turn at watch because of an occupational injury. A vessel is recognized for the number of qualifying years beyond the basic two year award; e.g., many vessels receive awards for operating five years and more. CSA established the Jones F. Devlin Award in 1968. In the first year, twenty-seven vessels received awards; last year, over 940 vessels received awards. Almost 12,000 awards have been made since the program began.

To qualify for a Devlin Award, a vessel must be in operation with a full crew. Days in protracted lay-up resulting in crew reduction are not considered days in operation. On the web, access www.knowships.org/devlin_award.php and click on the link titled "Devlin Award Vessels Nomination Instructions" or "Ship Safety Award Info" for information on nominating your vessels.

CSA is also accepting entries for the 2008 Ship Safety Achievement Awards. Ship Safety Achievement Awards are presented to vessels that have performed outstanding feats of safety during the course of a calendar year. Entries for the calendar year ending December 31, 2008 will be accepted through Friday, May 1, 2009. Vessels are recognized for outstanding feats of safety which may include, but are not limited to: rescue; assistance to distressed vessels; transfer of ill or injured persons under difficult sea conditions; and demonstrations of safety and ship operations which have contributed to saving a life or a ship. They are actions in which the ship and crew as a whole were involved rather than individual achievement. All vessels, including container ships, tankers, Great Lakes carriers, offshore supply vessels, tugboats, etc., representing all segments of the industry (international and domestic deep-sea, coastwise and inland) are eligible to participate in this award program.

All awards will be presented at the Annual Ship Safety Awards Luncheon at the Hilton Houston North in Houston, TX on June 4, 2009. Entries for the calendar year ending December 31, 2008 will be accepted through Friday, May 1, 2009. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Ms. Odell J. Moore via e-mail or telephone information listed below.

All entries must be received by Friday, May 1, 2009. For additional information, please e-mail: info@knowships.org or mail to: Safety Awards Committee; Chamber of Shipping of America; 1730 M Street, NW, Suite 407; Washington, DC 0036; (P) 202.775.4399; (F) 202.659.3795.

GPA SELECTED FOR WSF FERRY DESIGN
Seattle-based Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. (GPA), a US Naval Architecture and Marine, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Firm, was again selected by Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle and approved by Washington State Ferries (WSF) to deliver the final design and production engineering for a 64-car ferry after completing the final design for the WSF 144-car ferry in November of 2008. The 64-car ferry, intended to carry 750 passengers and 64 standard autos, will incorporate all of the latest USCG requirements for Safety and Security. Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the United States and the third largest in the world, transporting over 24 million passengers annually.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS
Monday, April 6 - Boston, Jacksonville, Seattle;
Tuesday, April 7 - Baltimore, Houston, San Francisco;
Wednesday, April 8 - Charleston, New Orleans, Portland;
Thursday, April 9 - Honolulu; L.A., New York, Norfolk, Tampa

--------FINISHED WITH ENGINES---------