AMO member Third Assistant Engineer Nicholas Tereshko takes in a view of Mt. Fuji en route to Yokosuka, Japan, and works on the navigation light while docked in Sasebo onboard the Torm Timothy.
AMO member Jonathan Harrison demonstrates the safety features on the new LifeFinder program installed on the MV Patriot.
The following press release was issued by American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier on March 30. American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers aboard all ten ARC U.S.-flag roll-on/roll-off vessels.
American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) announced it would deploy the LifeFinder safety tech platform under a five-year agreement across its fleet of ten U.S.-flag roll-on/roll-off vessels to strengthen mariner safety and emergency response capabilities.
The decision follows a successful year-long pilot installation on board the vessel MV Patriot. ARC and LifeFinder worked closely to tailor the platform to the specific vessel layout, safety procedures and operational requirements. The pilot demonstrated that fast and reliable onboard positioning with personnel locator devices improves coordination during drills by giving bridge and safety teams immediate visibility into crew location and status. The system also strengthens reporting and post-incident analysis, reinforcing continuous improvement across the fleet.
“LifeFinder enhances our ability to quickly determine the location of all crewmembers, and accelerate response coordination during potential incidents,” said Fred Finger, Senior Vice President, Fleet Strategy & Special Projects at ARC. “When paired with our commitment to open communication and accountability between our afloat and shoreside teams, this technology strengthens our ability to identify risks early and respond effectively. This investment reflects ARC’s continuing commitment to provide our vessels with the safest possible working environment in support of our partners, both in the U.S. Government and the private sector.”
“Making life at sea safer requires more than compliance. It requires new technology built around real operational needs. A whole new safety infrastructure. Together with ARC, we have developed a system that directly addresses the challenges crews face in emergency situations,” said Anders Schening, CEO of LifeFinder.
“The safety of mariners has to remain a constant priority,” said Jordan Biscardo, Communications Director at Seafarers International Union. “We welcome ARC’s decision to deploy this technology across its fleet. Investments like this show a serious commitment to protecting the men and women who operate these vessels and ensuring they have the tools and systems in place to respond effectively in emergency situations.”
In February, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) together with U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS) hosted Turbo Fusion Day at the Port of Tacoma.
Operation Turbo Fusion demonstrates how U.S. TRANSCOM integrates multiple modes of transportation to move cargo around the globe, including contested environments.
In support of Turbo Fusion, ARC Integrity transported a variety of items – from heavy artillery vehicles and construction equipment to containers filled with medical supplies and meals for soldiers – from Tacoma to where they were offloaded in Busan, South Korea.
Air Force Gen. Randall Reed, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, listens to ARC integrity crew members during a visit as loading operations continued on Turbo Fusion Day.
Senior leaders from U.S. TRANSCOM, ARTRANS, and ARC toured the U.S.-flagged roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel MV ARC Integrity to observe how military equipment is configured to support rapid force flow upon reaching its destination.
American Maritime Officers members working aboard the MT Pennsylvania in March, here in Port Everglades, included Third Mate Pieter Oudejans, Chief Mate Andrew Leonard, Third Mate Molly Malmquist, Captain Eric Anderson and Chief Engineer Chad Labelle. AMO represents all licensed officers onboard the Jones Act tanker.
On February 25, the officers and crew of the USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams were honored with a visit by the Gold Star Williams family. It was their first time visiting the ship since the christening over 40 years ago at Quincy Shipbuilding. The Williams family included sisters, Diane, Penny and Lorraine, and brother, Howard. Extended family included their niece, Kristy Strickland, and nephew’s family, Brian, Jill, Carter, McKinley and Gabriella Chemin. Additional visitors included Retired Colonel Nick Straffon and Karen Straffon, who are heavily involved with getting military members recognized for their courage and sacrifice for our country. It was a day filled with joy, celebration and remembrance of the life of PFC Dewayne T. Williams. He was one of seven children and there was no shortage of childhood memories shared with the crew. His heroic action taken on September 18, 1968 was a reflection of who he was as a son, brother and friend to all who knew him. The entire crew in attendance will forever carry a bond with the Williams family.
