The Sunshine State, operated by Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning for American Petroleum Tankers, was one of several Jones Act tankers delivering much needed fuel products to Oregon during a state of emergency in December.
It’s become a common sight to see fleets of Jones Act tankers coming to deliver life-saving aid after natural disasters hit America’s coastal areas.
But those same American-owned, American-built, American-crewed vessels also respond to other distress calls around the nation.
In November, the governor of Oregon declared a state of emergency after the region’s main source of energy, the Olympic Pipeline in Washington state, was shut down several times due to leaks in its distribution system. The Olympic Pipeline generates approximately 325,000 barrels of refined fuels per day, which account for about 90 percent of Oregon’s gasoline, diesel and jet fuel needs – vital for the cars, trucks and planes in the area.
Although the state had reserves, local government officials were concerned about possible shortages and potential spikes in gasoline costs.
Without delay, Jones Act vessel owners and crews sprang into action, altering delivery routes and bringing much needed fuel products to the Pacific Northwest. The influx of fuel helped avoid disruption for gas stations throughout the state and provided adequate reserves while the pipeline leak was found and repairs made. Several American Maritime Officers-led crews, including the American Petroleum Tankers (APT) vessel Sunshine State, made multiple deliveries, proving the versatility and the ability of the Jones Act fleet to adapt to serve the nation’s needs.
“Not only is the Jones Act vital to national security, but it is critical because we consistently respond when Americans need it most,” said Sunshine State Captain Jonathan Doucot. “Our vessels operate under U.S. regulations, are crewed by U.S. mariners, and are familiar with domestic trade routes, terminals, and regulatory requirements. This allows us to move cargo quickly and safely without delay. Without the Jones Act, the United States would be dependent on foreign vessels and crews to meet the demands of our own domestic commerce.”
The Jones Act, the nation’s cornerstone cargo cabotage law, mandates that goods shipped between U.S. ports be carried on vessels that are U.S.-flagged, U.S.-built and crewed by U.S. citizens. Because of the vigorous defense of the law over the past century, the nation has a fleet of ships at the ready to respond to any type of emergency.
Sunshine State officers Captain Jonathan Doucot (right) and First Assistant Engineer Bill Sharp, here attending meetings of the AMO Executive Board in January, were among the AMO officers leading the response of the Jones Act tanker fleet to fuel shortages in Oregon late last year.
The Sunshine State, which normally delivers fuel along the West Coast, primarily from Cherry Point, Wash. to San Francisco, Calif., joined AMO-crewed APT tankers, such as American Freedom and American Endurance, Fairwater tankers Louisiana and Ohio, as well as other non-AMO Jones Act vessels, to provide consistent and reliable fuel deliveries as repairs were made to the vital pipeline.
In September, the Olympic Pipeline had also experienced a brief ten-day outage. During that period, the Sunshine State made five trips to Portland, Ore. The pipeline returned to service, but in November it went down again, causing multiple scheduled Jones Act deliveries to Portland.
The state of emergency declaration lasted about three weeks and spanned the busy Thanksgiving holiday, but residents in the region hardly felt the fuel pinch because of the efforts of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
AMO was proud to support cadet license exams last week at Cal Poly Maritime. Congratulations to everyone who completed their exams! Sixty-seven candidates tested – 35 deck and 32 engine. Last year alone, 27 Cal Poly Maritime graduates joined AMO.
Washington, D.C. – America’s leading maritime labor unions are calling on the Trump Administration and Congress to require that any crude oil imported from Venezuela be transported exclusively on U.S.-flag vessels crewed by American mariners, arguing such policy is essential to U.S. economic and national security interests.
“A cornerstone of an effective national maritime policy is gaining access to private, commercial cargoes that create steady demand for U.S.-flag vessels, American mariners, and the shipbuilding industrial base,” the unions wrote in a letter to senior Administration officials.
The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), American Maritime Officers (AMO), the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P), and the Seafarers International Union (SIU), which represent the majority of U.S. merchant mariners sailing in the U.S.-flag fleet, argued that aligning American foreign policy and energy needs with “Ship American” principles would strengthen the U.S. maritime workforce, reduce reliance on foreign-controlled shipping, and counter the growth of opaque “shadow fleet” tanker operations used to move sanctioned oil outside U.S. oversight.
The unions warned that current restrictions on Venezuelan oil have shifted global trade toward foreign-controlled shipping networks, including opaque “shadow fleet” tankers operating outside U.S. labor and safety standards. As a result, U.S. maritime workers and carriers are excluded from energy cargoes that could otherwise support American shipping capacity and enforcement objectives.
