gCaptain Forum http://gcaptain.com/forum en Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:52:06 GMT vBulletin 90 http://gcaptain.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg gCaptain Forum http://gcaptain.com/forum GcaptainMaritimeForumhttp://feedburner.google.com Merchant mariner third party authorization http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-training-licensing/3253-merchant-mariner-party-authorization.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:47:48 GMT Have someone handle your paperwork while you're sailing. Information HERE.
]]> dougpine http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-training-licensing/3253-merchant-mariner-party-authorization.html New Search Feature on NMC’s Website http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-training-licensing/3252-search-feature-national-maritime-center-website.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:45:04 GMT Information HERE (http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/announcements/search_function_bulletin.pdf) Information HERE
]]> dougpine http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-training-licensing/3252-search-feature-national-maritime-center-website.html Release of the new merchant mariner credential medical evaluation forms http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-training-licensing/3251-release-merchant-mariner-credential-medical-evaluation-forms.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:43:52 GMT Information HERE. (http://uscg.mil/nmc/announcements/medical_eval_forms_bulletin_2.pdf) Information HERE.
]]> dougpine http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-training-licensing/3251-release-merchant-mariner-credential-medical-evaluation-forms.html <![CDATA[National Maritime Center's Monthly Reports - Performance]]> http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-training-licensing/3250-national-maritime-centers-monthly-reports-performance.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:42:16 GMT October 2009 report here. (http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/performance_reports/2009_october_performance_report.pdf) September 2009 report here.... October 2009 report here.

September 2009 report here.

August 2009 report here.
]]> dougpine http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-training-licensing/3250-national-maritime-centers-monthly-reports-performance.html Gas Turbine -Difficulty Upgrading http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-training-licensing/3248-gas-turbine-difficulty-upgrading.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:33:18 GMT Does anyone have an insight as to how the CG evaluates qualifying service on a Gas Turbine powered vessel in regard to upgrading a Steam and Motor... Does anyone have an insight as to how the CG evaluates qualifying service on a Gas Turbine powered vessel in regard to upgrading a Steam and Motor engineers license.
]]> Rjmellusi http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-training-licensing/3248-gas-turbine-difficulty-upgrading.html Maritime Monday 187 http://gcaptain.com/forum/blog-comments/3245-maritime-monday-187-a.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:10:45 GMT The following is posted by Fred Fry (http://fredfryinternational.blogspot.com/): Welcome to this 187th edition of Maritime Monday. You can... The following is posted by Fred Fry:

Welcome to this 187th edition of Maritime Monday.

You can find Maritime Monday 137 [url="http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/maritime-monday-137/"]... Click HERE to read the full blog article.
]]> Blog Comments bloggervb http://gcaptain.com/forum/blog-comments/3245-maritime-monday-187-a.html Maritime debt collection http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-topics/3243-maritime-debt-collection.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:08:24 GMT "Demand for debt collection services has never been stronger..."

This new [business opportunity] piece caught my eye in the latest Maritime Advocate... http://www.avoarchive.com:

A new company, SeaDebt Management, has been established in the City of London to provide debt collection services on a global basis. Backed by a group of City investors, SeaDebt is managed by a team of specialists under the direction of Paul Johnston, who was formerly with the International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC). The SeaDebt team has over 25 years’ experience in providing maritime-related debt collection services.

Demand for debt collection services has never been stronger, explains Mr Johnston:

“In a global business such as shipping, securing payment for goods or services can often be difficult, especially when the debtor has little in the way of assets or can’t be pursued cost-effectively through normal litigation. In today’s economic environment, when so many companies are struggling to stay in business, the problems associated with non-payment of debt inevitably increase.”

In the first few weeks of operation, solely through personal contacts and its fast-growing network of P&I club correspondents and lawyers around the world, SeaDebt has received a significant number of enquiries from companies as far afield as India, Brazil and Turkey. It is already in the process of collecting debts on behalf of companies working in a wide range of business sectors including bunker supply and tank container operations.

According to Mr Johnston, the case of the tank container operator highlights the problems many people have in securing payment:

“This client hired out a tank container to a freight forwarder that has little in the way of assets. This is of course is quite typical. Many forwarders operate out of rented offices with just a handful of staff yet can be handling substantial sums of money.

“Even if the tank container can be recovered, the associated expenses may be high especially if there is a need for repositioning, cleaning and repair before it can be used again.

“In this particular case, we are optimistic about being able to recover the hire costs and of obtaining a contribution towards expenses.”

Two other cases involve South American ship suppliers who are chasing owners for non-payment. Another involves an Indian bunker trader, which is owed around $142,000 for bunkers ordered by a charterer. In such instances, SeaDebt will sometimes seek to arrest vessels if the charterers/owners continue to ignore requests for payment.

The supply of bunkers is a particularly risky business and one that is likely to be a source of much new business, says Mr Johnston:

“Many shipowners are experiencing major cashflow problems at the moment and as has been widely reported, some very well-known names are amongst them. It is hardly surprising that some bunker suppliers are demanding pre-payment before delivery. However, in a competitive business, this is not an option that is available to all and inevitably some bills will go unpaid until the owners concerned are faced with the reality of a ship arrest or whatever else it takes to secure payment.”

