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

MEBA TELEX TIMES       MAY 08, 2009

The Official Union Newsletter

NUMBER 19

In this issue...
M.E.B.A. Chief, others testify on piracy...Another M.E.B.A. ship attacked by pirates...Fabulous CAA Golf weekend announced...MM Veterans bill clears Committee...Greetings earthling! You are not alone in your search for intelligent info as we watch the skies and have a sighting of a galactic, saucer-shaped edition from another planet. Don't get abducted by unearthly, spaced-out newsletters that melt your brain - they're nothing to phone home about! For a close encounter of the probing news you need, make contact with the issue that'll take you to your maritime leader. Nanoo, nanoo! No alien to good journalism, the Telex Times is out of this world!

WITNESSES CALL FOR ARMED SECURITY TEAMS FOR U.S. SHIPS
A slew of government and industry representatives, including M.E.B.A.'s Mike Perry - Chief Engineer aboard the MAERSK ALABAMA - testified on Capitol Hill this week before Senators seeking answers on how to protect our ships, crews and passengers from piracy. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) oversaw the hearing as Chairman of the Surface Transportation & Merchant Marine Subcommittee which is part of the Senate Commerce Committee. Chief Perry testified that it is the obligation of the U.S. Government to protect vessels that fly its flag and carry U.S. mariners and American cargo. "Military escorts or detachments should be implemented as part of a comprehensive international plan to combat piracy." He added, "I never want to see a rented cop aboard my ship, though. They just don't have the vested interest that we do."

Brother Perry praised the incredible actions of the crew of the MAERSK ALABAMA who leaned on their immense "skills, training and bravery" to effect a positive outcome from this terrible situation. While improvisation and quick thinking surely played a part in keeping the ship in American hands, there are a number of actions that can be taken, Perry asserted, that will minimize the many dangers that abound in pirate infested waters. He told the Committee that "it is inevitable" that U.S. ships will be boarded again and that vessels must be hardened and ships' houses must be fortified and strengthened. "I recommend that straightforward procedures be put in place should the pirates be able to board a vessel in the future." He argued that all vessels must have "safe rooms" with at least three layers of armored doors separating those rooms from potential armed intruders. Arming mariners, he said, should only be considered as part of a larger, more comprehensive strategy "and then only as a last resort." If such a plan were implemented though, Chief Perry recommended that only certain officers with the aptitude and certification for the job be selected. Those one or two officers would then have access to a weapon which would be secured in their cabin or in the safe room. "When that third door gets breached and those people are coming in the safe room," Chief Perry told the Subcommittee, "I don't want to have to meet them with a pocket knife."

Meanwhile, M.E.B.A. and the other maritime unions are in active dialogue with the government and shipping companies, among others, in pursuing every avenue that will ensure the safety of our members in dangerous waters around the globe.

Captain Richard Phillips also testified and repeated earlier calls for a multifaceted approach to combating piracy to include military escorts and/or military detachments. M.E.B.A., along with MM&P, SIU and AMO submitted a statement that became part of the hearing record also stressing the need for force protection to prevent further acts of piracy. Arming crews, the unions say, should not be viewed as the primary solution to the problem. Instead it "should be considered as only one part of an overall, comprehensive response" which should also include an international effort to "confront the root causes of piracy."

Liberty Maritime Corp. President and CEO Phil Shapiro delivered testimony to the committee and showed a short video of the recent pirate attack on the LIBERTY SUN as filmed by M.E.B.A. Chief Mate Bill Kenneweg. Brother Kenneweg's skills as an impromptu cameraman were severely challenged as the vessel absorbed four Rocket Propelled Grenade blows as well as automatic weapons fire. The jumpy footage first shows the pirate skiff skimming along and firing weapons. It then segues back onto the bridge where Kenneweg assists M.E.B.A. Captain Don Grosse who is authoritatively overseeing the ship's successful escape from the pursuing pirates. Shapiro applauded the crew as well as the superior training provided them by their unions, "These men and women are all trained to the highest levels of seamanship and technical skill by our country's service and maritime academies and by the continuing education systems of their unions - the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association or M.E.B.A. and the Seafarers International Union or SIU. Our 20-member crew performed exceptionally during the incident and in the highest traditions of the long and illustrious history of the U.S. Merchant Marine." Shapiro called the MAERSK ALABAMA and LIBERTY SUN's officers and crew "the true heroes in these incidents."

Further in his testimony Shapiro addressed the notion that U.S. flagship owners have not done enough to protect their vessels from piracy. "That view is flat wrong," he said. "Our company adopted every measure recommended by international organizations and required by the U.S. Coast Guards approved security plan for making the vessel a difficult piracy target and more," he noted.

