Successful CMES Internship Program

CMES INTERNSHIP PROGRAM HELPS CADETS SET COURSE FOR MARITIME CAREERS

Three dozen maritime academy cadets wrapped up three intensive weeks at the Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School (CMES) last Friday for its annual Licensed Cadet Internship Program. Running from July 6 through July 24, the program provides future licensed officers with practical training and industry knowledge designed to give them a strong foundation for successful careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Throughout the three-week session, cadets participated in specialized courses, developed hands-on skills, and gained valuable insight into the expectations of a professional shipping career. The program equips participants with the training and experience needed to make a smooth transition from the classroom to service aboard U.S.-flag vessels.

On the Thursday before this year's program wrapped up, a delegation including the nation's Maritime Administrator was at the School to meet with cadets, answer questions and discuss the lucrative opportunities available to these bright young mariners in our industry. CMES Director Bryan Jennings and the School's Academic Director Sylvan Haas welcomed in Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel as well as new American Maritime Congress Executive Director Elizabeth O'Connor. M.E.B.A. Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha and AMC Government Affairs Manager Caitlyn Tierney were also on hand to talk with cadets and welcome many of these talented young mariners into the ranks.

Some of the courses that cadets took advantage of included Combined Basic & Advanced IGF Code Operations (known as "LNG as a Fuel"), Diesel Engineering, Marine Electrical Systems and Welding, In addition, cadets were able to take the MSC CONMAR package, which incorporates seven classes that satisfy Military Sealift Command requirements and standards, consisting of Small Arms, Damage Control/Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRN), Marine Environmental Programs, Ships Reaction Force and Security Watchstander (Basic & Advanced). The Union often runs a one-week program during the winter to cover additional cadets who are not able to attend the July session.

The M.E.B.A. offers an initiation fee discount for those cadets who complete the program in order to entice them into the ranks. In addition, the M.E.B.A. allows cadets who have already made application to the Union prior to attending the Cadet Internship program, to count the weekdays spent in the summer program as Group Time. This further supports these next generation mariners in getting a foothold in the Union to more effectively launch their shipping careers. Many of the cadets attending this year's program have already made application and more are expected.

In addition, an exciting new arrangement with American President Lines is covering travel costs for Maritime Academy students attending the Internship program. M.E.B.A. and CMES are grateful for the partnership with APL and the mutual recognition of the importance of recruitment and training for the U.S.-flag industry. The arrangement further heightens an already exceptional opportunity for mariners-in-the-making. The School has additional details on their website accessed at www.mebaschool.org/admissions/internship-program CMES encourages members to direct interested cadets in their Junior or Senior year, as well as recent graduates, to reach out and seize the opportunity by contacting the School directly through their website www.mebaschool.org or by calling (410) 822-9600.

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR ENGINEERS ON FUTURE MLL SHIPS

As noted in a past edition of the Telex Times, Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is planning to swap out M.E.B.A.-crewed ships in its U.S.-flag fleet with newer replacement vessels in the coming months. Members interested in employment aboard these ships – which include methanol fueled vessels - should be aware of the following requirements:

MLL is expected to rotate in up to three SAN Class vessels. Engineers seeking assignments aboard these vessels will be required to complete the one-week High Voltage training course.

MLL also plans to rotate in six AEGIR Class vessels. Engineers interested in serving aboard these vessels must possess the following to become eligible for an IGF endorsement:

• IGF (International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels) Basic and Advanced Simulator-based Training
• Thirty (30) days of observation time on an IGF operating vessel
• Witness one live bunkering

In addition, the AEGIR Class vessels are scheduled to carry Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs). M.E.B.A. officers are strongly encouraged to obtain the ETO endorsement on their USCG license to qualify for these positions.

Questions regarding required training courses and class availability should be directed to Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School Academic Director Sylvan Haas at shaas@mebaschool.org or phone: (410) 822-9600.

