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

MEBA TELEX TIMES                      AUGUST 25, 2006

The Official Union Newsletter

NUMBER 34

In this issue...
Pres. Davis speaks at MM&P convention...S.F. hall to share SUP space temporarily...Maersk Nevada comes to the rescue...Seafarer award nominations...The dawn of our new issue lights the way for another shining example of news that's as plain as day. Black-out those shadowy, fly-by-night newsletters that'll have you whistling in the dark. Put on your shades, look on the bright side and catch some maritime rays. The sun never sets on the Telex Times!

MEBA’S DAVIS SPEAKS OF INCREASED SOLIDARITY AT MM&P CONVENTION
MEBA President Ron Davis, speaking before MM&P’s bi-annual convention this week at Linthicum Heights, MD, affirmed the increasing solidarity between our unions and indicated that we plan further cooperative efforts in the future. “Our strength has always been in our unity,” said Davis.

“Now is the time when we must all come together,” he continued, “and develop a new, long term strategy that will seek to use all of the resources at the disposal of our various unions to reverse this [downward] trend and grow our industry. Working together, I am certain that we can develop the next generation of programs and services that will serve us well into the future.”

Pres. Davis hearkened back to a meeting between the unions in February that confirmed a course for greater cooperation. Such cooperation, he noted, will help ratchet up the effectiveness of the unions while helping to realize cost savings. Veering from his written remarks, Davis noted that the unions had joined forces in Jacksonville when MEBA moved into the MM&P union hall. Future plans include another hall sharing arrangement in Tampa, FL. In Norfolk, VA, the separate properties where both MEBA and MM&P’s union halls are located are under eminent domain to Old Dominion University. If and when the unions need to find a new location in Norfolk, they plan to again share a space.

MM&P’s convention took place on August 22nd and 23rd and featured quite a few speakers from various unions. ILA’s John Bowers, Sr. addressed Convention goers as did SUP’s Gunnar Lundeberg, SIU’s Mike Sacco and, of course, MM&P Capt. Tim Brown. A special tribute was made to Capt. Charles “Chuck” Pillsbury who recently passed away. A license advancement classroom at MITAGS was dedicated in his honor. Capt. Pillsbury formerly was MITAGS Executive Director as well as co-Chair of the SOCP.

S.F. HALL TO SHARE SUP HALL TIL NEW DIGS ARE READY
Our San Francisco Union hall will temporarily be housed within the confines of the Sailors Union of the Pacific (SUP) hall until the new location in Oakland is completed. The SUP hall is located at 450 Harrison Street just around the corner from the 340 Fremont Street location. MEBA’s hall at the SUP building will be open for business on Wednesday September 6th. The final Union hall meeting at the Fremont St. hall will be held on Tuesday September 5th.

Because the current phone and fax numbers will be transferred to the SUP location in time for the September 5th reopening, the phone and fax numbers will be down at the Fremont Street hall for 1 ½ days. Phone and fax service will shut off for the latter half of September 1st, a Friday through September 5th, a Tuesday. Subsequently there will be no phone or fax service during the Union hall meeting. However, you can contact the hall on either of those days by calling the cell phones of San Francisco Patrolman Ed MacCormack who can be reached at (415) 218-0207 or Representative Jim Anderson at (415) 218-0207.

The Diagnostic Center at San Francisco will close shop on a temporary basis on September 1. It will remain closed until its grand reopening at the new facility upon completion. However, the San Francisco Vacation Plan outport office will be temporarily housed on Harrison Street on the second floor of the SUP building.

The opening of the Oakland hall is contingent, in part, on how quickly the occupancy permits are processed. MEBA hopes to move into the new Oakland location sometime in late October or early November.

NMC TAKES ADD’L STEPS TOWARD CENTRALIZATION
The Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) has taken additional steps in its mission to centralize functions of Regional Examination Centers (RECs) around the country.

Effective September 20th of this year, the NMC Commanding Officer will receive the authority to perform certain mariner credentialing functions that are currently performed at the RECs.

This is the first step in an incremental restructuring and centralization plan that will eventually streamline the RECs and bring them under the authority of the NMC. During implementation of this plan, some REC credentialing functions will be gradually transferred to the NMC, and some Coast Guard Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) will continue to have authority to issue credentials.