Officers and crew of the USNS Williams include: Captain Scott Kreger, Chief Mate David O’Brien, Second Mate Jason Montoleone, Third Mate Tharen Burns, Bosun Vlad Bendus, Able Seaman Anneliza Brown, Chief Engineer Donald White, First Assistant Engineer Michael Heckmuller, Second Assistant Engineer Frank Sambula, Third Assistant Engineer Austin Soucy, Third Assistant Engineer Dustine Arbore, Electronics Officer Ricky Reidl, QMED Electrician Thomas Koncul, GUDE Darryll Williams and Storekeeper Rodolofo Campbell.
The following bulletin was released by the U.S. Coast Guard. The complete PDF is available on the National Maritime Center website, including a sample Medical Certificate.
What’s New
- New medical certificates that do not include a medical waiver will now be delivered electronically via e-mail.
- Certificates are issued as a standard 8.5-inch x 11-inch (letter size) PDF documents.
- Certificates must be signed to be valid. It is also recommended that mariners print and maintain a signed certificate for their use. When printed, it will be a standard 8.5-inch x 11-inch document.
- Certificates with medical waivers will continue to be mailed.
- New medical certificates include a QR code as a built-in security feature. Once the code is scanned, users will be directed to our credential verification tool to confirm validity of the certificate.
- Reminder! If you want your medical certificate delivered by e-mail, make sure you provide a valid e-mail address with your 719 K or K/E, otherwise your certificate will be mailed in accordance with standard procedures.
How to e-Sign Your Medical Certificate (Mobile Phone)
With the right electronic signature app, you can digitally sign your certificate on a mobile device (iPhone or Android) easily, legally, and securely. Several free electronic signature services exist that offer legally binding e-signatures for documents. Examples include OpenSign (unlimited free), SignWell (limited free docs), DigiSigner, and Adobe Acrobat Fill & Sign.
Troubleshooting & Important Notes
IMPORTANT: Allow time for e-mail delivery and check your spam/junk folder before contacting the NMC’s Customer Service Center.
- Did not receive the e-mail? Check your spam/junk folder.
- Missing attachments? Firewalls may block PDFs – try a personal device/e-mail.
- Cannot open file? Try using a PDF app like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
NOTE: Some organizational e-mail systems may block attachments. Accessing from a personal device may resolve the issue.
The AMO monthly membership meeting originally scheduled for May 6 will now be held on Tuesday, May 5 due to a scheduling conflict. The meeting on Tuesday, May 5 will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time at AMO headquarters in the second-floor auditorium. The date change for this meeting will extend by one day the nomination period for the upcoming AMO election of national officers. The nomination period opens with the May membership meeting, which will now be held one day earlier than originally scheduled.
To: All Members of the American Maritime Officers (AMO)
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
This is the American Maritime Officers’ official notice of the upcoming nominations period during which nominations will be accepted for the seven elected positions set out in the National President’s Pre-Balloting Report. In accordance with the timetable set out in Article XI, section 1(c) of the American Maritime Officers National Constitution, nominations must reach National Headquarters no earlier than 1:00 P.M. EDT May 5, 2026 and no later than 1:00 P.M. EDT June 10, 2026.
Nominations cannot be accepted prior to May 5 at AMO headquarters. Signed nomination letters – as well as signed certifications as required by the AMO National Constitution, Article XI, Section 1(b) – can be emailed to [email protected], or sent via tracked U.S. Postal Service mail to AMO headquarters at the following addresses:
American Maritime Officers – Nominations
Attention: Maria Moffitt
PO Box 66
Dania Beach, FL 33004
OR
American Maritime Officers – Nominations
Attention: Maria Moffitt
601 S Federal Highway
Dania Beach, FL 33004
The National President’s Pre-Balloting Report, which was mentioned above, is included with this notice. It was approved by the membership at the regularly scheduled April Membership Meeting and identifies the seven AMO National Executive Board positions that will be up for election during the 2026 AMO National Election: National President, National Secretary-Treasurer, National Executive Vice President, National Vice President – Deep Sea, National Vice President – Great Lakes, National Vice President – Inland Waters and National Vice President – Government Relations.
Article XI, Section 1(b) of the AMO National Constitution sets out the requirements for submitting nominations. For questions related to the nominations process, Members may submit inquires via email to [email protected].
At the regularly scheduled June Membership Meeting, after nominations have closed, a Credentials Committee will be elected from the Membership. The Credentials Committee, per Article XI, Section 2, determines whether persons nominated have been nominated correctly and possess the necessary qualifications.
