AMO Members Urged To Complete Training For STCW '95

AMO Members Urged To Complete Training For STCW '95

Deadline For Certification February 1, 2002; Call For Specific Course Requirements

      AMO members are reminded to arrange for required training under the International Maritime Organization's Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or STCW '95.
     The requirements, which went into effect in February 1997, are enforced in the U.S. by the Coast Guard, and the compliance deadline is February 2002. U.S. merchant marine officers who do not have the necessary certifications by then will not be permitted by the Coast Guard to work on vessels departing U.S. waters.
     "I cannot stress this enough-any AMO member who does not have mandatory STCW training, the documented proficiency in specific seafaring skills, must make such training and certification a priority," said AMO National President Michael R. McKay on Oct. 1. "Union members who do not comply will deny themselves job opportunities in the only U.S. merchant marine officers' union with a steadily expanding employment base-that's Coast Guard policy, not AMO policy."
     AMO members wishing to enroll in one or more STCW classes at AMO's Raymond T. McKay Center for Advanced Maritime Officers' Training in Dania Beach, Fla., are asked to call CAMOT's Office of Student Services at 800-942-3220, ext. 7112 during Eastern Standard Time business hours for course schedules and availability in Dania Beach and at CAMOT in Toledo, Ohio.
     Deck officers with specific questions about individual STCW requirements can use the same toll-free number and speak to Captain Jerry Pannell at ext. 7889, Captain Joe Lobo at ext. 7215, or Captain Bob Groom at ext. 7137.
     Engine officers with questions about individual STCW requirements can use the same toll-free number and speak to Chief Engineer Clifford "Kip" Jayne at ext. 7258, Dwight Hutchinson at ext. 7888, or Chief Engineer Bob Duke at ext. 7164.
     Union members unable to attend the Raymond T. McKay Center for Advanced Maritime Officers' Training in Dania Beach or Toledo or who wish to obtain STCW certification at another approved training site for convenience or expediency are advised that tuition costs are reimbursed by the AMO Safety & Education Plan when attendance at such training centers is pre-approved by CAMOT.
     All completed training and STCW certification must be reported to Lisa Marra, CAMOT's training records system manager at 800-942-3220, ext. 7118, to make certain that the union's dispatchers have complete, current files on all union members' qualifications under STCW.
     The following STCW requirements generally apply:

Master-Advanced Firefighting, ARPA, Bridge Resource Management, GMDSS, Basic Safety Training, Survival Craft/Lifeboat, Fast Rescue Boat, and Medical Care Provider/Medical PIC.
Chief Engineer, First Assistant Engineer, Second Assistant Engineer, and Third Assistant Engineer-Advanced Firefighting, Basic Safety Training, Survival Craft/Lifeboat, Fast Rescue Boat and Medical Care Provider.
Chief Officer-Advanced Firefighting, ARPA, Bridge Resource Management, GMDSS, Basic Safety Training, Survival Craft/Lifeboat, Fast Rescue Boat, Medical Care Provider and Medical PIC.
Second Officer and Third Officer-Advanced Firefighting, ARPA, Bridge Resource Management, GMDSS, Basic Safety Training, Survival Craft/Lifeboat, Fast Rescue Boat and Medical Care Provider.

     Union members employed on tankers are reminded that Coast Guard requirements for Tankerman PIC and Tankerman Engineer already apply and satisfy the STCW '95 mandate for tanker endorsement.
     Fast Rescue Boat training is required of all engineers under STCW '95 because engineers are occasionally assigned to FRB crews at sea.
     Medical PIC endorsements are required as specified under STCW '95 if the vessel's Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection requires MPIC.
     Medical Care Provider endorsements are required of all engineers, Second Officers, and Third Officers under STCW '95 if seatime began after Aug. 1, 1998.
     This information is provided for reference only. For more details, contact the Coast Guard Regional Exam Center maintaining your records or visit the Coast Guard's website.

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