Regarding the arming of mariners, Shapiro stated that it has been the view of the International Maritime Organization and shipping companies that arming crews or hiring security detachments would lead to escalated violence that would outweigh the protective value. However, he said, the MAERSK ALABAMA incident represents "a game changer." The U.S. government announced that no ransoms will be paid in any future incidents. Shapiro pointed out that this fact, coupled with Somali threats of violence against Americans in revenge for the killing of three of the four ALABAMA pirates, that it "may well mean that American merchant mariners face a greater risk of violence if they are seized as hostages..."  But, he said, the current legal framework prevents the arming of vessels for self-defense and he asked Senators to remove obstacles that prevent ship owners from equipping crews with armed protection. Until that happens - and he acknowledged that this solution cannot be implemented overnight - Shapiro called for "either naval vessel escorts or government security teams for U.S.-flag vessels on high risk transits." However, Liberty considers arming mariners as the "last line of defense" and instead calls for embarked security forces onboard ship.

M.E.B.A.-CREWED LEWIS & CLARK THWARTS PIRATE ATTACK
Another M.E.B.A.-crewed vessel foiled the nefarious plans of pirates this Wednesday as the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS LEWIS AND CLARK was sailing at an unspecified distance from the coast of Somalia. The vessel was transiting north to provide logistics support for U.S. Navy and coalition ships operating in the area when two pirate skiffs pursued the MSC ship for more than an hour, closing to a distance of approximately one nautical mile.

Once shipboard lookouts spotted the two suspected pirate skiffs, LEWIS AND CLARK conducted evasive maneuvers and increased speed to elude them. The ship's embarked security team also used a long range acoustical device to issue verbal warnings to the approaching skiffs. The suspected pirates then fired small arms weapons at the ship from approximately two nautical miles. The LEWIS AND CLARK continued to increase speed and the skiffs ceased their pursuit of the U.S. ship.

"The actions taken by LEWIS AND CLARK were exactly what the U.S. Navy has been recommending to prevent piracy attacks - for both commercial and military vessels," said Capt. Steve Kelley, Commander, Task Force 53, to which the ship is operationally assigned. "Merchant mariners can and should use LEWIS AND CLARK's actions as an unequivocal example of how to prevent a successful attack from occurring." More than 30,000 vessels transit the Gulf of Aden annually. In 2009, there have been 97 attempted attacks on merchant vessels, 27 of which have been successful. Somali pirates are now holding around 20 ships with more than 250 hostages.

CAA SCHEDULES FABULOUS MYRTLE BEACH GOLF OUTING
Attention M.E.B.A. golfers! Get ready to dust off your clubs and show what you've got! The Calhoon Alumni Association has announced a three-day golf event scheduled for July 10-12 at Litchfield Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC. This incredible package includes three rounds of golf on three championship courses, a three-night stay and a fantastic breakfast buffet each day. CAA President Mike Fanning has secured an amazing price for those fortunate people who take advantage of this deal. It will range from $310 to $350 per golfer depending on the turnout!! All active and retired M.E.B.A. members and their guests are welcome. You don't need to be a Calhoon School graduate to attend. For the love of God, sign up today! Further details can be found on the School's website (www.mebaschool.org). Click on "What's New" to learn more. Also, e-mail Mike Fanning with any questions at caa2010@mebaschool.org.

MERCHANT MARINE WWII VETERANS BILL CLEARS HOUSE COMMITTEE
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs approved a bill this week that would provide a monthly cash benefit to qualified World War II veteran merchant mariners. The Committee's Chairman Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) introduced the legislation that is known as the "Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act" (H.R. 23). In the last session of Congress, the House version of the bill was approved by the full chamber but the Senate equivalent bill died in Committee. Rep. Filner got the ball rolling early in this session of Congress as he reintroduced his legislation. So far, a Senate bill has not been forwarded. The next step for H.R. 23 would be its consideration before the full House.

The bill establishes in the Treasury the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund for payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of a monthly benefit of $1,000 to each individual who, between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, was a documented member of the U.S. Merchant Marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service).

Chairman Filner stated, This Committee is once again on the precipice of correcting a grave injustice heaped upon the gallant men of the Merchant Marine of World War II. These heroes were not granted veteran status until 40 years after the War. We are here today to rectify the improper denial of G.I. Bill benefits and to find a way to compensate them, more than 60 years later, for their heroic deeds.

FRC REPORT ACCEPTED
The report presented by a member-chosen rank and file committee that reviewed the Unions finances from the year 2008 was overwhelmingly accepted in a vote this week at the M.E.B.A. Union halls. The six-person Financial Review Committee spent three days at M.E.B.A. Headquarters in April. Their findings were presented at the May membership meetings and put to a vote to either "accept" or "reject" the report.

The 2009 FRC Committee consisted of Dominic Walsh (Baltimore), Brian Evjen (Houston), Bill Thomas (New Orleans), Bill Cadden (New York/New Jersey), Rob Buick (San Francisco/Oakland) and Rich Wagner (Seattle).

