Members,

We have moved to a new location at 210 Admiral Way.  It is downtown across from the library above the Alpaca Store.  You need to call to be let in 907 790 9644.  We are working on a way to allow people to buzz in.  There is parking in front  of the office for now but in the summer members will need to use the parking garage located below the library.  It is pay parking (.75 cents and hour) and we will keep change in our office.

Good afternoon all!  Please click here for the QMED Oiler flyer from the University of Alaska SE Maritime Training Center and/or go to https://uas.alaska.edu/ketchikan/maritime-training-center/qmed.html

• This course combined with sea service in a manned engine room of 120 days (at 8 hrs per day) may result in the USCG rating of QMED Oiler. 

• • The UAS Ketchikan Maritime & Multi Skilled Worker program is an United States Coast Guard approved class.
  • Successful completion of the program allows a reduction in required sea service days from 180 to 120.
  • Upon presentation of the required sea time at the Regional Exam Center, the USCG will issue the QMED (Qualified Member of the Engine Department)/Oiler rating credential without any further testing.

• • AMHS crew members may obtain the sea service thru engine room job shadows and/or work assignments to the engine room.
  • Job shadows are unpaid, however passage, meals and berth are included.

• Scholarships are available thru UAS.  And tuition assistance may be available from AMHS.

• The scholarship applications are available on the UAS website – to UAS Scholarship Page – Specifically, the CARROLL FADER SCHOLARSHIP and MMSW SPRING 2023 TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIP.

Contact Amy Wilson, AMHS Training Specialist with questions/concerns at amy.wilson@alaska.gov or 907-228-7254.  And/or contact the UAS directly at  907—228-4568 (Maritime Coordinator) or 907-228-4566 (QMED Oiler Instructor).

Members,

New information regarding your insurance with Aetna is as follows:

• The Aetna network will now include many Alaska health care providers that were previously out of network. 
• The AlaskaCare Employee Health Plan is changing how much it will pay for out-of-network providers, effective January 1, 2023. You’ll still be able to see care from out-of-network providers, however, when you do your costs may be higher.
  • • This is due to the fact that these providers aren’t part of the Aetna network and have the ability to “balance bill” you for services. This means they can bill you for the difference between what they charge for medical service and what your AlaskaCare Employee Health Plan covers.
    • Here is another definition and example from the health care government website: “Balance billing”
• For more information, review the 2023 AlaskaCare Employee Insurance Information booklet by visiting this link –> Insurance Information Booklet
• Read the following to learn about your rights and protections against “surprise medical billing”  –> Alaska.gov – surprise billing

How to find in-network providers: 

1. login in to your Aetna membership website at www.aetna.com and click Find care & Pricing, or use the Aetna Health app. *Set up a username and password if you haven’t already*
2. Call your Aenta Concierge at 1-855-784-8646 (TDD: 1-800-628-3323) Monday – Friday 7 AM to 6 PM Alaska Standard Time

NOTE: If you’re in a current course of treatment with an out-of-network provider, or if you want to nominate a provider to be included in the Aetna network, call your Aetna Concierge at the phone number above.

Below are the links to the TA’d (tentatively agreed) Rules bargained by your committee.

Rules 1-19

Rules 20-38

Supplementals

In Solidarity,

Earling Walli

AMHS/IBU Members,

AMHS has revised the mitigation plan. Please read through the documents, but for your information we’d like to highlight a major change. There is no need to test before your assignment. Although there is no need to test, AMHS still has an agreement with TSS till December, so you are able to test if you’d like to.

Mitigation Plan Fourteen – 8.30.22

employee_duty_form_8.30.22

Mitigation Plan Fourteen – Track Change 8.30

Brother Brandon Robinson will be in need of leave donations while he is in treatment for his medical condition. If there is anyone able and willing to donate, please give your Union office a call for any questions or assistance in how to donate OR use the “cash-in” form and send your donations to: donatedleave@alaska.gov

For more information on how to fill out the leave slip, please visit: https://doa.alaska.gov/dof/payroll/donatedleave.html

**You will need to provide his employee ID number on the leave slip, which is: 336613

TSA Launches New Online Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Renewal Process

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that as of August 11, 2022, current TWIC holders have the ability to renew their credentials online, which eliminates the need to go to an enrollment center and makes the five-year renewal process more convenient.

