AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid Program benefits

AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid Program benefits expanded

The wage-protection benefit under the American Maritime Officers Coast Guard Legal Aid Program has been expanded to include deep-sea and Great Lakes AMO members.

Effective July 1, 2007, the Coast Guard Legal Aid Program will be administered under the AMO Safety and Education Plan and will provide legal aid and wage protection benefits for a period of up to 12 months for eligible AMO deep-sea and Great Lakes members. The wage protection benefit has been available to AMO Great Lakes members since the inception of the program. The expansion of the program is the result of a decision of the AMO Plans Trustees based on a proposal from AMO National President Tom Bethel, who serves as alternating chairman/secretary of the Board of Trustees.

A license represents security for a mariner and his or her family. The U.S. Coast Guard issues licenses in accordance with strict guidelines set out in the federal laws and regulations. The Coast Guard is equally rigid when it comes to enforcing those laws and regulations, which govern the conduct of licensed officers. A violation of laws or regulations can lead to the suspension or revocation of an officer's license.

The AMO Coast Guard Legal Aid Program has been implemented to provide assistance to AMO members involved in situations that could jeopardize their licenses. The program provides free legal representation to any eligible AMO officer who is required to appear before a court, board of inquiry or other authority in connection with a matter arising out of the officer's employment. A wage protection benefit is provided for a period of up to 12 months in the event an eligible officer's license is suspended or revoked (unless the suspension or revocation is a result of fraud, lack of sobriety or criminal conduct). The program also provides for reimbursement of up to $1,000 for an officer who is personally assessed a fine for violating any navigation or pollution control laws.

The program requires all eligible officers to immediately notify the Safety and Education Plan administrator or the program's legal counsel if at any time he or she is involved in any marine casualty or incident that is reported to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The plan has retained Mike Reny of the firm Harris-Reny-Torzewski to provide legal services for AMO members working in deep-sea and Great Lakes trades. Reny has 30 years of experience in representing AMO members under the Great Lakes plan and, effective July 1, 2007, will be available to assist all eligible deep-sea officers under the program. Any eligible officer with a licensing or marine casualty issue should contact Reny immediately.

Contact Information:

Attorney Mike Reny
3rd Floor, Two Maritime Plaza
Toledo, Ohio 43604
Office: 419-243-1105
Toll Free: 888-853-4662
Cell: 419-346-1485
Home: 419-843-2411
MikeReny@BEX.NET

Eligibility under the Coast Guard Legal Aid Program

Any licensed officer represented by American Maritime Officers who has worked a minimum of 30 days in a consecutive six-month period (182 days) for a Great Lakes or deep-sea employer that makes contributions to the AMO Safety and Education Plan is eligible for benefits. For new AMO Plans participants, the minimum requirement is 90 days of covered employment within the six-month period.

Wage protection benefits will not be paid if an officer's license is revoked or reduced as a consequence of fraud, intentional misstatements, concealment of material facts or presentation of a fraudulent claim; physical or mental unfitness or disability arising out of any cause; willful misconduct, lack of sobriety, all drug offenses or being found guilty of the violation of a criminal statute. No benefits of any type will be paid if an eligible officer files a fraudulent claim; does not immediately notify the Board of Trustees, in writing, an event has taken place that could result in the filing of a claim; or has in effect a insurance policy covering any of the circumstances covered by this Plan.

If you have questions regarding eligibility or benefits, contact Director of Benefits Mike Naftaniel at (800) 348-6515 ext. 7560.