For those companies experiencing problems getting paid, Paul Johnston can be contacted at:

SeaDebt Management
68 Lombard Street
London
EC3V 9LJ
United Kingdom

Tel: + 44 (0)20 7868 1890
Fax: + 44 (0)20 7868 1800
Mobile: + 44 (0)7905 273586

http://www.seadebt.com
]]> Maritime Topics Old Bakelite http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-topics/3243-maritime-debt-collection.html How to be a third engineer http://gcaptain.com/forum/marine-engineering/3239-engineer.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:24:56 GMT I know what you are thinking, you’d like to be an engineer, but it’s too complicated; that you have to be able to run or fix anything. Well, guess... I know what you are thinking, you’d like to be an engineer, but it’s too complicated; that you have to be able to run or fix anything. Well, guess again! It’s simple. No technical experience is needed. Some acting background would be helpful.

If your sick of your present job, above deck or ashore; if your tired of working in well- lit, air conditioned areas with mild mannered people come on down to the engine room.

You’ll love the heat. You begin to sweat in places you never thought possible.

You’ll learn swearing is an art form. (Remember, people will judge how hard you’re working by how much you swear)

Crawl around the bilge and rub that grime all over. Burn yourself on a steam line. Don’t wear gloves, they are for sissies. You’ll get used to the dim lighting. Throw some wrenches around. Make some noise. Don’t worry about disturbing other. (It’s so noisy down there; no one will notice – and you’ll soon be deaf anyway.)

Take a deep, soot-filled breath. Light a cigarette and scream out, “This is living!”

Now you’re more than a man. Now you’re an engineer.

Yes, I got a little excited there, but this is an exciting career.

Now I’ll explain just how to do the job: when you first come aboard, go and find the Chief Engineer. Shake his hand and say in a deep manly voice, “How are things going?” (This shows interest and he’ll like you right away.)
Go down and stand watch. Have someone show you how to get water into the boiler drum in an emergency. This is the only important thing you need to know. If you don’t, you’ll melt down the boiler and the Chief will be very angry.

Aside from that, just do whatever your Oiler says. If he starts getting excited about anything, ask him one question: “Are we going to lose the plant?”

If he says, “No”, then call the First by telephone. The first will come down and fix it.

If your Oiler says, “Yes”, then hit the panic button. Then all of the engineers will run down and fix it. The Chief may yell a bit, but what do you care? You’re making great money!! So what’s a little screaming?

Don’t bother reading the log book – just sign it. (Your Oiler will fill it out and he’s not putting down the actual temperatures and pressures. He’s just putting down what the Chief wants to see.. and the office never reads it anyway)

Don’t confuse things by trying to measure liquids in quarts or gallons. Around here the unit of measure is the coffee can. If the First asks you how much oil you added to the feed pump, it’s quite acceptable to say, “Oh, about half a coffee can.”

Be tough on the Deck Department. Show them who’s boss.

If they want more air on deck, give them less. Water on Deck? – give them just a trickle. (After all you’ve got an Engine room to run.)

On overtime, don’t be afraid to work on anything. (If it’s important, the First wont let you work on it alone in any case.)Follow these steps: Take it apart. Replace as many parts as you have spares for. Then put it back together the way it came apart. It’ll work. (If it doesn’t, and the First and the Chief cant figure it out either, they’ll write it up for the shipyard.)

Don’t use many tools. You can fix almost anything with a pair of Channel locks. Bring an extra pair in case the Chief gets mad at you and takes your away.

Carry a small brown notebook to jot down important items – like your paid leave schedule or the phone number of that waitress in Singapore.
Dress as dirty as possible in the Salon. (This makes the Mates feel bad about having laid in the sun all day.)

Try to develop a “Boston Accent.” You’ll fit in much better because the other engineers will be able to understand you then.

Hold your head high. You’re now an Engineer and you have two dirty hands and a foul mouth to prove it!!!
]]> Marine Engineering domer http://gcaptain.com/forum/marine-engineering/3239-engineer.html question on 1600 ton mate http://gcaptain.com/forum/professional-mariner-forum/3237-question-1600-ton-mate.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:32:45 GMT Trying to make some sense out of this.. The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as mate of ocean steam or... Trying to make some sense out of this..





The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as mate of ocean steam or motor vessels of not more than 1600 gross tons is:
(a) Three years total service in the deck department of ocean or near coastal steam or motor, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 18 months of the required service. One year of the required service must have been on vessels of over 100 gross tons.
I meet this requirement





One year of the required service must have been as a master, mate master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels, or equivalent supervisory position while holding a license or MMC endorsement as master, mate, master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels.


I meet this requirement as there is no tonnage minimum specified.