When the restructuring and centralization is complete, the Coast Guard will notify the public that the NMC will make decisions on applications and authorize the issuance of mariner credentials. The NMC will also be the central location for mariner records and a processing point for associated fees. RECs will remain open and continue to assist mariners to complete applications, take fingerprints, verify mariners' citizenship and identities, administer examinations, administer oaths, and conduct oversight for approved courses.

These future changes are designed to improve service to mariners and address national security concerns. The restructuring and centralization will: (1) Enhance security by implementing consolidated system controls for the credentialing process; (2) improve the consistency of information, procedures, and mariner evaluations; and (3) improve program efficiencies and customer service through economies of scale and increased use of technology.

This should have no adverse effects for mariners and should enhance the services provided to them at the RECs.

Any questions should be directed to Gerald Miante, Project Manager, Maritime Personnel Qualifications Division (G-PSO-1), U.S. Coast Guard, telephone 202-372-1407.

MEBA SHIP PULLS STRUGGLING YACHT SAILOR OUT OF ORDEAL
Members of the E-Ships/Farrell vessel MAERSK NEVADA, which is guided by MEBA deck and engine officers, went above and beyond the call of duty to assist a yachtsman facing a critical situation. The NEVADA was formerly known as the DELAWARE BAY and TYSON LYKES before that. The last time the crew of the ship made news was when a handful of their officers took top honors in the team golf tournament at the CAA Reunion this summer. A crewmember provided the following account:

Ora Pro Nobis Has Her Prayer Answered
On August 17, 2006, at 1730 local time, the 675 ' MEBA crewed containership MAERSK NEVADA, operated by E-Ships between the U.S. East Coast and Mediterranean, answered the call by Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Delgada to assist a distressed sailing vessel, 200 miles northwest of the Azores.

The Ora Pro Nobis, a 12 meter ocean yacht, was sailing single handed from Bermuda to the Azores. The vessel lost steering and the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) was activated by the Capt./owner. MRCC Delgada communicated with the NEVADA (one of Maersk Lines newly acquired MEBA crewed vessels) and requested that she divert immediately to the distressed vessel's location, about 75 miles north.

“Since the nature of the distress was unknown,” explained Captain Gary Gregorek, Master of the MAERSK NEVADA, we had to assume the worst, increasing to the maximum safe speed allowable. Preparations were made by all hands to provide whatever medical, technical, or mechanical assistance might be necessary." The only updated information Capt. Gregorek received was that a patrol aircraft had confirmed the location of the distressed vessel, and that one person was visible on deck, appearing to be in rough shape."

Arriving at the Ora Pro Nobis (Latin for "…pray for us") the solo sailor indicated that he had lost steering, and was unable to determine the cause. It was also established that he was medically fine. Quite relieved that help was nearby, the weathered sailor was able to rest easily for the night. This information was passed on to the MRCC. The MRCC then requested that the NEVADA render whatever assistance possible at daybreak. Attempting to assist at night was not recommended due to the current conditions and also based on the fact that there were no medical needs.

At the crack of dawn, all hands were ready to render assistance. With the Chief Mate Fran Goodwin in charge of the lifeboat, a crack team consisting of 1st A/E George Dubuc and 2nd A/E Tom Campbell tagged for duty to provide technical assistance. Also, AB's Ed Opao and Chris Atkins, SIU crewmembers, were selected for lifeboat duties, as was USMMA Cadet Eric Anderson.

The boat crew headed over to the yacht with supplies and technical assistance. The Captain of the Ora Pro Nobis, Jean Marie Disseaux of Belgium is a noted sailor who has had an extensive sailing career including sailing solo across the Atlantic seven previous times. A bumpy transfer to the yacht was made and the boat crew stood by at a distance awaiting word from 1st A/E Dubuc. After investigating the cause of the steering failure, the boat crew noticed that as the yacht pitched in the sea something was missing from the underside of the vessel - a rudder.