Requiring U.S.-flag transportation for Venezuelan crude entering the United States, the unions said, would provide reliable commercial cargo for U.S. carriers, enhance sanctions compliance, and reduce reliance on foreign vessels tied to adversarial interests. The policy could also benefit U.S. refiners designed to process heavy crude by increasing supply options and helping stabilize domestic energy markets.
Maritime labor leaders emphasized that American mariners are prepared to support lawful, transparent energy trade that advances U.S. strategic interests.
A copy of the letter is available online.
Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard Crescent Towing’s tug Angus R. Cooper II in January in Savannah, Ga. included Captain Brenton Edenfield and Chief Engineer Jeff Parker.
AMO members working aboard Crescent Towing’s tug Arkansas in January in Savannah, Ga. included Chief Engineer Rob Cantrell (right), here with SIU member Wheelman Chris Sikes.
MSC Security Watchstander Advanced and Small Arms Training at STAR Center
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Headquarters Mission Assurance Newsletter for Q4 2025 was issued on October 2. Page 4 of the newsletter contains critical information for AMO members in need of Small Arms and Security Watchstander Advanced (SWS-A) training. The information published is as follows:
SWS-A Requirement
* OPNAV 5530 and SECNAV 5500 require all personnel who will be armed in the performance of their duties to complete annual non-lethal weapons training.
– For MSC, this training is conducted during SWS-A, typically on day 5 of the course.
– Certificates for weapons qualifications will no longer be issued without completion of SWS-A.
* To comply with higher headquarters guidance, SWS-A is required for ALL personnel who will be armed, including Masters/Captains and others issued firearms for self-defense only.
* Important: Without a current SWS-A qualification, weapons qualifications are considered null and void.
Given this announcement, effective immediately, STAR Center will only assign seats in Small Arms classes with enrollment in that week’s SWS-A class. Small Arms certificates will not be issued until SWS-A is completed.
For CONMARs, the Security Watchstander BASIC (SWS-B) course is normally required only once in your career, although some contracts may have a different periodicity. OPCOs should refer to the specific contract to be sure of their requirement. SWS-B training can only be met in an approved half-day course, which STAR Center offers.
Any questions regarding MSC Small Arms and SWS courses should be directed to Patrick Jones, Manager, Small Arms Training, at 800-942-3220 Ext. 7270 or via .
STAR Center’s course schedule can be accessed online. Enrollment questions or applications should be directed to Student Services at 1-800-942-3220 Ext. 201 or via .
The following bulletin was released by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The National Maritime Center (NMC) will officially launch its new online Application Submission and Additional Information Portal (ASAP) and redesigned website on Monday, January 26, 2026. The transition to the new website will begin Friday, January 23, 2026, and users will experience a period of system unavailability during this transition.
Please note this new functionality is not associated with the ongoing development of the U.S. Coast Guard Navita© system. It is a separate effort to improve customer service until the U.S. Coast Guard Navita© is fully operational.
What’s Changing on January 26, 2026:
1. ASAP – Fast, Convenient
- Submit Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) applications.
- Submit Medical Certificate (MC) applications.
- Upload supporting or additional documents for existing MMC or MC applications.
To help mariners prepare for the transition, a step-by-step tutorial demonstrating how to use ASAP is available on YouTube. Mariners are strongly encouraged to review the tutorial in advance of the January 26 launch.
ASAP will be the primary method for submitting applications and additional documents for new and existing applications to the NMC. Submission options such as e-mail or fax will be significantly limited and eventually discontinued as part of this transition.
2. New and Improved Website – Clear, Customer-First Navigation.
- Improved navigation and layout
- Clearer “How to Apply” guidance
- Easier access to credentialing information and customer support tools
These improvements are designed to simplify the process, reduce waiting times, and give you more control over your documents. For more information, visit the NMC website.
If you have any questions about any of the upcoming changes, contact the NMC Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, by using the NMC online chat system, , or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the E.N. Bisso & Son tug Atlas in Tampa in January included Chief Engineer Charlie Spence and Captain Dave Storch.
In a first for the American Maritime Officers Medical Plan, an annual limit or cap will be placed on out-of-pocket costs paid by retired AMO members not yet enrolled in Medicare, as well as their dependents eligible for AMO Medical Plan coverage, effective January 1, 2026.
The union and employer trustees of the AMO Medical Plan have unanimously approved an annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses for pre-Medicare retirees of $30,000 per individual and $60,000 total per family. Until now, there has been no limit on annual out-of-pocket medical expenses that could be required by health care providers for pre-Medicare AMO retirees and their families.