Six months of the required service as master, mate, master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels, or equivalent supervisory position must have been on vessels of over 100 gross tons;


This is the one I am having difficulty with..I hold 100 ton master and 200 ton mate NC, along with AB unlim..I work on a 300 Ton vessel...I don't see where my credentials fit the category of " equivalent supervisory position"..


How does one go about filling this requirement as an AB?



One thought I have been having, is testing for 1600 GL/inl ..After getting that license I could then have the company write my sea service letters as a " mate in training" The requirement just calls for 6 months service..In the meantime I will be taking the STCW OICNW courses for the Oceans endorsement..Would something like that fly?





or,
(b) Three years total service in the deck department on ocean or near coastal steam or motor, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels of over 200 gross tons. Six months of the required service must have been as able seaman.
[CGD 81–059, 54 FR 138, Jan. 4, 1989, as amended by USCG–1999


I 'm just shy of a year on this requirement ,so it's not an option at this time..
]]> Professional Mariner Forum Shellback http://gcaptain.com/forum/professional-mariner-forum/3237-question-1600-ton-mate.html Clayton Hogue v. Pride Offshore Inc. http://gcaptain.com/forum/jones-act-case-law-library/3236-clayton-hogue-pride-offshore.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:10:56 GMT *Case Name: *Clayton Hogue v. Pride Offshore, Inc. *Date Decided: *August 27, 2009 *Court: *U.S.D.C. Eastern District of Louisiana *Judge: *Court... Case Name: Clayton Hogue v. Pride Offshore, Inc.
Date Decided: August 27, 2009
Court: U.S.D.C. Eastern District of Louisiana
Judge: Court Barbier
Citation: 2009 WL 2762820 (E.D.La.)Background:
Plaintiff, Clayton Hogue ("Hogue"), filed this action against defendant, Pride Offshore ("Pride"), under the Jones Act alleging he suffered a shoulder injury while employed by Pride. Hogue filed this action under diversity jursidction.



After filing his initial complaint, Hogue filed a first supplemental and amended complaint deleting his reference to diversity jurisdiction and stated the court's jurisdiction fell under Jones Act, general maritime law, and Admiralty.

Hogue designated the matter as a non-jury trial and removed the jury trial request. Pride, in their answer, asserted a demand for jury trial but did not address Hogue's designation of the matter as a non-jury trial.

The action was currently set before a jury trial but the court asked, at a pre-trial conference, both parties submit a brief in support of their positions whether this case should proceed before a jury.

Issue:
Did this Court find that this action shall be tried in front of a jury?

Held:
Hogue argued that Pride did not have a right to trial by jury because he properly pled Admiralty jurisdiction, and when Pride filed its answer, no right to trial existed.

Pride countered claimed a constitutional right to jury because the original complaint in the matter was filed before diversity jurisdiction and that Hogue may not deprive them of this right unless the requirements of FRCP 39 are met.

This Court considered whether Hogue could amend his complaint to request that the matter proceed as a non-jury trial.

This Court ultimately found, that because Hogue filed his amended complaint, with no jury demand, prior to Pride's answer then Hogue had made a clear pleading of an admiralty claim.

Accordingly, this Court ordered this action proceed without a jury as pleaded by the plaintiff.

Comment:
This area of law, whether a subsequently pleaded amended complaint, by the plaintiff,* could* proceed without a jury although a jury had been demanded in the original complaint. This Court found in favor of the plaintiff because the amended complaint, taking away the jury trial and diversity jurisdiction claim.

Steve Gordon



More...
]]> Jones Act Case Law Library Jones Act http://gcaptain.com/forum/jones-act-case-law-library/3236-clayton-hogue-pride-offshore.html Sea bag http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-employment/3235-sea-bag.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:52:47 GMT I will start off with saying I have read a ton of threads of this forum and it has been very help so far so thanks for all of the previous threads... I will start off with saying I have read a ton of threads of this forum and it has been very help so far so thanks for all of the previous threads regarding getting a job. I got my MMD/MMC on Friday so my next step is getting all the gear I need to go to sea. What the must haves for a trip to sea? Thanks
]]> Maritime Employment kfj http://gcaptain.com/forum/maritime-employment/3235-sea-bag.html Bunkering Options South Africa http://gcaptain.com/forum/tanker-talk/3234-bunkering-options-south-africa.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:54:08 GMT I am finalizing our voyage plan around the Cape and was wondering if anyone knows of a shuttle tanker company in the area that can provide bunkers... I am finalizing our voyage plan around the Cape and was wondering if anyone knows of a shuttle tanker company in the area that can provide bunkers without the ship having to go into port? We would like to take on a full load of marine diesel (and possibly a few totes of Lube Oil and such) while on DP.

I found an ad SABT - South African Bunker & Trading here on gCaptain (which is awesome) , and they even have the tag line "For extreme bunker solutions you did not think possible". Does anyone have experience with this company? I know that Falcon Asia Pacific Oil has done this for a few drillships recently but they have a tanker follow you down from Singapore which, I imagine, adds to the total cost.
]]> Tanker Talk john http://gcaptain.com/forum/tanker-talk/3234-bunkering-options-south-africa.html