Capt Gregorek through the MRCC was able to contact a commercial tow service out of the Azores. Unfortunately, the fee for the tow would be about $35,000. Faced with the decision of having to abandon the yacht the suggestion was made to use the lifeboat's steering oar off the transom of the disabled vessel. With some line and duct tape the 1st and 2nd were able to fit the 15 ft oar in place. In the meantime C/M Goodwin successfully returned back to the NEVADA, picked up fuel and then transferred it to the yacht.

With the fuel aboard and the repairs complete the crew left the now maneuverable yacht to head back to the NEVADA. The skills of Opao and Atkins were evident during all aspects of the morning's events. On his first trip to sea, Cadet Eric Anderson probably only dreamed that he’d be in the North Atlantic in a lifeboat, an experience that most seamen these days don't get in 30 years of going to sea.

Back aboard the NEVADA, the Captain was determining the best lee to make for the eventual return of the lifeboat crew. 3rd Mate Meagan Marien was assisting on the bridge, C/E Phil Strissel and 3rd A/E Mike Hillstrom were in the Engine Room maneuvering. 2nd Mate Jim Held with the assistance of Bosn Hassan, AB's Frank Vogler, Sam Cox, Electrician Al Riollano, Demac Malachi Tannis, EU Andy Iliscupidez, Chief Stwd Rudy Daniels, Ch. Cook Vincent Chavez, and GSU Jessie Kendall were preparing for the return of the boat crew for the most challenging of the maneuvers of the day – picking up the lifeboat.

When it was time to recover the lifeboat the wind had increased to 15 knots with a 6 foot swell. With AB Bryan Austin at the helm, Capt Gregorek was able to finally find the best heading for the pickup. Using the boat hook to grab the sea painter, the lifeboat was eased back under the falls. Quickly and professionally the bow was connected, and once the twists were taken out of the after falls a swell assisted Chris Atkins to quickly connect the aft falls, and the boat was quickly elevated above the sea. The most dangerous part of the evolution was accomplished in what seemed to be a matter of seconds thanks to the actions of all hands aboard.

Departing from the scene, all aboard the MAERSK NEVADA could return to their routine duties with the knowledge that they had done their best to assist a fellow mariner in what has been called the "finest tradition of the sea.” The Ora Pro Nobis finally made it to Flores, Azores at 0500hrs. August 22nd.

NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR AOTOS MARINERS’ PLAQUES
In conjunction with the Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) award ceremony scheduled for November 3, 2006 in New York City, “Honored Seafarer Awards” will be given out to mariners who have demonstrated heroism on the high seas over the past year.

United Seamen’s Service sponsors the AOTOS ceremony which is the maritime industry’s most prestigious awards event. This year, Norwegian Cruise Lines President & CEO Colin Veitch as well as container shipping pioneer Paul F. Richardson are the AOTOS honorees.

To honor those who have performed acts of bravery and outstanding seamanship, USS is asking the industry to recommend candidates deserving of either the Mariners’ Plaque, given to the officers and crews of vessels, or Mariner’s Rosette, awarded to individual seafarers. As mentioned, nominations should be drawn from events that took place over the past year.

The deadline for nominations is September 12. MEBA’s Editor will be submitting a list of MEBA-contracted vessels involved in heroic situations but your nominations will help supplement our submission and perhaps detail a ship rescue or some incident involving bravery at sea of which we had not previously been aware.

MEBA mariners and our contracted vessels have been part of these awards in every year in recent memory and we hope to continue that streak. Last year, four of our vessels and their crews were honored as part of these special accolades. If you are aware of an MEBA-contracted vessel and her crew that is deserving of this honor you should contact Mark Beukema at USS. Nominations can be e-mailed to ussammla@ix.netcom.com or faxed to his attention at (212) 269-5721. You can also coordinate with the MEBA Editor on nominations. Editor Marco C. can be reached at (202) 624-1668 or e-mailed at editor@d1meba.org.

NEXT REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS
Tuesday, September 5 – Baltimore, Boston, Houston, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Seattle;
Wednesday, September 6 – Charleston, New Orleans, Portland;
Thursday, September 7 – Los Angeles, New York, Norfolk, Tampa;
Friday, September 8 – Honolulu.
 

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