AKER CEREMONIAL KEEL-LAYING FOR ANACORTES
Aker Philadelphia Shipyard held a ceremonial keel laying this week for the ninth vessel in its series of 12 product tankers being built at the yard. When completed, the 46,000 dwt tanker will be over 600 feet long and transport petroleum products on the West Coast. It will be crewed up with expert M.E.B.A. officers and named the OVERSEAS ANACORTES.

The vessel will be sold to American Shipping Company, who in turn will bareboat charter the ship to OSG America for use in transporting petroleum products.

At the ceremony, following long held shipbuilding tradition, coins were placed on one of the keel blocks that support the vessel during construction before the first section of the ship was lowered into place. These coins are a ceremonial sign of good fortune and safe travels.

M.E.B.A. SCHOOL ACHIEVES ANOTHER LEVEL OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School (CMES) received two more certifications this week; one from the American Welding Society (AWS) for the Schools Excelling through National Skills Standards (SENSE) Program; and the other from the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) organization.

The AWS certification means that CMES can offer welding instruction according to the AWS SENSE Level I curriculum, and perform proctored testing/proficiencies for the issuance to students of an AWS Certification of Level I - Entry Level Welder.

The NATE certification means that CMES is now able to administer North American Testing Excellence (NATE) Exams, which are the benchmark for the HVAC and Refrigeration industry. The NATE HVAC/R industry certifications available are: Air Conditioning, Air Distribution, Air-to-Air Heat Pumps, Gas Furnaces, Oil Furnaces, Hydronics Gas, Hydronics Oil, Light Commercial Refrigeration, Commercial Refrigeration, and HVAC Efficiency Analyst.

CMES intends to continue acquiring and offering the training that results in industry-recognized credentials for its students.

MOLLER-MAERSK REVIEWS PIRACY POLICY, REQUESTS INTERNATIONAL ACTION
A.P. Moller-Maersk Group has taken action to further boost the safety and security of crews and vessels against piracy. "We have expanded the area off the coast of Somalia where only vessels with a certain freeboard or capable of sailing certain speeds are allowed to enter," says A.P. Moller-Maersk Group Partner and Maersk Tankers CEO Søren Skou. "Vessels should spend as little time in the area as possible, and while in the area sail at maximum speed," he said.

Maersk is also examining defensive measures to further boost security onboard their vessels such as making access to the ship more difficult. For security reasons and the safety of its crews, they did not provide any specific details on these measures. "We back proposals such as establishing a regional maritime sea patrol to protect vessels in the area from piracy attacks. The nations in the region with the support of the international community must address this problem," said Skou. "We also call on the international community to establish a transit corridor, so vessels can safely call ports in Kenya and Tanzania, he stated. Maersk is maintaining its policy of not arming crews or allowing armed guards onboard its vessels. Skou said, "Weapons onboard could lead to a dangerous escalation and raise a number of multi-jurisdictional legal issues. However, in certain instances when force protection is government mandated, the Group will work with and comply with government instructions."

FLAG OF CONVENIENCE CHIEF SENTENCED FOR OIL POLLUTION CRIMES
A Spanish chief engineer serving on the Cyprus-flagged M/T NAUTILUS, has been sentenced to one month in prison by a Massachusetts court for maintaining inaccurate records concealing an illegal oil discharge. After serving his sentence, Carmelo Oria will have a supervised release for a term of two years along with a $3,000 fine.

Oria pleaded guilty on March 9, 2009, to violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships based on his role in discharging oil-contaminated bilge water directly into the ocean from the M/T Nautilus and then failing to record the discharge in the ship's records.

The government's investigation began in March 2008, when inspectors from the U.S. Coast Guard conducted an examination of the M/T NAUTILUS, following the ship's arrival in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and subsequently in the Port of Boston. The M/T NAUTILUS is a 26,794 gross ton chemical tanker owned by Cyprus-based Iceport Shipping Company Ltd., and operated by Spanish-based Consultores de Navegacion S.A. Prosecutors say that Oria ordered engine room crew members to discharge oil-contaminated bilge water from the ship's bilges directly into the ocean. When the M/T NAUTILUS entered the Port of Boston on March 22, 2008, the ship's log, which Oria was responsible for maintaining, failed to disclose the overboard discharge of oil-contaminated bilge water.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS
Monday, June 8 - Boston, Jacksonville, Seattle;
Tuesday, June 9 - Baltimore/Calhoon School (at CMES), Houston, San Francisco (Oakland);
Wednesday, June 10 - Charleston, New Orleans;
Thursday, June 11 - L.A. (Wilmington), New York (New Jersey), Norfolk, Tampa;
Friday, June 12 - Honolulu.

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