House Transportation Committee Proposal Includes Maritime Policy Initiatives

In a significant development for the domestic maritime industry, the long-term surface transportation reauthorization legislation unveiled by Congressman John Mica (Fla.), chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, includes--for the first time--a clear recognition that domestic shipping will be a component of national transportation policy. The legislation contains three maritime policy initiatives strongly supported by MM&P.

First, to encourage development of a domestic short sea shipping industry, the draft legislation would end the double taxation of waterborne cargo moving between American ports. Second, the proposal would require that federal funds in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund are used as intended--to maintain and upgrade American ports--rather than to address budgetary issues. Finally, the draft would expand the allowable use of deposits to a Capital Construction Fund so that companies could use these monies to repair their vessels in American shipyards.
 
Following the release of the draft legislation, Congressman Frank LoBiondo (N.J.), chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, issued a statement “applauding the Committee for recognizing the critical role the maritime industry plays in our nation’s economy, global commerce and job creation. It is therefore appropriate,” LoBiondo wrote, “to include a maritime title in this multi-year legislation for the first time. It is our shared goal to improve coordination between agencies and streamline the bureaucratic process to increase the efficiency of our marine transportation system.”
 
“While the U.S. economy is fueled by maritime commerce and millions of Americans depend on jobs created by imports, exports and the commercial shipping industry, government red tape has stifled the flow of commerce and our ability to effectively build and maintain our maritime infrastructure,” said freshman Congressman Robert Gibbs (Ohio), chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. “Today’s proposal cuts through the bureaucratic red tape, streamlines project delivery, eliminates double taxation on shippers, enhances our ports and waterways, and strengthens our economic foundation to help us compete globally. These reforms are critical as we work to grow our economy and create jobs.”
 
“We are extremely grateful that Chairman Mica, Chairman LoBiondo and Chairman Gibbs, along with their colleagues on the House Transportation Committee, have clearly indicated their support for a more coordinated approach to national transportation policy that includes waterborne transportation as a key and equal component,” said MM&P International President Tim Brown. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Transportation Committee to ensure that the maritime policy initiatives included in the draft legislation--initiatives we have long supported as key to the enhancement of our industry and the creation of jobs in all segments of America's maritime industry--are enacted into law.”

MM&P, MEBA and IBU Members Ratify Agreement with Connolly-Pacific Co.

MM&P members at Connolly-Pacific Co. have ratified a new three-year agreement. The members of the Inland Boatmen’s Union (IBU) and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) have also ratified their own separate agreements with the company. “The negotiations, which were carried out by all three unions and management at the same time, lasted four months,” reports MM&P UIG Regional Representative Ray Shipway. “Capt. Ollie Schugut, Capt. Tony Victoria and Capt. Dan Montgomery were all present at different meetings and each contributed to a successful outcome,” Shipway says.

The three unions asked Shipway to chair the union side of the negotiations with the company. “I enjoyed working with our new MEBA Branch Agent Bob Madden in Los Angeles and our long-time ally, IBU Regional Director John Skow,” Shipway says. “My thanks to all who participated.”

MM&P Plans Offers License Insurance for PMR Members

The MM&P Plan Office offers a program that provides members of the Offshore Division and the Pacific Maritime Region with the option to purchase license insurance for protection against loss of wages in the event of the suspension or revocation of an officer’s license, as well as property damage, loss of personal effects and legal representation. An application may be obtained from the Plan Office or in the Members’ Only section of www.bridgedeck.org. Coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following receipt and acceptance of the application and payment by the Plan Office. Coverage is provided on an annual basis. Officers should apply for coverage in the highest rating at which it is expected that he or she will serve during the policy period. For a complete copy of rates, benefits and coverage, please refer to the Plan Rules and Regulations.

MV COHO CREWMEMBERS SAVE HEART ATTACK VICTIM

The crew of MV COHO is being commended for assisting a passenger stricken by a heart attack mid-way through the 90-minute crossing from Victoria, B.C., to Port Angeles, Wash., on May 27. First on the scene were MV COHO crewmembers Ben Rowland and Brandon Melville. Through the use of CPR and an AED, they were able to keep the passenger alive for 45 minutes until arrival in Port Angeles, where they were relieved by paramedics. Ten days later, the passenger was able to walk out of the hospital. The paramedics and hospital staff credit Rowland and Melville for saving the passenger’s life. MM&P United Inland Group member Ben Rowland sails as second mate aboard the COHO. Brandon Melville, who sails as quartermaster, recently attended the Pacific Maritime Institute’s training course for ship medical officers. Congratulations to all the professional mariners aboard MV COHO for a job well done!