Copies of the full AMO National Constitution were published and included in the January-February 2026 AMO Newspaper. The AMO National Constitution is also available online.
Fraternally,
Willie Barrere
National President
In accordance with Article VIII, Section 1(e) of the American Maritime Officers National Constitution, the undersigned (National President) herewith submits to the Membership the Pre-Balloting Report for the American Maritime Officers 2026 Election of National Officers and National Executive Board Members. The term of office for each of the seven Elected National Officers is four (4) years. The Elected National Officers shall be as follows:
HEADQUARTERS (Dania Beach, Florida)
1) National President
2) National Secretary-Treasurer
3) National Executive Vice President
DEEP-SEA
4) National Vice President
GREAT LAKES
5) National Vice President
INLAND WATERS
6) National Vice President
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
7) National Vice President
The Depository approved by the AMO National Executive Board to which the ballots are to be mailed or delivered is the United States Postal Service at PO Box 188, 21 NW 1st Avenue, Dania Beach, Florida. Returned mail will be returned to the independent mailing and balloting service for re-mailing.
The National Executive Board has designated TrueBallot, Inc. as the independent mailing and balloting service for the 2026 election.
Fraternally,
Willie Barrere
National President
Maine Maritime Academy officially accepted its new training ship, the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) State of Maine, in a formal ceremony on March 31, which was well attended by American Maritime Officers.
The vessel arrived in Portland Harbor under the direction of an AMO-led crew on March 21, where it was greeted by a ceremonial water salute marking its first entry into port.
The State of Maine is the third of five purpose-built NSMVs developed to modernize the training capabilities of state maritime academies. The vessel will serve as Maine Maritime Academy’s primary training ship, preparing cadets for careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine and supporting federal humanitarian and disaster response missions, addressing a critical shortage of qualified officers necessary to crew government and commercial owned sealift ships.
“This new ship will help provide rigorous instruction and crucial maritime training for MMA students for decades to come,” said Senator Susan Collins. “I am proud to serve with former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao as co-sponsor and as godmother of the new ‘State of Maine.’ We have arrived at this glorious day after a long voyage that was not without its treacherous shoals. In 2019, as Chair of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked hard to secure $300 million for this ship. Brokering the agreement between the House and the Senate for that appropriations bill was a challenging task that required months of negotiation and advocacy.”
AMO will take over the vessel in all licensed positions when the NSMV is operated for national emergency missions or when activated by the government for humanitarian missions.
“A strong merchant marine means a strong America. By equipping Maine Maritime Academy with a state-of-the-art vessel to train future merchant mariners, we are fulfilling President Trump’s promise to restore America’s maritime dominance,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “Today we aren’t just delivering a vessel – we are charting a course toward a more resilient and successful America.”
Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel echoed those sentiments as MARAD continues to encourage modernization of the U.S.-flag fleet.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Maine Maritime Academy to deliver the State of Maine,” Carmel said. “Together, MARAD and MMA are transforming maritime education and ensuring our nation remains ready and resilient.”
State maritime academies train over half of all new officers essential to the economy and national security. Beyond training, the new NSMVs feature modern medical facilities, a helipad, and capacity for 1,000 people, providing critical sealift and storage for disaster relief and humanitarian missions.
“As our first purpose-built training ship, the State of Maine will provide world-class learning experiences for cadets pursuing unlimited tonnage licenses. It’s a game-changer for our mission and a powerful reflection of what’s possible through strong partnerships and shared vision,” said Maine Maritime Academy President Craig Johnson.
“We are proud to deliver the State of Maine for the Maine Maritime Academy, continuing TOTE Services’ long-standing commitment to innovation, excellence, and the U.S. maritime community,” said President of TOTE Services Jeff Dixon.
The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor, was the ship co-sponsor for the State of Maine.
“The delivery of the new State of Maine marks a significant milestone in strengthening America’s maritime future. This state-of-the-art training vessel will provide cadets at Maine Maritime Academy with hands-on, real-world experience essential to developing the next generation of U.S. merchant mariners,” Chao said.
“The State of Maine will enhance our nation’s readiness to respond to humanitarian crises and disaster relief operations, representing a critical investment in those who will carry forward the proud tradition of the U.S. Merchant Marine.”