The European Union Security Council put forward the possibility of establishing international tribunals to try pirates, as its members called for tougher legislation aimed at prosecuting and jailing suspects caught off the coast of Somalia. In a resolution unanimously adopted, the 15-member body appealed to all States "to criminalize piracy under their domestic law and favorably consider the prosecution of suspected, and imprisonment of convicted, pirates apprehended off the coast of Somalia, consistent with applicable international human rights law."

The Security Council also requested that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon present a report within three months on possible options for prosecuting and imprisoning suspects in connection with piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Horn of Africa. In its resolution, members noted efforts by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other international organization and donors, including the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS), "to enhance the capacity of the judicial and the corrections systems in Somalia, Kenya, Seychelles and other States in the region."

Ongoing violence between the TFG, heavily backed by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and other supporters, and rebel groups in Somalia’s capital of Mogadishu prevents piracy suspects from being tried or imprisoned there. Some of the burden has shifted to neighboring Kenya’s justice system.

Union Plus is saving money for union members and their families on the roads with the "Union Plus Motor Club." The program provides emergency roadside assistance plans featuring nationwide 24-7 service with an extensive network of independent, reputable auto service and emergency towing service providers.

One price covers you and your entire family -- $64.80 a year or $5.40 a month. It’s less expensive than AAA and offers features that other emergency roadside assistance programs do not - including covering a driver no matter what vehicle they are driving. They also provide access to ASE-certified mechanics for second opinions on vehicle service and repairs. Union Plus Motor Club offers three roadside service calls a year.

Members receive a set of vouchers good for $40 in gas rebates when signing up for one year of service. While competitors typically outsource to save money, all motor club customer service calls are handled in the United States. Call 1-800-454-8722 for more information or sign up online at www.unionplus.org/motor-club.  Enter "UP" in the Promo Code field. Members who sign up before September 30, 2010 will receive an additional $60 in gas coupons for a total value of $100.

The Union Plus Motor Club membership will be there for you for all your roadside assistance needs, including: emergency car towing services; a car jump start; locksmith services; a tire change; auto repair service; gas delivery, free maps, road atlases, trip routing, towing services, and other emergency roadside assistance.

Seafarers Safe Haven at the Prospect Park YMCA in Brooklyn has several permanent rooms available for retired seafarers. These rooms are complemented by a communal lounge with cooking facilities, a comfortable seating area and a library. This shared space fosters a strong community among the seafarers, and a sense of connection with the broader community of the Prospect Park YMCA. Residents can use the recreational facilities at the YMCA, and have access to surrounding institutions including the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Brooklyn Public Library and Prospect Park. The development of the residential facility has served as a springboard for the development of programming for the retired seafarers. Special activities and events are developed based upon the interests of residents and have included trips to the maritime museum in Mystic, Connecticut, special dinners for the residents, movies and discussion groups.

Registration for Fall Semester courses at the Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School will begin tomorrow. Do not submit applications before then. The CMES Online Application Form is available on the school's website - www.mebaschool.org.  Once there, click on the "Admissions" page.

U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) was awarded the International Propeller Club of the United States’ "Salute to Congress Award" for 2010. The award, which was presented at the annual Salute to Congress Dinner on Tuesday, is given each year to a member of Congress who has demonstrated consistent support for the United States-Flag Merchant Marine and the maritime industry in the United States. "It is extremely humbling to receive this honor in my first term in the Senate," Vitter said. "I remain committed to the work of the Propeller Club and I understand how important the maritime industry is to our economy and our military. For the United States to remain a dominant economic power, we must remain a great sea power, and we must continue to lead the way in commercial maritime activity. This award will refocus my energy towards these important issues even more."

The environmental Protection Agency is finalizing emission standards for new marine diesel engines with per-cylinder displacement at or above 30 liters (Category 3 marine diesel engines) installed on U.S. vessels. These emission standards are equivalent to those adopted in the amendments to Annex VI to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Annex VI). The emission standards apply in two stages--near-term standards for newly built engines will apply beginning in 2011; long-term standards requiring an 80 percent reduction in NOX emissions will begin in 2016. They are also finalizing a change to their diesel fuel program that will allow for the production and sale of 1,000 ppm sulfur fuel for use in Category 3 marine vessels. In addition, the new fuel requirements will generally forbid the production and sale of other fuels above 1,000 ppm sulfur for use in most U.S. waters, unless alternative devices, procedures, or compliance methods are used to achieve equivalent emissions reductions. This final rule is effective on June 29, 2010. For further information contact Amy Kopin, U.S. EPA, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division (ASD), Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; Phone: (734) 214-4417.

Liberty Maritime is seeking résumés from Chief Engineers interested in sailing for the company. Interested individuals should send their particulars including a résumé via e-mail to personnel@libertymar.com.  You may also contact Nina Timonina at (516) 488-8800 with any specific questions about these opportunities.

Monday, May 3 – Boston; Jacksonville; Seattle;
Tuesday, May 4 – Baltimore/Calhoon School@CMES, Houston, San Francisco (Oakland);
Wednesday, May 5 – Charleston, New Orleans;
Thursday, May 6 – L.A. (Wilmington), New York (New Jersey), Norfolk, Tampa;
Friday, May 7 – Honolulu.