BILL TO SPUR U.S. SHIPBUILDING INVESTMENT

Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA.) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) have introduced the Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act, legislation designed to strengthen the U.S. shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sectors by encouraging long-term private investment through the creation of Maritime Prosperity Zones (MPZs). Modeled after the 2017 Opportunity Zones program, the proposed MPZs would provide incentives to attract domestic and allied investment into shipyards, ports, and waterfront communities with the goal of expanding U.S. shipbuilding capacity and rebuilding the nation's maritime industrial base.

The U.S. accounts for less than 1% of global commercial shipbuilding, compared with more than 53% for China, according to a 2025 Center for Strategic and International Studies report.

Rep. Kelly said the legislation would help restore America's shipbuilding leadership while supporting economic growth and national security. He also pointed to plans for a new naval shipyard in Erie, Pa., which is projected to create approximately 1,000 direct jobs and generate additional employment throughout the local economy.

ICS CHIEF CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION OF SEAFARERS AMID ESCALATING MARITIME THREATS

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is urging the international community to prioritize the safety of seafarers as conflicts in the Middle East and the Black Sea continue to threaten global shipping. In a recent statement, ICS Secretary General Thomas Kazakos said that "five months of escalating regional conflict have exposed the vulnerability of vital maritime trade routes."

He noted that mariners continue to work in increasingly dangerous conditions, with some suffering injuries and others losing their lives while keeping global commerce moving.

Kazakos emphasized that freedom of navigation is essential to the global economy, warning that disruptions to major shipping lanes, or the imposition of transit charges and tolls on international shipping, would further strain an already fragile global supply chain. With more than 90 percent of world trade transported by sea, he said, threats to commercial shipping have far-reaching economic consequences. The ICS reaffirmed its support for the protection of seafarers, adherence to international law, and the preservation of safe and unrestricted passage for commercial vessels, stressing that both freedom of navigation and the safety of those at sea are indispensable to global trade.

GAO FINDS GAPS IN TWIC PROGRAM OVERSIGHT

A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program reasserted that the program remains a critical security tool for protecting the nation's ports but singled out oversight and communications weaknesses that could allow unauthorized individuals to access secure maritime facilities. The report found that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lacks a formal communication plan for sharing TWIC program updates with industry stakeholders, leading to inconsistent engagement and delays in providing important information. GAO said a documented communication strategy would help ensure stakeholders receive timely guidance and reduce potential security risks.

GAO also found shortcomings in Coast Guard oversight of the program. Between fiscal years 2019 and 2024, Coast Guard inspections identified 888 TWIC-related deficiencies and 83 violations at regulated facilities, including instances of unescorted individuals entering secure areas. However, the Coast Guard does not routinely share this inspection data with field inspectors, limiting their awareness of recurring security issues. Another concern highlighted in the report is the possibility that individuals whose TWIC credentials have been revoked could still gain access to port facilities. GAO recommended that the Coast Guard develop a method to mitigate the risks posed by canceled TWIC cards and coordinate with TSA to obtain TWIC card readers for use during inspections.

In all, GAO issued seven recommendations to strengthen the program, including improved communication with stakeholders, enhanced data sharing, expanded use of TWIC readers, and finalizing regulations requiring certain facilities to use electronic card readers. The Department of Homeland Security agreed with all of the recommendations.

UNIONS POWER AMERICA SWEEPSTAKES RUNS UNTIL AUGUST 19

Union members can enter the "Unions Power America" Sweepstakes for a chance to win various prizes and can earn bonus entries by completing additional activities with Union Plus. The Sweepstakes runs until August 19 and members are vying for $150,000 in total cash prizes including two grand prizes of $40,000 along with a 3-5 day hotel stay at a fabulous far-flung vacation spot. The First Prize winner will receive $20,000 in cash and two Second Prize winners will nab a cool $5,000. 40 Third Prize winners will come away with a lean and mean $1,000 each. Winners will be announced on Labor Day, September 7th in which there will be additional live event prizes handed out. You can enter at unionplus.org/unionspoweramerica

Union Plus programs, which are available to M.E.B.A. members, applicants, retirees and our affiliates, provide a vast range of money-saving benefits and services. The M.E.B.A. is enrolled in dozens of moneysaving U.P. programs ranging from life insurance to auto services discounts.