According to TSA, nearly 60 percent of TWIC holders renew their card every five years. Renewing online eliminates the need to go to an enrollment center, supports U.S. critical infrastructure and supply chain workers, and saves travel time and expenses associated with being away from work. Most eligible applicants receive their TWIC card in less than 10 days. Those applicants with more complex cases may require 60 days or longer for processing. Applicants may check their TWIC status online at any time.

Most applicants, including U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents, will be able to renew online without the need to visit an enrollment center. Please visit TSA’s enrollment provider website for information on TWIC enrollments and renewals. If applicants encounter difficulty renewing online, they may contact customer service at (855) 347-8371. For more information on the TWIC program, visit the TSA TWIC website or the Coast Guard TWIC website.

In an announcement on the USCG NMC website:

“Direct Submission of Medical Certificate Applications
to the NMC
The Coast Guard has an established option for submission of medical certificate applications
(CG-719K and CG-719K/E forms). Mariners may submit medical certificate only
applications directly to the National Maritime Center (NMC). Regional Examination Centers
will accept medical certificate application submissions as well, but, for faster processing, it is
recommended to submit a CG-719K or CG-719K/E directly to the NMC.

The CG-719K and CG-719 K/E forms can be sent directly to the NMC via e-mail at
MEDAIP@uscg.mil. Electronic submission requirements can be found on the NMC website.
Direct submission to the NMC is only for the medical certificate application. Applications
for a Merchant Mariner Credential (CG-719B/MMC) cannot be submitted directly
to the NMC.

If you have any questions, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing
IASKNMC@USCG.mil, by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662), via our online chat system, or
by visiting our website.

Sincerely,
/B. W. Clare/
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Commanding Officer”

IBU/AMHS Members,

For anyone interested, the State of Alaska is now offering self-paced OR instructor led training on Microsoft programs.

Getting Started with Microsoft Training FY 23

Hi IBU/AMHS members,

if you haven’t already heard, AMHS is wanting to highlight life and work onboard our vessels through employee submitted photos.

See the latest winner here –> AMHS giveaway submissions 0718

See Captain Falvey’s email below:

All AMHS Employees,

AND The Winner is…..

Walk the Line! By Chief Mate, Gabriel Broida M/V Aurora.  Congratulations on your submission and $100 gift card. 

It is time once again to cast your vote – check out our winner and this week’s crew member submissions in the attached document.

We continue to work HARD to recruit and onboard additional staff. We know that by adding more staff, we will be able to relieve some of the pressure off your shoulders and allow AMHS to serve more passengers.

Through PeopleAK we are expanding our outreach across Alaska and the United States.

Our outreach campaign is successful because of your contributions!

Remember, the winners will receive a gift-card valued at $100 with finalists eligible for a $250 prize!  This competition will run through the end of the year. SO, there is plenty of time to share your stories and help showcase why we love the Alaska Marine Highway!

How it works – Send us your stories through testimonials, photos, or videos—about your AMHS experience you will be entered to win great prizes.   

Here’s how to participate:

1.       Email your photos, videos, and captions to Marketing@PeopleAK.com (Please include your name, title, and vessel).
2.       Watch for a weekly survey that shares the submissions and vote on your favorite.
3.       The selected “favorite” photo, video, and caption will then be announced and shared on social media.
4.       The winner will receive a gift-card valued at $100 to Amazon and their submission used to showcase our great work.
5.       Each month a “Grand Prize” winner will be selected to win $250 to Amazon. 

Thank you again, and I appreciate your help in growing our AMHS team.

Captain Falvey