In this issue...
MarAd wants LNG comment...Additional WWII mariner bill...ITF report on fatigue...Knock knock! We help you gain entry to our latest knob-turning edition that provides a peephole on the industry. With the key to unlock your newsletter dreams, we frame out a bell-ringing issue that gets a handle on the news you need. We jamb! Coming unhinged, we throw the door wide open and cross the maritime threshold. The Telex Times is in the house!

MARAD SEEKS COMMENT ON MAXIMIZING U.S. ROLE IN LNG CARRIAGE
New Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton has been aggressive in seeking ways to solidify a role for U.S. mariners in the burgeoning LNG trade. This past week MarAd issued a request in the Federal Register for public comment on ideas on how best to expand and maximize the U.S. LNG role in terms of American vessels and crews. MarAd would also like input concerning the availability of qualified officers and crew as well as the advantages of using U.S. crews.

Specifically, MarAd requests comments that focus on the development of programs to maximize the utilization and availability of U.S. vessels and qualified U.S. citizen officers and unlicensed crews serving the international LNG tanker fleet. Comments may also include issues related to the overall safe and secure operation of deepwater port facilities. Comments should be submitted by February 16, 2007.

M.E.B.A. will be developing comments but also asks that our membership consider submitting their own opinions and ideas to promote the use of American mariners for safe and secure transport of LNG to our nation’s shores.

Comments can be sent electronically by visiting the http://dms.dot.gov website and referencing Docket Number MARAD-2007-26841. Submissions received will also be posted to the DMS website. You can also mail them to Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th St., SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

For further information contact H. Keith Lesnick, Director, Office of Deepwater Port Licensing, Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590; fax: (202) 366-5123; or e-mail Keith.Lesnick@dot.gov.

NEBRASKAN CONGRESSMAN SEEKS V.A. BENEFITS FOR WWII MARINER MEDAL WINNERS
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, a Republican Congressman serving in his second term, has introduced a bill that would provide additional benefits for decorated WWII mariners. Specifically, H.R. 447 would provide that World War II merchant mariners awarded the Mariners Medal would receive eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs health care on the same basis as veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart.

The Mariner's Medal was awarded to seamen serving in WWII who were wounded, suffered physical injury, or suffered dangerous exposure as a result of an act of enemy of the United States. There are likely very few mariners left who would qualify for these benefits. A total of 6,635 of the medals were awarded during WWII.

H.R. 447 has been referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, chaired by Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA). As noted in last week’s issue, Congressman Filner has re-introduced a bill that would pay monthly benefits to U.S. merchant mariners who sailed during World War II. It has once again been numbered “H.R. 23” as it was in the last Congress.

ITF REPORT CITES PROBLEMS IN SEAFARER MANNING & FATIGUE
A new report released this week is highlighting problems of fatigue in the global maritime industry that are endangering crews, vessels and the environment. The report entitled “Adequate Manning and Seafarers’ Fatigue: the International Perspective” was commissioned by the ITF and issued by the Cardiff University’s Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology.

The report asserts that the industry is far behind in tackling the problem. Among its main findings is the overwhelming evidence of the existence of maritime fatigue yet industry has been reluctance to invest resources into monitoring or prevention it. In spite of the long periods spent away from home, the clear risks to the long-term health of seafarers, and the evident association between fatigue and accidents at sea, the report authors say scant progress has been made to regulate and enforce hours of work in the industry. The report also highlights the worrying phenomenon of false record keeping, where seafarers are bowing to pressures that undermine onboard safety and health.

The ITF report calls for a holistic approach to maritime fatigue, encouraging the development of an onboard safety culture underpinned by realistic levels of manning, and a more robust approach to regulation.

Adequate Manning and Seafarers’ Fatigue: the International Perspective is available from the ITF website or on request from dawson_sam@itf.org.uk in PDF form (74 pages). A brief summary – Seafarer Fatigue Where Next? – has been prepared by the ITF and, along with the main report, can be seen by clicking on Related Documents at www.itfglobal.org/press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/1133.

M.E.B.A. SHIP AIDING SEARCH FOR DOWNED AIRCRAFT
A Horizon Lines-managed Military Sealift Command ship is on scene in the Makassar Strait off northwestern Indonesia searching for an Indonesian Boeing 737 that disappeared on New Year's Day with 102 souls aboard. A piece of the aircraft’s tail had earlier been recovered in the area.

The M.E.B.A.-crewed oceanographic survey ship USNS MARY SEARS was operating in the Western Pacific when it received orders to divert to Indonesia and assist in the search which it did on January 9th. The crew is making use of the vessel’s advanced sonar equipment to map the possible location of the aircraft. The vessel was able to track several metal objects in deep water in the general vicinity.

A special metal detector and underwater camera arrived yesterday and were fitted onto the MARY SEARS which authorities hope will allow them to confirm the location of the fuselage and black box from the airliner.

ANSWER RETIREMENT QUESTIONS AT UNION PLUS WEBSITE
As millions of Americans move closer to retirement, they face an array of complex financial and lifestyle decisions that will demand careful study and preparation. Among the key questions are: “Can I afford to retire?” “When should I take my Social Security?” “How much income will I get from my pension?” “What will I do about health insurance?” “Where do I want to live when I retire?”

The AFL-CIO’s Union Plus has put together a research tool to help union members answer such questions. Anyone interested in planning for retirement can visit the new Union Plus “Retirement Planning Center” web site at UnionPlusRetirement.org. 

The Retirement Planning Center includes a series of “savings” calculators that will tell future retirees how much money they will need to save to reach their financial goals. A series of “retirement planning” calculators is designed to help members develop a retirement budget and handle their investments.

There’s also an easy-to-use “Retirement Road Map,” which features a series of 18 questions to help analyze an individual’s readiness for retirement.

The site is not only for people approaching retirement age. Members of all ages can learn steps they can take to plan for retirement.

OSG CONTINUES TO ACCEPT RÉSUMÉS FOR NEWBUILD TANKERS
There has been a good response from M.E.B.A. members for positions aboard newbuild tankers and the company asks that you continue to forward résumés. Overseas Ship Management, Inc. is seeking Chief Engineers, Firsts, and Second Assistant Engineers for positions that will become available as the company takes delivery of new Veteran MT-46 class Jones Act product tankers currently under construction at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard.

Interested members should indicate their prior tanker experience in the résumé or attached cover letter and send to OSG America, Inc. c/o Mr. John Dragone, Two Harbour Place, 302 Knights Run Avenue, Suite 1200, Tampa, FL 33602 phone (813) 209-0600 and fax (813) 221-2769. You can also e-mail résumés to jdragone@osg.com.

NEXT REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS
Monday February 5 – Boston, Seattle;
Tuesday, February 6 – Baltimore, Houston, Jacksonville, San Francisco;
Wednesday, February 7 - Calhoon M.E.B.A. School, Charleston, New Orleans, Portland;
Thursday, February 8 - Los Angeles, New York, Norfolk, Tampa;
Friday, February 9 - Honolulu.