Maritime News

The following information was released from the National Maritime Center on July 31, 2009:

While the data shared with the Coast Guard by TSA indicates that nearly 1 in 5 Merchant Mariner Credential Applicants do not currently hold a TWIC, the National Maritime Center (NMC) has uncovered several reasons why this data might or might not be true. If you want to find out how you can minimize the risk of delays in receiving your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) related to your TWIC, read on:

• Obtain a TWIC: The first and most obvious issue is that some applicants whose applications were on file with the NMC prior to April 15, 2009, waiting to test or in an awaiting information status, still have not applied for a TWIC. If this is you, please understand that the NMC will not issue your MMC until we have confirmation from TSA that you hold a TWIC. Information on applying for a TWIC can be found at: WWW.TSA.GOV or by calling 866-347-8942.
• Identify yourself as a Merchant Mariner: To avoid delays in processing your MMC Application (whether originals, upgrades, renewals or endorsements) it is critical that you identify yourself as a merchant mariner by selecting Merchant Mariner as your occupation when you apply for your TWIC. Even if you have yet to apply for your MMC you must identify yourself as a Merchant Mariner. This identification is what triggers TSA to send your data to the Coast Guard. Applications for Documents of Continuity DO NOT require a TWIC.
• Accurate Data on the TWIC and Merchant Mariner Credential Applications: Mariners will need to ensure that the biographical information that you supply to TSA is the same as that used to apply for your MMC. The NMC has spent many hours researching and correcting data errors which prevented the Coast Guard and TSA from matching data (name spelling, SSN, birth date, etc).

Click here to view this document directly.

I have posted my lecture course schedule through the end of June 2010. Lecture courses include the following:

• Master 100 ton ($1,100)
• OUPV ($900)
• Limited Scope Waters Portland MSO ($300)
• Rules of the Road ($400)
• Upgrade OUPV to Master 100 tons ($400)
• Upgrade Master 100 tons to Master 200 tons ($600)
• Able Seaman ($700)

I offer these courses on a regular schedule twice a month. Lecture classes are limited to a maximum of six students and have a successful completion rate of over 99%. I cannot guarantee that any student will successfully complete a course; but I can guarantee that if the student does not pass the course I will provide them the second course for free!

Click here for a complete schedule of lecture courses through June 28, 2010.

As an additional note:

• I will be scheduling evening lecture classes in the Portland area begining late November or early December. These class will run from 6 to 10 PM Monday through Saturday on a regular schedule. This schedule will be published as soon as I have the classroom location confirmed.
• Sometime in the near future I will be added a lecture course schedule for the Oakland, California area. Lecture courses in this area will be offered once a month on a regular schedule.
• Two instructors located in the Coos Bay area will be providing instruction for the Master 100 ton and OUPV lecture courses on an as needed schedule. Call for availability.

With the exception of a few vacation days around Thanksgiving and Christmas I will be conducting class seven days a week as normal through the holiday season. Columbia Pacific Maritime will be closed for the following holiday breaks:

• Thanksgiving break November 26 – 29
• Christmas break December 24 – 27

Except for these two holiday breaks self-paced classes will be available seven days a weeks. This includes:

• 1-day Radar Renewal ($250)
• 5-day Unlimited Radar Observer ($800)
• 2-day Apprentice Mate (steersman) upgrade ($300)
• 1-day Master/Mate Fishing upgrade ($200)
• 1-day Flashing Light ($200)
• 4-hour Auxiliary Sail Endorsement ($100)
• 4-hour Assistance Towing Endorsement ($100)
• 60-hour Celestial Navigation for 200 tons ($1,200)

Except for the Master 200 ton upgrade lecture classes will be available twice a month. This includes:

• 10-day Master 100 ton ($1,100)
• 8-day OUPV ($900)
• 3-day Rules of the Road ($400)
• 2-day Limited OUPV/Master Portland MSO ($300)
• 3-day Upgrade OUPV to Master 100 ton ($400)
• 6-day Able Seaman ($700)
• 4-day Upgrade Master 100 ton to Master 200 ton ($600)
• 1-day Standard First Aid and CPR ($150) This course is available as an evening class for license students.

Click here for a detailed schedule or call (503) 841-6066 and ask for Pat to schedule a course