By introducing a cap on annual out-of-pocket expenses for retired pre-Medicare AMO members and their eligible dependents, the AMO Medical Plan will offer important financial protection in the event of a catastrophic medical event, helping to reduce the financial burden on retired members and their dependents.
The annual cap may alleviate the potential need for retired AMO members covered by the AMO Medical Plan to obtain a supplemental insurance policy to cover out-of-pocket expenses until they become eligible for Medicare. For retired members who do choose to purchase a supplemental policy prior to Medicare eligibility, the annual cap may ease the process for doing so, since the maximum annual out-of-pocket cost will now be known and limited.
For pre-Medicare retired AMO members and their eligible dependents, the AMO Medical Plan provides coverage on an 80 percent basis, with 20 percent in co-insurance and co-payments (when utilizing an in-network provider or facility). Once retired AMO members and their eligible dependents enroll in Medicare, AMO Medical Plan coverage becomes a Medicare wrap-around benefit, covering the out-of-pocket portion of the approved amount that Medicare does not cover.
To help offset the cost of capping annual out-of-pocket expenses for the coverage of retired pre-Medicare AMO members and their eligible dependents, all applicable co-payment amounts for certain services will be increased by $5 for all AMO Medical Plan participants, effective January 1, 2026.
The AMO Medical Plan has mailed new insurance cards to plan participants accounting for the $5 co-payment increase and the out-of-pocket limit for pre-Medicare retired AMO members. Participants were also notified by email of the distribution of the new AMO Medical Plan insurance cards.
Please Note: There are no changes to the Blue Cross – Blue Shield or the Smith RX identification numbers on the new AMO Medical Plan insurance cards that have been issued. If you have not received your new cards in the mail by January 1, 2026, your existing cards will still contain the correct identification numbers to access your medical and pharmacy benefits.
For active AMO members, active and qualified AMO applicants, and their eligible dependents, the cap on annual out-of-pocket expenses remains the same – $3,000 per individual and $6,000 total per family. For active members and their eligible dependents, the AMO Medical Plan provides coverage on a 90 percent basis, with 10 percent in co-insurance and co-payments (when utilizing an in-network provider or facility).
No insurance premiums are charged for coverage under the AMO Medical Plan.
The following bulletin was released December 30 by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Due to staffing shortages at Regional Examination Center (REC) New Orleans, the National Maritime Center (NMC) has implemented the following temporary measures:
- Mariner Examinations: REC New Orleans will continue to provide mariner testing via scheduled examination appointments only. Examination appointments are available Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. CT. Examination appointments are not available on Fridays or federal holidays.
- Counter Service: REC New Orleans has temporarily discontinued all counter service including by appointments and is unable to accommodate walk-in visits. Only applicants with scheduled examination appointments will be permitted to enter the REC at this time.
- Application Submission: Effective January 5, 2026, REC New Orleans will no longer accept applications in-person. The NMC anticipates transition to an online application submission portal in January. Until the portal is available, mariners should submit merchant mariner credential applications and medical certificate applications . Only applicants seeking first class pilot routes within the REC New Orleans area of responsibility should mail or e-mail their application to the REC.
We anticipate that the temporary measures at REC New Orleans may last for several months while the NMC seeks to fill current vacancies.
For more information regarding the current status of REC New Orleans or how and where to submit credential applications, visit the NMC website. If you have questions or require assistance, contact the NMC Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, by using Live Chat, , or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
AMO President Willie Barrere, Vice President for Government Relations Christian Spain and West Coast Representative Alex Butler held informational meetings with American Maritime Officers members working aboard the American Endurance and the North Star on the West Coast in December, among other vessels.
AMO members gathering for an informational meeting onboard the American Endurance in Long Beach, Calif. in December included Third Mate Natalie Thorn, Second Assistant Engineer Raymond Huntzinger, Third Mate William Hoffman, Chief Mate Taylor McGovern, Captain Tim Paternoster, First A.E. Kaleb Smith and Chief Engineer Frank Bowley. With them is Deck Cadet Jackson LaMaster.
AMO members participating in informational briefings on the North Star in December prior to cargo operations in Tacoma, Wash. included Captains Chris Parks and Matt Huyter.
Chief Engineer Harry Poole talks with AMO President Willie Barrere and Vice President for Government Relations Christian Spain onboard the North Star in December.
AMO members working aboard the North Star in December as informational briefings were conducted for the officers on the ship included First Assistant Engineers Mike Busque and Adam St. Jarre, and Third A.E. Devin Boone.
Chief Mate Dan Warren talks with AMO officials onboard the North Star in December.
Third Mate Sam Coles and Third Mate Daniel Bridgeman talk with AMO President Willie Barrere onboard the North Star in December.
