| Print | Close Window | AMO Currents - Posted: August 6, 2010 |
Maritime academy graduates drawn by expanding AMO job base
Between the beginning of May, when academy graduations began, and Aug. 1, AMO shipped 70 mariners directly after they graduated and received their licenses, "some before the ink on their license was dry," said AMO Dispatcher Brendan Keller.
"For example, I'd be talking to someone, saying: you get your license this Saturday and I've got open job for you starting next Wednesday," added AMO Dispatcher Robert Anderson.
Over the past three months, AMO Dispatching has shipped graduating officers from Kings Point, Maine Maritime, Massachusetts Maritime, California Maritime, SUNY Maritime and Texas A&M -- including 46 third assistant engineers and 24 third mates. The majority of graduating deck officers shipped had special qualifications for specific jobs, such as the Tankerman Person-in-Charge Endorsement or required Military Sealift Command training, the dispatchers said.
Both pointed out that AMO book members are being given priority for open jobs and encouraged any AMO members and applicants interested in shipping to register, monitor the AMO online job board at www.amodispatching.com and to contact AMO Dispatching by phone or e-mail (the contact information is available on the Dispatching Web site).
Earlier this year, the AMO dispatchers developed what they describe as an informal arrangement with state maritime academies, as well as the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, to complement the union's regular participation in recruiting events at the academies. Together, AMO's recruiting efforts have helped ensure the union remains ahead of demand for officers to fill new billets and able to reliably meet its contractual obligations to vessel operators in a growing AMO fleet.
AMO's modern and unique dispatching system, coupled with a growing job base, interest from graduating officers, the elective retirement of AMO senior officers and the resulting advancement of AMO officers to senior ratings aboard their ships, have generated seagoing opportunities and facilitated the success of AMO's recruiting efforts. Key to the productive recruiting initiative are open communication and follow through with prospective AMO applicants, the dispatchers said.
AMO Dispatching has also been working with maritime academy alumni associations in recruiting officers for open jobs at senior ratings, and has been successful so far, Anderson said.
"I think these are productive partnerships with promising results and a promising outlook. It works out well for everybody," he said.
"I think, from January, this six-month period has been the busiest in the last five years," Keller said. "We have a virtual hiring hall and we can reach out to new people using today's technology."
Separately, in his most recent ISO audit of AMO operational practices, ABS Quality Evaluations Auditor Kenneth Comeaux remarked about the AMO Dispatching Department: "AMO demonstrated excellent recordkeeping skills related to membership certifications and training. The use of the AMO Dispatching software allows for quick access to member status. The member status is important for proper placement with shipping companies.
"It is impressive to see such a small staff orchestrating the assignment of its members with a zero defect rate," Comeaux wrote.
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